When it comes to caring for sensitive, dry, or irritated skin, nature often knows best. Two standout herbs that have earned a permanent place in our formulas are chickweed and calendula. These humble plants may not make headlines like exotic superfoods, but they’ve been trusted for centuries to calm, soothe, and support the skin’s natural healing process.
If you’ve ever wondered why these two botanicals show up so often in our creams, balms, and oils, here’s exactly what makes chickweed and calendula skin heroes — and how they work together to bring your skin back into balance.
1. They Calm Itchy, Irritated Skin Naturally
Both chickweed (Stellaria media) and calendula (Calendula officinalis) are rich in compounds that help calm inflammation and reduce skin discomfort. Chickweed is especially known for easing itchiness, making it a favourite in herbal remedies for rashes, eczema, or dry, tight skin. Calendula, on the other hand, helps reduce redness and swelling, soothing skin that’s been compromised by environmental stress or overexposure.
2. Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin
Unlike harsh synthetic ingredients, chickweed and calendula are incredibly gentle and non-irritating, making them safe for use on babies, children, and those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. That’s why you’ll find them in our Kawakawa Cream and Ointment, where they work alongside kawakawa to bring quick relief without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier.
3. They Promote Skin Repair and Renewal
Calendula has long been used to support the body’s natural healing process. It encourages collagen production, helps prevent moisture loss, and assists in skin cell turnover — making it useful for fading scars, softening rough skin, or speeding up the recovery of minor cuts and grazes. Chickweed supports this process by keeping skin cool and comfortable as it regenerates.
4. Anti-Microbial and Anti-Fungal Benefits
Both herbs contain natural compounds that help keep the skin clean and protected. Calendula in particular has been studied for its antimicrobial and antifungal activity, which is one reason it’s commonly used in diaper creams, wound balms, and facial oils. It’s a natural way to support the skin’s defense system without resorting to harsh preservatives or chemicals.
5. They’re Rich in Skin-Loving Nutrients
Chickweed and calendula are packed with vitamins and minerals that directly benefit the skin — including vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids. These nutrients act as antioxidants, helping to defend the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage while supporting elasticity and hydration.
6. They Work Beautifully with Kawakawa
We don’t use chickweed and calendula on their own — we combine them with kawakawa, another native herb known for its skin-soothing properties. Together, they form a synergistic trio that covers all your bases: kawakawa calms inflammation, chickweed soothes itching, and calendula encourages healing. This blend allows us to create products that are multi-functional, effective, and safe for even the most reactive skin types.
7. Slow-Infused for Maximum Potency
To honour these herbs’ natural power, we use slow infusion methods — allowing dried chickweed and calendula flowers to gently steep in natural oils over several weeks. This process ensures we capture the full spectrum of skin-loving compounds, without damaging them with heat or rushing the extraction.
A Whole-Plant Philosophy
At Soap & Serum, we believe in whole-plant skincare: using real herbs, real oils, and real results. We don’t rely on watered-down extracts or trendy synthetics — we stick with what works, and what nature has offered for generations.
From your baby’s delicate skin to your hardworking hands, chickweed and calendula provide the gentle support your skin needs to heal, soften, and glow.
🌿 Explore Our Herb-Infused Skincare
Want to learn more about our hero herbs?
Check out our blog post:
10 Kawakawa Benefits for Skin
