Tagetes (Marigold) (Tagetes minuta) is a herbaceous essential oil with a herbaceous, fruity, sweet aroma and a top note. Steam distillation from flowering tops, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Clary Sage. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 0.01%.
Tagetes minuta (Mexican marigold). STRONGLY phototoxic (tagethone derivatives). Tisserand max dermal 0.01%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Top |
| Aroma family | Herbaceous |
| Chemical family | Ketone |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | flowering tops |
| Origin | South Africa, Egypt, India |
| Blending factor | 3 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 4.0 |
Safety & dilution
STRONGLY PHOTOTOXIC. Avoid sun/UV for at least 12-18 hours. Very low max dermal use.
| Max topical dilution | 0.01% |
| Max facial dilution | 0.01% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Not recommended |
| Phototoxic limit | 0.01% |
Safety flags
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 30 GC-MS analyses (Tagetes minuta).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Scale amounts to any container with the dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Frequently asked questions
What does Tagetes (Marigold) essential oil smell like?
Tagetes (Marigold) has a herbaceous, fruity, sweet, sharp aroma, classed as a herbaceous oil with a top note.
What is the safe dilution for Tagetes (Marigold)?
For topical use, keep Tagetes (Marigold) at or below 0.01%, and 0.01% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Tagetes (Marigold) safe to use during pregnancy?
Tagetes (Marigold) is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Tagetes (Marigold) safe to use around children?
Tagetes (Marigold) is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Tagetes (Marigold) safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — avoid; not considered safe. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Tagetes (Marigold) blend well with?
Tagetes (Marigold) pairs well with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Clary Sage, Frankincense (Carterii), German Chamomile (Blue).