2-5 year old preschoolers • Skin contact product
For toddlers and preschoolers (2–5 years), comfrey extract is best avoided. It can carry liver-damaging chemicals and has been linked to serious liver injury in people and to cancer in animals.
Avoid products that list comfrey, Symphytum officinale, or any of its synonyms on the label for children aged 2–5. If you accidentally use a product with comfrey on your child, wash the area, don’t apply it to broken or irritated skin, use it only briefly on a very small area, and call your pediatrician if you notice a rash or any signs of illness. Always check ingredient lists and ask your child’s clinician if you’re unsure.
Do not use on broken skin or large skin areas of young children. Watch for skin redness, swelling, persistent stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or extreme tiredness — these can be signs of liver damage reported in medical case reports and regulator advisories (for example, public health advice that recommended removing some comfrey products from the market). Studies in animals have also shown tumor formation after comfrey exposure. The main concern source is contamination with pyrrolizidine alkaloids and published medical/regulatory reports linking comfrey to liver injury.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Symphytum Officinale Extract safety and effects.
Symphytum Officinale Extract is not recommended for 2-5 year old children due to potential safety risks.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Symphytum Officinale Extract is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product