Comfrey Root

Comfrey Root molecular structure

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Comfrey Root?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Comfrey Root use with caution for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children 5 years and older, comfrey root is a moderate concern. It can carry plant toxins that have been linked to liver harm and cancer in studies. It’s not a safe everyday ingredient for kids.

What to Do

Prefer products that do not contain comfrey root for your child. If a product with comfrey is proposed: use it only for short, occasional spot treatment on small areas of unbroken skin; do not use under bandages or on cuts; stop use immediately if your child develops skin redness, rash, stomach pain, vomiting, unusual tiredness, or yellowing of skin/eyes and check with your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Do not put comfrey root on broken or irritated skin, or use it repeatedly over large areas. Be especially careful because contamination with pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause liver injury (reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and animal studies have shown tumor risk. Some product safety programs restrict this ingredient for these reasons.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: Animal and laboratory studies show comfrey (and extracts) can cause tumors and mutations, and a U.S. federal health agency has advised removing comfrey products because of possible cancer risk. This evidence means comfrey root is linked to cancer in long-term tests.
Organ Risk: There are multiple human case reports of serious liver damage (hepatic veno-occlusive disease) after using comfrey, and health authorities list comfrey as a known human liver toxicant. That makes liver harm a real risk if this root is used.
Absorbed: The ingredient can be absorbed through skin and the product notes enhanced skin absorption. Because toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids are present, topically applying comfrey can let harmful compounds into the body.
Long-Term Risk: Studies show tumor formation at low doses and cases of liver disease after exposure, and health authorities have warned about removal from the market—together this points to risks that can appear after repeated or long-term use.
Banned: A U.S. federal health authority has advised manufacturers to remove comfrey products from the market, and some product-approval programs restrict its use—meaning it is banned or heavily restricted in some places.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Comfrey Root

This ingredient may also be listed as:

comfrey rootSYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE (COMFREY) ROOTCOMFREY ROOTSYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE ROOT

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Comfrey Root

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Comfrey Root or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Comfrey Root

Is this kid-friendly to use Comfrey Root?

Use caution with Comfrey Root for 5+ year old children. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the cancer risks of Comfrey Root for children?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.

What are the organ risk risks of Comfrey Root for children?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the absorbed risks of Comfrey Root for children?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What are the long-term risk risks of Comfrey Root for children?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What are the banned risks of Comfrey Root for children?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What products contain Comfrey Root?

Comfrey Root is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can kids start using products with Comfrey Root?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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