Comfrey Extract

Comfrey Extract molecular structure

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Comfrey Extract?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Comfrey Extract use with caution for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults, comfrey extract has known safety worries. It can carry plant chemicals that have been linked to serious liver damage and have caused tumors in animal tests. Small, short-term use on unbroken skin is less likely to cause harm, but there is still risk.

What to Do

If you are an adult and choose to use a product with comfrey extract, use it only on small areas of healthy, unbroken skin, for a short time. Do not use it internally. Stop use and see a doctor if you notice signs of liver trouble (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe tiredness) or a new skin reaction. Avoid products with comfrey if you have liver disease, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.

⚠️Warnings

Why to be careful: reported human cases and regulatory advisories link comfrey to liver damage, and animal studies show tumor formation. The main issue is contamination with pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Also avoid using on cuts, sores, or large skin areas because the ingredient can be absorbed through the skin. These concerns come from published health agency advisories and scientific studies.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: Comfrey has been linked to serious liver harm in people. Multiple published case reports show veno-occlusive liver disease after use, and health officials have warned about liver toxicity from comfrey.
Cancer: Animal studies found tumors at low doses and lab tests showed mutagenic effects, and regulators have flagged comfrey as a possible human carcinogen. These findings mean cancer risk is a real concern with repeated exposure.
Builds Up: Comfrey can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, chemical contaminants that damage the liver over time. Repeated use can cause harm to build up rather than go away quickly.
Long-Term Risk: Because of the liver damage and tumor findings in animals and people, regular or long-term use increases the chance of lasting harm to health.
Absorbed: Comfrey preparations can increase skin uptake, so toxic alkaloids can get through the skin and into the body rather than staying on the surface.
Banned: Health authorities have advised removing comfrey products from the market or have restricted their use because of safety concerns, so it is restricted in some regulatory settings.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Comfrey Extract

This ingredient may also be listed as:

Symphytum Officinale Extract"SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE EXTRACTSYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE (COMFREY) EXTRACTSYMPHYTUM OFFICINALIS EXTRACTEXTRACT OF SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALEEXTRACT OF COMFREYCOMFREY (SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE) EXTRACTCOMFREY EXTRACT

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

Products Containing Comfrey Extract

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Common Questions About Comfrey Extract

Is this safe for adults to use Comfrey Extract?

Use caution with Comfrey Extract for adults. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the organ risk risks of Comfrey Extract for adults?

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

What are the cancer risks of Comfrey Extract for adults?

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

What are the builds up risks of Comfrey Extract for adults?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.

What are the long-term risk risks of Comfrey Extract for adults?

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

What are the absorbed risks of Comfrey Extract for adults?

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

What are the banned risks of Comfrey Extract for adults?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What products contain Comfrey Extract?

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

When can adults using products with Comfrey Extract?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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