Comfrey Root

Comfrey Root molecular structure

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults 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 adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: Comfrey root used on the skin has known safety concerns. The plant can contain chemicals that can damage the liver and have caused tumors in animal tests. Small, short-term use on unbroken skin has lower risk than eating it, but there is still cause for caution.

What to Do

If you are an adult and choose to use a comfrey-containing product: use it only on small, intact areas of skin and for a short time; never put comfrey in the mouth or swallow it; do not use on cuts, scraped, or inflamed skin; avoid frequent or long-term use; choose products from companies that test for pyrrolizidine alkaloids if possible; talk with your healthcare provider before using if you have liver disease, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

⚠️Warnings

Why to be careful: case reports and regulatory advisories have linked comfrey ingestion to severe liver damage, and animal studies have shown tumor formation at low doses. The main concern is contamination with pyrrolizidine alkaloids (reported in safety reviews and regulatory notices). These are the sources for the warnings: regulatory health agency advisories and multiple scientific studies and case reports showing liver toxicity and animal cancer findings.

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 safe for adults to use Comfrey Root?

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

What are the cancer risks of Comfrey Root for adults?

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

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

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

What are the absorbed risks of Comfrey Root for adults?

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

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

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

What are the banned risks of Comfrey Root for adults?

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 adults using products with Comfrey Root?

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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