adults • Skin contact product
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.
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.
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.
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Comfrey Root or its alternative names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Comfrey Root safety and effects.
Use caution with Comfrey Root for adults. Some safety concerns have been identified.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.
Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.
Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.
Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.
Comfrey Root 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 adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
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