Ingredient
Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract
Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Comfrey Root Extract
- Comfrey Cell Extract
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Symphytum officinale root extract is derived from the comfrey plant and traditionally used for its skin-healing properties. In cosmetics, it's included for soothing and regenerative effects on the skin. The primary concern during pregnancy is that comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic compounds that can cross the placental barrier. While cosmetic-grade extracts may be PA-reduced, ACOG and most obstetricians recommend avoiding comfrey products during pregnancy due to potential fetal liver toxicity. Animal studies have shown that PAs can cause developmental abnormalities, and even topical absorption poses theoretical risks. The FDA has issued warnings about comfrey use due to liver damage risks, and European regulations restrict PA content in cosmetic products. Given the uncertainty about PA levels in specific products and absorption rates, most healthcare providers advise pregnant women to avoid comfrey-containing cosmetics as a precautionary measure.
Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Comfrey root extract is used in skincare for its healing properties, but it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver. While specific data on transfer into breast milk is limited, the potential for systemic absorption and subsequent excretion into milk is a concern. The AAD and lactation consultants generally recommend avoiding comfrey products during breastfeeding due to the risk of PA exposure to the breastfed infant. Infant livers are particularly vulnerable to PA toxicity, and even small amounts could pose risks. The lipophilic nature of some PAs suggests they could accumulate in fatty breast milk. Given the documented hepatotoxicity of comfrey and lack of safety data for breastfeeding mothers, most medical professionals advise postponing use until after weaning. Safer alternatives with similar skin-healing properties are widely available.
Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, comfrey root extract can be beneficial for skin healing and regeneration. It's particularly useful for addressing stretch marks, tissue repair, and skin elasticity issues common after pregnancy. While comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that raise concerns during pregnancy and breastfeeding, topical use on intact skin by non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding women is generally considered lower risk. Choose products from reputable manufacturers that use PA-reduced or PA-free extracts, and avoid applying to broken skin or large body areas.
Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Comfrey root extract contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that have raised concerns about potential reproductive effects. While specific fertility data is lacking, the hepatotoxic nature of these compounds suggests caution during the conception period. Since you may become pregnant before realizing it, and comfrey is not recommended during pregnancy due to fetal development concerns, many fertility specialists suggest discontinuing comfrey products when actively trying to conceive. This precautionary approach ensures no exposure during critical early embryonic development.
Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Symphytum officinale root extract is a botanical ingredient used for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. For women with PCOS, it can be helpful in calming inflamed acne-prone skin without interfering with hormonal balance. There is no evidence that topical comfrey extract affects androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other hormonal parameters relevant to PCOS. The ingredient works through local anti-inflammatory mechanisms rather than systemic hormonal pathways. Women with PCOS can safely use products containing comfrey root extract for skin concerns. As with any botanical, ensure you're using products with standardized, PA-reduced extracts from reputable manufacturers.
Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Absorbed into the body
Symphytum officinale root extract is derived from the comfrey plant and has been used traditionally for wound healing and skin regeneration. In modern cosmetics, it's valued for its allantoin content and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and support tissue repair. The main concern with comfrey is its pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) content, which can cause liver toxicity with systemic exposure. However, reputable cosmetic manufacturers typically use PA-reduced or PA-free extracts. The FDA and European authorities have established restrictions on PA content in cosmetic products. Risk is primarily associated with use on broken skin, large surface areas, or prolonged application. For general adult use on intact skin, modern comfrey cosmetics are considered relatively safe when from quality manufacturers. Avoid using on wounds, broken skin, or for extended periods. If you have liver disease or are taking medications metabolized by the liver, consult a healthcare provider before use.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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