Symphytum Officinale Extract

_Symphytum officinale_ extract (also known as comfrey extract) is an herb-derived ingredient touted in research for its antioxidant and soothing properties. However, this ingredient has earned a controversial reputation in skin care due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs are a group of secondary metabolites in plants associated with potential health risks. Although the risks are primarily associated with oral ingestion, concerns have arisen for topical applications as well. Regulatory agencies worldwide have varying stances on the safety of comfrey in personal care products, with governing bodies in some countries imposing dosage/usage restrictions. While animal studies have explored potential side effects, larger human trials are needed to definitively assess toxicity. Further complicating matters, research has revealed mixed findings on the safety of _Symphytum officinale_ extract and the lack of standardization for its cosmetic use adds to the uncertainty. At the time of this writing, the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has not assessed the safety of _Symphytum officinale_ extract. Given the abundance of proven, safe, soothing, antioxidant-rich natural ingredients available for use in skin care formulas, there’s no reason to gamble with this.

Related ingredients: Comfrey Extract