What it is
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial herb whose roots and leaves have a long history in traditional topical preparations. In cosmetics the extract is used for its conditioning and soothing feel and is often associated with allantoin, a compound naturally found in the plant. In a sunscreen context it serves as a supportive botanical rather than a UV filter.
Safety & warnings
Comfrey naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so cosmetic use generally relies on extracts intended for topical application; as with any botanical, sensitization is possible in predisposed users. At the conditioning levels used in cosmetics it is generally considered mild.
Origin & sourcing
Natural. It is derived from the leaves and/or roots of the comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale.
History
Comfrey has a long folk history of topical use, and its association with allantoin helped establish its place in modern skin-conditioning cosmetics.
Questions everyone asks
What is comfrey extract used for in skincare?
It is used as a soothing, skin-conditioning botanical and is naturally associated with allantoin, valued for a calming feel.
Does comfrey extract protect against UV?
No. It is a conditioning botanical and does not act as a sunscreen filter.