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Moumoujus

SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT.

Avoid CAS 84696-05-9 / SKIN CONDITIONING

Derived from the root of the comfrey plant, Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract is recognized for its potential in skin soothing, regeneration, and hydration. Its rich composition of active compounds targets various skin concerns, aiming to accelerate healing and reduce irritation.

Summary

Antidandruff Skin Conditioning Soothing Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Humectant Astringent Wound Healing Support Cell Regeneration Collagen Stimulation

Science

Mechanism of Action

The therapeutic properties of comfrey root extract are attributed to key active components. Allantoin promotes rapid cell regeneration, accelerating wound healing, minimizing scar formation, and stimulating collagen synthesis. Rosmarinic acid offers potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, effectively reducing redness and swelling while protecting the skin from environmental oxidative stress. Mucilage acts as a humectant, drawing and retaining moisture to enhance skin hydration, forming a protective barrier against water loss, and alleviating dryness. Additionally, tannins provide astringent effects to reduce excess oil and tighten pores, alongside exhibiting antibacterial properties. The extract also demonstrates anti-inflammatory action by interfering with the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.01–10%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated efficacy in treating and ameliorating retinoid-induced skin irritation, with a preferred comfrey to retinol ratio of approximately 1:3 to 5:1.
  2. 02 Recommended concentrations in skin and hair care products for general soothing, moisturizing, and healing benefits.
  3. 03 Significantly accelerated initial reduction in wound size (49 ± 19% per day) and faster complete healing (2.97 days faster) compared to a 1% reference in patients with fresh abrasions. (Note: This study used aerial parts, not root extract, which differs in composition and safety profile).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Ethanol extracts are commonly used. No specific pH range for optimal stability was identified in the research data.

Conflicts

  • Application to broken or damaged skin due to the risk of pyrrolizidine alkaloid absorption.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Unknown

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic and carcinogenic when ingested. The FDA advises against oral consumption. For topical use, comfrey is considered possibly safe only on unbroken skin, in small amounts, and for durations less than 6 weeks. It is unsafe on broken or damaged skin, or when applied in large amounts or for extended periods (over 6 weeks), as PAs can penetrate the skin. Critically, the concentration of PAs in roots is significantly higher (up to 100-fold) than in aerial parts, ranging from 1380 to 8320 μg/g in root, posing a substantial risk when using rhizome/root extracts.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite potential skin benefits, the significantly high concentration of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in the rhizome/root extract, coupled with strict safety restrictions and the risk of percutaneous absorption, makes this ingredient unsuitable for precision skincare formulations.

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