Common Name(s): Comfrey root extract,knitbone,allantoin source herb
CAS Number: 84776-26-1
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides allantoin wound healing and rosmarinic acid anti-inflammatory activity from comfrey root.
Why It's Used: The original allantoin source herb โ comfrey's wound healing reputation is directly linked to its high allantoin content, providing the traditional botanical context for allantoin's modern cosmetic use.
How It Works: Allantoin (see dedicated entry) provides keratinocyte proliferation-stimulating wound healing. rosmarinic acid inhibits cox and lox for anti-inflammatory activity. tannins provide astringent wound-sealing activity.
Typically Found In: Wound healing products,soothing formulas,traditional herbal skincare
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ soothing / anti-inflammatory
Secondary Functions: Redness reduction,anti-inflammatory,calming
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Pa (pyrrolizidine alkaloid)-free certified extracts recommended for cosmetic use. topical use has excellent safety record when pa content is controlled. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes โ particularly recommended for sensitive skin
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Eu regulation: comfrey preparations should be standardized to contain maximum 0.35ฮผg/day pyrrolizidine alkaloid (pa) dose. pa-free comfrey root extracts are available and preferred. internal use contraindicated (pa liver toxicity).
Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Comfrey's historical name 'knitbone' directly reflects its wound healing reputation, which was so well-established in european traditional medicine that it was literally named for bone-knitting (fracture healing) activity โ a result of allantoin-mediated tissue regeneration. the modern cosmetic allantoin market originated from the isolation of this compound from comfrey root, establishing the plant as allantoin's 'botanical birthplace'.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,staiger comfrey review,eu pyrrolizidine alkaloid guidance