Feverfew PFE is considered Safe across all safety dimensions evaluated
No safety flags identified across 20+ dimensions. Evidence tier: Silver
1,595 validated ingredients. 20+ safety dimensions. Published methodology with DOIs.
Last updated April 2026.
Run Full Analysis in Clarity
Feverfew PFE
Skincare (Anti-inflammatory) · Silver
Safe
CategorySkincare (Anti-inflammatory)
Evidence tierSilver
Safe topically. Parthenolide removed.
Breastfeeding
Caution. Parthenolide-Free Feverfew Extract (PFE), used in Aveeno products. J&J claims anti-inflammatory properties with parthenolide removed. However, independent patch testing (Paulsen et al. 2010, PMID:20690937) showed 4/7 feverfew-allergic patients still reacted to PFE cream. Suggests incomplete parthenolide removal or other sensitizing compounds. Not recommended for Compositae-allergic individuals. All efficacy evidence is industry-funded only.
Pregnancy
Safe topically. Not the same as oral feverfew supplements.
Regulatory
EVIDENCE QUALITY: All PFE efficacy studies (Martin 2008, Sur 2009, Baumann 2007) are 100% J&J-sponsored. No independent replication of anti-inflammatory claims. INDEPENDENT SAFETY DATA: Paulsen et al. 2010 (PMID:20690937, doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01743.x) patch-tested 7 feverfew-allergic patients with PFE cream. 4/7 reacted positively, with reactivity associated with simultaneous parthenolide sensitivity. Reactivity lost over time (likely parthenolide degradation). Conclusion: PFE is NOT guaranteed safe for feverfew/Compositae-allergic individuals. Parthenolide depletion may be incomplete or other sesquiterpene lactone allergens remain.
Frequently Asked
Is Feverfew PFE safe while breastfeeding?+
Feverfew PFE is classified as Caution for breastfeeding in the Clarity database. Safe topically. Parthenolide removed.
No safety flags identified. Clarity evaluated Feverfew PFE across 20+ safety dimensions including breastfeeding, histamine, MCAS, rosacea, allergens, and more. No concerns were identified based on current evidence. Clarity evaluates 1,595 ingredients using a
published methodology with evidence grading (Gold, Silver, Bronze).
For Practitioners
Clarity Pro API
Full safety engine access. 1,595 ingredients. 15+ dimensions. Bulk queries. From $49/mo.
Learn about Clarity Pro
About Clarity
Clarity is an ingredient safety database and API by
Health AI. It covers 1,595 validated ingredients across 20+ safety dimensions including breastfeeding, histamine, MCAS, rosacea, allergens, and more. Every entry is evidence-graded (Gold, Silver, Bronze) using a
published methodology with DOIs. Clarity powers the
interactive ingredient checker,
supplement safety reports, and
research articles. Health AI is a healthcare AI governance platform and evidence layer.