Cinnamyl Alcohol

Concerns

Allergen

What is Cinnamyl Alcohol?

Cinnamyl alcohol is an organic compound classified as an unsaturated primary alcohol, naturally occurring in essential oils from sources like cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia), balsam Peru, and hyacinth flowers. Its chemical structure features a phenyl ring attached to a propenol chain, imparting a sweet, balsamic, floral aroma with hints of spice and honey. In cosmetics, it appears mainly in fragranced products such as perfumes, lotions, shampoos, soaps, and oral care items. It functions by delivering characteristic scent notes that blend with other fragrance materials to create complex olfactory profiles, reinforcing the product's sensory appeal. Additionally, it serves as a flavor enhancer in lip balms and toothpastes, contributing subtle taste notes, and as an odor neutralizer to improve overall product palatability without altering core formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 3-4 View on EWG →

PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Flavoring agent

Adds or adjusts taste and aroma in oral care and lip products, improving user acceptance while complementing the overall sensory profile.

Fragrance ingredient

Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).

Masking

Reduces perception of unpleasant odors or tastes by neutralizing them or covering them with more acceptable sensory notes.

Benefits

Enhances product fragrance with natural floral-balsamic notes.

Improves sensory experience in scented cosmetics and personal care items.

Helps mask unpleasant base odors for better user acceptance.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Individuals enjoying scented skincare and body products.	Those with known fragrance or contact allergies.
Users of oral care items seeking subtle flavor enhancement.	Individuals with sensitive or reactive skin.
People tolerant to common fragrance components.	People prone to dermatitis from plant-derived scents.

Safety Notes

Recognized as a potential skin sensitizer in fragrance formulations.
Rated moderate hazard due to allergy risk in skin safety assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamyl Alcohol

What is cinnamyl alcohol derived from?

It occurs naturally in cinnamon bark oil, balsam, and certain flowers.

Is it safe for daily skincare use?

Generally yes for non-sensitive users, but monitor for allergic reactions.

Does it clog pores?

It has a non-comedogenic rating, unlikely to contribute to acne.