Ingredient review
Cinnamal Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base
INCI: CINNAMALDEHYDE/METHYL ANTHRANILATE SCHIFF BASE
A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, floral-spicy scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
In plain English
This ingredient is a man-made fragrance chemical made by combining two other fragrance ingredients: cinnamaldehyde (which smells like cinnamon) and methyl anthranilate (which smells like grape or orange blossom). It's used in tiny amounts to give products a pleasant scent. Because it's a fragrance, it can sometimes cause allergic reactions or irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Cinnamal Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Cinnamal Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic Schiff base compound created by reacting cinnamaldehyde (a cinnamon-scented aldehyde) with methyl anthranilate (a grape-scented ester). It is used exclusively as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products.
How it works
It functions solely as a fragrance ingredient, providing a sweet, floral-spicy scent to products. It does not have any active skincare benefits like moisturizing or exfoliating. Its molecules evaporate from the skin, releasing the scent.
Pros
Pleasant scent
Provides a sweet, floral-spicy aroma that can enhance the sensory experience of a product.
Low comedogenic risk
Unlikely to clog pores, making it suitable for non-acneic skin types when used in low concentrations.
Cons and cautions
Irritation potential
Can cause redness, itching, or stinging on sensitive skin, especially in leave-on products like serums or moisturizers.
Allergen status
Listed as a common allergen in the EU Cosmetics Regulation, meaning it must be labeled separately if above certain levels.
Best for
- People who enjoy scented skincare and have no history of fragrance allergies
- Those using rinse-off products like body washes where contact time is short
Use caution if
- Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin
- Anyone with a known allergy to fragrance ingredients or cinnamates
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at low concentrations, but it is a known skin sensitizer and potential irritant. The EU Cosmetics Regulation requires it to be labeled as an allergen. People with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin should avoid products containing this ingredient.
Research notes
Research on this specific Schiff base is limited, but its parent compounds (cinnamaldehyde and methyl anthranilate) are well-studied as fragrance allergens. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has reviewed related fragrance allergens and supports labeling requirements.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at very low levels (under 1%) in rinse-off and leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US and EU, but must be listed on the label as a fragrance allergen if present above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products (EU regulation).
- Common uses
- Fragranced skincare, Perfumes, Body lotions, Hair products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic fragrance compound, it may contribute to environmental fragrance pollution, but its low usage levels limit impact.
Good to know
- This ingredient is a Schiff base, a type of chemical formed by a condensation reaction between an aldehyde and an amine.
- It is not a natural ingredient; it is synthesized in a lab.
Common questions
What is Cinnamal Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base in beauty products?
This ingredient is a man-made fragrance chemical made by combining two other fragrance ingredients: cinnamaldehyde (which smells like cinnamon) and methyl anthranilate (which smells like grape or orange blossom). It's used in tiny amounts to give products a pleasant scent. Because it's a fragrance, it can sometimes cause allergic reactions or irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
What does Cinnamal Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base do in a beauty product?
It functions solely as a fragrance ingredient, providing a sweet, floral-spicy scent to products. It does not have any active skincare benefits like moisturizing or exfoliating. Its molecules evaporate from the skin, releasing the scent.
Is Cinnamal Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base safe for most people?
Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at low concentrations, but it is a known skin sensitizer and potential irritant. The EU Cosmetics Regulation requires it to be labeled as an allergen. People with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin should avoid products containing this ingredient.
Who should be careful with Cinnamal Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base?
Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin Anyone with a known allergy to fragrance ingredients or cinnamates
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.