Ingredient review
Cinnamyl Cinnamate
INCI: Cinnamyl Cinnamate
Cinnamyl Cinnamate adds a warm, spicy scent and offers mild UV protection, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.
In plain English
Cinnamyl Cinnamate is a natural compound found in cinnamon and other plants. In skincare, it's mainly used to give products a pleasant, warm, spicy fragrance. It also has a very mild ability to absorb some UV light, but it's not strong enough to replace your sunscreen. Because it's a fragrance ingredient, it can cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
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
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Cinnamyl Cinnamate 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 Cinnamyl Cinnamate.
- 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
Cinnamyl Cinnamate is an ester formed from cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamic acid, both naturally occurring in cinnamon, balsam of Peru, and other plants. It is used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and occasionally as a weak UV absorber.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Cinnamyl Cinnamate provides a warm, spicy scent that enhances the sensory experience. Its chemical structure also allows it to absorb a small amount of UV radiation, though its sun-protective effect is minimal and not sufficient for meaningful sun protection on its own.
Pros
Pleasant natural scent
Adds a warm, spicy aroma that many find appealing, enhancing the user experience.
Mild UV absorption
Offers a small degree of UV protection, though not enough to replace dedicated sunscreen ingredients.
Cons and cautions
Potential skin sensitizer
As a fragrance ingredient, it can cause allergic reactions or irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
Limited UV protection
Its UV-absorbing ability is weak and not sufficient for meaningful sun protection, so it should not be relied upon as a sunscreen.
Best for
- People who enjoy warm, spicy scents in their skincare
- Those without known fragrance allergies
Use caution if
- Individuals with sensitive skin or a history of fragrance allergies
Usage tips
Safety summary
Cinnamyl Cinnamate is generally safe for most people when used in low concentrations, but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is not a significant health concern for the general population.
Research notes
Research shows Cinnamyl Cinnamate has mild UV-absorbing properties and is a known fragrance allergen. Studies confirm its potential to cause contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at 0.1% to 2% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU and US, but must be listed on the label if present as a fragrance allergen above certain concentrations.
- Common uses
- Fragranced products, Sunscreens, Lip balms
- Environmental note
- Naturally derived from plant sources, but synthetic versions are also common. Its environmental impact is considered low.
Good to know
- Cinnamyl Cinnamate is naturally found in cinnamon bark and balsam of Peru.
- It is sometimes listed as a fragrance allergen in EU regulations.
Common questions
What is Cinnamyl Cinnamate in beauty products?
Cinnamyl Cinnamate is a natural compound found in cinnamon and other plants. In skincare, it's mainly used to give products a pleasant, warm, spicy fragrance. It also has a very mild ability to absorb some UV light, but it's not strong enough to replace your sunscreen. Because it's a fragrance ingredient, it can cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
What does Cinnamyl Cinnamate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Cinnamyl Cinnamate provides a warm, spicy scent that enhances the sensory experience. Its chemical structure also allows it to absorb a small amount of UV radiation, though its sun-protective effect is minimal and not sufficient for meaningful sun protection on its own.
Is Cinnamyl Cinnamate safe for most people?
Cinnamyl Cinnamate is generally safe for most people when used in low concentrations, but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is not a significant health concern for the general population.
Who should be careful with Cinnamyl Cinnamate?
Individuals with sensitive skin or a history of fragrance allergies
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.