Ingredient review
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate
INCI: CIS-3-HEXENYL ACETATE
A gentle, plant-derived fragrance ingredient that provides a fresh green scent with a low risk of irritation.
In plain English
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate is a natural fragrance ingredient that smells like freshly cut grass or green leaves. It is used in tiny amounts to give skincare and beauty products a pleasant, natural scent. Because it is used at very low levels, it is generally well-tolerated and unlikely to cause skin issues for most people.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
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 Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
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
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate is an ester naturally found in many plants, including green tea, mint, and various fruits. It is responsible for the characteristic 'green' aroma of fresh leaves and grass. In cosmetics, it is synthesized or extracted to be used as a fragrance ingredient.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate functions solely as a fragrance ingredient. It does not actively treat the skin or change its texture. Instead, it evaporates from the skin's surface, releasing its fresh, leafy scent. This can enhance the sensory experience of using a product, making it feel more refreshing or natural.
Pros
Pleasant natural scent
Provides a fresh, green, leafy aroma that many find uplifting and natural, enhancing the overall user experience.
Low irritation potential
At the very low concentrations used in cosmetics, it is considered to have a low risk of causing skin irritation for most people.
Cons and cautions
No active skincare benefits
This ingredient is purely for fragrance and does not moisturize, exfoliate, or provide any other direct skin benefit.
Potential allergen
Like many fragrance ingredients, it can be a contact allergen for a small number of sensitive individuals, especially with prolonged use.
Best for
- Anyone who enjoys fresh, green-scented products
- People with normal to oily skin looking for a refreshing fragrance
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to fragrance ingredients or specific esters
Usage tips
Safety summary
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical low concentrations. It has a low potential for skin irritation, though like all fragrance ingredients, it can cause allergic reactions in a small subset of individuals.
Research notes
Research primarily focuses on its sensory properties and safety as a fragrance ingredient. It is generally recognized as safe by major regulatory bodies when used within established limits.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Very low, typically less than 1% in finished products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics in the US and EU, subject to general safety and labeling requirements for fragrance allergens.
- Common uses
- Fragranced skincare, Body lotions, Cleansers, Perfumes
- Environmental note
- When derived from natural sources, it is biodegradable. Synthetic versions are also produced to reduce pressure on natural resources.
Good to know
- Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate is often listed simply as 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on ingredient labels, so you may not see it listed individually.
- It is a key component in many 'green tea' and 'fresh cut grass' scented products.
Common questions
What is Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate in beauty products?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate is a natural fragrance ingredient that smells like freshly cut grass or green leaves. It is used in tiny amounts to give skincare and beauty products a pleasant, natural scent. Because it is used at very low levels, it is generally well-tolerated and unlikely to cause skin issues for most people.
What does Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate functions solely as a fragrance ingredient. It does not actively treat the skin or change its texture. Instead, it evaporates from the skin's surface, releasing its fresh, leafy scent. This can enhance the sensory experience of using a product, making it feel more refreshing or natural.
Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate safe for most people?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical low concentrations. It has a low potential for skin irritation, though like all fragrance ingredients, it can cause allergic reactions in a small subset of individuals.
Who should be careful with Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate?
Individuals with known allergies to fragrance ingredients or specific esters
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.