Ingredient review
Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate
INCI: CIS-3-HEXENYL SALICYLATE
A synthetic scent ingredient that makes products smell fresh and green, but offers no skin benefit and may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
In plain English
Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate is a man-made chemical used to give skincare and beauty products a pleasant, leafy-green floral smell. It doesn't do anything for your skin's health or appearance—it's purely there for the scent experience. While generally considered safe at low levels, it can be a potential allergen for people with fragrance sensitivities.
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
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate 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 Salicylate.
- 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
A synthetic ester compound created by combining cis-3-hexenol (a natural green leaf alcohol) with salicylic acid. It is widely used in perfumery for its fresh, green, floral aroma reminiscent of crushed leaves or green tea.
How it works
It functions solely as a fragrance ingredient, evaporating from the skin to release its scent. It does not have any active skincare properties like moisturizing or exfoliating.
Pros
Pleasant natural scent
Adds a fresh, green floral aroma that many find appealing and less synthetic than other fragrance chemicals.
Low irritation potential for most
At typical low concentrations, it is generally well-tolerated by people without fragrance sensitivities.
Cons and cautions
No skincare benefit
This ingredient is purely for scent and does not improve skin hydration, texture, or health in any way.
Potential allergen
Listed as a common fragrance allergen by the EU Cosmetics Regulation, meaning it can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Best for
- People who enjoy lightly scented products with a green floral note
- Those without known fragrance allergies
Use caution if
- Individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin prone to irritation
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at low concentrations, but can cause allergic reactions in fragrance-sensitive individuals. Regulatory bodies require labeling to help consumers identify it.
Research notes
Research primarily focuses on its role as a fragrance allergen. Studies show it has low acute toxicity and is not a skin sensitizer for most people, but patch test data confirm it can trigger reactions in susceptible individuals.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at very low levels (under 1%) in finished products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU, but must be listed on the label if present above certain concentrations due to allergen potential.
- Common uses
- Fragranced skincare, Perfumes, Body lotions, Cleansers
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic compound, its environmental impact depends on manufacturing practices, but it is not known to be bioaccumulative or highly persistent.
Good to know
- Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate is often found in products marketed as having a 'green tea' or 'fresh leaf' scent.
- It is one of many fragrance ingredients that must be listed separately on EU product labels due to allergen labeling requirements.
Common questions
What is Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate in beauty products?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate is a man-made chemical used to give skincare and beauty products a pleasant, leafy-green floral smell. It doesn't do anything for your skin's health or appearance—it's purely there for the scent experience. While generally considered safe at low levels, it can be a potential allergen for people with fragrance sensitivities.
What does Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate do in a beauty product?
It functions solely as a fragrance ingredient, evaporating from the skin to release its scent. It does not have any active skincare properties like moisturizing or exfoliating.
Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate safe for most people?
Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at low concentrations, but can cause allergic reactions in fragrance-sensitive individuals. Regulatory bodies require labeling to help consumers identify it.
Who should be careful with Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate?
Individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin prone to irritation
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.