Ingredient review
Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde
INCI: CIS-3-HEXENYLOXYACETALDEHYDE
A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
In plain English
This is a man-made chemical used to give skincare and beauty products a fresh, leafy, or grassy smell, like the scent of cut grass or green leaves. It is added in tiny amounts for fragrance only and has no direct skin benefit.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is still emerging, so marketing claims deserve extra caution.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- emerging
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde 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 Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde.
- 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
emergingThe ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.
What it is
Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde is a synthetic organic compound from the aldehyde family, designed to mimic the fresh, green aroma of leaves and grass. It is not a natural extract but a lab-created fragrance ingredient.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient acts solely as a fragrance component. It evaporates from the skin after application, releasing a green, leafy scent that enhances the sensory experience of the product. It does not moisturize, exfoliate, or treat the skin.
Pros
Pleasant green scent
Adds a natural, leafy aroma that many find refreshing and uplifting in lotions and cleansers.
Low concentration needed
Only a tiny amount is required to achieve the desired fragrance, so it is rarely a major ingredient by volume.
Cons and cautions
Potential irritant
As a synthetic aldehyde, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially in those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
No skin benefit
This ingredient serves only as a fragrance and does not provide any moisturizing, anti-aging, or protective benefits for the skin.
Best for
- People who enjoy fresh, green fragrances in their skincare
- Those without fragrance sensitivities or allergies
Use caution if
- Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin
- Anyone with a known fragrance allergy or contact dermatitis
Usage tips
Safety summary
Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde is considered safe for most people at the low concentrations used in cosmetics, but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) sets usage limits to minimize risk.
Research notes
Research on this specific ingredient is limited. It is generally evaluated as part of broader fragrance safety assessments. Studies on similar aldehydes indicate potential for skin sensitization at higher concentrations.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at very low levels, often below 1% in finished products.
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets, but subject to fragrance allergen labeling requirements in the EU.
- Common uses
- Fragranced skincare, Perfumes, Body lotions, Hair products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic compound, its environmental persistence and impact are not well studied; it is typically used in very small amounts.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the end of an ingredient list, indicating a very low concentration.
- It is not a natural plant extract but a synthetic copy of a scent found in green leaves.
Common questions
What is Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde in beauty products?
This is a man-made chemical used to give skincare and beauty products a fresh, leafy, or grassy smell, like the scent of cut grass or green leaves. It is added in tiny amounts for fragrance only and has no direct skin benefit.
What does Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient acts solely as a fragrance component. It evaporates from the skin after application, releasing a green, leafy scent that enhances the sensory experience of the product. It does not moisturize, exfoliate, or treat the skin.
Is Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde safe for most people?
Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde is considered safe for most people at the low concentrations used in cosmetics, but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) sets usage limits to minimize risk.
Who should be careful with Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde?
Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin Anyone with a known fragrance allergy or contact dermatitis
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.