Ingredient review
CIS-3,5-Hexenyl Salicylate
INCI: CIS-3-HEXENYL SALICYLATE
A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh green note but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.
In plain English
This is a man-made chemical added to products to give them a pleasant, light, green-floral smell, like fresh leaves or stems. It doesn't moisturize, treat, or improve your skin—it's purely for fragrance. While generally considered safe at low levels, it can be a potential irritant for those 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.
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-3,5-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-3,5-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
CIS-3,5-Hexenyl Salicylate is a synthetic ester used as a fragrance ingredient. It is designed to mimic the natural green scent of leaves and is commonly found in perfumes and scented cosmetics.
How it works
It works by evaporating from the skin's surface, releasing its scent molecules into the air. It has no active function on the skin itself; its sole purpose is to provide a pleasant olfactory experience.
Pros
Pleasant scent
Adds a fresh, natural green-floral note that many people find appealing in skincare and perfumes.
Low irritation for most
At typical low concentrations, it is generally well-tolerated by people without fragrance sensitivities.
Cons and cautions
No skin benefit
This ingredient is purely for scent and does not moisturize, protect, or improve the skin in any way.
Potential allergen
As a fragrance ingredient, it can cause contact dermatitis or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially with repeated use.
Best for
- People who enjoy scented products and have no known fragrance allergies
- Those looking for a fresh, green scent profile
Use caution if
- Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin
- Anyone with a known allergy or sensitivity to fragrance ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
CIS-3,5-Hexenyl Salicylate is considered safe for most people at the low levels used in cosmetics. However, like all fragrance ingredients, it carries a risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Research notes
Research primarily focuses on its safety as a fragrance allergen. It is listed as a potential contact allergen by dermatological groups, but adverse reactions are relatively uncommon in the general population.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at very low levels (under 1%) in finished products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics by major regulatory bodies including the FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation, subject to concentration limits set by IFRA.
- Common uses
- Fragranced skincare, Perfumes, Body lotions, Hair products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic compound, its environmental persistence and impact are not fully understood, but it is used in very small amounts.
Good to know
- Fragrance ingredients like this one are often listed simply as 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on labels, making them hard to identify individually.
- The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) sets safety standards for the use of this ingredient in cosmetics.
Common questions
What is CIS-3,5-Hexenyl Salicylate in beauty products?
This is a man-made chemical added to products to give them a pleasant, light, green-floral smell, like fresh leaves or stems. It doesn't moisturize, treat, or improve your skin—it's purely for fragrance. While generally considered safe at low levels, it can be a potential irritant for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
What does CIS-3,5-Hexenyl Salicylate do in a beauty product?
It works by evaporating from the skin's surface, releasing its scent molecules into the air. It has no active function on the skin itself; its sole purpose is to provide a pleasant olfactory experience.
Is CIS-3,5-Hexenyl Salicylate safe for most people?
CIS-3,5-Hexenyl Salicylate is considered safe for most people at the low levels used in cosmetics. However, like all fragrance ingredients, it carries a risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Who should be careful with CIS-3,5-Hexenyl Salicylate?
Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin Anyone with a known allergy or sensitivity to fragrance ingredients
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.