Ingredient review

Cis-Tridecen-2-Al

INCI: CIS-TRIDECEN-2-AL

A synthetic fragrance aldehyde that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

beautyskincarefragrance

In plain English

Cis-Tridecen-2-Al is a synthetic chemical used to give skincare and beauty products a fresh, citrus-like smell. It belongs to a family of compounds called aldehydes, which are common in perfumery. Because it's a fragrance ingredient, it doesn't provide any skin benefits like moisturizing or anti-aging, and it can be irritating for people with sensitive or reactive skin. You'll find it in very small amounts in products that list 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on the label.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.5Good
3.5/ 5

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
synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
moderate
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Cis-Tridecen-2-Al 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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Cis-Tridecen-2-Al.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

moderate

Can bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A synthetic aldehyde compound (a type of organic molecule) used exclusively as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products.

How it works

It evaporates from the skin's surface, releasing a scent that interacts with olfactory receptors. It has no active skincare function beyond providing fragrance.

Pros

Pleasant scent

Provides a fresh, citrusy fragrance that can make skincare feel more enjoyable and luxurious.

Low concentration needed

Used in very small amounts, so exposure is minimal in most products.

Cons and cautions

Potential irritant

Can cause redness, stinging, or contact dermatitis in sensitive skin, especially with repeated use.

No skin benefit

Offers no moisturizing, anti-aging, or protective properties—only scent.

Best for

  • People who enjoy scented skincare and don't have sensitive or reactive skin
  • Those looking for a fresh, citrus fragrance in their routine

Use caution if

  • Individuals with sensitive, eczema-prone, or reactive skin
  • Anyone with a known allergy to fragrance or aldehyde compounds

Usage tips

If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before using a product containing this ingredient.
Look for fragrance-free alternatives if you experience irritation from scented products.
Use products with this ingredient only on intact, non-irritated skin.

Safety summary

Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at low concentrations, but can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Regulatory bodies require labeling as a potential allergen in some regions.

Research notes

Limited peer-reviewed research specifically on Cis-Tridecen-2-Al, but it is structurally similar to other fragrance aldehydes known to cause contact dermatitis. Safety assessments rely on industry data and regulatory guidelines.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically less than 0.1% in leave-on products
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU and US, but must be listed as a fragrance allergen if present above certain thresholds in the EU.
Common uses
Fragranced skincare, Perfumes, Body lotions, Cleansers
Environmental note
As a synthetic compound, its environmental persistence and impact are not well-studied, but it is used in very small quantities.

Good to know

  • Cis-Tridecen-2-Al is often listed simply as 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on ingredient labels.
  • Aldehydes like this one are common in both natural and synthetic fragrances, but this specific compound is lab-made.

Common questions

What is Cis-Tridecen-2-Al in beauty products?

Cis-Tridecen-2-Al is a synthetic chemical used to give skincare and beauty products a fresh, citrus-like smell. It belongs to a family of compounds called aldehydes, which are common in perfumery. Because it's a fragrance ingredient, it doesn't provide any skin benefits like moisturizing or anti-aging, and it can be irritating for people with sensitive or reactive skin. You'll find it in very small amounts in products that list 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on the label.

What does Cis-Tridecen-2-Al do in a beauty product?

It evaporates from the skin's surface, releasing a scent that interacts with olfactory receptors. It has no active skincare function beyond providing fragrance.

Is Cis-Tridecen-2-Al safe for most people?

Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at low concentrations, but can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Regulatory bodies require labeling as a potential allergen in some regions.

Who should be careful with Cis-Tridecen-2-Al?

Individuals with sensitive, eczema-prone, or reactive skin Anyone with a known allergy to fragrance or aldehyde compounds

Research sources

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) - TridecenalOpenCosIng - European Commission DatabaseOpenPubMed - Fragrance Allergy ReviewOpen

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.