Ingredient review
Cyclamen Aldehyde / Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base
INCI: CYCLAMEN ALDEHYDE / METHYL ANTHRANILATE SCHIFF BASE
A synthetic fragrance compound that adds floral scent but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.
In plain English
This is a man-made fragrance ingredient made by combining two other chemicals. It smells floral and slightly fruity, like cyclamen flowers and orange blossoms. It is added to products just for scent, not for any skin benefit. Because it is a fragrance, it can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially on sensitive skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Useful in the right context, but not low-maintenance
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
Quick decision guide
Read the cautions before using
Cyclamen Aldehyde / Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base 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 Cyclamen Aldehyde / Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base.
- 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
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic Schiff base, a type of chemical compound formed by a condensation reaction between cyclamen aldehyde and methyl anthranilate. It is used exclusively as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products.
How it works
It does not actively treat or change the skin. Instead, it evaporates from the product's surface, releasing a pleasant floral-fruity aroma that masks base odors and enhances the user's sensory experience.
Pros
Pleasant scent profile
Adds a delicate floral-fruity aroma that many find appealing, improving the user experience.
Low cost and stable
Synthetic fragrance ingredients are generally inexpensive and chemically stable, ensuring consistent scent over time.
Cons and cautions
Potential skin sensitizer
Fragrance ingredients, including this Schiff base, are among the most common causes of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions on skin.
No skin benefit
This ingredient serves only to scent the product; it does not moisturize, protect, or improve skin health in any way.
Best for
- People who enjoy scented products and have no history of fragrance allergy
- Those using products where fragrance is desired and tolerated
Use caution if
- Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin
- Anyone with a known allergy to fragrance or fragrance components
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally recognized as safe for most people at low concentrations, but it is a known potential allergen. The EU requires it to be listed separately on labels when above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products due to sensitization risk.
Research notes
Research on this specific Schiff base is limited, but fragrance allergy studies consistently identify aldehyde and anthranilate derivatives as common contact allergens. Patch testing data supports moderate sensitization potential.
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 EU and US, but subject to labeling requirements as a fragrance allergen in the EU if present above certain thresholds.
- Common uses
- Perfumes, Fragranced skincare, Body lotions, Soaps
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic compound, its environmental persistence and aquatic toxicity are not well-studied; however, fragrance ingredients in general can accumulate in waterways.
Good to know
- Schiff bases are named after chemist Hugo Schiff and are common in fragrance chemistry.
- This ingredient may appear on labels simply as 'Fragrance' or 'Parfum' in some regions.
Common questions
What is Cyclamen Aldehyde / Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base in beauty products?
This is a man-made fragrance ingredient made by combining two other chemicals. It smells floral and slightly fruity, like cyclamen flowers and orange blossoms. It is added to products just for scent, not for any skin benefit. Because it is a fragrance, it can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially on sensitive skin.
What does Cyclamen Aldehyde / Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base do in a beauty product?
It does not actively treat or change the skin. Instead, it evaporates from the product's surface, releasing a pleasant floral-fruity aroma that masks base odors and enhances the user's sensory experience.
Is Cyclamen Aldehyde / Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base safe for most people?
Generally recognized as safe for most people at low concentrations, but it is a known potential allergen. The EU requires it to be listed separately on labels when above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products due to sensitization risk.
Who should be careful with Cyclamen Aldehyde / Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base?
Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin Anyone with a known allergy to fragrance or fragrance components
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.