Ingredient review
Ethyl Cinnamate
INCI: Ethyl Cinnamate
Ethyl Cinnamate is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products but offers no active skincare benefits.
In plain English
Ethyl Cinnamate is a compound that smells like cinnamon and fruit. It's added to skincare products to give them a nice scent, but it doesn't treat skin issues or provide moisture. It's generally safe for most people, though those with very sensitive skin or fragrance allergies might want to patch test first.
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
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Ethyl Cinnamate 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 Ethyl Cinnamate.
- 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
Ethyl Cinnamate is an ester naturally found in cinnamon, balsam of Peru, and other plants. In cosmetics, it's used as a fragrance ingredient to impart a sweet, spicy, balsamic aroma.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Ethyl Cinnamate primarily functions as a fragrance component. It may also have very mild skin-conditioning properties, but its main role is to make the product smell pleasant.
Pros
Pleasant natural scent
Ethyl Cinnamate provides a sweet, balsamic aroma that can make your skincare routine more enjoyable without being overpowering.
Low irritation for most
For the majority of users, this ingredient is gentle and unlikely to cause redness or stinging, even in leave-on products.
Cons and cautions
No active benefits
This ingredient does not moisturize, exfoliate, or protect the skin. It's purely for scent, so it won't improve your skin's health or appearance.
Potential allergen
Like many fragrance ingredients, Ethyl Cinnamate can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those with a history of fragrance allergies.
Best for
- People who enjoy lightly scented skincare products
- Those without fragrance allergies looking for a natural scent option
Use caution if
- Individuals with known fragrance allergies or very sensitive skin
Usage tips
Safety summary
Ethyl Cinnamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low acute toxicity and is not a skin sensitizer for most people, though rare allergic reactions can occur in fragrance-sensitive individuals.
Research notes
Research indicates Ethyl Cinnamate has low irritation and sensitization potential. It is widely used in fragrances and has been reviewed by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) as safe under current usage levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at 0.1% to 1% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and the European Commission, with no specific concentration restrictions beyond general fragrance safety guidelines.
- Common uses
- Fragranced products, Body lotions, Perfumes
- Environmental note
- Ethyl Cinnamate is biodegradable and derived from renewable plant sources, making it relatively eco-friendly compared to some synthetic fragrances.
Good to know
- Ethyl Cinnamate is often listed as part of a 'fragrance' or 'parfum' blend on ingredient labels, so it may not appear by name.
- It is naturally found in cinnamon oil and balsam of Peru, which are common fragrance sources.
Common questions
What is Ethyl Cinnamate in beauty products?
Ethyl Cinnamate is a compound that smells like cinnamon and fruit. It's added to skincare products to give them a nice scent, but it doesn't treat skin issues or provide moisture. It's generally safe for most people, though those with very sensitive skin or fragrance allergies might want to patch test first.
What does Ethyl Cinnamate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Ethyl Cinnamate primarily functions as a fragrance component. It may also have very mild skin-conditioning properties, but its main role is to make the product smell pleasant.
Is Ethyl Cinnamate safe for most people?
Ethyl Cinnamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low acute toxicity and is not a skin sensitizer for most people, though rare allergic reactions can occur in fragrance-sensitive individuals.
Who should be careful with Ethyl Cinnamate?
Individuals with known fragrance allergies or very sensitive skin
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.