Main aromatic component of cinnamon oil. Strong sensitizer, on the EU list of 26 fragrance allergens.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
One of the strongest fragrance allergens per SCCS data. Sensitive skin should avoid it.
Cinnamal (Cinnamaldehyde) is an aromatic compound, the main component of cinnamon essential oil (60-90% of oil composition). Sourced from Cinnamomum cassia bark or synthetically. Used in cosmetics as fragrance and flavoring. Where applied. Perfumes, scented candles, hair products with oriental compositions, lipsticks with "spicy" flavor, aftershaves. Concentration 0.001-0.1%. In Spain – in Carolina Herrera, Loewe, Adolfo Domínguez perfumery. Allergenicity controversy. Cinnamal is one of the strongest contact allergens in cosmetics. Listed in the EU 2003 mandatory 26-fragrance allergens (Regulation 1223/2009). If leave-on concentration >0.001% or rinse-off >0.01% – manufacturer must label "Cinnamal". Evidence base. Positive patch-test reactions in 3-5% of the European general population (Diepgen 2016). In fragrance-dermatitis patients – up to 30%. Allergic contact dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, cheilitis – typical presentations. Safety. SCCS in 2012 concluded: cinnamal is safe at <0.01% in leave-on and <0.1% in rinse-off products. Above – sensitization risk. On damaged skin systemic absorption rises. Cross-allergy. Cinnamal cross-reacts with other aromatic aldehydes (benzaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal), Peru balsam, vanillin. Cinnamon-spice-allergic patients have high contact-allergy risk. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Topically at cosmetic concentrations safe for the fetus, but contact-sensitization risk in the pregnant patient is unchanged. Do not apply on damaged skin. Oral cinnamon spice in usual food amounts is safe. Suitable for. Healthy adult skin without cinnamon allergy or atopic dermatitis. Eczema, atopy, pollen-allergy patients – avoid. Children under 12 – not recommended (increased sensitization risk).
Irritation potential
MediumAllergen risk
HighPregnancy
CautionThe Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Cinnamal should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
Cinnamal suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Cinnamal has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Cinnamal has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
Main aromatic component of cinnamon oil.
Published: · updated:
Suitable for
Use with caution
The INCI name is Cinnamal. It may also appear as: Cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamic Aldehyde.