Cassia Bark Extract
Chinese cinnamon (cassia) bark extract. Contains cinnamaldehyde – a known contact allergen that can cause irritation and sensitization.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Cinnamon extract with known sensitization potential. Safe for most at standard concentrations; cinnamon-allergic people may react.
- de Groot AC. Patch Testing. 4th ed. (Cinnamaldehyde – established contact allergen)
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- High
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Suitable for
- Normal, Oily
- Use with caution
- Sensitive, Dry, Combination
About this ingredient
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract is an extract of Cinnamomum cassia bark, botanically distinct from true Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Active components: cinnamaldehyde (70-90% of essential oil), eugenol, cinnamyl acetate, proanthocyanidins, tannins. Where applied. Anti-aging serums and creams (extract 0.01-0.5%), anti-acne products, warming-effect body toners. In Spain – in niche Asian cosmetic lines (Hado Labo, Mizon, Beauty of Joseon). Rare in mass pharmacy cosmetics due to allergenicity. Mechanism. In vitro shows antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus (Friedman 2014). Antioxidant effect via proanthocyanidins. Enhances skin microcirculation – "warming" effect. Stimulates collagen synthesis in fibroblasts (Takasao 2012). Evidence base. RCTs on topical cassia extract are few. Most data are in vitro and animal in vivo. Clinical efficacy as a single ingredient is not confirmed. In formula it acts via antibacterial effect on C. acnes – adjunct role in acne. Allergenicity controversy. Cassia contains high cinnamaldehyde (cinnamal) – one of the strongest contact allergens in cosmetics. Topical use raises sensitization risk. In fragrance-dermatitis patients – up to 30% positive patch tests to cinnamal. The EU mandates declaring cinnamal at >0.001%. Safety. CIR in 2018 reviewed cinnamon extracts: safe at <0.5% in leave-on products. On damaged skin systemic absorption rises. Do not use in atopic dermatitis, eczema, sensitive skin. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Topically avoid due to high allergenicity. Oral cinnamon spice in usual food amounts is safe. High supplement doses of cassia in pregnancy are contraindicated: it contains coumarin, a potential hepatotoxin and teratogen. Suitable for. Healthy adult skin without cinnamon allergy. Eczema, atopy, sensitive skin, pregnancy – avoid. When choosing cassia creams – patch-test on a small skin area.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cassia Bark Extract safe during pregnancy?
Cassia Bark Extract should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Cassia Bark Extract for?
Cassia Bark Extract suits: normal, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry, combination.
Can Cassia Bark Extract irritate the skin?
Cassia Bark Extract has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Can Cassia Bark Extract cause an allergic reaction?
Cassia Bark Extract has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
What is Cassia Bark Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Chinese cinnamon (cassia) bark extract.
What's the INCI name for Cassia Bark Extract?
The INCI name is Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract. It may also appear as: Cassia Bark Extract, Chinese Cinnamon Extract.
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