Natural aromatic alcohol from cinnamon bark and hyacinth. On the EU list of 26 fragrance allergens.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Oxidizes on air and forms stronger sensitizers. Risk grows in opened tubes past expiration.
Cinnamyl Alcohol is a natural aromatic alcohol, found in cinnamon bark, hyacinths, frankincense, Peru balsam. In cosmetics, synthetic or plant-derived is used as a fragrance with a light, sweet, floral-balsamic note. Less intense than cinnamal, but in the same fragrance family. Where applied. Perfumes (oriental, floral, gourmand compositions), creams, lotions, shampoos, hair products, hygiene products. Concentration 0.001-0.2%. In Spain – in mass and niche perfumery Loewe, Carolina Herrera, Roger & Gallet. Allergenicity. Listed in the EU 2003 mandatory 26-fragrance allergens (Regulation 1223/2009). At leave-on >0.001% or rinse-off >0.01% – manufacturer must label "Cinnamyl Alcohol". Evidence base. Positive patch-test reactions in 1-3% of the European general population (Diepgen 2016), lower than cinnamal. In fragrance-dermatitis patients – up to 15%. Cross-reactivity with cinnamal, Peru balsam, cinnamyl acetate. Safety. SCCS in 2012 concluded: safe at <0.02% in leave-on and <0.2% in rinse-off products. On damaged skin systemic absorption rises. Do not use in fragrance contact allergy. Eczema-patient controversy. Free fragrance molecules (including cinnamyl alcohol) on damaged skin penetrate the epidermis more easily and cause sensitization. Atopic patients have 3-5x higher contact-dermatitis risk from fragranced cosmetics than healthy patients (Heisterberg 2011). Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Topically at cosmetic concentrations safe for the fetus. Contact-sensitization risk in the pregnant patient is unchanged. Do not apply on damaged skin. Suitable for. Healthy adult skin. Atopic, eczema, fragrance-dermatitis patients – avoid products with cinnamyl alcohol, choose "fragrance-free" pharmacy lines (CeraVe, La Roche-Posay Toleriane, Eucerin DermoPure).
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.
Cinnamyl Alcohol should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
Cinnamyl Alcohol suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Cinnamyl Alcohol has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Cinnamyl Alcohol has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
Natural aromatic alcohol from cinnamon bark and hyacinth.
Published: · updated:
Suitable for
Use with caution
The INCI name is Cinnamyl Alcohol. It may also appear as: 3-Phenyl-2-Propen-1-Ol.