Cinnamyl Alcohol

Cinnamyl alcohol is an aromatic compound occurring in cinnamon oils and used in cosmetics and personal care as a fragrance material. It gives a warm, spicy-floral note and is often kept at low levels because of allergen-labeling requirements.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A cinnamon-scented fragrance ingredient that can trigger sensitivity.
Category
Fragrance
Type
Fragrance

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Gives products a cozy, aromatic touch that can make daily use more enjoyable and help mask unwanted base odors. Those with fragrance sensitivities may prefer patch testing.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used to scent perfumes, body lotions, and hair conditioners; also appears at low levels in soaps and shower gels.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Can cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals; patch testing is advisable for sensitive users. In the EU, it requires allergen labeling when above 0.001% in leave‑on and 0.01% in rinse‑off products.

Is Cinnamyl Alcohol a Good Ingredient?

Adds a warm, spicy-floral scent but is a known fragrance allergen with a higher risk of sensitization and irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Typically best at low concentrations to balance scent with tolerability. Limited proof of benefit weighed against the risk keeps it at Fair.

Products with Cinnamyl Alcohol

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