Ingredient

Cinnamal

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What is Cinnamal?

Cinnamal, also known as cinnamaldehyde, is a naturally occurring organic compound found predominantly in cinnamon bark oil. It has a distinctive spicy cinnamon aroma and gives cinnamon its characteristic smell and flavor.

It is primarily used in the fragrance industry to add a warm, spicy scent to products such as perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. Some research suggests cinnamal can cause allergic reactions and skin sensitivities in certain individuals, particularly in concentrated forms.

When you see cinnamal on a label, it's often an indication of its role as a fragrance enhancer. For those sensitive to fragrances, it's advisable to test products containing cinnamal on a small skin patch before general use.

Commonly found in: perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, lotions, candles

What to watch

Cinnamal can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations, particularly in sensitive individuals.

FDA

The FDA considers cinnamal safe for use in regulated quantities, but it must be listed on product labels due to potential allergenic effects.

Research

Research indicates potential for skin sensitization, but it is safe for most people when used in small amounts as a fragrance.

Vegan

Cinnamal is plant-derived from cinnamon bark, making it suitable for vegan products.

Sources: Fragrance Allergens · Sensitization to Perfume Ingredients

Scout's take

EU 26 fragrance allergen — one of the strongest dermal sensitizers in the IFRA standards. IFRA imposes strict use-level caps in leave-on products precisely because cinnamaldehyde causes high rates of contact dermatitis.

More from Scout's analyses

Cinnamon aldehyde — one of the most potent EU-declared contact allergens, with among the highest positive rates in fragrance patch-test series. Its presence above the disclosure threshold in a leave-on spray is a genuine sensitization risk.

from the analysis of Le Labo Rose 31 Eau de Parfum

EU 26 fragrance allergen and a top-strength dermal sensitizer. IFRA restricts to ~0.05% in leave-on products. One of the highest patch-test positive rates of any aromachemical.

from the analysis of Abel Cobalt Amber Eau de Parfum