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fragrance

Cinnamal

Watch if sensitive·Strong evidence

Cinnamal is a fragrance compound found naturally in cinnamon bark oil and is one of the 26 allergens EU rules require to be named on labels above set thresholds. It is a recognized skin sensitizer in patch-test studies, so people with fragrance allergies may want to avoid products listing it.

Worth knowing

  • EU-labelled fragrance allergen
  • Known contact sensitizer for some
  • Restricted in the EU

Must be labeled by name in the EU when present above 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products, per the SCCS fragrance allergen opinion.

Gentler alternatives

Questions

Is cinnamal a fragrance allergen?
Yes. Cinnamal is one of 26 fragrance compounds the EU requires to be named on labels above set thresholds because it is a recognized skin sensitizer in patch-test studies.
Can cinnamal cause allergic reactions?
Cinnamal can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in people with fragrance sensitivities, though most users tolerate it without issue. People with known fragrance allergies or eczema may want to check product labels and patch-test first.

Products with Cinnamal

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.