What is cinnamal used for in personal care products?

Cinnamal is primarily used as a fragrance ingredient to impart a warm, spicy, cinnamon-like scent to cosmetics, perfumes, and oral care products. It is responsible for the distinctive aroma of cinnamon.

Can cinnamal cause skin irritation?

Yes, cinnamal is a known allergen and can cause skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, or sensitization, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Regulatory bodies often require its disclosure on ingredient lists.

Home › Ingredients › Cinnamal

Cinnamal

Cinnamal, also known as cinnamaldehyde, is an organic compound that gives cinnamon its characteristic flavor and odor. In cosmetics, it is used as a fragrance ingredient to provide a warm, spicy scent. It is also sometimes used as a flavoring agent in oral care products.

NoneFragrance ingredientVeganEvidence: Medium

BenefitNone 0 / 4

RiskHigh 2.8 / 4

Sensitization i3.2 / 4

Risk of allergic contact dermatitis or immune-based reactions. Fragrance allergens, preservatives, botanicals, and some dyes may score here.

Irritation i2.8 / 4

Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.

Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.

Things to watch

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Can lead to contact dermatitis

See how this matches your skin

Find out exactly what you put onto your skin. Scan any product before you buy. Free and independent — no brand is paying us. Available on both on Android and Apple

QR code linking to the SpottyLabs app on Google Play

QR code linking to the SpottyLabs app on the App Store

Products with Cinnamal

Alama Professional

Color Mask

3.5/ 55/9/6

Browse all products →

Frequently asked questions

What is cinnamal used for in personal care products?: Cinnamal is primarily used as a fragrance ingredient to impart a warm, spicy, cinnamon-like scent to cosmetics, perfumes, and oral care products. It is responsible for the distinctive aroma of cinnamon.
Can cinnamal cause skin irritation?: Yes, cinnamal is a known allergen and can cause skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, or sensitization, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Regulatory bodies often require its disclosure on ingredient lists.