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Hexyl Cinnamal

In Skincare: Is Hexyl Cinnamal Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
3/5 — Moderate risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
4/5 — High risk

Safety Information

Fragrance allergen (EU-listed); can cause skin sensitization/irritation especially in sensitive or fragrance-allergic individuals; generally safe at low use levels in leave-on/rinse-off products. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed Hexyl Cinnamal as safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.02% in leave-on products and 0.05% in rinse-off products.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Hexyl cinnamal is a naturally occurring aromatic compound characterized by its jasmine-like scent.

  • 02

    While naturally occurring, synthetic versions of hexyl cinnamal are frequently utilized in cosmetic formulations.

  • 03

    Hexyl cinnamal functions as a masking agent, helping to neutralize or cover undesirable odors from other ingredients in cosmetic products.

  • 04

    Hexyl cinnamal is recognized internationally as a contact allergen and has been shown to sensitize skin.

  • 05

    In cosmetic formulations, hexyl cinnamal may be incorporated as a preservative booster to extend product shelf life.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Hexyl cinnamal is an aromatic ingredient commonly used to impart a floral scent, often resembling jasmine, in skincare and cosmetic products. While it can also act as a preservative booster, hexyl cinnamal is recognized internationally as a potential contact allergen and may cause skin sensitization, particularly at higher concentrations. Due to this allergy risk, it is now required to be listed individually on ingredient lists rather than grouped under "fragrance."
Classifications
Fragrance: Synthetic and Natural
Irritant

Role of Hexyl Cinnamal

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

PERFUMING

Fragrance Provider

Provides fragrance to enhance product appeal

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Perfuming ingredients add pleasant scents through complex mixtures of natural essential oils, aroma chemicals, and synthetic compounds. These volatile molecules evaporate and interact with olfactory receptors. Perfume construction uses top notes (citrus, herbs - high volatility), middle notes (floral, spice - moderate volatility), and base notes (woods, musks - low volatility) creating evolving scent profile. Must consider stability, allergen declaration, and IFRA compliance.

Products

containing Hexyl Cinnamal

4314 formulations
Denní Krém S Amarantovým Olejem A Hedvábím
Denní Krém S Amarantovým Olejem A Hedvábím
Ryor · moisturizer
UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen SPF 50
UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen SPF 50
Clarins · sunscreen
Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion
Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion
L'Oreal · body-skincare

References

Scientific sources

[1]

American Chemical Society (acs.org), Accessed July 2024, ePublication

[2]

CosmeticsInfo.com, Accessed July 2024, ePublication

[3]

Contact Dermatitis, May 2023, pages 374-381

[4]

American Contact Dermatitis Society, January/February 2020, pages 13-35

[5]

Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2015, pages 227-231

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hexyl Cinnamal — common questions

What is Hexyl Cinnamal in skincare?

Hexyl Cinnamal is a skincare ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations.

What does Hexyl Cinnamal do? / Functions of Hexyl Cinnamal?

Common functions: PERFUMING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Hexyl Cinnamal? / Is Hexyl Cinnamal comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Hexyl Cinnamal has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Hexyl Cinnamal clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Hexyl Cinnamal safe for skin?
3 3/5 — Moderate risk

Hexyl Cinnamal has a safety rating of 3 out of 5. A rating of 3 indicates moderate safety considerations. Note: Fragrance allergen (EU-listed); can cause skin sensitization/irritation especially in sensitive or fragrance-allergic individuals; generally safe at low use levels in leave-on/rinse-off products. The

Is Hexyl Cinnamal good for sensitive skin?
4 4/5 — High risk

Hexyl Cinnamal has an irritancy rating of 4 out of 5. A rating of 4 means it has high irritation potential.

What are the side effects of Hexyl Cinnamal in skincare?

Known considerations: Fragrance allergen (EU-listed); can cause skin sensitization/irritation especially in sensitive or fragrance-allergic individuals; generally safe at low use levels in leave-on/rinse-off products. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed Hexyl Cinnamal as safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.02% in leave-on products and 0.05% in rinse-off products. Additional risks: skin irritation (irritancy rating 4/5).

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