8.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · masking agent · sensory enhancer
Hexyl Cinnamal
Also known as: Hexyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate, Cinnamyl hexanoate
Molecular Formula
C15H20O
Molecular Weight
216.32 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Hexyl Cinnamal is generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- part of a well-formulated product
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are prone to allergies
- you are using multiple fragranced products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to fragrances
- you experience irritation after use
- you are pregnant or nursing without consulting a doctor
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C15H20O |
| Molecular Weight | 216.32 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 4.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.8 |
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, shampoos. Use in moderation to minimize potential skin irritation.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure proper ventilation when using products containing fragrances.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, creams. Consult a healthcare provider if you have skin sensitivities.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Hexyl Cinnamal is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Limited data on oral toxicity makes it difficult to assess safety for ingestion.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of Hexyl Cinnamal may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; caution is advised to avoid exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to irritants may lead to adverse reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally considered safe with monitoring.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited studies on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to potential irritants. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; generally considered safe. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
8 Endpoints
Hexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a low risk of irritation and sensitization when used appropriately.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 3100 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage (OECD 401/423) | Low toxicity | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| LD50 Dermal | 5000 mg/kg | Rabbit - Dermal application (OECD 402) | Low toxicity | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Irritation | mild | Draize test (OECD 404) | mild irritation potential | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Eye Irritation | mild | Draize test (OECD 405) | mild irritation potential | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Sensitization | Sensitizer | Guinea pig maximization test (OECD 406) | Sensitization risk | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Genotoxicity (Ames Test) | Negative | Bacterial reverse mutation assay (OECD 471) | Not mutagenic | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Negative | Two-generation study (OECD 416) | No reproductive effects | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified | Long-term carcinogenicity studies (OECD 451/453) | Not classifiable as carcinogenic | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Hexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a low risk of irritation and sensitization when used appropriately.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and household products.
- Low potential for skin irritation.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Hexyl Cinnamal
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Hexyl Cinnamal
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Cosmetic Ingredient Review
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe when used as intended.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Hexyl Cinnamal is generally permitted in major jurisdictions with no significant restrictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Hexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient commonly used in cosmetics and household products.
Yes, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
Generally, it is considered safe when used in low concentrations in cosmetic products.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:13:14.266000Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.