9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · solvent · preservative
Methyl Cinnamate
Also known as: Methyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate, Cinnamic acid methyl ester
Molecular Formula
C10H10O2
Molecular Weight
162.18 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Methyl Cinnamate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies to similar compounds
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other fragrance products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a history of fragrance allergies
- you are using on children under 3 years
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H10O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 162.18 g/mol |
| Solubility | moderately soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.6 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, confectionery. Used in food flavoring; ensure compliance with local regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in some topical formulations; monitor for skin reactions.
Supplement
Flavored supplements. Ensure dosage is within recommended limits.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Methyl Cinnamate is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Methyl Cinnamate can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and should be approached with caution.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause respiratory irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of adverse reactions due to developing systems.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; potential risks to fetal development.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but should be used with caution.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Very High | Higher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Methyl Cinnamate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | potential sensitizer | Human sensitization study | Caution advised for sensitive individuals | EFSA Opinion (2018) |
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
Methyl Cinnamate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations.
- Potential for skin sensitization in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Methyl Cinnamate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Methyl Cinnamate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Methyl Cinnamate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products with appropriate restrictions.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Methyl Cinnamate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe for use in food flavoring.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Methyl Cinnamate is permitted in cosmetics and food, with some restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Use limited to certain concentrations in cosmetics
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Yes, it is permitted as a flavoring agent in food, but should comply with local regulations.
Potential side effects include skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:41:25.072978Z | — | 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.