7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance · skin conditioning agent · UV filter · antioxidant
Benzyl Cinnamate
Also known as: Benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate, Cinnamic acid benzyl ester
Molecular Formula
C16H14O2
Molecular Weight
238.28 g/mol
Category
fragrance ingredient
Bottom Line: Benzyl 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 fragrances
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using multiple fragrance products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a history of fragrance allergies
- you are using products for children
- you experience irritation or allergic reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C16H14O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 238.28 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 35.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 228.0°C |
| Solubility | very soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.8 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but monitor for irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used in food flavoring; ensure compliance with local regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Monitor for skin reactions when used in pharmaceuticals.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Safe in household products; avoid direct skin contact.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Limited use in supplements; consult a healthcare provider.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Benzyl Cinnamate is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Benzyl Cinnamate may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; immediate rinsing is recommended.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of irritation and adverse reactions.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of skin irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally low risk but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity in young children; potential for adverse reactions. |
| 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
Benzyl Cinnamate is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low risk for most users.
| 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 | positive in sensitization tests | Human sensitization study | Potential allergen for sensitive individuals | EFSA Opinion (2016) |
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
Benzyl Cinnamate is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low risk for most users.
- Commonly used as a fragrance and flavoring agent.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Benzyl Cinnamate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Benzyl Cinnamate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Benzyl Cinnamate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Benzyl Cinnamate
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Benzyl Cinnamate is permitted in cosmetics and food, with some restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Max concentration of 0.1% in cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Benzyl Cinnamate may cause irritation for some individuals with sensitive skin; patch testing is recommended.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with Benzyl Cinnamate during pregnancy.
Potential side effects include skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:24:41.769587Z | — | 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.