6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · preservative · flavoring agent
Cinnamyl Alcohol
Also known as: Cinnamyl alcohol, Cinnamic alcohol, 2-Propenyl phenylcarbinol
Molecular Formula
C9H10O
Molecular Weight
134.17 g/mol
Category
alcohol
Bottom Line: Cinnamyl alcohol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- consumed in food as part of flavoring
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other products containing alcohol
- you experience irritation after use
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to cinnamon or related compounds
- you are using products for children without consulting a pediatrician
- you have skin conditions like eczema
- you are taking medications that may interact
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C9H10O |
| Molecular Weight | 134.17 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 33.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 247.0°C |
| Solubility | moderately soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 1.9 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, baked goods, confectionery. Used as a flavoring agent; safe in regulated amounts.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in formulations; consult a healthcare provider for concerns.
Supplement
Herbal supplements, aromatic oils. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Cinnamyl alcohol is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of cinnamyl alcohol can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of cinnamyl alcohol vapors may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort; caution is advised.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of irritation and adverse reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side 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 | Low to Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to irritants; potential for adverse reactions. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited data; generally considered safe but monitor for reactions. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Cinnamyl alcohol is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, with moderate concerns for allergic reactions.
| 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 | may cause sensitization | Human clinical study | Moderate concern for sensitization | 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
Cinnamyl alcohol is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, with moderate concerns for allergic reactions.
- Generally recognized as safe in food and cosmetics.
- May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory bodies support its controlled use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Cinnamyl Alcohol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Cinnamyl alcohol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Cinnamyl Alcohol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Cinnamyl alcohol is safe for use in cosmetic products with restrictions.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Cinnamyl Alcohol
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Cinnamyl alcohol is safe for use in food flavoring at specified levels.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Cinnamyl alcohol 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
Limited to cosmetic use at specified concentrations.
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Cinnamyl alcohol may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; patch testing is advised.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with cinnamyl alcohol if pregnant.
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 | 2026-04-13T04:43:59.219462Z | — | 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.