8.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance · Flavoring agent · Preservative · Antimicrobial agent
Cinnamal
Also known as: Cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamic aldehyde, Cinnamyl aldehyde
Molecular Formula
C9H8O
Molecular Weight
132.16 g/mol
Category
Flavoring agent
Bottom Line: Cinnamal is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities. Always check product labels.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations in cosmetic products
- Not applied to broken skin
- Used in food products within regulatory limits
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- You are pregnant or nursing
- You are using multiple products containing fragrances
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to cinnamon or related compounds
- You experience irritation or allergic reactions
- You are using on children without consulting a physician
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C9H8O |
| Molecular Weight | 132.16 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -7.5°C |
| Boiling Point | 248.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 1.9 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, shampoos. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Baked goods, candies, beverages. Generally safe in food at regulated levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, oral medications. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Supplement
Herbal supplements, dietary aids. Use under guidance, especially if allergic.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Cinnamal is generally well tolerated on the skin but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of cinnamal can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of cinnamal may cause respiratory irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Cinnamal can cause significant irritation and potential damage to the eyes upon contact.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to allergens and irritants.
- pregnant — Limited safety data during pregnancy.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Most adults tolerate cinnamal well, but some may experience allergic reactions. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of cinnamal during pregnancy; potential risks are not fully understood. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to cinnamal, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on the safety of cinnamal in breastfeeding; potential for transfer through milk. |
| sensitive_skin | Very High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience severe irritation or allergic reactions. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Cinnamal is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity but potential for skin sensitization.
| 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 (2019) |
| Sensitization | Potential sensitizer | Human sensitization study | Moderate concern for sensitization | 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
Cinnamal is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity but potential for skin sensitization.
- Commonly used as a flavoring and fragrance agent.
- Potential allergen for some individuals.
- Regulatory bodies have set safe usage limits.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Cinnamal
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Cinnamal is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Cinnamal
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Cinnamal is safe for use in cosmetics with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Cinnamal
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Cinnamal is safe for use in food at specified limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Cinnamal 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
Limited to 0.1% in cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Cinnamal may cause irritation for sensitive skin types. Patch testing is recommended.
Yes, Cinnamal is permitted in food at regulated levels, but check local guidelines.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:42:03.128683Z | — | 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.