Amyl Cinnamal

Worst

Fragrance Synthetic and Natural

No known benefits

Amyl Cinnamal at a glance

  • Volatile fragrance ingredient with a jasmine-like aroma
  • Occurs naturally in some plants, but the ingredient used in products is typically synthetic
  • Proven to frequently cause skin reactions
  • Even if you don’t see or feel the negative effects on skin, long term damage occurrs under the surface

Amyl Cinnamal description

Amyl cinnamal is a volatile fragrance ingredient with a jasmine-like aroma. Although this ingredient occurs naturally in some plants, the form included in personal care products is usually created synthetically. Research data spanning decades has shown fragrance ingredients are one of the main causes of skin sensitization and amyl cinnamal is no exception. In fact, due to its long history of causing skin reactions amyl cinnamal has been used in dermatitis patch testing to detect allergenicity toward fragrance. Daily use of products that contain a high amount of fragrance, whether the fragrant ingredients are synthetic or natural, causes a chronic sensitizing reaction on skin. This reaction in turn leads to all kinds of problems, including disrupting skin’s barrier, worsening dryness, increasing or triggering redness, depleting vital substances in skin’s surface, and generally preventing skin from looking healthy, smooth, and hydrated. A surprising fact: Even though you can’t always see or feel the negative effects of fragrant ingredients on skin, the damage still takes place under the surface. Research has demonstrated that you don’t need to see or feel the effects of irritation for your skin to be suffering. Much like the effects from cumulative sun damage, the negative impact and the visible damage from fragrance may not become apparent for a long time. According to the International Fragrance Association, the maximum concentrations of amyl cinnamal in personal care products should not exceed the following: 0.063% for products applied to the lips (lipstick, etc.) 0.38% for products applied to the face/body using fingertips (more likely rinse-off) 0.089% for lotions applied to face/body using the palms of your hands (primarily leave-on) While amyl cinnamal is the recognized INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) name, it may also be listed as other names in your personal care products including alpha-amyl cinnamic aldehyde, amylcinnamic aldehyde, amylcinnamal, and amylcinnamaldehyde.

Amyl Cinnamal references

  • ComseticsInfo.org, Accessed December 2022, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis Institute, Accessed December 2022, ePublication
  • International Fragrance Association, Accessed December 2022, ePublication
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2022, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, August 2021, pages 15-24
  • Toxicology In Vitro, February 2018, pages 237-245
  • Toxicological Sciences, January 2018, pages 139-148
  • British Journal of Dermatology, April 2017, pages 1,035-1,041

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.