Moderate Active Ingredient Sensitization Data

Cinnamaldehyde

INCI: CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM BARK OIL

CAS Number
8015-91-6
Function
lip plumping agent, fragrance, flavoring
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. Cinnamaldehyde (active component, CAS 104-55-2) requires declaration at >0.001% in leave-on products; subject to Annex III restrictions for sensitizing components
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted at low concentrations for cosmetic use; cinnamaldehyde classified as fragrance allergen; IFRA guidelines should be followed; plumping claims via TRPA1 receptor activation may border on drug action claims; oral ingestion from lip products adds to cinnamaldehyde systemic exposure

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
high

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Sensitization Profile

Contact sensitization data for Cinnamaldehyde based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.

Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
fragrance
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.5%
Cross-reactivity Group
balsam-of-peru-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
IFRA Restricted — max 0.07% in finished products

Source: IFRA

Expert Verdict

Cinnamon bark oil containing cinnamaldehyde activates TRPA1 receptors for plumping via irritant vasodilation, but is one of the most significant fragrance contact allergens with IFRA restrictions and EU declaration requirements at >0.001% in leave-on products. Mucosal application at the lip vermilion amplifies sensitization risk, and repeated use can induce chronic contact cheilitis; use at lowest effective concentration and avoid in sensitive skin.

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

eu-restricted ifra-restricted lip-plumper trpa1-agonist fragrance-allergen cinnamaldehyde sensitizer-risk contact-cheilitis irritant oral-exposure-relevant concentration-critical mucosal-caution ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cinnamaldehyde safe in cosmetics?

Cinnamon bark oil containing cinnamaldehyde activates TRPA1 receptors for plumping via irritant vasodilation, but is one of the most significant fragrance contact allergens with IFRA restrictions and EU declaration requirements at >0.001% in leave-on products. Mucosal application at the lip vermilion amplifies sensitization risk, and repeated use can induce chronic contact cheilitis; use at lowest effective concentration and avoid in sensitive skin. The EU classifies Cinnamaldehyde as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Cinnamaldehyde allowed in the EU?

Cinnamaldehyde EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: Cinnamaldehyde (active component, CAS 104-55-2) requires declaration at >0.001% in leave-on products; subject to Annex III restrictions for sensitizing components. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Cinnamaldehyde do in cosmetics?

Cinnamaldehyde functions as: lip plumping agent, fragrance, flavoring. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 8015-91-6.

What is the Margin of Safety for Cinnamaldehyde?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

Compliance Tools

Check Cinnamaldehyde compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
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