Hexyl Cinnamal

The Beauty & Personal Care Brand Builder Series

Ingredient Deep Dive

Hexyl Cinnamal

A Fragrance Component & Declared Allergen

Hexyl Cinnamal is a naturally-occurring aroma compound (a jasmine-like aromatic aldehyde) found in chamomile oil (and as a synthetic aroma). In cosmetics it appears chiefly as a component of essential oils and added fragrance — not as a standalone active a formula is built around.

It is listed by name on ingredient labels because it is a recognized skin sensitizer: EU rules require declaring it when it exceeds 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products. That is why Hexyl Cinnamal often appears in an ingredient list even though it is part of the fragrance.

Quick Insights

Ingredient Rating:

CAUTION

Intended Function:

A naturally-occurring jasmine-like aromatic aldehyde, used as a fragrance component; listed individually as an EU-declared allergen when present above regulatory thresholds.

Common Applications:

Encountered across scented skincare, body, hair and fragrance products, where it occurs within natural essential oils or added fragrance.

Target Audience:

Relevant to brands and consumers reviewing fragrance-allergen declarations, rather than to those selecting a standalone functional active.

Also Known As:

Hexyl Cinnamal

Safety Analysis

Hexyl Cinnamal is a recognized fragrance allergen (EU Annex III). When it exceeds 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products it must be declared by name on the ingredient list. It can cause sensitization in susceptible individuals, and oxidized material is more sensitizing — so it is best used fresh and within IFRA fragrance limits, with a fragrance-free option offered for sensitive-skin lines. As always, substantiate the finished product’s safety and labeling.

References

https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/hexyl-cinnamal

https://cosmeticanalysis.com/cosmetic-ingredients/hexyl-cinnamal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexyl_cinnamaldehyde

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