Cinnamyl Alcohol
Definition: Cinnamyl alcohol is a pale yellow liquid with the odor of hyacinth. It is a fragrance that contains extracts of cinnamon and balsam.
Use in Cosmetics: In cosmetics and personal care products, cinnamyl alcohol is used in the formulation of bath products, body and hand products, perfumes, tonics, and other hair grooming aids. It is often used as a fragrance or flavoring ingredient, contributing scents of cinnamon, daffodil, hyacinth, or jasmine to the products.
Other Names: Cinnamyl alcohol can also be referred to as cinnamic alcohol.
Skin Sensitivities: Cinnamyl alcohol is known to be a weak skin sensitizer. Some people may experience skin sensitization reactions to this ingredient, although such reactions are generally not common or severe.
Risks: The primary risk associated with cinnamyl alcohol is skin sensitization, which can lead to allergic reactions in some individuals.
On the EU 26 List: Cinnamyl alcohol is recognized by the European Union as a skin allergen, which is why it's included in the EU Cosmetics Directive: Allergen list, often referred to as the EU 26 list. This means it's one of the 26 substances that the EU has identified as potentially allergenic and, therefore, must be specifically identified in the list of ingredients on the packaging of cosmetics sold in the EU. The inclusion of cinnamyl alcohol on this list is due to its potential to cause skin sensitization reactions in some people.
