What it is
Amyl cinnamal is an aldehyde used to impart a warm, floral, jasmine-type scent in fragranced products. It is a designated fragrance allergen that must be labeled when present above set thresholds in many markets. In sunscreens it is part of the fragrance system rather than a functional skin ingredient.
Safety & warnings
Amyl cinnamal is a recognized fragrance allergen that can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals, which is why it is subject to mandatory labeling above certain levels; fragrance-sensitive users may wish to avoid products containing it.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic aroma chemical produced for use in fragrance compositions.
Questions everyone asks
Is amyl cinnamal an allergen?
Yes. It is one of the established fragrance allergens that must be declared on labels above set thresholds because it can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized people.
Why is it in sunscreen?
It is used as a fragrance component to give the product a floral, jasmine-like scent, not for any protective function.