What it is
Cinnamyl alcohol is a naturally occurring aromatic alcohol found in cinnamon, balsams, and several essential oils, and it is also produced synthetically. It is valued in perfumery for its warm, sweet, slightly floral and balsamic odor and is used to scent or mask the base odor of finished products. It is recognized as a fragrance constituent rather than a functional skincare active.
Safety & warnings
Cinnamyl alcohol is one of the fragrance allergens that EU labeling rules require to be declared by name when present above set thresholds, and it can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. People with known fragrance or balsam-of-Peru sensitivity should be aware of its presence.
Origin & sourcing
Occurs naturally in cinnamon bark, storax, and balsam-type resins; also produced synthetically for use as a fragrance material.
Questions everyone asks
Why is cinnamyl alcohol in a sunscreen?
It is included as a fragrance or scent-masking ingredient, not for sun protection.
Can cinnamyl alcohol cause allergies?
Yes. It is a recognized fragrance allergen and may trigger contact dermatitis in sensitized people.