Cinnamic Aldehyde (Cinnamal)
What is it?
Cinnamic aldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical that gives cinnamon its distinctive spicy taste and smell. It is used both as a perfume and as a flavoring in food or toothpaste. Cinnamic aldehyde is the main component (up to 90%) of cinnamon essential oil.
How can I avoid it?
Allergic contact dermatitis from cinnamic aldehyde principally occurs from fragrances in cosmetics and household products. Since perfumes and fragrances contain dozens of chemicals, a listing of the individual ingredients such as cinnamic aldehyde is not always given. Because of this, an individual allergic to cinnamic aldehyde should also only use fragrance-free cosmetics to ensure it is being avoided. Bakers may develop hand dermatitis due to this chemical from handling spices used in cooking. A generalized dermatitis from ingestion of foods and spices containing cinnamic aldehyde is quite uncommon, but one can develop oral or lip dermatitis from contacting it on the lips or in the mouth.
Used in:
- Cinnamon, Ceylon, and cassia oil
- Foods
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Cola
- Chocolate
- Chewing gums
- Condiments
- Flavoring agents
- Ice cream
- Meats
- Spices, including cinnamon
- Beverages
- Breakfast cereals
- Fragrances (natural, sweet, or fruity scents)
- Perfumes, colognes, aftershaves
- Balsam of Tolu and Balsam of Peru
- Fragranced household products
- Deodorizers
- Detergents
- Soap
- Personal care products
- Aftershave lotions
- Bath soaps
- Cosmetics
- Dental Floss
- Medicated creams and ointments
- Mouthwashes/Breath fresheners
- Perfumes and fragrances
- Sunscreen
- Toothpaste/Dentifrices
- Plants such as hyacinth
- Vermouth
- Bitters
- Fungicide (CinnacureTM – used in agriculture)
- Insecticide (for mosquitoes)
- Corrosion inhibitor for steel
- Solvents and surfactants in industry
- Pet care products
- Dog and cat repellent
- Deodorizing cleaner
- Deodorizing shampoo
- Cat litter box additive
Other names for cinnamic aldehyde:
- Cinnamal
- Cinnalmaldehyde
- 3-Phenyl-2-propenal
- Phenylacrolein
- 2-Propenal-3-phenyl
- Cinnamyl aldehyde
- Cassia aldehyde
Potential cross-reacting/co-reacting substances:
- Balsam of Peru
- Benzoin
MC4999-99/Rev 05-2025
