What Is Chlorocinnamal?
Chlorocinnamal is a scent ingredient that comes from cinnamaldehyde, the compound that gives cinnamon its warm smell, with chlorine added during processing. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that blends easily with oils and other cosmetic bases. It was first explored by fragrance chemists in the mid 1900s when they were looking for new notes that could last longer on the skin than natural essential oils. Over the years formulators noticed that this molecule also softens the skin surface, so it began to appear in skin care beyond perfumes.
Production starts with natural or lab made cinnamaldehyde. Through a controlled chlorination step, one hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring is swapped for chlorine. The finished material is then purified, tested for purity and sent to cosmetic labs. Because it is oil soluble and has a low melting point, manufacturers can easily mix it into creams, lotions and serums at room temperature.
You will mainly find chlorocinnamal in lightly fragranced moisturizers, anti-aging creams, body lotions and wash-off masks where a silky afterfeel is wanted. It can also show up in hair conditioners and leave-on hand treatments that aim to reduce roughness without a greasy finish.
Chlorocinnamal’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas chlorocinnamal acts as an emollient, meaning it helps smooth and soften the skin by filling in tiny gaps on the surface. This adds a light, non-sticky finish to creams and lotions, improves spreadability and can make the skin feel more supple after use.
Who Can Use Chlorocinnamal
Chlorocinnamal is generally suitable for normal, dry and combination skin because it adds slip without a heavy or greasy feel. Oily or acne-prone skin can usually tolerate it as well since it is used at very low levels, though anyone highly reactive to fragrance molecules may want to proceed with caution because it is classified as a fragrance allergen in the EU.
The ingredient is either synthesised in a lab or derived from plant-based cinnamaldehyde, so no animal by-products are involved. That makes chlorocinnamal appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety assessments have not flagged chlorocinnamal as a risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when it is used at the small concentrations found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing individuals should clear any skincare product with their healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
Chlorocinnamal is not known to cause photosensitivity, so daytime use does not increase the skin’s vulnerability to sun damage. It also has no documented interactions with common active ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids, allowing it to sit comfortably in most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical chlorocinnamal vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential issues that could occur, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at the low levels allowed in cosmetic products.
- Skin irritation such as stinging or burning on application
- Redness or flushing that lingers after use
- Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itchy patches or a rash
- Sensitisation over time leading to heightened reactivity to fragrances in general
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If you experience any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Chlorocinnamal has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It is oil soluble yet used in trace amounts that sit on the surface and evaporate or are rinsed away quickly, so it is unlikely to block pores. Formulas featuring it usually rely on lighter carrier oils and emulsifiers rather than heavy butters, which further keeps clogging risk low. Because of this, the ingredient is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Only in exceptionally high concentrations, which are not permitted in finished cosmetics, would pore congestion become a realistic concern.
Summary
Chlorocinnamal primarily works as an emollient and scent ingredient, giving creams and lotions a smoother glide while leaving a soft skin feel. It achieves this by filling microscopic gaps in the skin’s surface lipids, which reduces roughness and helps lock in light moisture without adding weight. Although it has been around since the mid 1900s it remains a niche choice compared with mainstream emollients like caprylic triglyceride, mostly appearing in fragranced moisturizers and specialty hand treatments.
Current safety reviews find it safe at the tiny levels used in cosmetics, with irritation or allergy being the main watchouts for sensitive individuals. As with any new skincare product, doing a quick patch test before full use is a sensible step to catch any personal reactions early.