Cinnamido Benzylpiperidinyl Ethoxypropylbenzamide: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Cinnamido Benzylpiperidinyl Ethoxypropylbenzamide?

Cinnamido Benzylpiperidinyl Ethoxypropylbenzamide is a lab made molecule created for modern skin care. Chemically it belongs to the benzamide family and features a cinnamoyl group that helps it interact well with the surface of the skin. It does not come from a plant or animal but from controlled organic synthesis, which allows chemists to adjust each part of the structure for stability and safety.

The ingredient first appeared in the early 2000s when formulators were searching for lightweight yet long lasting skin conditioners that could sit comfortably under makeup. By tweaking classic benzamide chemistry and adding a piperidine ring plus an ethoxypropyl side chain, researchers achieved a compound that spreads easily and resists quick breakdown when exposed to air and light.

Manufacturing begins with a benzamide core that is coupled with cinnamic acid derivatives under mild heat. The resulting intermediate is then reacted with benzylpiperidine followed by attachment of the ethoxypropyl group. Each step is purified, usually through crystallization or column filtration, to remove leftover solvents and by-products, so the final powder meets cosmetic grade standards.

You will most often find Cinnamido Benzylpiperidinyl Ethoxypropylbenzamide in lightweight moisturizers, anti aging serums, sleeping masks, eye creams and after sun gels. Its silky finish and good compatibility with common emulsifiers make it popular in water based lotions as well as silicone rich primers.

Cinnamido Benzylpiperidinyl Ethoxypropylbenzamide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is valued for one clear role in skin care formulations

Skin conditioning: it forms a soft flexible film on the skin that smooths rough patches and boosts immediate softness. The film helps reduce transepidermal water loss so the skin stays hydrated longer. Because it feels weightless and non greasy it improves the sensory profile of a product, leaving a silky afterfeel that many users describe as a second skin finish.

Who Can Use Cinnamido Benzylpiperidinyl Ethoxypropylbenzamide

This ingredient is usually well tolerated by most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily because it feels light, absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy residue. Sensitive skin users also tend to do well with it since it is fragrance free and has a low rate of irritation in published safety tests. Very acne prone individuals may want to monitor how their skin responds because the film-forming action could, in rare cases, trap excess oil if used in heavy layers.

Because the compound is fully synthetic and contains no animal sourced components it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. No animal testing is required for its manufacture in regions that follow modern cosmetic regulations.

Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is applied topically in standard cosmetic amounts. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should always check with a healthcare professional before adding new products to a routine, just to be safe.

Cinnamido Benzylpiperidinyl Ethoxypropylbenzamide is photostable and does not make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Normal daytime sunscreen habits are all that is needed.

The ingredient also plays well with common actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and retinol, so layering it in a routine is straightforward.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Cinnamido Benzylpiperidinyl Ethoxypropylbenzamide can vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that have been noted in isolated cases. They remain uncommon for most users when the ingredient is included at typical cosmetic levels.

  • Mild redness or warmth shortly after application
  • Transient stinging on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific allergy to benzamide derivatives
  • Clogged pores or small breakouts if layered too thickly on highly oily skin
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally migrates into the eyes

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5. Cinnamido Benzylpiperidinyl Ethoxypropylbenzamide is a lightweight, non-oily molecule that sits on the surface as a thin breathable film rather than sinking deeply into pores. It lacks fatty acids and heavy waxes that typically trigger congestion, which is why its clogging potential is considered very low. That said, applying it in overly thick layers or pairing it with richer occlusives could trap sebum underneath, so breakouts are still possible for extremely oily skin.

Overall this ingredient is usually fine for people prone to acne or breakouts, especially when used in well-balanced gel or lotion formulas.

Comedogenicity can also vary with the full product recipe, so texture, accompanying oils and personal application habits all play a role.

Summary

Cinnamido Benzylpiperidinyl Ethoxypropylbenzamide is mainly a skin-conditioning agent that smooths rough patches, reduces water loss and leaves a silky finish. It does this by forming a flexible micro-film that locks in moisture while still feeling weightless on the skin.

The ingredient is moderately popular in modern moisturizers and primers where brands want a soft-focus feel without heavy silicones. It has not reached the mainstream fame of hyaluronic acid or niacinamide but formulators appreciate its sensory boost and stability.

Safety testing shows a low irritation profile, no Photosensitivity and minimal comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, even sensitive ones. As with any new skincare component it is wise to perform a quick patch test when first trying a product that contains it, just to rule out individual sensitivities.

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