What Is Ethyl Cinnamate?
Ethyl cinnamate is an organic ester first isolated in the late nineteenth century when chemists began cataloging aroma compounds present in cinnamon bark oil. Today it is produced on an industrial scale by reacting cinnamic acid with food grade ethanol in the presence of a mild catalyst, a process that delivers a material with purity greater than 99 percent.
The molecule shows up in nature in several plants including cinnamon, strawberries and balsam storax so it is considered nature-identical when synthesized. In the bottle it appears as a clear to slightly straw-colored liquid that remains fluid at ordinary room temperature which makes it easy to weigh and dose during fragrance compounding.
Perfumers regard ethyl cinnamate as a versatile workhorse rather than a rare jewel so its cost sits in the lower to middle bracket. Because of that friendly price and its reliable stability it finds its way into a wide variety of finished goods from fine fragrance to household cleaners. Even so it is used with discretion since its character can dominate if added in excess.
What Does Ethyl Cinnamate Smell Like?
Most professionals slot ethyl cinnamate into the spicy family which hints at its warm character before you even smell it.
On a blotter the first impression is a light aromatic warmth similar to freshly ground cinnamon tempered by a soft floral sweetness. As minutes pass a smooth balsamic tone emerges suggesting styrax or benzoic resins and lending a slightly powdery feel. The overall effect is rounded and comforting never sharp or clove-like.
In the classic top-middle-base framework ethyl cinnamate sits between the heart and the early drydown. It rises more slowly than sparkling top notes yet arrives well before the deepest woods or musks adding continuity through the middle of the fragrance build.
Projection is moderate so it radiates gently rather than shouting across a room. Longevity on skin is solid for an ester often stretching to six or eight hours which helps anchor lighter floral or fruity accords without weighing them down.
How & Where To Use Ethyl Cinnamate
Ethyl cinnamate is a pleasure to handle. It pours easily, it does not darken in the bottle and it keeps its smell even after months on the shelf.
Perfumers reach for it when they want to slip a gentle cinnamon glow into a build without the clove hit of eugenol or the rough edge of cassia oil. It rounds out floral hearts of rose, ylang or gardenia, giving them a creamy balsamic cushion. In tropical accords it hints at sun-warmed blossoms and boosts the exotic feel of coconut or frangipani.
Usage usually sits between traces and 5 percent of the concentrate. At 0.1 percent it is a soft powdery whisper. Push it to 2 percent and the cinnamon note steps forward while the balsamic part thickens. Over 5 percent it can flatten lighter notes and make a blend feel syrupy so most formulators cap it well below that level.
The material carries well into soaps, shampoos and candles because it survives high pH, heat and hot throw. It also hides harsh detergent bases, adding a cozy warmth. One weak spot is citrus colognes where its sweetness can feel out of place unless used at trace.
No special prep is needed beyond a quick premix in ethanol or dipropylene glycol when dosing very small amounts. A 10 percent solution gives finer control and helps it blend swiftly with other oils.
Safety Information
Working with ethyl cinnamate is straightforward but the usual lab care still applies.
- Always dilute before smelling: make a test solution on a blotter rather than sniffing from the bottle
- Ventilation: blend in a well-aired space to limit vapor build-up
- Personal protection: wear gloves and safety glasses to keep liquid off skin and eyes
- Health considerations: esters can trigger irritation or allergies in sensitive users, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should seek medical advice before handling, brief contact with low levels is typically safe but long or heavy exposure can be harmful
For full peace of mind always review the latest safety data sheet from your supplier and stay within the current IFRA guidelines for this material
Storage And Disposal
When kept in good conditions ethyl cinnamate usually stays fresh for at least three to five years. The nose is the best judge, so check the smell every season or two and look for any change in color.
Refrigeration is not required but a cool spot helps. A cupboard that stays below 20 °C and never sees direct sun will do fine. Heat speeds up oxidation, so keep bottles away from radiators, windowsills and busy lab lamps.
Use tight-fitting polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. They seal far better than glass droppers which often let air creep in. Top up small working bottles when the level drops because a full bottle leaves less headspace for oxygen to hang around.
Label everything clearly with the name, supplier batch and simple safety notes. This avoids mix-ups and reminds everyone to wear gloves before handling.
Ethyl cinnamate is readily biodegradable, so trace leftovers on blotters or pipettes can go in normal trash once dry. For larger liquid amounts follow local rules: collect in a marked waste drum and send to a licensed disposal firm or a community hazardous waste center. Never pour bulk material down the sink as it can still upset drains and waterways.
Summary
Ethyl cinnamate is a nature-identical ester that gives a gentle cinnamon warmth wrapped in floral balsamic tones. It is easy on the budget, easy to blend and happy in everything from fine perfume to soap.
Use it to smooth rose, boost tropical flowers or add a powdery glow to a woody base. A touch goes a long way so most formulas sit below five percent, yet the material lasts hours on skin and holds its own through hot soap cures.
Add solid shelf life, mild handling rules and friendly pricing and it is clear why this spice-tinged note has held a steady spot on perfumers’ benches for over a century. Treat it with respect, watch the dose and it will reward you with warmth, balance and a dash of old-world charm.