What Is Ethyl Cinnamate?
Ethyl cinnamate is a fragrant compound that appears naturally in cinnamon leaves and certain fruits. Chemically it is the ethyl ester of cinnamic acid, a structure that gives it a sweet, mildly spicy aroma. Perfumers began using it in the late 1800s, and by the early 20th century it was a common scent note in toiletries and creams.
Most modern supply is made through a simple reaction that joins naturally sourced or lab-made cinnamic acid with ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst. The process creates ethyl cinnamate and water, after which distillation removes impurities and leaves a clear to pale yellow liquid that dissolves well in oils, waxes or alcohol.
You will find ethyl cinnamate in perfumes, body sprays, lotions, sunscreens, hair styling creams, aftershaves and some color cosmetics like lipsticks or pressed powders where a warm scent or a touch of UV protection is desirable.
Ethyl Cinnamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In topical products ethyl cinnamate performs two key roles
- Perfuming – Its soft spicy vanilla-like smell masks raw ingredient odors and gives the finished product a comforting fragrance that lingers on skin and hair
- UV absorber – It can capture part of the UVB spectrum, supporting the overall sun-shielding ability of lotions or makeup with SPF and helping reduce early photoaging signs
Who Can Use Ethyl Cinnamate
Products containing ethyl cinnamate suit most skin types, including normal, dry and combination skin. Oily or acne-prone users can usually tolerate it as well because the ingredient is lightweight and non-greasy. The only group that may need extra caution is very sensitive or reactive skin, since the pleasant scent that makes ethyl cinnamate popular is still a fragrance and could provoke redness or stinging in those who typically struggle with perfumed formulas.
Ethyl cinnamate is produced from plant-derived cinnamic acid and ethanol or through fully synthetic steps, so it involves no animal inputs. This makes it compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles provided the finished product has not been tested on animals.
There is no specific research showing problems for pregnant or breastfeeding women when ethyl cinnamate is used on the skin at cosmetic levels. Still, data are limited. This content is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before introducing new skincare or personal care items.
Unlike some essential oils and citrus extracts, ethyl cinnamate does not make skin more susceptible to sunburn. In fact it absorbs a slice of UVB light, supporting overall sun protection in SPF formulas. No other noteworthy usage restrictions are reported for healthy adults.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ethyl cinnamate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic concentrations and formulated correctly.
- Skin irritation – burning, tingling or redness on sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis – delayed itching, rash or swelling in individuals allergic to cinnamate compounds
- Eye irritation – watering or stinging if the product inadvertently gets into the eyes
- Fragrance cross-reactivity – heightened sensitivity when layered with other perfumed products containing related cinnamate or balsam notes
If any of these effects occur discontinue use immediately and consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Ethyl cinnamate is a small, low viscosity ester that spreads easily and evaporates or absorbs without leaving a heavy film, so it is unlikely to block pores. It lacks the long fatty chains or waxy texture typical of clogging ingredients. This makes it generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. No published data suggest it aggravates comedones, though formula context always matters.
Summary
Ethyl cinnamate brings two main perks to cosmetics: it adds a warm spicy-sweet scent that masks raw material odors and it absorbs a slice of UVB light to bolster SPF blends. These benefits come from its aromatic ring structure, which produces the pleasant fragrance, and its conjugated double bond system, which captures ultraviolet energy.
The ingredient is moderately popular in perfumes, body sprays, sunscreens, lotions and some color makeup, though it is less talked about than headline actives like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
Overall safety data are good at cosmetic use levels. Irritation or allergy is rare and the comedogenic rating is low, so most users can enjoy it with little concern. As with any new product, patch testing on a small area for a few days is a smart precaution.