Ingredient
Benzyl Cinnamate
Benzyl Cinnamate is flagged for general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is common allergen and irritant.
- Phenylmethyl cinnamate
- Benzyl 3-phenylpropenoate
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for general use, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 1 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Benzyl Cinnamate and pregnancy
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Benzyl cinnamate is a fragrance compound used to add scent to cosmetic products. It occurs naturally in some plant materials and is also synthesized for cosmetic use. The primary concern during pregnancy is skin sensitivity and allergic reactions rather than systemic toxicity. Pregnancy can increase skin sensitivity, making reactions to fragrance allergens more likely. There is no evidence of teratogenic effects or reproductive toxicity with topical use of benzyl cinnamate. The compound has minimal systemic absorption when used in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The SCCS and other regulatory bodies have not issued pregnancy-specific warnings for benzyl cinnamate. However, many dermatologists recommend that pregnant women consider fragrance-free products to minimize skin irritation, particularly if they develop pregnancy-related skin sensitivity or have a history of fragrance allergies.
Benzyl Cinnamate and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Benzyl cinnamate is a fragrance ingredient that remains primarily on the skin surface with minimal absorption. When used in cosmetic products, it does not accumulate in body tissues. There are no concerns about transfer to breast milk with typical cosmetic use of fragranced products. The amounts absorbed through skin are negligible, and benzyl cinnamate is readily metabolized and excreted. No studies suggest any impact on breastfed infants from maternal use of fragranced cosmetics. The primary consideration is avoiding application of heavily fragranced products directly on breast tissue before breastfeeding, not due to toxicity concerns but to prevent infant exposure to strong scents and potential irritation of infant skin.
Benzyl Cinnamate and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Benzyl cinnamate functions solely as a fragrance ingredient without hormonal or systemic effects. During the postpartum period, it poses no reproductive health concerns. The main consideration is potential for allergic reaction or irritation, which may be more noticeable if skin remains sensitive after pregnancy. Those with known fragrance allergies should continue avoiding this ingredient.
Benzyl Cinnamate and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Benzyl cinnamate has no known effects on fertility, hormonal balance, or reproductive function. Topical cosmetic use does not interfere with conception. This fragrance ingredient can be used safely when trying to conceive. No preconception discontinuation is necessary.
Benzyl Cinnamate and PCOS
Safe to Use
Benzyl cinnamate is a fragrance compound with no hormonal activity. It does not affect androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other metabolic factors related to PCOS. This ingredient is safe for individuals with PCOS from a hormonal standpoint. The only consideration is the general potential for skin sensitivity, which some individuals with PCOS may experience due to hormonal fluctuations.
Benzyl Cinnamate and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
- Increases sun sensitivity
Benzyl cinnamate is a fragrance compound used to add sweet, balsamic notes to cosmetic products. It occurs naturally in cinnamon and balsam of Peru but is often synthetically produced. According to the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), benzyl cinnamate is one of the 26 recognized fragrance allergens that must be labeled in cosmetics. Studies show it can cause allergic contact dermatitis and sensitization, particularly with repeated exposure. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has established usage restrictions due to these concerns. Additionally, it may increase photosensitivity in some individuals. The EU requires labeling of benzyl cinnamate when present above certain thresholds. Individuals with fragrance sensitivities, eczema, or sensitive skin should consider avoiding products containing this ingredient. Patch testing is recommended if you have a history of fragrance allergies.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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