Ingredient
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Oil
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Oil is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, general use, postpartum and PCOS. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and hormone disruptor.
- Cassia Oil
- Chinese Cinnamon Oil
- Cassia Bark Oil
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 4 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Oil and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Hormone disruptor
- Preterm birth concern
Cinnamomum cassia bark oil is a potent essential oil extracted from cassia cinnamon bark. It contains very high concentrations of cinnamaldehyde (70-90%), along with other bioactive compounds. Essential oils are lipophilic substances that can penetrate skin and potentially reach systemic circulation. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and numerous aromatherapy safety guidelines, cassia oil should be avoided during pregnancy. The oil contains compounds that may have emmenagogue properties (promoting menstrual flow) and could theoretically stimulate uterine contractions. While most concerns come from oral ingestion studies, the high potency and skin penetration of this oil mean that even topical use poses potential risks. Some animal studies have suggested possible effects on uterine tissue, though human data is limited. ACOG recommends caution with essential oils during pregnancy, particularly those with known biological activity. Most aromatherapists and healthcare providers specifically advise against using cassia oil during pregnancy due to its potency and potential uterine effects. The oil's irritant properties also make it particularly unsuitable for pregnancy when skin sensitivity may be heightened.
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Oil and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Cinnamomum cassia bark oil is a highly concentrated essential oil that can penetrate skin due to its lipophilic nature. Essential oil components can potentially enter the bloodstream and, being fat-soluble, may transfer into breast milk. While specific studies on cassia oil and breastfeeding are lacking, the AAD and aromatherapy safety experts generally recommend caution with potent essential oils during lactation. Cinnamaldehyde, the primary component, is a strong sensitizer that could potentially affect a breastfed infant through milk transfer or direct contact. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy advises particular caution with cassia oil due to its high irritant potential. Most lactation consultants and aromatherapists recommend avoiding cassia oil during breastfeeding, or using it only in very diluted forms away from the breast area. The risk of infant sensitization through skin contact when holding the baby is also a concern. Gentler essential oils with better safety profiles are preferred during the breastfeeding period.
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Oil and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Cinnamomum cassia bark oil is a potent essential oil with strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but also significant irritant potential. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the main concerns relate to skin sensitivity. Postpartum hormonal changes can increase skin sensitivity, making reactions to irritating ingredients like cassia oil more likely. The high cinnamaldehyde content (70-90%) makes this one of the most irritating essential oils. According to dermatological guidelines, cassia oil should be used only in low concentrations and avoided on sensitive or compromised skin. Postpartum women may want to choose gentler alternatives unless they have previous experience tolerating this ingredient well.
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Oil and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Hormone disruptor
Cinnamomum cassia bark oil is a potent essential oil that should be avoided by women trying to conceive, using the same precautionary approach as for pregnancy. Since pregnancy may be established before detection, ingredients with potential uterine effects should be avoided during the TTC period. While evidence is limited and primarily based on oral ingestion studies, cassia oil's traditional use as an emmenagogue (promoting menstruation) suggests potential effects on reproductive tissues. Most fertility specialists and aromatherapists recommend discontinuing use of cassia oil when actively trying to conceive. The precautionary principle applies here due to limited safety data and the availability of safer alternatives.
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Oil and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Interferes with hormones
- Can inflame skin
Cinnamomum cassia bark oil contains compounds that may have metabolic effects. Some research suggests cinnamon-derived compounds might influence insulin sensitivity, though most studies focus on oral consumption of cinnamon rather than topical application of the essential oil. The potential benefits for PCOS-related skin concerns include antimicrobial effects that might help with acne, and possible anti-inflammatory properties. However, the oil's strong irritant potential could worsen inflammation in sensitive skin. More concerning, some essential oils can have subtle endocrine effects, though data specific to cassia oil and hormones is limited. For women with PCOS, the risk-benefit ratio of cassia oil is unclear. The irritant properties may outweigh any potential benefits for acne or oiliness. Gentler antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients are generally preferred for managing PCOS-related skin concerns. If using products with cassia oil, ensure concentrations are low and discontinue if any irritation occurs.
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Oil and general use
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Irritant
- Increases sun sensitivity
Cinnamomum cassia bark oil is one of the most potent and irritating essential oils used in cosmetics. It contains 70-90% cinnamaldehyde, a compound known for strong antimicrobial activity but also significant skin sensitization potential. The oil is used for fragrance and preservation in some cosmetic products. According to the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, cinnamaldehyde is a well-recognized contact allergen that can cause allergic contact dermatitis with repeated exposure. The oil is highly irritating even to non-sensitized individuals, and can cause burning sensations, redness, and chemical burns at higher concentrations. It is also phototoxic and can increase sun sensitivity. The irritant potential is so high that even small amounts in leave-on products can cause problems for sensitive individuals. IFRA (International Fragrance Association) has established strict concentration limits for cassia oil in cosmetics due to safety concerns. The EU requires labeling of cinnamaldehyde as a fragrance allergen. If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies, avoid products containing cassia oil. Even those with normal skin should use products with this ingredient cautiously and never apply undiluted essential oil directly to skin.
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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