Ingredient
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil is flagged for pregnancy, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is irritant and absorbed into the body.
- Cassia Oil
- Chinese Cinnamon Oil
- Cassia Leaf Oil
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 pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 4 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Absorbed into the body
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil is an essential oil derived from cassia tree leaves, used primarily as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. It contains high levels of cinnamaldehyde, a compound that gives it a strong cinnamon scent but also contributes to its irritating properties. While there is no direct evidence that topical use of cassia oil in cosmetics causes birth defects, essential oils can be absorbed through the skin, and opinions vary among healthcare providers about their use during pregnancy. Cinnamaldehyde can be absorbed systemically and may cause uterine stimulation at high concentrations, though cosmetic use involves much lower levels. Some aromatherapy guidelines recommend caution with cinnamon-type oils during pregnancy due to potential effects on uterine activity. The irritating nature of this oil also makes pregnant skin, which is often more sensitive, more susceptible to reactions. ACOG does not specifically address cassia oil, but many obstetricians and dermatologists recommend avoiding highly irritating essential oils during pregnancy due to increased skin sensitivity and the precautionary principle. The medium-risk rating reflects the combination of limited direct pregnancy data, known skin irritancy, and theoretical concerns about essential oil absorption during pregnancy rather than proven harm.
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil is a fragrant essential oil with high irritancy potential due to its cinnamaldehyde content. When used in cosmetic products, it provides scent but can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. There is no evidence that topical application of cassia oil in cosmetics affects breast milk or breastfed infants. The main concern during breastfeeding is skin irritation, particularly if products containing this oil are applied to the chest or areas that may come into contact with the baby. Essential oils can be strong irritants to infant skin, so avoiding direct contact is advisable. However, topical cosmetic use on other areas of the body presents minimal concerns for lactation itself. While not specifically restricted during breastfeeding, dermatologists generally recommend avoiding highly irritating ingredients on areas that may contact the breastfed infant. Women can use products containing cassia oil during breastfeeding but should avoid application near the breast area and ensure products are fully absorbed before breastfeeding.
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil is a highly aromatic essential oil used for fragrance in cosmetics. However, postpartum skin is often more sensitive due to hormonal changes, and this ingredient's high irritancy potential may cause more reactions during this period. Postpartum women not breastfeeding should be aware that cassia oil is a known skin irritant and allergen. The hormonal fluctuations and increased skin sensitivity common in the postpartum period may make reactions to this ingredient more likely. Women with no history of sensitivity to cinnamon-scented products may find they react differently in the postpartum period. Patch testing products containing this ingredient is advisable before full use.
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil is an essential oil used for fragrance in cosmetics. While it has known irritancy concerns, there is no evidence that topical cosmetic use affects fertility or reproductive hormones. Women trying to conceive can use products containing cassia oil. There is no scientific evidence linking topical application of this fragrance ingredient to fertility issues or conception difficulties. The main consideration is skin irritation rather than reproductive effects. Some women may choose to avoid it as a precautionary measure when actively trying to conceive, particularly if planning to continue avoidance into pregnancy.
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil is a fragrance ingredient known for its strong scent and high potential for skin irritation. While it has no specific interactions with PCOS, women with this condition often have sensitive or acne-prone skin that may react poorly to irritating ingredients. There is no evidence that cassia oil affects hormones or interferes with conditions like PCOS. The primary concern is skin irritation rather than hormonal effects. However, women with PCOS who have inflammatory acne or sensitive skin may find that the irritating nature of this essential oil exacerbates their skin issues. Women with PCOS can use products containing cassia oil, but should be mindful of their skin's sensitivity. If experiencing active breakouts or inflammation, it may be wise to avoid highly irritating fragrance ingredients that could worsen skin conditions. The ingredient does not affect PCOS from a hormonal perspective.
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
- Increases sun sensitivity
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil is an essential oil extracted from cassia tree leaves, used primarily as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. It contains 70-90% cinnamaldehyde, the compound responsible for its characteristic cinnamon scent and also for its strong irritating and sensitizing properties. According to the SCCS, cassia oil is a well-known contact allergen and skin irritant. The high cinnamaldehyde content can cause allergic contact dermatitis, skin sensitization, and irritation in many individuals. Studies show that cinnamaldehyde is one of the most common fragrance allergens, affecting approximately 1-3% of the population. The ingredient may also cause photosensitivity reactions. Repeated exposure can lead to sensitization even in individuals who previously tolerated it well. The EU Cosmetics Regulation requires this ingredient to be labeled as a fragrance allergen when present above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products. IFRA has established maximum use levels for cassia oil in various cosmetic applications due to safety concerns. While not banned, it is heavily regulated and considered one of the more problematic fragrance ingredients for causing skin reactions.
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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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