Ingredient
Cinnamomum Cassia Oil
Cinnamomum Cassia Oil is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and hormone disruptor.
- Cassia Oil
- Chinese Cinnamon Oil
- Cassia Bark Oil
- Cinnamon Cassia 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 Oil and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Hormone disruptor
Cinnamomum cassia oil is an essential oil derived from Chinese cinnamon bark, used primarily for fragrance in cosmetic products. The oil contains high concentrations of cinnamaldehyde and other bioactive compounds that can be absorbed through the skin. According to aromatherapy safety guidelines and obstetric recommendations, cassia oil is generally advised against during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects and concerns about systemic absorption of its active compounds. While topical cosmetic use involves lower exposure than therapeutic aromatherapy doses, the oil's compounds can still be absorbed through skin. Additionally, cassia oil's high irritancy can compromise skin barrier function, potentially increasing absorption. Some studies suggest cinnamaldehyde may have effects on smooth muscle tissue. Many aromatherapists and healthcare providers recommend avoiding cassia oil throughout pregnancy as a precautionary measure. While evidence of harm from cosmetic concentrations is limited, the potential for uterine effects combined with known skin irritation makes it advisable to choose fragrance-free alternatives or products with gentler essential oils during pregnancy.
Cinnamomum Cassia Oil and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Infant exposure
Cinnamomum cassia oil is a highly irritating essential oil that can cause skin sensitivity and allergic reactions. When used in cosmetic products applied to areas that may contact a breastfed infant, there are concerns about direct exposure to the baby's sensitive skin. While specific data on cassia oil in breast milk is limited, the primary concern for breastfeeding mothers is direct skin contact with the infant. Essential oils, particularly irritating ones like cassia, can cause severe reactions on infant skin. Additionally, the strong fragrance may be irritating to babies' sensitive respiratory systems during close contact. Lactation consultants and dermatologists generally recommend avoiding highly irritating essential oils like cassia on areas that may contact the infant, including chest, neck, and hands. If using products with cassia oil on other body areas, ensure thorough handwashing before handling the baby and avoid application near the breast area.
Cinnamomum Cassia Oil and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Cinnamomum cassia oil remains a highly irritating and allergenic ingredient for postpartum women not breastfeeding. Postpartum skin may be more sensitive due to hormonal fluctuations, making reactions to irritating ingredients like cassia oil more likely. The ingredient provides no specific benefits for postpartum skin concerns and may worsen sensitivity or trigger allergic reactions. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding highly irritating essential oils during the postpartum period when skin may already be compromised or reactive.
Cinnamomum Cassia Oil and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Irritant
Cinnamomum cassia oil has potential concerns during the preconception period similar to those in pregnancy. While specific fertility effects haven't been documented, the precautionary principle suggests avoiding ingredients with potential uterine effects when trying to conceive. Women trying to conceive may choose to discontinue cassia oil-containing products as part of preparing for pregnancy, particularly given that the ingredient provides only fragrance benefits with no skincare value and has safer alternatives available.
Cinnamomum Cassia Oil and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Can inflame skin
Cinnamomum cassia oil is a known skin irritant and sensitizer with no beneficial properties for PCOS management. The oil does not have hormonal effects relevant to PCOS, though it may increase skin inflammation. Women with PCOS often experience skin sensitivity and inflammatory conditions like acne. Using an irritating ingredient like cassia oil can worsen inflammation and potentially trigger or exacerbate skin reactions rather than improve them. There are no benefits to using cassia oil for PCOS-related skin concerns, and the high irritancy makes it unsuitable for individuals dealing with hormonally-influenced skin issues. Gentler fragrance options or fragrance-free products are preferable.
Cinnamomum Cassia Oil and general use
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Cinnamomum cassia oil is an essential oil used for fragrance in cosmetics, derived from Chinese cinnamon bark. The oil contains 75-90% cinnamaldehyde, a compound known for causing skin irritation and allergic reactions. According to the SCCS and IFRA, cassia oil is one of the most problematic fragrance ingredients due to its high sensitization potential. It can cause allergic contact dermatitis, irritant reactions, and may increase photosensitivity. Repeated use can lead to sensitization even in people who initially tolerated it, and reactions can become progressively worse with continued exposure. The EU requires products containing cassia oil above certain thresholds to list it separately on ingredient labels due to allergy concerns. IFRA has established strict concentration limits for cassia oil in different product types. Individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or fragrance allergies should avoid this ingredient. Most dermatologists recommend choosing fragrance-free products or those with gentler fragrance alternatives.
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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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