Ingredient
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf 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 irritant.
- Cinnamon Leaf Oil
- Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf 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 Zeylanicum Leaf Oil and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Irritant
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil is an essential oil extracted from cinnamon leaves, used as a fragrance ingredient. It contains high levels of eugenol and other volatile compounds that can penetrate the skin. Essential oils, particularly cinnamon oil, are generally not recommended during pregnancy by aromatherapists and many healthcare providers. Cinnamon oil is known to be a potent skin irritant, and there are theoretical concerns about its systemic absorption and potential effects during pregnancy. While most concerns stem from oral consumption, the high irritancy and absorption potential of this essential oil warrant caution with topical use as well. Cinnamon has historically been used in large doses to stimulate uterine contractions, though cosmetic concentrations are much lower. The American Pregnancy Association and many aromatherapy experts recommend avoiding cinnamon essential oils during pregnancy. Most dermatologists and obstetricians advise pregnant women to choose fragrance-free or naturally fragranced products without cinnamon oil due to both irritation risks and the lack of clear safety data.
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Irritant
Cinnamon leaf oil is a highly irritating essential oil used for fragrance. It contains eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, potent allergens that can cause contact dermatitis. While there are no specific concerns about cinnamon oil transferring into breast milk in problematic amounts, the high irritancy of this oil makes it unsuitable for use on or near the breast area. The strong fragrance and sensitizing compounds could cause adverse reactions if an infant comes into contact with skin treated with this oil. Many lactation consultants and dermatologists recommend avoiding highly irritating essential oils like cinnamon during breastfeeding, particularly on the chest, neck, and areas where infant contact is likely. If used in products, ensure application is far from the breastfeeding area.
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Cinnamon leaf oil remains a potent skin irritant regardless of postpartum status. Postpartum skin may be more sensitive due to hormonal changes, making reactions more likely. Women with sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions should avoid cinnamon oil in cosmetics. The irritancy is well-documented and not specific to pregnancy or postpartum status.
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Irritant
While there are no specific fertility concerns with topical cinnamon oil, women trying to conceive often choose to avoid unnecessary irritants and potent essential oils as they prepare for pregnancy. The primary concern is skin irritation rather than reproductive effects. However, given the recommendation to avoid cinnamon oil during pregnancy, some women prefer to discontinue use when actively trying to conceive.
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Irritant
Cinnamon leaf oil is used solely for fragrance and has no benefits for PCOS-related skin concerns. Its high irritancy can actually worsen inflammatory skin conditions. PCOS skin is often sensitive and prone to inflammation. Cinnamon oil's irritating properties can exacerbate acne, redness, and sensitivity common in PCOS. Dermatologists generally recommend that individuals with PCOS and sensitive skin avoid known irritants like cinnamon oil, opting instead for fragrance-free or gently fragranced products.
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Cinnamon leaf oil is used as a fragrance ingredient but is known to be highly irritating and sensitizing. It contains eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, both recognized allergens by the EU. According to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), cinnamon oil has a high potential for causing contact dermatitis and allergic sensitization. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has established strict limits on its use in cosmetics, particularly in leave-on products. Individuals with sensitive skin or a history of fragrance allergies should avoid this ingredient. For the general population, products containing cinnamon leaf oil should be used with caution. Patch testing is strongly recommended, and those with any skin sensitivity should opt for cinnamon-free alternatives. The irritancy risk is well-documented and significant.
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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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