INGREDIENT DEEP DIVE: CINNAMYL ALCOHOL

Hi, babes! Emma here, and today we're talking about cinnamyl alchohol, a fragrance compound many of you have, either unknowingly or knowingly, encountered in your routines by now. Not sure? Keep reading to see. 



Cinnamyl alcohol may be one of those substances that makes you wonder why it's on the label. Nevertheless, before you start to wonder what it is and what it does, the name ought to offer you a hint. It is a fragrance component extracted from cinnamon and balsam and cosmetics and skincare products are usually fragranced with it.

This ingredient is typically found in perfumes, shower and bath products, anti-aging skincare, deodorants, and other toiletry-like products. I’ll take the opportunity to tell you more about it in today’s article. 

Basically, cinnamyl alcohol is an organic compound (when speaking about chemicals, this just means that it is derived from carbon) that is frequently used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. Although it is naturally occurring, it is in high demand as a fragrance ingredient and therefore is most often produced synthetically.

It can be found in anything with fragrance. Its main purpose is to provide fragrance to beauty products such as perfumes, shower and bath products, anti-aging skincare, and deodorants. Containing cinnamon and balsamic extracts, it produces an aroma similar to hyacinth, with floral sweet and spicy notes. When added to products, it is known to provide a strong and generally pleasant fragrance.


Benefits of Cinnamyl Alcohol for Skin



It’s important to bear in mind that any perks of cinnamyl alcohol come with a caveat. Unfortunately, cinnamyl alcohol poses a risk for skin irritation and allergy. It may be ‘safer’ than some other common fragrance ingredients as it has been shown in some clinical studies to be non-toxic and non-irritating. However, conflicting studies have shown it to be a skin sensitizer. Dermatologists  advise patients to avoid fragranced skincare products whenever possible as this category of ingredients is one of the most common causes of irritant contact dermatitis.

Cinnamyl alcohol is known to stimulate the scalp cells and eliminate impurities without stripping the strands of its natural, healthy oils when used in hair care products. The other benefit is that it has a really nice scent. 


Side Effects of Cinnamyl Alcohol



Like many other synthetic fragrances, cinnamyl alcohol is classified as a skin irritant and is known to have the potential to cause adverse skin reactions such as redness, bumps, and itchiness. If you’re usually sensitive to fragrances, then it’d be best to avoid it. 


How to use it in your routine

The best way to use cinnamyl alcohol is as an ingredient in toiletry products. Due to its irritating capabilities, it is best to pair it with soothing ingredients that can counteract or reverse skin irritation that might occur. Some of these types of ingredients include ceramides, niacinamide, and aloe vera.

When using cinnamyl alcohol in skincare, dermatologists and skin experts alike recommend you avoid using other skin irritants so as to not overload your skin and cause various skin reactions. Some potential irritants you should stay away from include but are not limited to other fragrances, sulphates, and glycolic acid. 

However, I've got some perfume recommendations if you're not affraid of a little spice in your life: 




The product description for this particular perfume says: "(...) A feeling of exhilaration tempered by awkwardness, a heady collision of innocence and experience, not knowing and knowing, felt across countries, cultures and time. Slow Dance mixes ideas of the feminine and masculine, bitter and sweet, in a rich, intoxicating distillation redolent of warm skin and breathless exchange. (...)". Many of their perfumes contain this particular component mentioned in my article, however, this is one of my all-time faves because it's quite different from the usual scents that I like. 









"Beautifully seductive, notes of pink pepper, cinnamon and bergamot create a spiciness that is beautifully skin-like, complementing the captivating hint of Damask rose and sandalwood. Tonka bean and bourbon vanilla enrich with moreish almond and caramel-like qualities, while elemi combined with cedarwood give Botanical Essence™ No.15 that clean, fresh undertone." If that sounds like it's something up your alley, definitely try it! This is another one of my faves, it's spicy and fresh all at the same time. 




Marc Jacobs Daisy Love


As per Superdrug, where I bought my own bottle of this gorgeous fragrance: "Addictive and irresistible, Daisy Love fills the air with a contagious love of life. (...) Delicate daisy tree petals mingle with sparkling cashmere musks and driftwood to create a lasting and memorable gourmand twist." 








So babes, learnt anything new whilst reading? Let me know in the comments. 

Talk to you soon, babes! 

Love,

Emma 

xoxo


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