The Clean Sheet
Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Cinnamic Acid

(E)-3-Phenylprop-2-enoic acid

Safety Flags
Allergen: Low; related to cinnamal/fragrance chemistry, use with fragrance-sensitivity awareness
Safety Notes

Aromatic organic acid with antimicrobial activity, used as a booster in natural preservation blends and as a fragrance ingredient. Mild honey-balsamic odour.

Function & Common Use

Function

Antimicrobial / Fragrance / Skin conditioning

Category

Preservative / Antimicrobial

Common In

Natural preservative blends, fine fragrance, soothing skincare

Origin

Natural (occurs in cinnamon, balsams) or synthetic

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No specific limit under CR 2020 in source checked

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No specific limit; use at self-determined safe level per safety assessment

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked

Baby restriction: None identified for standard cosmetic use

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cinnamic Acid safe to use in skincare?

Cinnamic Acid has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Aromatic organic acid with antimicrobial activity, used as a booster in natural preservation blends and as a fragrance ingredient. Mild honey-balsamic odour.

Is Cinnamic Acid allowed in India?

Cinnamic Acid is currently classified as "Permitted; regulated as a cosmetic ingredient under CR 2020" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is No specific limit under CR 2020 in source checked.

What is Cinnamic Acid used for in cosmetics?

Cinnamic Acid functions as: Antimicrobial / Fragrance / Skin conditioning. It is commonly found in: Natural preservative blends, fine fragrance, soothing skincare.

Can Cinnamic Acid cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Cinnamic Acid has an allergen flag (Low; related to cinnamal/fragrance chemistry, use with fragrance-sensitivity awareness). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

Is Cinnamic Acid safe for babies?

Cinnamic Acid has baby/child restrictions: None identified for standard cosmetic use. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
Medium
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted; regulated as a cosmetic ingredient under CR 2020
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted; no specific 21 CFR cosmetic restriction identified in source checked
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted; no specific MFDS restriction identified in source checked
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient under AICIS; standard framework applies; no therapeutic listing unless therapeutic claims made
Canada (NHPID)
Not listed as restricted on Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist in source checked; standard cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS621-82-9
EC210-708-3

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