Hexyl Cinnamal
alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde
What it is
A synthetic jasmine-scented aldehyde (CAS 101-86-0) widely used as a fragrance ingredient.
In this product: Jasmine/floral fragrance component.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Dermal, leave-on and rinse-off. Skin sensitization via direct contact with the aldehyde; allergen for individuals previously sensitized.
EUROPEAN UNION
Named-disclosure fragrance allergen under EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III; reaffirmed by Regulation (EU) 2023/1545. Must be individually listed on EU cosmetic labels above threshold concentrations.
UNITED STATES
No individual disclosure requirement. May appear inside 'Fragrance' on US labels without being named.
The evidence
Hexyl cinnamal is among the original 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens requiring individual label disclosure; confirmed in EU Annex III and Regulation (EU) 2023/1545.
regulatory · 2023 · source
California Prop 65: Not listed.
How to avoid it
Fragrance-free products avoid it. On EU labels, check for hexyl cinnamal listed by name; on US labels, its presence is unknown unless the brand voluntarily discloses fragrance components.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.