Cinnamyl alcohol

Other names: Cinnamyl alcohol

Cinnamyl alcohol, also known as β-phenylacrylic alcohol, is an aroma chemical with characteristic scents of cinnamon, jasmine and hyacinth. It is a colorless to slightly yellow liquid that occurs naturally in some essential oils, such as cinnamon oil, cocoa butter, and jasmine oil. It is the first substance to be isolated from an essential oil and its name cinnamyl comes from the Latin word \'cinnamomum\', meaning cinnamon.

Cinnamyl alcohol is used in a wide range of cosmetic and personal products as a perfume ingredient. It is popular for its natural scent, which is reminiscent of flowers and cinnamon. Its high resistance to oxidation and high temperature stability make it an ideal ingredient for products such as shampoos, conditioners and skin creams. If you find cinnamyl alcohol among the ingredients in your favourite skincare or hair product, it's probably the ingredient that gives the product the scent it needs. Cinnamyl alcohol is also used in the food industry as a natural flavouring and, in some cases, in medicines. Its applications are therefore very varied and wide-ranging. It is also important to note that, as with all allergens, cinnamyl alcohol can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.