Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract

What it is

An extract of the dried bark of Chinese cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia. It contains cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols, giving it antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. It appears in warming or purifying formulations and in traditional Korean herbal blends, usually at low levels.

What it does well

• Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

  Cinnamon bark polyphenols show consistent antioxidant and antibacterial effects in laboratory assays. Evidence for visible skin benefits from cosmetic use is minimal.

  Limited evidence

Worth knowing

• Can irritate, and is chemically related to a regulated fragrance allergen

  Cassia bark contains cinnamaldehyde. The pure compound cinnamal is a regulated fragrance allergen requiring declaration under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, and cassia leaf oil is separately restricted, though the bark extract itself carries no EU restriction.

  Matters most toPeople with sensitive skin, perioral dermatitis, or a known allergy to cinnamon, cinnamal or balsam of Peru.

Where the EU stands