Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) bark extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mild astringent properties, primarily due to cinnamaldehyde and polyphenol content. It is sometimes included for purported skin-conditioning and anti-inflammatory effects.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Common | Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic alcohol are well-recognized fragrance allergens and frequent causes of sensitization. |
| Skin irritation/burning or stinging | Common | Cinnamaldehyde can cause irritant reactions, especially at higher concentrations. |
| Contact urticaria | Uncommon | Immediate hives or redness on contact have been reported with cinnamon-derived compounds. |
| Perioral or mucosal irritation | Uncommon | More relevant in lip/oral-care products containing cinnamon flavor compounds. |
| Photosensitivity reactions | Rare | Occasional reports, less established than direct irritant/allergic effects. |
| Pigmentary changes (hyper- or hypopigmentation) | Very rare | May follow severe contact dermatitis as a post-inflammatory sequela. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.