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Hexyl Cinnamal

What Hexyl Cinnamal is & what it does

A jasmine-like fragrance compound used to add floral scent. It is a recognized fragrance allergen.

What is Hexyl Cinnamal and what does it do in sunscreen?

Hexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient. It has a soft, jasmine-like floral scent and is added in small amounts to give a product a pleasant smell or to round out a fragrance blend. It plays no role in sun protection or skin care; it is purely there for scent. It can come from natural sources or be made synthetically.

Is Hexyl Cinnamal safe?

Yes, for most people at the levels used in cosmetics. It is a recognized fragrance allergen, which is why the EU requires it to be listed by name on the label once it passes a small threshold, rather than hidden under "parfum." That labelling is there so people who react to it can spot and avoid it. For everyone else it is generally well tolerated.

Is Hexyl Cinnamal an allergen?

Yes, it is one of the fragrance materials the EU classifies as a potential allergen, so it must be declared by its INCI name on the ingredient list. Most people use it without any issue, but a minority can develop contact sensitivity to it, especially on already irritated skin. If you have a known fragrance allergy or very reactive skin, you may prefer a fragrance-free sunscreen. The label declaration exists precisely to make that choice easy.

Does Hexyl Cinnamal clog pores?

Generally no. Hexyl Cinnamal is a lightweight fragrance compound used in very small amounts, not a heavy oil or wax, so it is not considered a pore-clogging ingredient. The more relevant concern with it is potential fragrance sensitivity, not comedogenicity. If you are breaking out, look to the oils and emollients in the formula instead.

What is Hexyl Cinnamal on an ingredient list (INCI)?

"Hexyl Cinnamal" is the INCI name printed on the label. It is one of the named fragrance allergens, so it appears separately even when the rest of the scent is grouped under "parfum" or "fragrance." It usually sits low on the list, near other fragrance components. Seeing it simply tells you the product is scented.

Sunscreens with Hexyl Cinnamal

We rate 366 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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