Hexyl Cinnamal (also known as Hexyl Cinnamaldehyde) is a synthetic aroma chemical with a powerful, sweet, floral, jasmine-like scent with waxy, citrus, and slightly spicy undertones. It is one of the most important fragrance materials used to recreate jasmine, tuberose, and oriental floral notes. It acts as an excellent fixative for extending the longevity of floral and oriental accords. This pale yellow to colorless liquid is widely used in fine fragrances, deodorants, body lotions, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and laundry products. It is one of the 26 EU-declared fragrance allergens, requiring mandatory labeling when present above 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Products with HEXYL CINNAMAL
With samples available
AFI® TRES LECHES CAKE
by Aromatic Fragrances International
- Sustainable option
Seridefrizz Intense Salon
by Chemyunion
- Sustainable option
a-Hexylcinnamaldehyde
by CD Formulation
What is HEXYL CINNAMAL used for?
- Perfuming: Provides rich, jasmine-like, floral-waxy character and depth. Frequently used in fine fragrances, deodorants, body mists, hair products, and home care for luxurious, long-lasting floral notes.
- Fragrance fixative: Prolongs scent longevity by stabilizing volatile top and middle notes. Common in perfumes, lotions, and functional products to improve overall fragrance performance.
- Masking: Helps cover or round off unpleasant odors from raw materials or bases. Used in shampoos, cleansers, and laundry detergents for better sensory acceptance.
- Modifier: Blends well with benzyl salicylate, linalool, hedione, and other floral materials to create complex jasmine, tuberose, and oriental profiles.
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal is produced synthetically via aldol condensation of benzaldehyde with octanal (or heptanal followed by chain extension). It is followed by dehydration to form the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde. The process uses petrochemical precursors but yields a high-purity (>98 %) fragrance material. It is not naturally occurring in significant quantities (trace amounts in some jasmine absolutes), so virtually all cosmetic-grade hexyl cinnamal is synthetic for consistency, cost, and availability.
What does HEXYL CINNAMAL do in a formulation?
PERFUMING|
MASKINGSafety Profile
Hexyl Cinnamal is considered safe for cosmetic use per the CIR Expert Panel (safe as used) and EU regulations (Annex III). It is one of the 26 mandatory fragrance allergens, labeling required when above thresholds (0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off). It has a moderate hazard rating from EWG (typically 4-6) due to potential contact allergy/sensitization (especially in oxidized form or in fragrance-sensitive individuals). Sensitization risk is considered moderate to high compared to other fragrance materials. Well-tolerated in most users at typical concentrations (0.1-5%; IFRA max limits vary by product category, e.g., 5.3% in fine fragrance). Patch testing strongly recommended for sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Not classified as carcinogenic or reproductive toxicant for topical use.
HEXYL CINNAMAL alternatives
HEXYL CINNAMAL technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | 305°C |
| Melting Point | < -20°C |
| pH | Neutral |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, oils, and fragrance solvents |
| Viscosity | Low (~5-15 mPa·s at 20°C) |