Hexyl cinnamaldehyde began its journey in the early 20th century as chemists experimented with ways to mimic floral scents in perfumes. This compound drew attention for capturing the tried and true aroma many associated with jasmine or floral bouquets–a result no one had quite nailed until varying structural tweaks gave rise to the signature note of HCA. Digging through historical research, perfumers leaned on this molecule to bridge the gap between artificial and natural fragrance, especially after shortages of natural oils during wartime. Personal experience in chemical archives shows how demand for stable synthetic aromas converted the compound from a lab curiosity into a production staple by the 1940s. This leap gave cosmetic and personal care industries a reliable fix for the unpredictable swings tied to botanical harvests.
Today, HCA regularly shows up in fragrance oils, lotions, and scented candles. Some laundry detergents bank on its stable and relatively mild odor profile, which blends with the more volatile top notes of floral and fruity compositions. Many companies select it for its cost efficiency, especially as natural oils keep trending upward in price. Its profile lands squarely between earthy and sweet, so formulators often reach for it to build body into a scent composition. Anyone with allergies to big floral extracts may already know HCA, as it offers a synthetic alternative while sidestepping the unpredictability of natural plant extracts.
Hexyl cinnamaldehyde pours as a clear, pale yellow liquid with a sweet, floral perfume. It carries a faint spicy note too, which is why perfumers value it as a base ingredient rather than just a standalone scent. Boiling point lands around 305°C, which hints at its resistance to quick evaporation under normal conditions. This means scented products using HCA retain their fragrance for longer after exposure to air. Chemists in the lab respect its low water solubility, choosing organic solvents for mixing instead. It has a moderate density hovering around 0.95 g/cm3. These unassuming numbers directly affect how product developers approach blending, storage, and shelf-life projections for the end user.
Global regulations expect suppliers to label HCA clearly, since some individuals react to aldehydic compounds. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) places restrictions on its use in leave-on versus rinse-off applications, forcing manufacturers to reformulate if they cross certain concentrations. On any bottle headed for the European market, you’ll spot “hexyl cinnamal” on the ingredient label—mandated by European regulations focused on allergen transparency. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) forms the standard for purity checks, ensuring the product lands within 98–99% active ingredient. Pharmacopeia-grade material must report batch-to-batch consistency to prevent unwanted surprises in high-volume products.
Most commercial synthesis of HCA pivots on an aldol condensation between benzaldehyde and hexanal, using basic catalysts like sodium hydroxide. Experienced organic chemists watch for byproduct formation—controlling temperature and reaction time closely to boost purity. Recrystallization and vacuum distillation round out the post-reaction steps, stripping away unreacted components and delivering the liquid state valued by manufacturers. Bench chemists will tell you the real art comes in managing these purification steps, as an unchecked process leaves off-odors or impurities that can cripple a product line.
HCA acts as a classic aldehyde in organic settings, taking part in reductions to yield the corresponding alcohol or in oxidations toward the carboxylic acid. Creative chemists sometimes tweak the aliphatic chain, changing length or branching to tailor odor profiles, seeking new scent nuances for niche markets. Some research teams modify the phenyl ring to create derivatives with expanded anti-microbial activity or altered solubility for specialty applications. These laboratory adjustments illustrate the compound’s flexibility and the ongoing curiosity driving new product development around the world.
Across supply catalogs, you’ll catch HCA under a handful of monikers: 2-benzylideneoctanal, hexyl cinnamal, and hexyl cinnamic aldehyde each point to the same structure. Industry folks also see “alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde” on fragrance reference sheets. Commercial fragrance blends may tuck it under branded trade names, so safety data sheets remain the best bet for full disclosure of composition. Cosmetic formulations tend to favor the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) tag, hexyl cinnamal, especially for compliance in cross-border shipping and sales.
Safety conversations around HCA almost always turn to skin sensitization. Decades of patch testing flagged a small but significant group of people who develop rashes or dermatitis from direct skin exposure, especially in leave-on formulations. Companies now lean into IFRA standards—the rules keep product concentrations at levels meant to balance effectiveness and skin safety. Technicians wear gloves, goggles, and lab coats during handling, protecting themselves from repeat or heavy-duty exposure. Storage rooms stay cool and dry, both to preserve HCA and cut down odor build-up, which can overwhelm small workspaces if left unchecked.
HCA goes to work in perfumery, creating floral notes in everything from luxury eau de toilette to mass-market body sprays. Detergent and fabric care products benefit from the compound’s resistance to quick breakdown, a useful trait when fighting lingering odors after washing. Soap makers favor it for a light, non-intrusive background aroma, letting stronger top notes shine without overwhelming the senses. Sometimes food scientists play with structurally related molecules in flavor blends, though HCA itself stays out of the food supply due to concerns over sensitization. Even paint and coatings industries have dabbled with it in specialty applications needing a mild, pleasant odor profile.
Development teams look past fragrance into the promise of bioactivity. A few studies check HCA for anti-fungal or antibiofilm properties, especially in preserving cosmetic creams and gels. Others investigate eco-friendly production routes, including fermentation-based bioconversion using engineered yeast. Chemists balance the economic and environmental costs, chasing green chemistry processes with fewer toxic byproducts and higher energy efficiency. Industry R&D groups keep probing derivative design too, looking for molecules with the same performance but lower sensitization risk. Emerging patents hint at HCA analogues in hard surface cleaners and even healthcare wipes.
Toxicologists survey the data with an eye on both acute and chronic exposure. Rats exposed to high doses over weeks display liver and kidney changes, driving regulatory limits on workplace exposure. In humans, skin reactions form the main health risk, though respiratory irritation occasionally crops up among workers using poorly ventilated spaces. Regulatory bodies frequently reexamine the evidence, shifting concentration thresholds downward in consumer products when warranted. Routine patch testing by manufacturers offers early warnings on manufacturing tweaks that raise the risk of adverse reactions. Medical journals continue publishing new case reports, keeping a steady drumbeat on the vigilance front.
Looking ahead, HCA’s use profile faces both challenge and chance. Shifts in consumer appetite for “natural” ingredients are nudging formulators toward bio-derived versions or plant-based alternatives. At the same time, pressure for more transparent labeling and tighter allergen controls shape reformulation trends. Labs in Asia and Europe race to deliver next-gen molecules that carry the familiar scent profile with even milder effects on sensitive skin types. Environmental assessments monitor HCA’s biodegradability and its impact on aquatic life, as downstream effects ride alongside global scale-up of personal care production. Expect advances at the intersection of fragrance, toxicology, and green chemistry to reshape industry reliance on hexyl cinnamaldehyde within the next decade.
Walking through the aisles of any supermarket, one thing always grabs attention: lingering scents from laundry detergents, soaps, lotions, and even air fresheners. These products often smell so inviting that people pause just to breathe them in. Many owe their appeal to an ingredient called hexyl cinnamaldehyde (HCA). This compound, which smells a bit like jasmine and cinnamon mixed together, plays an important role in the everyday products people use to feel fresh and clean.
Hexyl cinnamaldehyde shows up in household staples because manufacturers look for ingredients that can lift the mood through scent. Each time I put on my favorite moisturizer or wash my hair with a new shampoo, the fragrance can spark a quiet sense of happiness or comfort. HCA does this work efficiently. Companies turn to it because it blends easily with a range of essential and synthetic oils, helping to create memorable fragrance profiles. It sneaks into everything from deodorants and body sprays to candles, bath bombs, and even pet shampoos. It turns out, people are not the only ones drawn to pleasant smells.
The skin is the body’s largest organ and takes in everything layered onto it. With skin care, fragrance can turn a simple routine into a moment of luxury. HCA stands out because it delivers subtle, floral notes without overwhelming. I have noticed that many major cosmetic brands prefer HCA over heavier or more irritating fragrance chemicals. This isn’t just about preference. The ingredient usually produces less skin irritation than many perfume agents, making it a go-to for products meant for daily use. Perfume houses also reach for it when building complex scents, especially those with light, floral, or fresh themes.
Scent signals cleanliness. Most people want kitchens and bathrooms to smell as spotless as they look. HCA plays a major role in scented cleaners, dishwashing liquids, and laundry powders. I once worked in a store that stocked dozens of cleaning sprays; nearly all of the most popular choices had some version of "jasmine" or "floral breeze" listed among the advertised scents. HCA regularly helps create these impressions, shifting the atmosphere of a home from bland to welcoming with little more than a spritz or swipe.
No ingredient comes without some scrutiny. Research published by the International Journal of Toxicology shows that HCA, at typical concentrations, rarely causes allergic reactions. The European Chemicals Agency does flag it as a potential skin allergen for sensitive individuals. Product labels often list it alone or in fine print among several other fragrances. People with highly reactive skin would do well to spot it on labels and choose fragrance-free options when possible. For most of us, low doses in regulated consumer products offer the pleasure of scent with minimal fuss or worry.
The science around fragrance safety keeps evolving. More brands offer transparency about ingredients, including fragrance blends. As a consumer, I've learned that asking questions and reading labels protects my well-being. Switching to unscented or hypoallergenic options remains the best bet for families with allergies. Advocates for safer cosmetics push for clearer disclosure on packaging, so people can make informed choices. The move toward "less is more" keeps growing, and the industry seems to pay attention, offering more options for those looking to cut back on fragrance exposure.
Step into the world of personal care, and you’ll notice the same handful of unfamiliar words on product labels. Hexyl cinnamaldehyde is one such name—an ingredient added to deodorants, shampoos, creams, and perfumes for its appealing, jasmine-like scent. The compound gets its start from cinnamon leaves or can be made in a lab. Fragrance brings personality to products, but it also brings questions. Is it safe to let this stuff sit on your skin every day?
Personal experience in the skincare aisle tells me this ingredient pops up often. As someone with sensitive skin, I have second-guessed heavily scented lotions more than once. Fragrance ingredients can take credit for giving shampoo or moisturizer that sensory “lift,” but also face scrutiny from dermatologists and allergists.
Scientific literature supports the idea that hexyl cinnamaldehyde can boost a product’s aroma, but the catch is not everyone’s skin reacts the same way to fragrance. Research by the American Contact Dermatitis Society lists this ingredient as a known allergen. For the average healthy person, there’s little risk: studies find it rarely causes irritation or rash. But people already dealing with sensitive or reactive skin—like eczema patients—stand in a different place.
Not everything labeled an “allergen” sparks an immediate health scare. In my own time working with skincare clients, those with no skin conditions rarely gave fragrance a second thought. But data doesn’t lie: expert panels and regulatory bodies like the European Cosmetics Regulation highlight hexyl cinnamaldehyde’s spot on the list of 24 common fragrance ingredients. These must be declared on product labels across Europe, mainly because they can cause allergic reactions in some.
Patch tests in dermatology clinics back up this caution. A small slice of the population reacts to products containing this fragrance chemical, with redness, itching, or blisters. That risk is low for most people—about 0.1% of patch test patients, according to published studies—but for someone already fighting dermatitis, it’s a real consideration.
Regulatory agencies keep a close eye on fragrance safety. The International Fragrance Association and the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety both agree hexyl cinnamaldehyde is safe in limited amounts. Formulators must follow strict rules: they set caps on how much can go into a finished product.
From a practical perspective, everyday use of products with hexyl cinnamaldehyde tends not to cause problems for healthy adults. Using them for years has taught me that a patch test beats guesswork. If no redness or irritation pops up in a day, chances are the skin will tolerate it. Problems often show up after prolonged overexposure—rare, but possible in people who use many fragranced products daily.
For people with a history of allergies, eczema, or ultra-sensitive skin, products labeled “fragrance-free” or “for sensitive skin” often work better. Checking ingredient lists can feel tedious, but it beats the trouble of an unexpected rash. The best advice comes from skin specialists: know what your skin tolerates, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and remember—what works for one person may not work for another.
Hexyl cinnamaldehyde brings pleasant scents to daily life, yet deserves mindful use. Personal experience, expert consensus, and regulations agree: most people use this ingredient without a problem, but a careful eye helps those with sensitive skin avoid surprises.
People looking for weight management aids often come across Hydroxycitric Acid, known as HCA. This substance, which usually comes from tamarind fruit, is touted in many diet supplements. It promises appetite control or fat loss—a hook that draws in plenty of attention. My own experience with customers in fitness coaching reflects a growing trust in these types of supplements, even among those with underlying health concerns. That trust sometimes gets misplaced.
Most advertising around HCA glosses over possible downsides. I started noticing patterns once a few athletes mentioned stomach upset after trying these products. Typical complaints show up as nausea, digestive cramps, or headaches. The Mayo Clinic cites studies linking HCA to those symptoms, often at standard supplement dosages. People tend to believe anything from a plant sounds harmless, but that’s not always the case.
Short-term use brings other risks. Sometimes users feel weak or dizzy—signs you don’t want in an already calorie-restricted diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received scattered reports of liver issues connected to certain HCA products, particularly multi-ingredient formulas. While those cases stay rare, anyone managing liver function or taking medications for blood sugar needs to take note. There’s a history of supplement brands getting voluntary product recalls following cluster reports of hepatitis in users, such as with products containing both HCA and green tea extract.
Allergic reactions sound less common, but they happen, especially in people who react to the tamarind plant family. Sneezing, skin rashes, or swelling count as warning signs—signals not to ignore. I remember one gym member who consistently broke out in hives after trying various new supplements. Years later, a doctor suggested she had a sensitivity to tropical fruits, which included tamarind. If anyone in your family has food allergies, tread carefully around HCA.
Some supplements use fillers, coloring agents, or preservatives in their formulas. Any of those extra substances raise the odds of allergic reactions. People with histories of peanut allergies, gluten sensitivity, or lactose intolerance can sometimes react to hidden ingredients in “herbal” blends. It can take a lot of label reading and even then, supplement makers don’t always disclose full ingredient lists, especially if they source HCA overseas.
Diet trends come and go. The healthiest habits I’ve seen in my regular gym circle build on consistency and skepticism of hype. Anyone seriously considering HCA needs to ask a few pointed questions at the pharmacy or health shop. Check if any medication you take might interact with it—statins and diabetes drugs stand out. Talking openly with a doctor before starting any new supplement offers a safety net.
The National Institutes of Health stresses that any strong claims about effortless weight loss deserve a second look. There’s no shortcut that replaces mindful eating, regular movement, and steady rest. HCA sounds promising for some, but the risk of allergies or side effects means it’s best approached with caution. Anyone who’s felt strange after trying a new supplement deserves to share that story—sometimes, those warnings help others stay healthy.
Hexyl cinnamaldehyde often pops up on the labels of perfumes, body lotions, and cleaning sprays. The name sounds like something snatched from a lab coat pocket, yet the scent reminds plenty of people of spring flowers and fruit markets. The question gets tossed around: is this stuff natural, or is it cooked up in factories? Pulling apart the answer means getting a handle on where the molecule comes from and how companies make use of it.
Scientists know hexyl cinnamaldehyde as an aromatic aldehyde. In nature, there are faint traces of it found in some plants, but they appear in quantities far too small to squeeze out for commercial use. That sets up a hurdle for the beauty and cleaning industries, both of which demand hundreds of tons of this ingredient every year. Chasing all-natural production just can’t keep up. Manufacturing answers the call through chemical synthesis.
A synthetic compound comes into existence after running base ingredients through a chemical process, often bringing together raw chemicals that, on their own, lack a noticeable scent or flavor. Most large-scale hexyl cinnamaldehyde gets made this way. Starting with benzaldehyde and hexanol, labs follow a well-established process, turning out large amounts of a consistent and pure product. Thanks to the structure of the molecule, synthetic hexyl cinnamaldehyde is virtually identical to any natural version anyone might find in trace botanicals. There’s no difference in how the molecules act on the skin or in the nose.
People shopping for beauty or household items want to understand what’s inside their products. For some, it’s about reducing the use of manufactured chemicals. Others care about sustainability and minimizing harm to the environment. For me, growing up surrounded by herbal remedies, I got used to thinking “natural means safe.” But certain synthetics—when used in moderation and made under proper regulations—carry fewer risks than wild-harvesting rare plants. The European Chemicals Agency maintains safety guidelines for hexyl cinnamaldehyde in skin-contact products. It’s listed as a fragrance allergen, meaning companies must identify it on packaging above specific concentrations. That transparency helps everyone make their own best decisions, especially for those prone to sensitivities or allergic reactions.
Sticking with synthetic production cuts down on stripping wild plants for essential oils. Chemical synthesis, carried out under controlled conditions, reduces waste and energy use per gram, compared with distilling massive quantities of plants. Still, the chemical industry isn’t perfect—managing chemical waste responsibly remains a concern. Companies need strict oversight to keep pollution in check, push for greener chemistry, and switch over to renewable feedstocks. Investing in safer, cleaner manufacturing methods helps both people and the planet.
Looking at ingredient lists gets complicated quickly. Just because a word sounds synthetic does not mean it’s harmful, and just because something’s natural, that doesn’t make it automatically safe. As a rule, hexyl cinnamaldehyde used for scent is almost always synthetic, even if the fragrance profile is modeled after real flowers. Brands sometimes market their products as “nature-inspired” rather than “all-natural.” Check for disclosure of fragrance allergens if you have allergies or sensitive skin. Trustworthy brands post up-to-date safety information, take part in third-party assessments, and provide clear answers about sourcing.
Walk into any grocery store, grab a bottle of liquid soap or a new shampoo off the shelf, and take a look at the ingredient list. “Hexyl cinnamaldehyde” pops up often, usually buried among a crowd of other names. Most people have no idea what this chemical does, yet it ends up in a surprising number of daily essentials. This is the perfume industry’s go-to for giving products a floral, jasmine-like scent, smooth but noticeable. For anyone with sensitive skin or allergies, knowing where this ingredient turns up can make a big difference to comfort and health.
Bar soaps, body washes, and hand creams often rely on hexyl cinnamaldehyde for that clean, fresh scent people expect from their toiletries. It doesn’t just stop at cleansing. Deodorants, lotions, sunscreen, and even baby wipes carry traces of it. Once you start looking, it starts to feel like hexyl cinnamaldehyde sneaks into every aisle. Even some toothpaste varieties, especially flavored or children’s formulas, have just a little to round out their aroma.
Perfumes and colognes? No surprise here—hexyl cinnamaldehyde really shows its strength in the fragrance world. Perfume makers love working with it because of its ability to mimic real jasmine or garden flowers while staying affordable. Body sprays, hair mists, and scented lotions often list it as a featured note just to elevate a product into a premium “floral” category. These aren’t boutique brands only; most of the big household names rely on it for consistency, pleasantness, and customer familiarity.
People expect clean to smell a certain way. Laundry powders, fabric softeners, dishwashing liquids, and even all-purpose cleaners turn to hexyl cinnamaldehyde for that “just washed” effect. Standing in the cleaning aisle, it’s easy to see the marketing appeal—if the scent lingers on freshly laundered clothes or spreads throughout a room, people trust their home is actually clean. Good marketing, but it does mean people with perfume allergies or asthma can struggle to find fragrance-free options.
It’s easy to ignore a long, scientific-sounding name when shopping, but widespread use matters. About one in ten people with fragrance allergies react to hexyl cinnamaldehyde, according to dermatological studies. Reactions can range from mild redness to serious flare-ups of eczema or contact dermatitis. The most vulnerable include children and older adults, especially when using leave-on products. Health authorities in Europe now mandate a warning label if a product contains hexyl cinnamaldehyde above certain amounts—not every country has caught up to this standard.
A simple solution starts with clearer labeling. Listing fragrance additives in plain language helps shoppers avoid surprises and cuts down on unnecessary irritants. For families with allergies, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options provide some peace of mind, but they shouldn’t come at a higher price point. Brands benefit from keeping their customers informed instead of hiding ingredients behind vague “parfum” or “fragrance” labels. Scientists and doctors recommend patch testing all new personal care products, especially for those with a history of skin sensitivities.
The story of hexyl cinnamaldehyde highlights how something seemingly small shapes everyday experiences. People gain real power when they understand what’s in their products and have choices that match both preference and health needs. Let’s keep the conversation open—everyone deserves the right to know what they are bringing into their home and onto their skin.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-phenyl-2-hexenal |
| Other names |
Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde
2-Benzylideneoctanal alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde alpha-Hexyl cinnamaldehyde 2-Phenyl-2-hexenal Cinnamaldehyde, hexyl HCA |
| Pronunciation | /ˈhɛksɪl sɪˈnæm.əlˌdɛː.haɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 101-86-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1719783 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:59174 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL14206 |
| ChemSpider | 6719 |
| DrugBank | DB11363 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b16d02-3c5b-4f57-8679-8e7157185a63 |
| EC Number | 202-983-3 |
| Gmelin Reference | 84897 |
| KEGG | C11195 |
| MeSH | D02.886.590.200.150 |
| PubChem CID | 638122 |
| RTECS number | GO9810000 |
| UNII | YC2Q1O94PT |
| UN number | UN2810 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C15H20O |
| Molar mass | 216.32 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellowish liquid |
| Odor | sweet, floral, jasmine-like |
| Density | 0.953 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 3.8 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0013 hPa (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 14.4 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 14.40 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -85.5·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4540 |
| Viscosity | 40 – 50 mPa.s |
| Dipole moment | 2.96 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 395.76 J/mol·K |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -164.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3747 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D05BX |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes skin irritation. May cause an allergic skin reaction. Causes serious eye irritation. Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315: Causes skin irritation. H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction. H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P272, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P333+P313, P337+P313, P362+P364 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-2-0 |
| Flash point | > 111°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 285°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 3100 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | 3100 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | CC0725000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Hexyl Cinnamaldehyde (HCA) is not specifically established by OSHA. |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.05 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Cinnamaldehyde
Amyl Cinnamaldehyde Benzyl Cinnamate Hexyl Cinnamic Alcohol Phenylacetaldehyde |
