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Moumoujus

CINNAMIC ACID.

Valuable CAS 140-10-3 / 621-82-9 / PERFUMING, SKIN CONDITIONING

Cinnamic Acid is a multifunctional organic compound offering significant benefits for skin health. It actively reduces melanin production to target hyperpigmentation, while simultaneously delivering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties to protect and soothe the complexion. Its versatility makes it a key ingredient for enhancing overall skin resilience and clarity.

Summary

Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Antimicrobial Antimelanogenic UV Absorber Skin Conditioning Perfuming Preservative Booster

Science

Mechanism of Action

Cinnamic acid operates through several key mechanisms to improve skin condition. As an antioxidant, it effectively neutralizes reactive oxygen species, thereby mitigating oxidative stress and reinforcing the skin barrier, which contributes to anti-aging effects. It modulates inflammatory responses, helping to alleviate redness and irritation. Its antimicrobial spectrum includes weak antibacterial activity against common skin bacteria like *Staphylococcus epidermis* and *Staphylococcus aureus*, along with antifungal properties, achieved by disrupting microbial cell structure and metabolism. It also functions as an antimicrobial agent and preservative booster. For skin lightening, it acts as an antimelanogenic agent by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity and reducing tyrosinase expression within melanocytes, leading to a measurable decrease in melanin synthesis and effective depigmentation, particularly against UV-B induced hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, it offers mild UV absorption capabilities for supplementary sun protection and acts as a skin conditioning agent.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.01–0.1%
Optimal

0.01%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated a 29.0% reduction in melanin production in melan-a cells and exhibited potent inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity and expression in an in vitro study.
  2. 02 A derivative, p-hydroxycinnamic acid isopropyl ester, reduced melanin deposition in human skin fragments in an ex vivo study.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Cinnamic acid exhibits limited water solubility (approximately 0.4-0.5 g/L at 25°C), necessitating its use in derivatized forms or specific solvent systems for aqueous formulations. It is freely soluble in ethanol, acetone, and other organic solvents. Degradation can occur with prolonged exposure to UV light or high heat; therefore, it requires storage in a cool, dry place away from light. Microencapsulation is a viable strategy to enhance its stability and bioavailability in cosmetic products.

Synergies

  • Preservatives (as a booster)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The RIFM safety assessment indicates no concerns regarding skin sensitization, phototoxicity, or photoallergenicity at current usage levels. Cinnamic acid is classified as non-sensitizing and shows no irritation potential. While not a permitted preservative under European Cosmetic Regulation, it is utilized as an antimicrobial agent and preservative booster. No specific FDA status for cosmetic use is noted, and it is not intended for oral consumption unless labeled as food-grade or GRAS.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Cinnamic Acid is a valuable multifunctional ingredient offering robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening benefits, making it highly relevant for targeted skincare concerns and overall skin health.

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