Cinnamaldehyde: Warm Cinnamon Aroma For Candles And Personal Care
The cozy fragrance of cinnamon — known as Dalchini in India — instantly reminds us of warmth, comfort, and festive feelings.It is a naturally occurring organic compound widely used in candles, perfumes, flavours, and personal care formulations.
Cinnamaldehyde belongs to the aldehyde family of aroma chemicals. Its molecular formula is C₉H₈O. It delivers a rich, spicy scent and also provides valuable functional properties in industrial and cosmetic applications.
At Chemicalbull Pvt. Ltd., we supply high-purity Cinnamaldehyde to manufacturers across fragrance, flavour, and personal-care sectors, ensuring reliable quality and global-standard compliance.
What Is Cinnamaldehyde? — The Aroma Chemical Behind Cinnamon’s Signature Scent
Cinnamaldehyde, also known as Cinnamic Aldehyde, occurs naturally in the bark oil of Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon. It gives cinnamon its characteristic spicy flavour and sweet warmth.
Beyond its sensory role, it acts as an intermediate for chemical synthesis and a preservative in certain formulations. Because of these dual functions, it’s a core ingredient in candles, perfumes, and wellness products.
Cinnamaldehyde includes both cis and trans forms, while Trans-Cinnamaldehyde is the pure, natural E-form found in cinnamon oil. The trans form is more stable, smells stronger and lasts longer, and is mainly used in perfumes and high-quality fragrances. It is the main aroma compound in Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon.
Cinnamaldehyde in Candle Manufacturing
Cinnamaldehyde is one of the most popular aroma chemicals for candle fragrance creation. It provides a strong scent throw and stable diffusion even in small concentrations.
Candle Performance Highlights
- Produces a warm, spicy-sweet aroma ideal for festive or winter themes.
- Performs consistently in soy, paraffin, and blended waxes.
- Retains its intensity over time due to chemical stability.
Suggested Fragrance Blends
Combine Cinnamaldehyde with complementary notes to design unique profiles:
- Vanilla for a sweet, creamy finish.
- Clove or Nutmeg for a deep spicy accent.
- Sandalwood for a smooth woody background.
Cinnamaldehyde should always be used at controlled temperatures to keep its fragrance strong and safe. At moderate heat, like when used in candles or perfumes, it releases its warm cinnamon aroma — that’s how it gives fragrance to products.
Discover related ingredients on our
Aroma Chemicals page.
Applications in Personal Care and Cosmetics
In personal-care formulations, Cinnamaldehyde delivers both fragrance and mild antimicrobial activity. Its spicy note enhances body washes, soaps, lotions, and perfumes, giving them a premium sensory appeal.
Formulators generally use it at concentrations of 0.1–0.3% to maintain fragrance balance and minimize skin irritation risks. Proper dilution ensures a pleasant aroma while maintaining compliance with international cosmetic standards. Honey and cinnamaldehyde are often used together for their natural, health-supportive, and aromatic properties.
Typical uses:
· Perfumed soap bases and shower gels
· Deodorants for natural freshness
· Perfume blends with oriental or gourmand themes
Industrial and Functional Applications
Cinnamaldehyde is valued far beyond perfumery because of its versatility
- Food & Flavour: Adds a spicy note to confectionery and beverages.
- Pharmaceutical: Studied for potential to support metabolic health in type 2 diabetes formulations.
- Agriculture: Used as a natural insect repellent base for eco-friendly pest control.
- Health & Wellness: Appears in herbal preparations for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
This unique blend of aromatic strength and biological activity makes it a high-value chemical across industries.
Fragrance Profile of Cinnamaldehyde
A Warm and Spicy Scent with Depth
The scent of Cinnamaldehyde is smoky, warm, and a little sweet. Like fresh crushed cinnamon sticks. In perfumery, it is placed between the middle and base notes, bringing complexity and depth to blends.
Blending Potential in Perfumery
When paired with musk, amber, and patchouli, Cinnamaldehyde enhances woody and oriental scents. Smaller dosages can enhance gourmand or floral perfumes with the spicy, tasty brightness.
To gain a deeper understanding of the way that aroma molecules create complex fragrance combinations, please read our blog on Linalool: The Floral-Lavender Aroma Chemical in Cosmetics & Perfumes.
Longevity and Performance
Its long-lasting scent and strong diffusion make Cinnamaldehyde a staple for premium fragrance formulations. The molecule’s stability also supports fragrance supply chain consistency—a key advantage for manufacturers seeking reliable performance in high-end perfumes.
Cinnamaldehyde in Ceylon and Cassia Cinnamon
Both Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon are primary sources, yet they vary in aroma and composition:
· Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Delicate and sweet fragrance with soft woody undertones.
· Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia): Higher Cinnamaldehyde concentration, resulting in stronger and more pungent aroma ideal for candles and soaps.
This difference allows manufacturers to choose according to the strength and tone desired in their end products. Now, what is the difference between natural and synthetic Cinnamaldehyde? Let's understand how the two types differ in origin, aroma, and use in fragrance formulations.
Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Cinnamaldehyde
|
Aspect |
Natural Cinnamaldehyde |
Synthetic Cinnamaldehyde |
|
Origin |
Extracted from Ceylon or Cassia cinnamon bark oil |
Produced from benzaldehyde derivatives |
|
Aroma |
Softer, slightly woody and complex |
Stronger, linear, and consistent |
|
Purity Control |
Depends on crop and distillation |
Uniform through controlled synthesis |
|
Cost & Availability |
Limited yield, higher price |
Economical for large-scale supply |
|
Environmental Factor |
Plant-derived and renewable |
Manufactured for scalability |
Chemicalbull Pvt. Ltd. offers both types to meet varying technical and commercial needs.
Quick comparison of cinnamaldehyde vs capsaicin
|
Aspect |
Cinnamaldehyde |
|
|
Source |
Found in cinnamon bark |
Found in chilli peppers |
|
Chemical Type |
Aromatic aldehyde |
Alkaloid compound |
|
Formula |
C₉H₈O |
C₁₈H₂₇NO₃ |
|
Smell / Taste |
Sweet, warm cinnamon aroma |
Hot, burning chilli sensation |
|
Main Use |
Used in fragrances, candles, and flavours |
Used in spicy foods and pain relief creams |
|
Effect on Body |
Pleasant warmth and aroma |
Triggers heat and pain receptors |
|
Industrial Use |
Perfumes, soaps, repellents |
Pharmaceuticals, food industry, pepper spray |
Extraction from Cinnamon Bark
The extraction process involves three main steps to ensure high purity:
1. Steam Distillation: Cinnamon bark or leaves are distilled to release essential oil.
2. Solvent Extraction: Concentrates the Cinnamaldehyde fraction from the oil.
3. Fractional Distillation: Separates impurities and yields a refined aromatic compound.
Both natural and synthetic routes are adopted depending on end-use demands for fragrance or industrial applications.
Cinnamaldehyde as a Natural Insect Repellent
Due to its strong aromatic properties, Cinnamaldehyde works effectively as a natural repellent against mosquitoes and ants. It’s used in DIY insect repellent formulations or blended into household cleaners for a pleasant scent combined with protective functionality.
This makes it a sustainable alternative to harsh synthetic repellents commonly used in consumer products. Citronella oil candle scent also keeps mosquitoes away.
Health Benefits and Safety Guidelines
Key Benefits
· Acts as an antioxidant and supports healthy metabolism.
· Contributes to the pleasant aroma of herbal and ayurvedic blends.
· Provides mild antimicrobial protection in topical formulations.
Safety Guidelines
- Always handle with gloves to avoid skin irritation.
- Maintain recommended concentration levels in end products.
- Store in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight.
- Refer to our Cinnamaldehyde MSDS for comprehensive safety data.
Why Choose Chemicalbull Pvt. Ltd.
- Recognized manufacturer and bulk supplier of Aroma Chemicals and Aldehyde Compounds.
- Supplies Cinnamaldehyde suitable for industrial, fragrance, and pharmaceutical applications.
- Ensures quality assurance, documentation, and reliable logistics for B2B clients.
- Serves global markets through consistent production and timely delivery.
Visit our Fragrance & Flavour Application Page or browse our Aroma Chemicals Category to discover related ingredients for your next formulation.
Top Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Cinnamaldehyde
-
What is the purpose of Cinnamaldehyde?
Cinnamaldehyde is primarily used as a fragrance and flavour compound in candles, perfumes, and cosmetics. It also functions as a reactive intermediate in chemical synthesis and provides antimicrobial properties in personal-care and cleaning formulations. -
What are the hazards of Cinnamaldehyde?
While generally safe in diluted form, concentrated Cinnamaldehyde may cause skin or eye irritation. Prolonged exposure to vapours should be avoided. Follow safety data guidelines, use protective gear, and maintain adequate ventilation during handling. -
What is the smell of Cinnamaldehyde?
It gives a sweet, spicy, and woody aroma identical to cinnamon bark. It delivers warmth and comfort, making it a favourite for winter perfumes and aromatic candles. -
What is a cinnamon candle good for?
Cinnamon-scented candles, often containing Cinnamaldehyde, are used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and refresh indoor spaces with a naturally spicy fragrance. -
What is the IUPAC name for cinnamaldehyde?
Its IUPAC name is (2E)-3-phenylprop-2-enal.
Conclusion: Cinnamaldehyde is the Aromatic Keystone for Modern Formulation
Cinnamaldehyde unites science and sensory pleasure — an aromatic chemical that enriches everything from candles and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and natural health products. Its versatility, safety, and fragrance depth make it indispensable for manufacturers worldwide.
As a trusted supplier and manufacturer, Chemicalbull Pvt. Ltd. provides high-grade Cinnamaldehyde and related aroma chemicals that empower industries to innovate confidently.
