Antioxidant

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract

INCI: CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM BARK EXTRACT

Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 14 Aug 2026

Also known as: Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract

A botanical extract with antioxidant and purifying properties traditionally used in Eastern medicine

Best For Skin Types

All, Oily, Combination, Acne-prone

Addresses

Free radical damage, Acne, Barrier repair

Usage Frequency

Daily

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract products at Skintique

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What Is Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract?

Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract is derived from Ceylon cinnamon, a spice with a long history in traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese medicine. The extract contains polyphenolic compounds, including procyanidins and flavonoids, which contribute to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in skincare formulations.

In cosmetics, this ingredient is typically used at very low concentrations (around 0.1% of skincare products contain it) and functions primarily as a skin conditioning agent and antioxidant. It may also contribute mild fragrance notes.

Benefits for Your Skin

How It Works

The bioactive compounds in cinnamon bark extract, particularly epicatechin and linalool, appear to work through multiple mechanisms. As antioxidants, they scavenge free radicals before they can damage skin cells. The antimicrobial activity stems from the extract's ability to inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms on the skin surface.

Recent research has explored how cinnamon bark extract may influence keratinocyte circadian rhythms—the internal 24-hour cycles that regulate skin repair, barrier function and cellular turnover. By enhancing the amplitude of these rhythms, the extract may support more robust skin renewal processes, though this mechanism is not yet fully understood in a skincare context.

Clinical Evidence & References

Evidence for cinnamon bark extract in skincare is emerging but remains limited. Traditional use across East Asian medicine systems spans over 2,000 years, suggesting a long history of perceived benefit. Modern research has confirmed the presence of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds within the extract.

A key area of recent interest is the extract's effect on skin circadian rhythms. In laboratory studies using skin cells, cinnamon bark extract and two of its components (epicatechin and linalool) enhanced circadian rhythm amplitude, which theoretically supports better barrier function and skin homeostasis. However, human clinical studies demonstrating these benefits in real-world skincare use are lacking, so the practical significance of these findings for consumers remains unclear.

How to Use

Cinnamon bark extract is typically incorporated into serums, moisturisers and toners at very low levels. There is no specific guidance on how to use products containing this ingredient differently from standard skincare routines. It works well alongside other antioxidants and can be used morning and evening as part of a regular regimen. If combining with other active ingredients, introduce gradually to monitor your skin's response.

Safety & Precautions

Cinnamon bark extract is generally well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations at typical use levels. As with any botanical ingredient, patch testing is advisable if you have sensitive skin or known plant allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Part of a family

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract is a variant of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.

A fragrant essential oil with potential antioxidant and purifying properties

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