Is alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde safe for babies and kids?
Elevated risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde?
The IUPAC name is (2E)-2-benzylideneoctanal.
Also known as: (2E)-2-benzylideneoctanal, 2-Benzylideneoctanal, alpha-Hexylcinnamic aldehyde, alpha-Hexylcinnamyl aldehyde.
- IUPAC name
- (2E)-2-benzylideneoctanal
- CAS number
- 101-86-0
- Molecular formula
- C15H20O
- Molecular weight
- 216.32 g/mol
- SMILES
- CCCCCCC(=CC1=CC=CC=C1)C=O
- PubChem CID
- 1550884
Risk for babies
Elevated riskInfants are more vulnerable to alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPrenatal exposure to alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde through personal care products may affect fetal development. Some fragrance chemicals are sensitizers or endocrine-active compounds with transplacental transfer.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde. The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IFRA | 2020 | restriction | IFRA restriction — sensitization concentration limits |
| EU_COSMETICS | 2009 | allergen_disclosure | EU Annex III original 26 allergens |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde
- Personal Care — perfume, soap, shampoo, cosmetics
- Consumer Products — cleaning products, candles, air fresheners
-
Fragrance
— perfume, cologne, scented personal care products, household fragrance products, candles
Identified in Fragrance Ingredient Safety Priority Research database (2,325 ingredients)
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde:
-
alpha-Amylcinnamaldehyde
Trade-offs: Alternative fragrance ingredient; individual safety profile should be assessed per IFRA standards; sensitization potential varies by compound; patch testing recommended for sensitive individuals.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
-
Floral aldehydes
Trade-offs: Alternative fragrance ingredient; individual safety profile should be assessed per IFRA standards; sensitization potential varies by compound; patch testing recommended for sensitive individuals.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde?
alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde appears in: perfume (Personal care); soap (Personal care); cleaning products (Consumer products); candles (Consumer products); perfume (Fragrance).
What should I do if my child is exposed to alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
See alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde in the baby app
Look up products containing alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (1)
- PubChem Compound Database (2026) — database
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →