Registration Dossier

Data platform availability banner - registered substances factsheets

Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Administrative data

Description of key information

alpha-methyl cinnamaldehyde is a skin sensitiser. Its structure has the ability to react with a skin proteins to produce allergic sensitization.

alpha methylcinnamaldehyde is not respiratory tract sensitiser.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin sensitisation

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
adverse effect observed (sensitising)
Additional information:

Three good quality studies are available for the skin sensitisation endpoint for alpha-methyl cinnamaldehyde. Together they provide the weight of evidence argument for the skin sensitisation potential of the substance.

In a reliable (Klimisch 1) study on 75 humans, alpha methylcinnamaldehyde provided no evidence of any allergic nature. This has led to a 'No Expected Sensitization Induction Level' (NESIL) of 3500 μg/cm2 (RIFM, 2004).

In a peer reviewed scientific article, (Chipinda et al, 2011), provide the mode of action for skin sensitisation. Low molecular weight chemical (LMW) allergens are commonly referred to as haptens. Haptens must complex with proteins to be recognized by the immune system. The majority of occupationally related haptens are reactive, electrophilic chemicals, or are metabolized to reactive metabolites that form covalent bonds with nucleophilic centers on proteins. Alpha-methyl cinnamaldehyde has the ability to react with a skin protein to produce allergic sensitization.

Derek analysis on alpha methyl cinnamaldehyde provides structural alert evidence for skin sensitisation (Gad, 2012)

Respiratory sensitisation

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Additional information:

There are no data relating to respiratory tract sensitisation in humans or laboratory animals. However, due to the fact that alpha methylcinnamaldehyde is used as a flavour/ fragrance ingredient and has been for years without reports of any respiratory sensitisation, it is unlikely that alpha methylcinnamaldehyde causes such an effect.

Justification for classification or non-classification

alpha-methyl cinnamaldehyde is a skin sensitiser as it has the ability to react with a skin protein to produce allergic sensitization According to classification and labelling of the EC commission it should be labelled as; SS1B - May cause an allergic skin reaction (CLP).

Based on the available data, alpha methylcinnamaldehyde would not be classified as a respiratory tract sensitiser under EU CLP regulation.