Cinnamic Acid

PhytochemicalPhenolic acid

What is it

Cinnamic acid is a naturally occurring aromatic carboxylic acid found in cinnamon bark, balsam of Peru, shea butter, and other plants. It is also a precursor to many flavonoids and lignans.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Antioxidant activity (research stage)

Mixed Evidence

Antioxidant effects are well demonstrated in laboratory studies. Direct human clinical evidence for isolated cinnamic acid supplementation is essentially absent.

How it works

Cinnamic acid and its derivatives (such as p-coumaric, ferulic, and caffeic acids) are phenylpropanoids with antioxidant and modest anti-inflammatory activities in laboratory studies. The body partially metabolizes ingested cinnamic acid to hippuric acid and other conjugates excreted in urine. Cinnamic acid is more commonly encountered as a flavoring and fragrance ingredient than as a standalone supplement.

Dosage

There is no established supplement dose. Dietary intake from spices and fruit is typically in the milligram range.

When and how to take it

Cinnamic acid is mostly consumed indirectly as part of foods. Not typically taken as a standalone supplement.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Cinnamic acid (synthetic or natural)

Used as a flavoring or fragrance ingredient.

Absorbed and metabolized to hippuric acid

Safety

Generally considered safe at dietary levels. Topical exposure can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals, especially with balsam of Peru.

Who should be cautious

People with balsam of Peru allergy may react to cinnamic acid-containing products. Pregnancy: dietary intake is fine; concentrated supplemental use has limited data.

Interactions

No well-established drug interactions at typical intake levels.

Food sources

Cinnamon bark

Amount
1 tsp
%DV
—

Strawberries, grapes

Amount
varies
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is cinnamic acid the active ingredient in cinnamon?⌄

It is one of several. Cinnamaldehyde is responsible for the characteristic flavor, and there are many polyphenols and other compounds in cinnamon.

Why is cinnamic acid in cosmetics?⌄

As a fragrance ingredient and UV absorber in some sunscreens (often as cinnamate esters).

References

Cinnamic Acid on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Cinnamic Acid on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cinnamic Acid (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.