Cinnamon leaf essential oil is a warm, spicy oil steam-distilled from the leaves of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), used mainly in aromatherapy, natural personal-care formulations, soaps, candles and home cleaning blends. It is potent, so it should always be diluted in a carrier oil before it touches your skin and never swallowed.
Unlike cinnamon bark oil, the leaf oil is generally more affordable and carries a rounder, slightly clove-like note. At Azlok it starts at ₹399 and comes in sizes from 100 GM up to bulk 25 KG packs, which makes it practical for both hobbyists and small manufacturing units.
What cinnamon leaf essential oil is used for
The oil is prized for its energising, purifying aroma and its natural antibacterial and antifungal character. Common, well-established uses include:
- Aromatherapy and diffusing — a few drops fill a room with a cosy, spicy scent, popular in the cooler months and during festive season.
- Natural skincare and cosmetics — added in tiny amounts to creams, lotions and cleansers meant to leave skin feeling fresh.
- Soap and candle making — a reliable fragrance component that blends beautifully into cold-process soap and wax.
- Home cleaning sprays — mixed with vinegar or a mild surfactant for a naturally aromatic surface spray.
- Massage blends — diluted well, it lends warmth to a base of carrier oil.
How to use it
This is a strong oil, so a little goes a long way. Practical starting points:
- Diffuser: 2–4 drops in a water diffuser, run for 20–30 minutes at a time.
- Skin (leave-on products): keep it very low, around 0.1–0.5% of the total blend. That is roughly 1–2 drops in 30 ml of carrier oil.
- Soap and candles: follow your recipe's recommended fragrance load; test small batches first.
- Cleaning spray: 8–10 drops per 250 ml of water with a splash of alcohol or a solubiliser to help it disperse.
It blends well with frankincense, lavender, cedarwood, ylang ylang and citrus oils, and mixes readily with all common carrier oils such as coconut, almond and jojoba.
Safety notes worth taking seriously
Cinnamon leaf oil is one of the more skin-irritating essential oils, so treat it with respect:
- Always dilute before skin contact — never apply it neat.
- Patch-test a small amount on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use.
- Do not ingest. It is for external and aromatic use only.
- Keep it away from eyes, mucous membranes and broken skin.
- Avoid use during pregnancy and on young children unless guided by a qualified professional.
- Diffuse in a well-ventilated space and store the bottle out of reach of children and pets.
- It has a flash point of around 190 °C but is still flammable in concentration — keep away from open flame while handling.
If any irritation appears, stop use and wash the area with a carrier oil followed by soap and water.
Buying and storage tips
Look for the botanical name Cinnamomum zeylanicum on the label so you know you are getting leaf oil, and check that the product comes with a COA and MSDS if you are formulating for sale. Azlok lists a specific gravity of about 0.923, a refractive index near 1.523 and a shelf life of two years — useful markers for quality and record-keeping.
To protect the oil:
- Store in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight and heat.
- Keep the cap tightly closed to slow oxidation.
- Buy a size that suits your usage rate — the 100 GM pack is ideal for home use, while the larger packs suit soap makers and small brands.
The colour ranges from slightly yellow to yellow, and a characteristic spicy aroma is normal, not a defect.
FAQ
Is cinnamon leaf oil the same as cinnamon bark oil?
No. Both come from the same tree but different parts. Leaf oil is distilled from the leaves and tends to be milder and more affordable, with a slightly clove-like note, while bark oil is stronger and pricier.
Can I apply cinnamon leaf essential oil directly to my skin?
No. It should always be diluted in a carrier oil to a very low percentage. Applied neat, it can cause irritation. Do a patch test first.
Can cinnamon leaf oil be used in food?
This product is intended for aromatic, cosmetic and industrial use. Do not ingest it. For flavouring, use products clearly sold and labelled as food-grade.
Which oils blend well with cinnamon leaf oil?
It pairs nicely with frankincense, lavender, cedarwood, ylang ylang and citrus oils, and dissolves into all common carrier oils for massage and skincare blends.
How long does the oil last?
About two years when stored properly in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed. Oxidation from heat, light and air will shorten this.