Cinnamon

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) or Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia cinnamon)

Botanical Description: Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species belonging to the genus Cinnamomum in the Lauraceae family.

Cosmetic Benefits: Cinnamon extract is commonly used in skincare products for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It helps cleanse and purify the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing. Cinnamon extract also has a warming effect on the skin, stimulating circulation and promoting a healthy, radiant complexion.

Scientific Overview: Cinnamon contains bioactive compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate esters, which have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cultivation and Harvest: Cinnamon trees are cultivated in tropical regions worldwide for their bark. The inner bark is harvested by stripping away the outer bark layers, revealing the inner bark, which is then dried and processed for various applications, including culinary and skincare.

Plant Morphology: Cinnamon trees are evergreen with aromatic leaves and small, clustered flowers. The bark of cinnamon trees is reddish-brown and has a fragrant, spicy aroma.