Cassia Essential Oil vs Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil: What’s the Difference?

Both cassia essential oil and cinnamon leaf essential oil come from the Cinnamomum family and share a warm, spicy aroma — but they are far from identical. Whether you’re an aromatherapy enthusiast or a natural product maker, understanding the key distinctions between these two oils can help you make the best choice for your health, safety, and scent preferences.

Let’s break down the differences in source, scent, composition, uses, and safety.

1. Botanical Source

• Cassia Essential Oil is steam-distilled from the bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree, native to China. It's often referred to as “Chinese cinnamon.”
• Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the Cinnamomum verum (also known as Ceylon cinnamon) tree, native to Sri Lanka.

2. Aroma Profile

• Cassia Oil: Has a sweet, warm, and intensely spicy scent — even stronger and sharper than true cinnamon bark. It's bold and stimulating, often used in fall-themed blends.
• Cinnamon Leaf Oil: Milder and more herbaceous with a clove-like, slightly spicy aroma. It’s warm and comforting without being overpowering.

3. Chemical Composition

• Cassia Oil: Contains a high percentage of cinnamaldehyde (up to 90%), giving it strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. However, this also makes it more irritating to the skin.
• Cinnamon Leaf Oil: Rich in eugenol (similar to clove oil), which contributes to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties.

4. Uses and Benefits

Cassia Essential Oil:

• Ideal for purifying the air and supporting immune health.
• Often used in diffuser blends to energize and uplift.
• Potent antimicrobial — sometimes included in natural cleaning formulas.
• Must be diluted for topical use due to its strength.

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil:

• Popular in massage oils and balms for muscle relief and relaxation.
• A favorite in natural perfumery for its warm, spicy undertones.
• Effective in homemade bug repellents and soothing salves.
• Safer for skin application when diluted.

5. Safety Considerations

Cassia oil is much more intense and should always be used with caution:

• Not recommended for sensitive skin or direct topical use without dilution (typically 0.05–0.5%).

• Avoid during pregnancy or if you have liver conditions.

• May cause skin irritation or sensitization.

Cinnamon leaf oil is safer for skin use but still requires dilution (typically 0.5–1.5%). Always perform a patch test before applying any essential oil to your skin.

6. Price and Availability

• Cassia Oil is generally more affordable than true cinnamon bark oil, making it a budget-friendly option for scent-focused applications.

• Cinnamon Leaf Oil is also cost-effective and often preferred by those looking for a gentle, clove-like version of cinnamon.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose cassia oil for strong antimicrobial action, bold aroma blends, and seasonal diffuser recipes.

• Choose cinnamon leaf oil if you need a skin-friendly, calming oil that still delivers warm, spicy notes.

Both have unique strengths — and when used correctly, can be powerful tools in your natural wellness toolkit.