Cinnamates are the salts/esters of cinnamic acid. Their general formula is: C6H5-CH=CH-CO-OR. R can symbolize a monovalent metal ion or ammonium ion or an alkyl or aryl radical. Numerous esters of cinnamic acid are used in perfumery and cosmetics. They are naturally found in essential oils. Cinnamic acid esters can also be obtained synthetically.