Methyl cinnamate (MC) and essential oils containing MC possess beneficial antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal effects, among others. Such effects are related to the biocidal action of MC. The antioxidant activity of MC has also been reported elsewhere. It has been suggested that MC may be cytotoxic to cells exposed to oxidative stress. To test this possibility, the effect of MC on rat thymocytes was examined while the cells were subjected to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Flow cytometric techniques with appropriate fluorescent probes were used for quantification. MC increased cell vulnerability to oxidative stress via acceleration of the cell death process and/or potentiation of oxidative stress. The use of MC is widespread because of its beneficial actions, and thus further attention should be paid to whether MC is effective under oxidative stress.