Flavor

Average

Fragrance Synthetic and Natural

No known benefits

Flavor description

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the term “flavour” on a product label signifies “any natural or synthetic substance or substances used solely to impart a taste to a cosmetic product.” In Europe, the labeling name for flavour is “aroma”. The term “flavour” is used most often for lip-care products and lip cosmetics (think lipstick, lip gloss).Although it is basically synonymous with fragrance, listing “flavour” on products meant for application to lips is more appealing (who wants to think of ingesting fragrance?). Given that flavour can be composed of numerous ingredients, it’s a gamble as to whether or not lips will experience sensitivity. Most lip plumpers listing flavour tend to use that term to encompass flavoring agents that can have a sensitising effect of lips, such as various types of pepper, ginger, or various forms of mint.

Flavor references

  • Current Opinion in Biotechnology, February 2020, pages 168-180
  • Toxicology Research, July 2018, pages 618-646
  • Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, October 2013, pages 307-310
  • Environmental Health Perspective, April 2013, pages A126-A133

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.