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Ingredient dictionary

Flavor

Flavor is a blend of taste-giving compounds added to lip products so they taste pleasant when they touch the mouth. It is on the label of 3 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: flavor is grouped with added fragrance, the most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, so sensitive, eczema-prone and rosacea-prone skin usually does better without it.

  • Fragrance. Fragrance is the most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy. Sensitive, eczema-prone and rosacea-prone skin usually does better without it.

What Flavor does

  • Gives a pleasant taste
  • Covers the taste of other ingredients
  • Adds a fresh or sweet flavor note

Flavor is a catch-all name for a blend of taste-giving compounds. These can be made in a lab or taken from natural sources such as fruit, mint or citrus oils. Because the exact mix is often kept private by the supplier, the label usually shows only the single word Flavor.

Formulators add flavor to lip balms, lip glosses and oral-care products so they taste pleasant, since lip products are often licked or swallowed. It is used in small amounts, but its taste can be strong, so people who dislike bold flavors may prefer plain products.

Good for

Suits people who enjoy flavored lip products and have no known sensitivity to flavors or added scent.

Be careful if

Flavor is grouped with added fragrance, the most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, so sensitive, eczema-prone and rosacea-prone skin usually does better without it.

Frequently asked questions

Is flavor in lip balm safe?

Flavors in lip balm are used in small amounts, and many people use them without problems. If you have fragrance sensitivity, or notice stinging or redness, choose a flavor-free balm and see a dermatologist if symptoms continue.

Is flavor the same as fragrance?

Not exactly. Fragrance is added for scent, while flavor is added for taste, though both often use similar aroma compounds. This is why flavor is grouped with fragrance as a possible skin irritant or allergen for sensitive skin.

Products with Flavor

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