Synthetic Fragrances in Lip Care: Hidden Risks
Everything you need to know about this ingredient in lip care.
The word 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on a lip balm ingredient list can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals. Under FDA regulations, companies are not required to list individual fragrance components, allowing them to use the single word 'fragrance' to represent a complex blend of 50-100+ synthetic aroma chemicals. These can include phthalates (hormone disruptors), synthetic musks (environmental pollutants), and various allergens. For a product applied directly to the thin, absorbent tissue of your lips — where ingredients are inevitably ingested — this lack of transparency is concerning.
Scientific Backing
Research in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives identified fragrance chemicals as one of the top five allergens in consumer products. A study by the Environmental Working Group found that the average fragrance product contains 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives documented the presence of phthalates in many synthetic fragrance formulations, with demonstrated endocrine-disrupting effects in multiple studies.
How Numbrrrz Uses Synthetic Fragrances in Lip Care: Hidden Risks
Numbrrrz never uses synthetic fragrances. Our scented varieties use certified organic essential oils (lavender, peppermint) or natural flavorings (coconut vanilla, strawberry) — real plant-derived scents where you know exactly what you are putting on your lips. Our Unscented variety contains no fragrance of any kind. Complete ingredient transparency is a core Numbrrrz principle.