I haven't actually tried this one yet because I also ordered a different balm that actually arrived first. Reading the other reviews about the smell made me want to open it up. (And I remembered the slight difficulty I have in opening it and the one I'm currently using. The seal doesn't tear as nicely as I would've hoped so I need to pick at it, and I'm totally fine doing because that's only needed when you open it for the first time.)
I can definitely say it has a strong banana smell. I think there's a hint of vanilla in there as well but when you're eating a banana cream pie the cream is an enhancement bed that the sugary banana flavor sits on.
It does smell like the banana flavoring that is used in products. If I recall though, that flavor is based on a type of banana we no longer have because it died out. (Personally I'd really like to try one of those bananas because it smells sooooo goood). That's probably at least one reason why it may come off as artificial. I can't say that it isn't made artificially since it is literally from an extinct banana, but if I'm correct, it does stem from a natural source that we just don't have access to anymore.
Either way, I do love the banana scent and am looking forward to testing it out. I might start using both flavors I bought and alternate between them because I'm really excited to actually use this banana cream pie flavor! <3
