Tarte · Lip Balm & Long-Wear Lipstick
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Gloss with Charm
Lower-concern cosmetic without known PFAS-risk ingredients.
Tarte's lip gloss uses oils, waxes, and common polymers without publicly listed nonstick coatings or waterproofing treatments. The brand makes no PFAS claims.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Hydrogenated polyisobutene, waxes, pigments, oils (typical lip gloss base)
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Gloss with Charm is made of, ingredients and materials
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Gloss is formulated around hydrogenated polyisobutene, a synthetic hydrocarbon wax commonly used in lip glosses to provide texture and wear. The formula also contains natural waxes, oils (including maracuja/passion fruit oil), and cosmetic pigments for color and shine. Hydrogenated polyisobutene is inert on the lips and poses no known toxicity concern; the risk profile depends entirely on the quality and source of any pigments and whether any undisclosed contaminants (heavy metals, allergens) are present. Tarte does not publicly disclose full ingredient sourcing or third-party testing for this product.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Synthetic colorant allergens (azo dyes, CI pigments)
Product contains 'pigments' and likely mica-based colorants; specific CI numbers are not disclosed on available labeling. Risk is low for most users but sensitized individuals or those with fragrance/dye allergies should verify full ingredient disclosure before use.
Fragrance undisclosed allergens
Maracuja oil and likely synthetic fragrance compounds are present but not itemized to component level on packaging. Fragrance is a known lip-product allergen; full fragrance composition is proprietary and not publicly disclosed.
Microplastic or non-biodegradable wax accumulation
Hydrogenated polyisobutene and synthetic waxes do not biodegrade; chronic lip gloss use may contribute trace microplastics to waterways via rinse-off. Not a direct health hazard to the user, but an environmental concern with no offsetting benefit.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Lead
Tarte does not publish heavy-metal testing for cosmetic pigments in this product. No recalls or published detections exist for Tarte lip glosses. Standard FDA cosmetic-grade pigments carry low risk, but independent verification is absent.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are disclosed in ingredient lists. Cosmetic-grade preservatives used in lip gloss (e.g., phenoxyethanol) are not classified as formaldehyde donors and carry no established risk at cosmetic use levels.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Tarte Cosmetics has not faced major safety recalls or public controversies involving heavy metals, formaldehyde releasers, or allergens in lip products. The brand markets itself as cruelty-free and vegan-friendly (this product is vegan), and publishes ingredient lists on packaging and online, though they do not proactively disclose heavy-metal testing, allergen screening, or PFAS avoidance statements. No independent third-party certifications (e.g., Ecocert, NSF, FDA cosmetic facility audit disclosures) are marketed for this specific product.
How it compares in its category
Lip glosses across the category share the same hydrocarbon-wax base chemistry and carry similar low hazard profiles for lead, cadmium, or synthetic colorant risks. Tarte's pricing and brand reputation place it in the mid-premium segment; competitors like MAC Fix+, Fenty Beauty, and drugstore brands (e.g., Maybelline) use comparable formulations with no significant safety differentiation. The main advantage of Tarte is transparency of ingredient listing; disadvantage is lack of third-party heavy-metal or allergen assurance.
If you buy it
Lip gloss does not require special storage; keep away from direct heat and sunlight to preserve color and texture. Replace every 12-18 months or if the texture separates or odor changes. If you have sensitive lips or a history of pigment allergies (e.g., to azo dyes or mica), patch-test on the inner wrist first. Do not apply to broken or irritated lips; discontinue use if redness, swelling, or itching develops.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tarte has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More lip balm & long-wear lipstick grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.