Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm Review

Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Squalane, Polybutene, Microcrystalline Wax, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tridecyl Stearate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Glyceryl Behenate, Flavor (Aroma), Tridecyl Trimellitate, Benzyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Tribehenin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lactic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Review

Does Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.

  

Key Benefits of Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈45.0%) and Microcrystalline Wax (est. ≈11.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s an Exfoliator, It May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Lactic Acid

This product contains lactic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is more vulnerable to sun damage.

In smaller quantities, lactic acid is often used as a pH adjuster and may not significantly contribute to exfoliation. However, at higher concentrations, it functions as an effective exfoliant with benefits and risks similar to other AHAs. Products with AHAs, including lactic acid, may increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

If this product is designed for exfoliation, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is essential to protect your skin. Always check the label or the manufacturer’s website for specific usage instructions.

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
That said, there are some things about Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Tarte Sugar Rush Best Bud Lip Butter Balm is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Polybutene
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Wax
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Function:
Origin:
Tridecyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Flavor (Aroma)
Function:
Origin:
Tridecyl Trimellitate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Tribehenin
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
57.5
45.0
11.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 57.5 20
10.0
45.0
11.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
45
11
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 57.5 20
10.0
All occlusives
57.5
45.0
11.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Squalane
Est. %45
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Polybutene
Est. %22
Function
Origin
PolybuteneA petro-based ingredient that thickens and hold products together.
Microcrystalline Wax
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline WaxA white, highly purified, solid substance consisting of petroleum hydrocarbons. It is used in skincare as a strong occlusive and emollient similar to Petrolatum, and also as a formula helper that thickens and stabilizes the product.
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2An emollient ester that is used as a non-animal substitute for lanolin. Similar to lanolin, it melts at body temperature, making it ideal for use in body butters, lip balms, and ointments.
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/DicaprateAn emollient blend of a compound used in the production of lubricants and caprylic and capric fatty acids.
Tridecyl Stearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Tridecyl Stearate
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Glyceryl Behenate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl BehenateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced emollient that can help create oil gels. It provides a soft feeling to the skin, improving product spread and reducing tackiness.
Flavor (Aroma)
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Flavor (Aroma)Under trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the flavor and use the unspecific word 'flavor' instead. Flavor is added to products that have the potential to be consumed, such as lipsticks.
Tridecyl Trimellitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tridecyl Trimellitate
Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearateAn emollient ester with high gloss and thickening properties.
Tribehenin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TribeheninA soft, pliable wax that serves as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It improves the spreadability of skincare products, including the increased payoff of stick products, and imparts a pleasant, smooth feel upon application.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateAn antioxidant that protects vulnerable ingredients from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can also lead to the generation of damaging free radical species.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle effects. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is a part of the popular anti-wrinkle complex called Matrixyl™ 3000.

Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.