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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ versus Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on November 20, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen South Korean Brand South Korea
Sunscreen South Korean Brand South Korea

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Shop

Buy Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++

Starts at $17.55
Shop

Buy Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++

Starts at $24.40

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (5)
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (5)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid (5)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (4)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 34.

3
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.

The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.

According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Salicylate

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 23.

4
What it does: UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm) and photostability.

DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%.

UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. Other sources include tanning beds and welding torches. Radiation is the emission of energy. UV Rays are divided into 3 groups. UVA (320-400 nm) contains the least amount of energy. They are linked to long term skin damage such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA in skin cells. UVB causes sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer. UVC (200-280 nm) contains the highest amount of energy. Our ozone blocks UVC. UVC can also originate from welding torches, mercury lamps, and sanitizing bulbs.

Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

5
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 36.

6
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 9.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 19.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 13.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 37.

8
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purslane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.

Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.

Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.

Nowadays, it is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.

Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 14.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 32.

9
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 25.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 12.

10
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 26.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 43.

11
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 32.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 29.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 35.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 28.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

23% are loved or liked
18% have mixed ratings
40% are disliked or very disliked
20% have no rating yet
56% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
26% are disliked or very disliked
2% have no rating yet

Usage

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When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ 40 ingredients

Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ hasn't been rated yet.
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Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 30 reviews
Felixe's Avatar'
Feb 3, 2024

sosososoo good!! has so many nice ingredients that hydrate your skin and also protects it from UV rays. And i can't get over how GOOD this works under makeup it's insane, no pilling no white cast, just a great subtle glow and quick...

sosososoo good!! has so many nice ingredients that hydrate your skin and also protects it from UV rays. And i can't get over how GOOD this works under makeup it's insane, no pilling no white cast, just a great subtle glow and quick drying with no fragrance.
Edit: Felt like adding something, even if this went more viral around 2021 and other more viral sunscreens have come out since then, i've still been coming back to this one because it's just so simple and yet so effective.
Great for my sensitive combo skin and for people that don't have much time in the AM since it can kind of double down as moisturiser <3

Hydrating
Light
Absorbs Well
No Scent
Works Well
xrysa's Avatar'
Mar 21, 2024

I really struggled finding a good sunscreen for my oily acne prone skin but this one is incredible! It leaves a shiny but not at all oily glow.

I really struggled finding a good sunscreen for my oily acne prone skin but this one is incredible! It leaves a shiny but not at all oily glow.

Great Value
Hydrating
Light
Absorbs Well
khoweird's Avatar'
Mar 10, 2024

I’ve used Isntree products for about 5-years now, and I love it all, especially this watery sun gel! It’s light, rubs in well, and the ingredients are amazing for my sensitive skin! The summer humidity will make it sweat, but I don’t...

I’ve used Isntree products for about 5-years now, and I love it all, especially this watery sun gel! It’s light, rubs in well, and the ingredients are amazing for my sensitive skin! The summer humidity will make it sweat, but I don’t spend too much time outside so I don’t mind. This is one of my two staple sunscreens!

Great Value
Hydrating
Light
Absorbs Well
No Scent

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++.

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