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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 versus Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ .

Published on November 19, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 20 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any 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 Water Sun Cream SPF 50

Starts at $1.75
Shop

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

Starts at $17.55

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)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (5)
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)
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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 Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.

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

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

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.

The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
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 Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.

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

4
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 Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.

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

5
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 Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.

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

6
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.

Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.

The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:

Learn more about Octocrylene

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

7
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 Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.

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

8
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.

As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.

In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 12.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 24.

9
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 Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 13.

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

10
What it does: Emollient, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol. It is primarily used to enhance the texture of products.

As an emulsifier, Octyldodecanol helps prevent the oils and waters from separating. It also prevents ingredients from creating foam when shaken.

Octyldodecanol is created by reducing fatty acid to an alcohol.

Due to its high molecular weight, it does not get absorbed into the skin.

Learn more about Octyldodecanol

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 28.

11
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 24.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 40.

12
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 Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 25.

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

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 29.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Glycine Soja Lipids.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 31.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 16.

15
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 Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 34.

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

16

Cardiospermum halicacabum extract is more commonly known as Balloon Vine Extract.

Balloon Vine Extract helps soothe skin and is an antioxidant. It also contains many fatty acids, such as palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids. While these fatty acids help soften skin, they may not be fungal-friendly.

Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Balloon Vine has been used in traditional medicine in many Asian cultures.

Learn more about Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 35.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 20.

17
What it does: Emollient
Community Rating: Mixed

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 36.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 21.

18
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 Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 37.

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

19
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Mixed

Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 38.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 22.

20
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

You may know Aloe to be a good sunburn reliever and inflammation reducer. This is because it contains many components that are known to help reduce irritation and itchiness. These include vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and more. The high water content of aloe also helps give a cooling effect.

Aloe contains the antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins neutralize free radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

The aloe plant is naturally abundant in polysaccharides, a carbohydrate made of sugar molecules. Polysaccharides help hydrate your skin by mimicking your skin's natural carbohydrates.

As it is easily absorbed by the skin, aloe is a great moisturizer. It is both a humectant and emollient. Emollients help trap moisture in your skin, keeping your skin soft. Humectants draw water from the air to your skin.

Other components of aloe include sugars such as monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, choline, many common minerals such as calcium, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.

Aloe does not protect against UV rays, despite it soothing sunburns.

There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.

Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 40.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 18.

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

23% are loved or liked
18% have mixed ratings
48% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet
23% are loved or liked
18% have mixed ratings
40% are disliked or very disliked
20% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 40 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 review
fahanx's Avatar'
Jan 2, 2024

Hydrating, gave me my desired glow, but too strong of a fragrance. i stopped using after one day.

Hydrating, gave me my desired glow, but too strong of a fragrance. i stopped using after one day.

Hydrating
Strong Scent

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

Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

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