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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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ .

Published on January 18, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E

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 harsh alcohols, 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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ 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
30

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 (4)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)
Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (6)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (4)
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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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ 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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

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

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

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

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 10.

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

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 35.

6
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.

These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.

Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.

Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.

Learn more about Alcohol

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Mixed

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.

With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.

Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.

Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 15.

8
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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

9
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.

Peg-100 Stearate helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. It helps prevent oil and water from separating in a product. By binding oil and water, it helps remove dirt and oil to be rinsed away.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 16.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 19.

10
What it does: Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Sodium Caprylate.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 17.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 29.

11
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 21.

12
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.

Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.

Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.

Learn more about Isohexadecane

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 34.

13
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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 26.

14
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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 30.

15
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.

It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.

Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 80

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 26.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 37.

16
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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 27.

17
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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 40.

18
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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 41.

19
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 Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ contains this as ingredient number 43.

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
20% are loved or liked
18% have mixed ratings
52% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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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 rating
Hydrating (1) Strong Scent (1)
fahanx's avatar

fahanx

4 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

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

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ 44 ingredients

Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30+ PA++ hasn't been rated yet.
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