Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50
Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, hydrating Korean sunscreen with SPF 50+ PA+++ that delivers a dewy, natural glow while protecting against UV rays, infrared, blue light, and environmental pollution. Formulated with bamboo water, centella asiatica, and hyaluronic acid for all-day moisture without stickiness or white cast.
Bamboo Water Hydration
Infused with bamboo water to deeply hydrate and keep skin looking healthy and supple throughout the day.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBamboo Water Hydration
Infused with bamboo water to deeply hydrate and keep skin looking healthy and supple throughout the day.
Centella Asiatica Soothing
Contains cica extract to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and support skin barrier function.
6 UV Filter System
Combines chemical and physical filters for comprehensive broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Anti-Pollution Shield
Protects against environmental stressors including infrared, blue light, and pollution damage.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENot recommended. Contains octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene - chemical UV filters with potential endocrine-disrupting concerns. Opt for mineral sunscreens during pregnancy.
Not safe. Contains polysorbate 80, glyceryl stearate, sunflower seed oil, and other fatty acid-rich ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast.
Rating 2/5. Most users report no breakouts. Lightweight formula unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
Common complaint of eye stinging, especially when sweating. Avoid direct contact with eyes and consider for outdoor activities carefully.
Not tested on animals. Vegan-friendly formulation with no animal-derived ingredients.
Light apricot-peach scent. Contains denatured alcohol which may be drying for very sensitive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) 6.80%UVB Filter
A widely-used chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB rays (280-320nm) with peak protection at 311nm. Helps prevent sunburn and DNA damage from sun exposure.
- Function: Primary UVB protection
- Peak Absorption: 311nm wavelength
- Photostability: Moderate - loses ~10% protection in 35 minutes
Homosalate 6.00%UVB Filter
An oil-soluble UVB filter that helps dissolve other sunscreen agents and enhances overall SPF. Works synergistically with other UV filters.
- Function: UVB protection + filter solubilizer
- Peak Absorption: 306nm wavelength
- Note: EU lowered max concentration due to safety concerns
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus)UVA Filter
A modern, photostable UVA filter providing protection across the entire UVA range (320-400nm). One of the newer generation filters for superior UVA defense.
- Function: Broad UVA protection
- Peak Absorption: 354nm wavelength
- Photostability: High - maintains effectiveness under sun exposure
Titanium Dioxide 1.40%Physical Filter
A mineral UV filter that sits on skin's surface and reflects/scatters UV rays. Provides additional broad-spectrum protection and helps prevent white cast at low concentration.
- Function: Physical UV protection (UVB + UVA II)
- Safety: Generally recognized as safe by FDA
- Benefit: Photostable and non-irritating
Sodium HyaluronateHydration
A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into skin layers. Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water for intense hydration.
- Function: Deep hydration and plumping
- Benefit: Reduces appearance of fine lines
- Source: Fermentation-derived
Centella Asiatica ExtractSoothing
A time-honored botanical known for its skin-healing properties. Contains asiaticoside and madecassoside that support collagen synthesis and calm inflammation.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory and skin repair
- Active Compounds: Asiaticoside, Madecassoside
- Benefit: Supports skin barrier restoration
Bambusa Vulgaris WaterHydration
Natural bamboo water rich in minerals and amino acids. Provides lightweight hydration while helping skin maintain moisture balance.
- Function: Lightweight hydration
- Benefit: Keeps skin supple and radiant
- Source: Natural bamboo extract
35 ingredients
Water, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Cyclomethicone, Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-100 Stearate, Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Phenoxyethanol, Aluminum Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Fragrance, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Xanthan Gum, Alumina, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Lipids, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the last step of your AM skincare routine, before makeup. Can be used in place of moisturizer for oily skin types due to its hydrating formula.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply Generously
Squeeze a nickel-sized amount (about 1/4 teaspoon for face) onto fingertips. Apply to dry skin after completing your skincare routine.
Spread Evenly
Starting from the center of your face, spread evenly across cheekbones, forehead, chin, and nose. Don't forget your neck and ears!
Pat to Absorb
Gently pat with your hands or a beauty tool until fully absorbed. Wait 2-3 minutes before applying makeup for best results.
Reapply Throughout the Day
Reapply every 2 hours during prolonged sun exposure, or after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry or dehydrated skin needing extra moisture
- You want a dewy, glowy finish under makeup
- You hate sticky, heavy sunscreen textures
- You want SPF that feels like skincare
- You prefer K-beauty formulations with no white cast
- You need a makeup-friendly SPF primer
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (choose mineral SPF)
- You have fungal acne or malassezia concerns
- You have very oily skin and want matte finish
- Your eyes are extremely sensitive to sunscreen
- You need water-resistant protection for sports
- You prefer fragrance-free products
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESHydrating formula with hyaluronic acid and bamboo water provides all-day moisture. Dewy finish enhances skin luminosity.
Perfect balance of hydration and protection. Lightweight texture absorbs beautifully without feeling heavy.
Works well but may need powder on T-zone to control shine. Consider using instead of moisturizer.
Dewy finish may be too glowy for very oily skin. Setting powder recommended, or consider the Light Sun Essence version.
Centella and aloe soothe irritation. Contains fragrance and alcohol - patch test first. Watch for eye stinging.
Hyaluronic acid plumps fine lines. Dewy finish creates youthful glow. Excellent anti-aging sun protection.
Results timeline
3+ MONTHSInstant Hydration & Glow
Skin feels immediately hydrated and looks dewy. No white cast, smooth texture, ready for makeup application.
95% noticed instant glowImproved Skin Texture
With consistent daily use, skin feels more supple and hydrated throughout the day. Makeup applies more smoothly.
80% noticed better skin textureSun Protection Benefits
Prevents new sun damage, dark spots, and premature aging. Existing hyperpigmentation doesn't worsen with proper reapplication.
90% prevented new sun damageLong-Term Anti-Aging
Consistent SPF use shows in more even skin tone, fewer new fine lines, and maintained youthful appearance.
85% noticed anti-aging benefitsRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Ultra-lightweight, feels like skincare not sunscreen
- No white cast on any skin tone
- Beautiful dewy, glowy finish
- Excellent makeup primer
- Deeply hydrating for dry skin
- Pleasant light apricot scent
- Non-sticky, comfortable wear
- Affordable for K-beauty SPF
Criticized
- Eye stinging when sweating
- Too dewy for very oily skin
- Contains fragrance and alcohol
- Not pregnancy/breastfeeding safe
- Not fungal acne safe
- Small 50ml size
- Not water/sweat resistant
- May need setting powder for oily zones
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar dewy finish and lightweight texture. Uses modern chemical filters only (no physical). Rice extract for brightening. Equally hydrating with similar glow effect.
More affordable option with aloe for sensitive skin. Slightly less dewy, more natural finish. Great for those who want hydration without intense glow.
8 types of hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration. More dewy than Thank You Farmer. Fragrance-free and alcohol-free - better for sensitive skin.
Lighter texture, better for oily skin. Less dewy finish. Great for those who find Thank You Farmer too glowy. Birch juice for hydration.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEIsntree HA Watery Sun Gel
SKIN1004 Centella Sun Serum
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Mark the date you first open the product.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not refrigerate.
Light blue squeeze tube with twist-off cap. Easy to dispense and control amount.
Yes, 50ml is under the 100ml TSA liquid limit. Perfect for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo, this sunscreen is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains chemical UV filters including octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, which have potential endocrine-disrupting concerns. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, dermatologists recommend using mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the primary active ingredients.
No, this sunscreen is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast including polysorbate 80, glyceryl stearate (an ester), sunflower seed oil, echium plantagineum seed oil, plukenetia volubilis seed oil, and soybean lipids. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like certain mineral sunscreens or products verified as malassezia-safe.
Yes! Sunscreen is essential when using active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs because they can increase sun sensitivity. Apply your actives (serums, treatments) first, then moisturizer if needed, and finish with this sunscreen as the last step of your morning routine. Using SPF helps prevent the photosensitivity and irritation that can occur with these actives.
This sunscreen is best suited for dry, normal, and combination skin types. Its hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid, bamboo water, and plant oils provides excellent moisture for dehydrated skin. The dewy finish is particularly flattering on dry and mature skin. Those with very oily skin may find it too glowy and should consider the Light Sun Essence version or use setting powder.
You'll see immediate results in terms of hydration and a dewy glow. The UV protection works instantly after application. With consistent daily use over 2-4 weeks, you'll notice improved skin texture and maintained hydration. Long-term benefits (preventing sun damage, dark spots, and premature aging) require consistent daily application over months and years. Remember, sunscreen is a preventive product.
Sunscreen should always be the LAST step of your skincare routine (before makeup). The correct order is: cleanser, toner, essence/serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and finally sunscreen. For oily skin types, this hydrating sunscreen can replace your moisturizer. Wait 2-3 minutes after application before applying makeup for best results.
This sunscreen has a low comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores for most people. Most reviewers report no breakouts even with daily use. However, it does contain some oils and fatty ingredients that could potentially cause issues for acne-prone skin. If you're concerned, patch test first. It is NOT fungal acne safe due to specific ingredients.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. After opening, use within one year for optimal protection and formula integrity. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you notice any changes in texture, smell, or separation, discard and replace the product. With daily use, a 50ml tube typically lasts 1-2 months when applying the recommended amount.
Verdict: The Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a hydrating, lightweight sunscreen with a beautiful dewy finish. Its watery texture feels like skincare rather than sunscreen, making daily SPF application enjoyable. The hybrid filter system provides solid broad-spectrum protection, and the addition of centella, hyaluronic acid, and bamboo water offers real skincare benefits. However, it's not suitable for pregnant/breastfeeding individuals or those with fungal acne, and the dewy finish may be too glowy for very oily skin. Eye stinging is a common complaint. If you have dry to normal skin and want a glow-giving SPF that works beautifully under makeup, this K-beauty favorite delivers on its promises.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 |
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 0 |
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning, Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
|
|
| 4 |
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 2 |
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 3 |
Octocrylene
Uv Absorber, Sunscreen Agent, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|







