Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 5 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
Anti-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“This SPF 50+ sunscreen has a pearlescent shimmer, giving your skin a subtle yet noticeable radiance while keeping it protected from sun exposure and early signs of aging.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
This product can also help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
“A BB cream-meets-sunscreen, Thank You Farmers Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF 30+ infuses skin with conditioning shea butter (to enhance elasticity), while niacinamide exhibits a skin-brightening benefit and titanium dioxide creates a physical force field between complexion and the ageing effects of the sun and pollutants maintaining youthful vibrancy and preventing development of dark spots.”
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 15 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, portulaca oleracea extract.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: beeswax, caprylic/capric triglyceride.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Cyclopentasiloxane~5.5–6.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4.3–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateGlycerin~3–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinAlcohol~2.3–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholCaprylic/capric triglyceride~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideEthylhexyl salicylate~2.1–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateIsoamyl p-methoxycinnamate~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Amiloxate or Neo Heliopan E1000. A UV filter. It is effective against UVB and UVA II rays. Not available in the US. It can be irritating
More about Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamateDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateNiacinamide~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideGlyceryl stearate~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateButyrospermum parkii butter~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterDimethicone~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeTitanium dioxide~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxidePolysorbate 60~0.25–0.45%
Mica~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about Mica1,2-hexanediol~0.25–0.4%
Silica~0.35–0.65%
Peg-100 stearate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateCetearyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilanePortulaca oleracea extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Portulaca oleracea extractPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBeeswax~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen
More about BeeswaxAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerStearic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidParfum~0.1–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumTocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateSodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerPolyurethane-11~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumIsohexadecane~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecanePolysorbate 80~0.2–0.35%
Adenosine~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineDisodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Tin oxide~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation
More about Tin oxideCi 14700~0.15–0.3%
Nelumbo nucifera flower water~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Plukenetia volubilis seed oil~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant oil that works as a good moisturizer by softening the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin and reducing blemishes due to the large content of linoleic acid
More about Plukenetia volubilis seed oilAloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extractAlthaea rosea flower extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Alcohol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Niacinamide, Glyceryl stearate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Dimethicone, Titanium dioxide, Polysorbate 60, Mica, 1,2-hexanediol, Silica, Peg-100 stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Portulaca oleracea extract, Phenoxyethanol, Beeswax, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Stearic acid, Parfum, Tocopheryl acetate, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Polyurethane-11, Xanthan gum, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Adenosine, Disodium edta, Tin oxide, Ci 14700, Nelumbo nucifera flower water, Plukenetia volubilis seed oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Althaea rosea flower extract
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Affiliate links · prices updated regularly
Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Thank You FarmerSun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30YOUR PRODUCT | DAYCELLEsthenique Snail Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ | MISSHAMagic Cushion SPF50+/PA+++ #23 | KARADIUMSnail Repair Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 84% | 82% | 82% |
| Price | $22.69 | $23.90+$1.21 | $12.10−$10.59 | $11.44−$11.25 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 13 | 7 of 13 | 7 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil | Hamamelis Virginiana Extract | Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "Thank You Farmer - Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30" can offer reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: uvinul a plus 1.60% - 1.90%, octinoxate 4.30% - 5.30%, octisalate 2.10% - 2.60% and amiloxate 2.00% - 2.40%.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 125.17A$ in Australia, from 16.49$ up to 27.00$ in the United States and for 24.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.