VARI:HOPE UV Waterful Sun Cream
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 6 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.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Anti-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Protects skin against fine dust adherence and other external aggressors.”
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
“Effectively blocks Blue Light to prevent skin pigmentation and aging.”
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:
sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol.
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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, salvia hispanica seed extract.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Limonia acidissima extractMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Chamaecyparis obtusa water~22–33%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butyloctyl salicylate~4.8–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own
More about Butyloctyl salicylateDibutyl adipate~4.6–6.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Dibutyl adipateEthylhexyl salicylate~3.9–5.9%
- 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 salicylatePropanediol~2.6–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolButylene glycol~1.9–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~1.9–2.8%
- 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 benzoateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~1.4–2.2%
- 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 triglycerideTitanium dioxide~1.3–2%
- 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 dioxideBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.2–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineC12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateNiacinamide~0.4–0.9%
- 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 NiacinamideWater~0.35–0.8%
1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.75%
Ethylhexyl triazone~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Ethylhexyl triazonePolyglyceryl-2 stearate~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-2 stearateAluminum hydroxide~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerGlyceryl stearate~0.2–0.75%
- 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 stearateStearic acid~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidStearyl alcohol~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholSodium polyacrylate~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylatePolyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleateEthylhexyl stearate~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Ethylhexyl stearateBehenyl alcohol~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerCaprylyl glycol~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolAdenosine~0.1–0.45%
- 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 AdenosineEthylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.45%
Trideceth-6~0.1–0.45%
Triticum vulgare germ extract~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Plant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance
More about Triticum vulgare germ extractAdansonia digitata seed extract~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Brassica oleracea italica extract~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might have some anti-inflammatory properties but research is lacking
More about Brassica oleracea italica extractBrassica oleracea capitata leaf extract~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Plant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extractMedicago sativa extract~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Medicago sativa extractXanthan gum~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumVeronica officinalis extract~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Poterium officinale root extract~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Raphanus sativus seed extract~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Brassica campestris extract~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Salvia hispanica seed extract~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that typically contains linolenic and linoleic acids that help soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
More about Salvia hispanica seed extractCentella asiatica extract~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractHouttuynia cordata extract~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Piper methysticum root extract~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Limonia acidissima extract~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateIngredient list view
Chamaecyparis obtusa water, Butyloctyl salicylate, Dibutyl adipate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Propanediol, Butylene glycol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Titanium dioxide, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Niacinamide, Water, 1,2-hexanediol, Ethylhexyl triazone, Polyglyceryl-2 stearate, Aluminum hydroxide, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Glyceryl stearate, Stearic acid, Stearyl alcohol, Sodium polyacrylate, Polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, Ethylhexyl stearate, Behenyl alcohol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trideceth-6, Triticum vulgare germ extract, Adansonia digitata seed extract, Brassica oleracea italica extract, Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract, Medicago sativa extract, Xanthan gum, Veronica officinalis extract, Poterium officinale root extract, Raphanus sativus seed extract, Brassica campestris extract, Salvia hispanica seed extract, Centella asiatica extract, Houttuynia cordata extract, Piper methysticum root extract, Limonia acidissima extract, Sodium hyaluronate
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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.
| VARI:HOPEUV Waterful Sun CreamYOUR PRODUCT | Thank You FarmerSun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream Fragrance-Free SPF50+ PA++++ | ISNTREEHyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream | ManyoFoundation-Free Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 89% | 87% | 87% |
| Price | $18.00 | $26.44+$8.44 | $14.97−$3.03 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 13 | 5 of 13 | 5 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Uvasorb Heb | Panthenol | Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We assess that "VARI: HOPE - UV Waterful Sun Cream" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: tinosorb s, butyloctyl salicylate, uvinul a plus, octisalate and uvinul t. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 18.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.
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