Coola Full Spectrum 360º Refreshing Water Cream Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 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.
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-agingSide benefit · Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Hyaluronic acid + 1 moreWorks well
This product can 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 toneSide benefit · GluconolactoneWorks well
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).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Carthamus tinctorius oleosomes, Glycerin + 12 moreWorks
“Powerful sun protection plus intense daily hydration in a water-light face moisturizer with SPF 50 and Hyaluronic Acid.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, hyaluronic acid.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Jasminum sambac leaf cell extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
1 of 1 community members would buy it again.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation
More about HomosalateEthylhexyl salicylate3%
- 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 salicylateOctocrylene5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneAloe barbadensis leaf juice~23–34%
- 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 juiceGlycerin~3.3–4.9%
- 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 GlycerinCarthamus tinctorius oleosomes~4.4–6.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Carthamus tinctorius oleosomesAdipic acid/diglycol crosspolymer~3.5–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate~2.8–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Neopentyl glycol diheptanoateSodium acrylates copolymer~1.9–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerIsododecane~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecaneSodium stearoyl glutamate~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateGlyceryl stearate~1–1.5%
- 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 stearateWater~0.55–1.25%
Cocos nucifera water~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Cocos nucifera waterAloe barbadensis flower extract~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Aloe barbadensis flower extractHyaluronic acid~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
More about Hyaluronic acidSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.55%
Jasminum sambac leaf cell extract~0.1–0.45%
Theobroma cacao seed extract~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Schinus molle extract~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
More about Melia azadirachta leaf extractMelia azadirachta flower extract~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Melia azadirachta flower extractCorallina officinalis extract~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
More about Corallina officinalis extractArgania spinosa kernel oil~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
More about Argania spinosa kernel oilCoccinia indica fruit extract~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Coccinia indica fruit extractSolanum melongena fruit extract~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Eggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Solanum melongena fruit extractCurcuma longa root extract~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
More about Curcuma longa root extractOcimum sanctum leaf extract~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals
More about Ocimum sanctum leaf extractOcimum basilicum flower/leaf extract~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Canbe irritating
More about Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extractLeuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateLeuconostoc ferment filtrate~0.1–0.3%
Glyceryl caprylate~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateSodium benzoate~0.1–0.35%
Methylbenzyl acetate~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Benzyl acetate~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Juniperus mexicana oil~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propanediol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolButylene glycol~0.1–0.3%
- 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 glycolLecithin~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinCaprylhydroxamic acid~0.1–0.3%
Gluconolactone~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
More about GluconolactoneCitric acid~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidTocopheryl acetate~0.1–0.35%
- 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 acetateBisabolol~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololXanthan gum~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumDelta-decalactone~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethyl butyrate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Gamma-nonalactone~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Gamma-octalactone~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Methyl anthranilate~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used as a fragrance. It can be used a booster for UV filters in non-European sunscreen formulations. A draft regulation in the EU proposes to restrict the usage of this ingredient to a low concentration in sunscreens because of concerns of photo-toxicity
More about Methyl anthranilateMethyl benzoate~0.05–0.3%
Mimosa tenuiflora bark extract~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Nerolidol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenethyl alcohol~0.1–0.4%
Heliotropine~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Anisaldehyde~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Triethyl citrate~0.05–0.3%
Vanillin~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Glycerin, Carthamus tinctorius oleosomes, Adipic acid/diglycol crosspolymer, Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Isododecane, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Glyceryl stearate, Water, Cocos nucifera water, Aloe barbadensis flower extract, Hyaluronic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Jasminum sambac leaf cell extract, Theobroma cacao seed extract, Schinus molle extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Corallina officinalis extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Coccinia indica fruit extract, Solanum melongena fruit extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Leuconostoc ferment filtrate, Glyceryl caprylate, Sodium benzoate, Methylbenzyl acetate, Benzyl acetate, Juniperus mexicana oil, Propanediol, Butylene glycol, Lecithin, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Gluconolactone, Citric acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Bisabolol, Xanthan gum, Delta-decalactone, Ethyl butyrate, Gamma-nonalactone, Gamma-octalactone, Methyl anthranilate, Methyl benzoate, Mimosa tenuiflora bark extract, Nerolidol, Phenethyl alcohol, Heliotropine, Anisaldehyde, Triethyl citrate, Vanillin
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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.
| CoolaFull Spectrum 360º Refreshing Water Cream Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50YOUR PRODUCT | Dr. IdrissMajor Fade Disco Block SPF 50 Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Face Treatment for Brightening and Dark Spots | Peter Thomas RothMax Matte Shine Control Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 | Then I Met YouEssence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 46% | 45% | 44% |
| Price | $48.00 | $38.00−$10.00 | $34.00−$14.00 | $36.00−$12.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 8 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Lactic Acid | Ceramide Eos | Pitera |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 45 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Clinique UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 with Hyaluronic AcidCetaphil Healthy Renew Day Cream SPF 30
Product summary
We believe that "Coola - Full Spectrum 360º Refreshing Water Cream Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. 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: avobenzone 3.00% (declared), octisalate 3.00% (declared), homosalate 5.00% (declared), methyl anthranilate 0.10% - 0.35% and octocrylene 5.00% (declared).
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Coola" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 46.00$ 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 25 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6Melia azedarachmdedge.com
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