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Coola Mineral Cucumber Matte SPF 30 Face
Coola

Coola Mineral Cucumber Matte SPF 30 Face

SPF 30Efficacy60/100IrritancyLow·2 UV filters
See all ingredients In 4 routines
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Works for

0 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection
SPF 30 · 2 UV filters · Partial spectrum
Weak protectionLow filter dose
SPF 30Partial spectrumMineral + chemical filtersWater-resistant

This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.

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.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Titanium Dioxide
Zinc Oxide
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable 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 skin3.2%
Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant1.8%
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Anti-aging
Butyrospermum parkii butter
Limited evidence
What the product description says
“Completely invisible and non-greasy with a demi-matte finish, it’s the perfect way to delay the skin-ageing process.”
Source: Cultbeauty

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - butyrospermum parkii butter - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~7.2–10.9%
Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · Butyrospermum parkii butter, Glycerin + 11 more
Good evidence

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, cucumis sativus fruit 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: butyrospermum parkii butter, isopropyl myristate.

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~7.2–10.9%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.5–3.8%
Isopropyl myristateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic~1.9–2.9%
Oenothera biennis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~1–1.45%
Plankton extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.55–1.3%
Dimethicone crosspolymerKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface~2.8–4.3%
CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~4–6%
Polysilicone-11Effect: LowA silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel~0.35–0.75%
Polyamide-5· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product feel and texture~0.55–1.3%
Linum usitatissimum seed oilEffect: Low~1.2–1.8%
Cucumis sativus fruit extract· HumectantEffect: LowMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~5.7–8.6%
Propylene carbonateEffect: LowIs used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture~0.2–0.7%
Rosa canina fruit oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~0.15–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 4 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Cucumis sativus fruit extractMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effectMedium~5.7–8.6%est.
Oenothera biennis oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier functionMedium~1–1.45%est.
Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.55–1.3%est.
Rosa canina fruit oilA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritatingMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Butyrospermum parkii butterA 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 radicals3/5~7.2–10.9%est.
Isopropyl myristateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic3/5~1.9–2.9%est.
Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.55–1.3%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Titanium dioxide3.2%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 dioxide
Zinc oxide1.8%
UV filterUnder-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant

More about Zinc oxide
Aluminum hydroxide~23–35%
Formula
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 hydroxide
Butyrospermum parkii butter~7.2–10.9%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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 butter
Cucumis sativus fruit extract~5.7–8.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect

More about Cucumis sativus fruit extract
Cyclopentasiloxane~4–6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane
Dimethicone crosspolymer~2.8–4.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface

More about Dimethicone crosspolymer
Glycerin~2.5–3.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Hydrogen dimethicone~2.1–3.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps the function of sunscreen and pigment ingredients in the formulation

More about Hydrogen dimethicone
Isopropyl myristate~1.9–2.9%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic

More about Isopropyl myristate
Linum usitatissimum seed oil~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Linum usitatissimum seed oil
Oenothera biennis oil~1–1.45%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Oenothera biennis oil
Plankton extract~0.55–1.3%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Plankton extract
Polyamide-5~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product feel and texture

More about Polyamide-5
Polysilicone-11~0.35–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel

More about Polysilicone-11
Propylene carbonate~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Is used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture

More about Propylene carbonate
Rosa canina fruit oil~0.15–0.65%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating

More about Rosa canina fruit oil
Silica silylate~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica silylate
Stearalkonium hectorite~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create an even product consistency

More about Stearalkonium hectorite
Ingredient list view

Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Aluminum hydroxide, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Glycerin, Hydrogen dimethicone, Isopropyl myristate, Linum usitatissimum seed oil, Oenothera biennis oil, Plankton extract, Polyamide-5, Polysilicone-11, Propylene carbonate, Rosa canina fruit oil, Silica silylate, Stearalkonium hectorite

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Sephora CA
≈ $34.36
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≈ $42.88
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≈ $48.24
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Product summary

We believe that "Coola - Mineral Cucumber Matte SPF 30 Face" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. 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).

Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This product is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.

Irritation risk

This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be low. 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 36.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 48.00CA$ in Canada.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  2. 2
    Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreensncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen productsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Ultraviolet Protection Properties of Commercial Sunscreens and Sunscreens Containing Zno Nanorodsiopscience.iop.org
  5. 5
    ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Safety Assessment of Alumina and Aluminum Hydroxide as Used in Cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Coola Mineral Cucumber Matte SPF 30 Face
CoolaMineral Cucumber Matte SPF 30 Face
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.