Coola Refreshing Water Plumping Gel SPF30

Coola Refreshing Water Plumping Gel SPF30

SPF 30Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh·6 UV filters
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Sun protection
SPF 30 · 6 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 30Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

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.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Octocrylene
Homosalate
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Octisalate
Avobenzone
Methyl Anthranilate
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable 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" sunscreen7%
HomosalateUVB Photo-stable 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 formulation6%
Butyloctyl SalicylateUVBA 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~3.5–5.2%
OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. 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" sunscreen5%
AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. 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.3%
Methyl AnthranilateUVBUVA1Used 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~0.05–0.25%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · Hyaluronic acid, Alaria esculenta extract + 1 more
Strong evidence

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.

Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne 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~1.8–2.8%
Alaria esculenta extractEffect: LowWorks as a humectant helping to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be effective as an anti-oxidant.~1.2–1.7%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: LowTraditionally 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~23–34%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim
Strong evidence

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).

Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · Hyaluronic acid, Corallina officinalis extract + 6 more
Good evidence

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).

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne 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~1.8–2.8%
Corallina officinalis extractKey activeEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants~0.15–0.65%
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~0.1–0.4%
Alaria esculenta extractKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumWorks as a humectant helping to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be effective as an anti-oxidant.~1.2–1.7%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.45%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally 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~23–34%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.1–0.3%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.15–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Jasminum sambac leaf cell extract, Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 24 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~4.9–7.3%est.
Aloe barbadensis flower extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effectHigh~1–1.6%est.
Jasminum sambac leaf cell extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.5–1.2%est.
Melia azadirachta leaf extractA plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1%est.
Curcuma longa root extractA 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 irritantHigh~0.1–0.5%est.
Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extractUsed as a fragrance. Canbe irritatingHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Ocimum sanctum leaf extractA 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 radicalsHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Phenethyl alcoholA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. 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.Medium3%
HomosalateA 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 formulationMedium6%
OctocryleneA 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" sunscreenMedium7%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally 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 skinMedium~23–34%est.
Butyloctyl salicylateA 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 ownMedium~3.5–5.2%est.
Ethylhexyl methoxycryleneHelps improve stability of sunscreen filters and boost their effectivenessMedium~2.6–3.9%est.
Melia azadirachta flower extractA plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Coccinia indica fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
Solanum melongena fruit extractEggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effectMedium~0.15–0.5%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Triethyl citrateUsed as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritationMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Tapioca starchUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Methyl anthranilateUsed 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-toxicityMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Methyl benzoateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 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
Corallina officinalis extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants3/5~0.15–0.65%est.
Theobroma cacao seed extract—3/5~0.15–0.55%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 methoxydibenzoylmethane
Homosalate6%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 Homosalate
Ethylhexyl salicylate5%
UV filter
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 salicylate
Octocrylene7%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 Octocrylene
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~23–34%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-agingAnti-blemish

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 juice
Alcohol denat.~4.9–7.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~4.4–6.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Butyloctyl salicylate~3.5–5.2%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 salicylate
Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene~2.6–3.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps improve stability of sunscreen filters and boost their effectiveness

More about Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene
Hyaluronic acid~1.8–2.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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 acid
Cocos nucifera fruit water~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Alaria esculenta extract~1.2–1.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Works as a humectant helping to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be effective as an anti-oxidant.

More about Alaria esculenta extract
Aloe barbadensis flower extract~1–1.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Aloe barbadensis flower extract
Jasminum sambac leaf cell extract~0.5–1.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Jasminum sambac leaf cell extract
Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.45–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating

More about Melia azadirachta leaf extract
Melia azadirachta flower extract~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Melia azadirachta flower extract
Corallina officinalis extract~0.15–0.65%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants

More about Corallina officinalis extract
Coccinia indica fruit extract~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Coccinia indica fruit extract
Solanum melongena fruit extract~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Eggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Solanum melongena fruit extract
Theobroma cacao seed extract~0.15–0.55%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Theobroma cacao seed extract
Curcuma longa root extract~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

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 extract
Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Canbe irritating

More about Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract
Ocimum sanctum leaf extract~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

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 extract
Schinus molle extract~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.15–0.6%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 triglyceride
Water~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Ethyl ferulate~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ethyl ferulate
Propanediol~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Butylene glycol~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Triethyl citrate~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritation

More about Triethyl citrate
Tapioca starch~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Tapioca starch
Glycerin~0.1–0.4%
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
Gamma-nonalactone~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Tropolone~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Tropolone
Juniperus mexicana oil~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Gamma-octalactone~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Benzyl acetate~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Benzyl acetate
Phenethyl alcohol~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Phenethyl alcohol
Mimosa tenuiflora bark extract~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Vanillin~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Vanillin
Heliotropine~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Heliotropine
Anisaldehyde~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Anisaldehyde
Delta-decalactone~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Methylbenzyl acetate~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Ethyl butyrate~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ethyl butyrate
Methyl anthranilate~0.05–0.25%
UV filterIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 anthranilate
Methyl benzoate~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Methyl benzoate
Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Alcohol denat., Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Butyloctyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, Hyaluronic acid, Cocos nucifera fruit water, Alaria esculenta extract, Aloe barbadensis flower extract, Jasminum sambac leaf cell extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Corallina officinalis extract, Coccinia indica fruit extract, Solanum melongena fruit extract, Theobroma cacao seed extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Schinus molle extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Water, Ethyl ferulate, Propanediol, Butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Triethyl citrate, Tapioca starch, Glycerin, Gamma-nonalactone, Tropolone, Juniperus mexicana oil, Gamma-octalactone, Benzyl acetate, Phenethyl alcohol, Mimosa tenuiflora bark extract, Vanillin, Heliotropine, Anisaldehyde, Delta-decalactone, Methylbenzyl acetate, Ethyl butyrate, Methyl anthranilate, Methyl benzoate

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
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  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
    Melia azedarachmdedge.com
  6. 6
Coola Refreshing Water Plumping Gel SPF30
CoolaRefreshing Water Plumping Gel SPF30

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