The sheer number of sunscreen options on the market can be intimidating to the average consumer. There are many decisions to make, ranging from what kind to buy, to what SPF factor and which company. While there are many good options, Coola sunscreens stand out as a popular choice.
Coola sells sunscreens ranging from 18-70 SPF. In addition to the active sun-protection ingredients, they also add many other ingredients that are beneficial overall skin health. For example, Coola Mineral Matte Tinted Sunscreen contains rosehip seed oil, plankton extract and shea butter to soothe and soften and reduce blemishes all while protecting you from harmful UV rays.
Coola sells many sunscreen formulas but they can all be broadly classified into one of two groups: mineral and classic. Mineral sunscreens use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredient, and sometimes both. These work by creating a physical barrier to block UV rays from reaching your skin. Many people opt for these due to currently unproven concerns over chemical sunscreens being absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially causing negative health consequences. Mineral sunscreens are also considered marine life friendly.
Coola classic sunscreens use chemicals like avobenzone, homosalate and octisalate as their active ingredients. These essentially absorb the sun’s UV rays and then release them from the body as heat. Chemical sunscreens are popular because they are easier to spread evenly across the body, have a lightweight feel and don’t leave behind that telltale white cast of many mineral sunscreens.
Coola is a socially responsible company that places a focus on sustainability. To that end, they support local communities and formulate their products with ingredients sourced from farmers that use sustainable practices. They also package nearly all of their skincare products in glass containers or tubes made from sustainably-sourced sugarcane resin that is 100% recyclable.
The higher the SPF rating, the more of the sun’s harmful UV rays a sunscreen can protect you from. Coola sells sun protection products with SPFs ranging from 18-70. For most people, SPF 30 or SPF 50 should be sufficient for their needs, but if you are prone to burning it may be worthwhile to purchase a sunscreen with an SPF 70 rating.
Along with the active ingredients that provide protection from UVA and UVB rays, Coola sunscreens may contain a variety of other ingredients designed to hydrate, rejuvenate and detoxify the skin. These also reduce blemishes, promote healing and soothe irritation. Inactive ingredients found in Coola products commonly include various plant, flower and fruit extracts and oils. If you are sensitive to some of these types of ingredients, make sure to check the label carefully before purchasing or applying any Coola sunscreen.
Coola sunscreens may have no water resistance, 40 minutes of water resistance or 80 minutes of water resistance. If you’ll be spending time in the water, it is best to opt for a formula that boasts 80 minutes of water resistance so you won’t have to reapply it as often.
Tints are often used in face or lip sunscreens to give your skin a healthy glow. Coola also adds it to some of its mineral body sunscreens to help prevent the white cast these types of sunblock are often associated with.
In January of 2021, Hawaii signed Reef Compliant Act 104 into law. This prohibits the sale of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate because the two chemicals are known to harm marine life and cause coral-reef bleaching. Even if you aren’t traveling to Hawaii, it is a good idea to use reef-safe sunscreen if you will be spending any time in the ocean. Coola sells both chemical and mineral sunscreens that conform to these regulations.
Coola sells both scented and unscented sunscreens. If you are particularly sensitive to smells, it may be best to choose a fragrance-free option unless you already know you like the scent of a particular Coola sunscreen.
Coola’s sunscreen products range greatly in price depending on their ingredients and form. Its body sunscreens are the most affordable, ranging from $3.50-$10 per ounce. Its facial sunscreens are the most expensive and can cost up to $50 per ounce.
A. Most experts recommend applying sunscreen whenever you’ll be spending time in the sun, even on cloudy days. It is best to apply it a minimum of 15 minutes before exposure to give it time to absorb into your skin and start working.
A. All of Coola’s products are made and packaged in the United States.
Coola Mineral Matte Tinted Sunscreen
What you need to know: A tinted mineral option with skin rejuvenating ingredients, this sunscreen is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their skin healthy and protected.
What you’ll love: It doesn’t leave behind a white cast like mineral sunscreens from many other companies.
What you should consider: It is only water resistant for 40 minutes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Coola Classic Sunscreen Spray SPF 70
What you need to know: If you need maximum sun protection, you can rely on this easy-to-apply SPF 70 option.
What you’ll love: It is also available in a lotion option with the same formula for those who don’t like sprays. Plus, it is one of the company's more affordable sunscreens, so you won’t feel like it is costing you an arm and a leg.
What you should consider: Several users have complained of the spray nozzle failing.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: This lightweight and non-greasy formula boasts an SPF 50 rating and comes in a TSA-approved size to take along when traveling.
What you’ll love: It offers the effectiveness of chemical sunscreens but still meets the Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104 regulations. Most people enjoy the pleasant White Tea fragrance, but it is also available in an unscented variety for those sensitive to smells.
What you should consider: There have been reports of it causing breakouts for a small number of users.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
