My grandmother is my beauty guru. Despite being well into her 80’s and only recently developing white hair, her skin is the definition of radiant and supple. I’m quite certain her first wrinkle appeared around her 50s and even now age spots are not a concern for her. Her beauty ritual is uncomplicated but it comes from four key aspects: getting enough sleep, being happy, moisturizing, and sun protection. The concept of sun protection is heavily ingrained in my own beauty ritual today and until now I’ve only hopped from one sunscreen to the next, wishing for better (healthier/less controversial) ingredients, stronger performance, or more suitability with my finicky skin. Well dear friends, after somewhat of a miss with my first Coola Sunscreen – I’ve found the gem that changed the sunscreen game for me. May I introduce you to Coola SPORT Mineral Sunscreen SPF35- Citrus Mimosa?
I can say with full confidence that this is hands down the best sunscreen I have used and if I never discover any other sunscreen brands, I’ll be okay because this will be repurchased ad infinitum. Unlike the previous sunscreen from Coola that I tried, this is a physical SPF that uses Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as the active ingredients. Titanium Dioxide has its share of detractors but at the end of the day, I still believe it has less potential to harm than chemical sunscreens which can actually generate free radical damage and become unstable during UV exposure. Zinc Oxide is kind of the green gold standard, and it is an ingredient I’ve come to love not only for its comprehensive UV-protective trait but also because Zinc itself helps to refine skin and reduce inflammation.
Usually physical blocks are thicker and leave a white cast, and while this is thicker than the usual liquid chemical sunscreens, I find that it left a breathable protective barrier that seemed to provide the right level of moisture for my skin which is especially appreciated during this Polar vortex. I have been using this sunscreen for the past 3 months so I think the moisture would still be wonderful for when the weather isn’t blistering as well. The infamous white cast associated with physical sunscreens has not been an issue, instead I’ve found the cream to refine and hide the minor imperfections, helping skin appear more even and bright without any shine.
The inactive ingredients make this sunscreen shine over others based on the stellar quality of plant oils, vitamins, and plankton extract. And while there is concern over potentially photo-sensitizing oils, I’m told that physical sunblocks that actually block UV rays from contact with skin help to prevent these photo-sensitizing oils from becoming dangerous. I can understand why these oils are included, the scent is a creamy-citrus-sherbert fragrance which matches well with the creamy texture.
The formula is water-proof to an extent, and this is important to me personally because a lot of sunscreens sting my eyes, making it impossible to wear as I walk to and from the gym.
If it sounds like I’m raving about this product, it’s because I do love it, and I look forward to using it every morning. Now there are some potential drawbacks. If you apply a lot of makeup (as in.. going on camera foundation, concealer, powder, etc.), this sunscreen may not be the perfect surface and could cause clumping. The dispenser is not my favorite as the cream seems to dry near the entrance if it is not regularly used.
I know there are many sunscreens on the market now, especially cleanser alternatives which are highly welcomed – for anyone still searching, it would be a mistake to not take a look at this sunscreen. At $36 for 3oz, I believe it’s priced very competitively especially for this level of ingredients and performance. While I’m not saying it’ll be right for everyone, I firmly believe that after all of the bottles of sunscreen I’ve used – this one stands above the rest.
Have you tried the Coola cucumber matte finish? I have been using that for a few months and don’t have any complaints. I’m not as educated on ingredients as you so I was just wondering how the two compare?
I have not used this one yet, I think I was eyeing it but decided against it as the none-waterproof proof formula stung my eyes quite a bit. But I will have to try because my biggest gripe with the non-matte Coola’s I’ve used is the shine factor!
I am glad you found one you like. I personally still try to steer away from citrus oils in spf especially if they are so abundant and high up on the incl as here. I also avoid silicones. I am currently using antipodes spf 15, which I like. (I think spf 15 is enough if you do not live in Australia or other hot and humid climates, where I used to live). Have you tried kimberly sayer spf 30 and osmosis spf 30 if you do not mind the citrus? They usually get good reviews too…
Yeah, citrus oil for day time is definitely not something I go for.. I haven’t tried Kimberly Sayer, for some reason not a lot of people in the US seem familiar with the brand, so it may be more of a European label? Have heard so many great things about Osmosis products but no experience with their spf yet, I think Green Derm uses it though!
I am currently using ClimbOn mineral sunscreen, spf 30. It’s pretty good in terms of not leaving my face shiny and greasy looking. Though my forehead area between my brows always gets a little oily a few hours after cleansing…. even if it has absolutely no products in it. And the sunblock doesn’t have any citrus oils, silicones and the zinc oxide is non nano.
Hi!
Could you recommend other facial sunscreens? Currently using Kiss My Face but I think it’s causing itchiness
Oh that’s not good! I know Whole Foods has testers that you can try and there are some good ones. I like Suntegrity and Coola, but any sunscreen with high Zinc Oxide content is good.
Hey there,
I’m loving your blog. I found it looking for green cleansers and am greatful you turned me onto Yuli as it seems to be combating my hormonal acne, which went nuts when I tried to “green” my beauty routine. Just bought the cell perfecto so fingers crossed.
I’m now on the hunt for a good daily sunscreen/moisturizer. I’ve heard good things about coola and the matte one looks like it might be right for me as I don’t want shine, but I saw it has shea butter, which I’m afraid is going to clog up my somewhat fussy skin. I have a similar fear with the coola sport sunscreen as it has coconut oil… Do you have any thoughts those ingredients for acne prone skin? Thanks 🙂