COOLA is a Southern California-based skincare brand that prides itself on using organic and locally sourced ingredients to develop high-quality sun and skincare products. The brand’s tagline, “Farm to Face,” reflects their commitment to creating eco-conscious products that not only protect your skin but also respect the environment. COOLA’s product range includes everything from traditional sunscreens to face mists, tinted moisturizers, and lip balms.
Apart from these products, the brand has also made a name for itself in the beauty industry with its dedicated focus on creating cruelty-free and vegan products. This commitment is reflective of the current trend towards more conscious consumption, where consumers are gradually becoming more aware of the ingredients in their skincare products.
However, there have been debates about whether COOLA truly lives up to its claims of being a clean brand. How valid are the brand’s cruelty-free and vegan claims? Let’s break it down.
The Rise of Clean Beauty: Understanding The Trend
The term “clean beauty” has become something of a buzzword in the skincare and beauty industry. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the ingredients used in their beauty products, and are now actively seeking out brands that prioritize natural, organic, and non-toxic ingredients.
According to a 2019 survey by the Environmental Working Group, 73% of respondents said they felt it was important to understand the ingredients in the products they use. As a result, many brands, COOLA included, are promoting themselves as ‘clean’ to meet this growing demand.
However, there’s a catch. The term ‘clean’ is vaguely defined in the beauty industry, with no universally accepted standards. Consequently, some brands can market themselves as ‘clean’ while still using questionable ingredients, leading to skepticism among discerning customers.
Investigating COOLA’s Cruelty-Free Claim
COOLA’s product labels and website proudly proclaim that they are a cruelty-free brand. This means they do not test their products on animals, a practice that has come under significant criticism in recent years.
COOLA’s cruelty-free claim appears to be legitimate. The brand is certified by the Leaping Bunny Program, an internationally recognized certification that guarantees a brand is completely free from animal testing at all stages of product development.
However, cruelty-free does not necessarily mean vegan. While COOLA does not test on animals, it’s important to investigate whether their products contain animal-derived ingredients.
Going Beyond Labels: Is COOLA Really Vegan?
Vegan products are those that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. According to COOLA’s website, most of their products are vegan. However, they do disclose that a few of their products may contain beeswax or honey.
This level of transparency is commendable, as many brands often hide such information in small print. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that while the majority of COOLA’s products may be vegan, the brand as a whole cannot be categorized as completely vegan due to these exceptions.
It’s always a good idea to check individual product labels if you are specifically looking for vegan skincare options.
Evaluating COOLA’s Ingredients: How Clean Are They?
COOLA’s major selling point is their use of natural and organic ingredients, which fall in line with the clean beauty trend. However, does this mean all their ingredients are safe and non-toxic?
A closer look at their ingredient lists shows that COOLA does use a significant amount of natural and organic ingredients. They also avoid the use of many harmful chemicals commonly found in skincare products, such as parabens and oxybenzone.
However, it’s worth noting that some of COOLA’s products do contain phenoxyethanol, a preservative that has been flagged as a potential skin irritant. While it’s not considered hazardous at low concentrations, its presence does raise questions about how ‘clean’ COOLA’s formulations are.
Consumer Testimonials: What Users Say About COOLA
Customer reviews often offer valuable insights into a brand’s authenticity and the effectiveness of its products. Most COOLA consumers praise the brand for its lightweight and non-greasy formulations that are ideal for everyday use. They also appreciate the use of organic ingredients and the brand’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices.
However, there are a few common criticisms. Some users have reported reactions to specific products, likely due to sensitivity to certain ingredients. However, these cases appear to be relatively infrequent.
Overall, COOLA has a strong customer satisfaction rate, with most users willing to recommend their products to others.
Comparing COOLA: How Does it Stand Against Other Brands?
In comparison to other ‘clean’ brands, COOLA holds up well. Their commitment to using organic ingredients, the transparency of their ingredient lists, and their cruelty-free practices are all commendable.
However, some brands, like Juice Beauty and RMS Beauty go a step further by offering products that are completely organic and vegan. These brands also use biodegradable packaging, something that COOLA has yet to fully implement.
While COOLA has made significant strides towards clean beauty, there’s still room for improvement, especially when compared to other brands that have completely eliminated questionable ingredients and prioritized sustainability in their packaging.
Final Verdict: Is COOLA a Truly Clean and Cruelty-Free Brand?
In conclusion, COOLA certainly makes the effort to uphold its clean and cruelty-free claims. Their transparency about ingredients, certification by Leaping Bunny, and the majority of their products being vegan, all contribute to this.
However, perfect they are not. The presence of potentially irritating ingredients in some of their products and their partially vegan product line prevents them from being an entirely clean brand.
Nonetheless, compared to many other skincare brands in the market, COOLA is a good choice for those seeking more natural, cruelty-free options. As with any skincare product, it’s always crucial to carefully read the labels and ensure the ingredients align with your personal standards and skin needs.
