Coola: Organic Suncare and Skincare from California

A Californian brand founded in 2007 by Chris Birchby in Carlsbad, California. COOLA has carved out a distinctive place in organic suncare through its Farm to Face® philosophy: high-concentration certified organic formulas that marry broad-spectrum sun protection with textures pleasurable enough for everyday wear.

History and philosophy

COOLA was founded in 2007 in Carlsbad, California, by Chris Birchby, an artist and designer who trained at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena. The impetus was deeply personal: in the early 2000s, both of his parents were diagnosed with melanoma, and Birchby found himself unable to source a sunscreen that was genuinely effective, organic, and comfortable enough to wear every day. He set about formulating one himself, beginning production in a garage in Bonsall before the company eventually moved into premises of over 4,000 square metres.

The guiding principle behind every COOLA formula is captured in the Farm to Face® concept: a commitment to plant-derived ingredients certified organic under the California Organic Products Act (COPA), the most stringent organic cosmetics standard in the United States. Every formula requires a minimum of 70% certified organic ingredients, excludes controversial filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, and is dermatologically tested. The brand holds PETA cruelty-free certification and is fully vegan.

The aesthetic

COOLA sits at the intersection of high-performance suncare and everyday skincare: its formulas prioritise non-greasy textures, fast absorption, and a lightweight finish that does not compromise skin comfort throughout the day. Alongside the solar actives, the formulas feature antioxidant-rich plant oils, hydrating aloe vera, and botanical complexes that act against free radical damage. Over time the portfolio has grown to encompass more than sixty references across multiple segments.

• Body and face sun protection in spray and lotion formats, available in SPF 30 and SPF 50 concentrations, with both fragranced and fragrance-free variants.
• A face range with integrated SPF, including illuminating serums, moisturisers, and light-tint formulas for a natural finish.
• Mineral sun sticks and mists for scalp and hair, designed for quick application during active use.
• A self-tanning range in lotion and spray formulas, developed to complement the summer protection ritual.
• Lip products with SPF, including the Liplux balm, available in multiple scent and finish variants.

Hero products

Among the references that have cemented the brand's reputation in the organic suncare market, several stand out for their wide reach and loyal following.

• Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 – a continuous-spray body sunscreen with a clear, fast-absorbing formula; available in a fragrance-free variant and in Piña Colada and Tropical Coconut scents.
• Organic Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 – a lightweight facial sunscreen with a fluid texture suited to daily use on all skin types.
• Dew Good Illuminating Probiotic Serum SPF 30 – a probiotic serum featuring BlueScreen technology for protection against digital light; clinically tested for immediate hydration and radiance.
• Refreshing Water Cream SPF 50 – a hydrating water cream with hyaluronic acid, designed as a daily moisturiser replacement with broad-spectrum protection.
• Liplux Organic Lip Balm SPF 30 – a pocket-sized SPF lip balm made with certified organic ingredients; one of the most enduring references in the catalogue.