COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 Review

COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50
6.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.
  • Soothing: COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈65.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.2 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes (est. ≈4.0%) and Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈65.0%) and Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes (est. ≈4.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈65.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
  • Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
  • Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Water
Function:
Origin:
Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Leaf Cell Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Schinus Molle Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Tropolone
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
75.2
65
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.3
4.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 75.2 10
10.0
65
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.3 20
3.2
4.0
2.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
65
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 75.2 10
10
All humectants
75.2
65
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
2
0.3
All occlusives 6.3 20
3.2
All occlusives
6.3
4.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
65
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 72.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
72.6
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
65
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
4
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
0.3
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
0.3
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
0.3
Tropolone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
65
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 66.2 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
66.2
65
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %65
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Sodium Stearate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Sodium StearateA naturally derived thickener with emulsifying and cleansing properties.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) OleosomesMicroscopic droplets of safflower oil surrounded by a membrane. Oleosomes are able to create a very stable emulsion and are better absorbed by the skin. Safflower oil offers occlusive, emollient, and antioxidant properties.
Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Butyloctyl SalicylateA synthetic emollient and solvent. It is primarily used as a carrier oil to disperse minerals in, including pigments and sunscreen minerals. It can also absorb UV light, thus boosting the SPF of sunscreen products.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxObtained from the leaves of Carnauba wax palm, this occlusive, emollient, and film-forming wax is commonly used in lip products. It is comprised mainly of various wax esters and is one of the hardest and most resistant plant waxes.
Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Water
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Water
Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Leaf Cell Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Leaf Cell Extract
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corallina Officinalis ExtractAn extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit ExtractAn under-researched extract obtained from the eggplant fruit. Eggplant contains plant pigments called anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, which are excellent antioxidants.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ExtractA cocoa beans extract that contains caffeine and astringent and antioxidant flavonols and tannins.
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Flower ExtractAn extract obtained the flowers of Aloe vera – which are a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids (mainly apigenin). It also contains a bit of the emollient mucilage.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coccinia Indica Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the cucumber-like fruits of ivy gourd. It contains a large amount of soothing mucilage as well as some antioxidant carotenoids. It has also been shown that the extract may have some anti-allergy properties.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the flowering basil plant that contains essential oil and antioxidants such as terpenes, flavonoids, and vitamin K.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, a traditional herb used in Ayurveda medicine. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid, galic acid, flavonoids, and a sweet-scented essential oil.
Schinus Molle Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Schinus Molle Extract
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Tropolone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TropoloneA naturally occurring ingredient with unusual molecular structure that fights free radicals.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.