COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer Review

COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Soothing: COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈60.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to 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 The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈60.0%).

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 The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈60.0%).

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.

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 The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

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

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Camellia Sinensis 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 The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of COOLA The Great Barrier Cream Fortifying Moisturizer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • 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

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sea Water
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Leaf Cell Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Schinus Molle Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phormidium Persicinum Extract
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Citronellyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate
Function:
Origin:
Linalyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Heptenal
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Anthranilate
Function:
Origin:
Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Methylbenzyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Triethyl Citrate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
69.5
60
4
2
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 69.5 10
10.0
60
4
2
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
60
4
2
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 69.5 10
10
All humectants
69.5
60
4
2
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
60
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 64 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
64
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
60
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
1.5
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
1
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
0.3
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Phormidium Persicinum Extract
0.3
Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
60
1
0.3
All soothing 61.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
61.3
60
1
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %60
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.
Water
Est. %9
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.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearateA synthetic emollient emulsifier that helps oil and water phases to mix.
Propanediol
Est. %2
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.
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) ExtractAn extract obtained from Giant kelp that is rich in gel-forming and thickening polysaccharides.
Sea Water
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sea WaterA water obtained from oceans, seas, and large saltwater lakes. The water has been purified, and what remains is a complex mixture of various mineral salts that have beneficial effects on the skin. Sea water is used as a humectant and a solvent.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

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.
Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Leaf Cell Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Leaf Cell Extract
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root ExtractA moisturizing extract derived from the roots of the dwarf lilyturf, also known as mondo grass. It is rich in humectant polysaccharides and contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
Schinus Molle Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Schinus Molle Extract
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.

Phormidium Persicinum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phormidium Persicinum Extract
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.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Disteardimonium Hectorite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disteardimonium HectoriteA clay ingredient that functions primarily as a viscosity controlling agent that thickens all types of formulas. Disteardimonium hectorite imparts a smooth, velvety feel, making it a luxurious addition to any formula.
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
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.

Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
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.
Citronellyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellyl Acetate
Ethyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate
Linalyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linalyl Acetate
Dimethyl Heptenal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethyl Heptenal
Methyl Anthranilate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Anthranilate
Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark ExtractMimosa tenuiflora is a tropical tree that is native to Central and South America, from Mexico to Brazil. The tree bark is traditionally used to treat burns, cuts, and other skin injuries. Its benefits might be due to its content of terpenoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Methyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Alcohol
Methylbenzyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methylbenzyl Acetate
Triethyl Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triethyl Citrate