San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
SD self-care brand nourishes skin, helps planet
Inspired by the word for “coconut” in one of the Dravidian languages of India, Kopari Beauty is a self-care brand founded in San Diego that works wonders on the skin and the planet.
“Growing up in Hawaii, I always loved coconuts, the ocean and that active lifestyle,” said Kiana Cabell, the company’s co-founder. “I realized all of the benefits and properties (of coconuts) were so powerful…(and ulitimately decided) to create a beauty brand around the coconut.”
Founded in 2015 by Cabell, Gigi Goldman, Bryce Goldman and James Brennan, co-founder of Suja, a San Diego-based juice company, Kopari has made waves in the beauty industry.
Using organic coconuts from small family farms in the Philippines as the main ingredient, the self-care brand offers cleansers, exfoliators, moisturizers, lip products, SPF, an award-winning deodorant that are vegan, crueltyfriendly, and free of phthalates, sulfates and parabens.
Last year, Kopari launched a collection of SPF products that Cabell is particularly proud of. She said the Sun Shield Body Glow products ($39) – which are hydrating, oil-like gel sunscreens – are “out of this world.”
While Kopari Beauty started as a coconut-centered brand, its products have expanded to include other active, plant-powered ingredients including hyaluronic acid, AHAS and peptides, as well as guava and other tropical fruits.
Sustainability is a priority for the company, which utilizes a green-. Products are packaged in recyclable materials and some are in refillable containers.
The company also loves giving back to the global community, like helping to build 20 homes for families affected by natural disasters in the Philippines.
Kopari Beauty products are sold online and at Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom, Revolve and a pop-up Kopari site at Westfield UTC open through September.