Coconut oil as the key ingredient of a beauty brand that pitches itself to millennials?

Hardly original or surprising, when the rich plant-based oil has been deemed a “superfood” in recent years, and a beauty secret for generations of Asian women.

But when the right people come along to develop a brand that is bent on the right formulas, and gives consumers what they deserve, you have a winner.

Launched in 2015, San Diego-based Kopari Beauty churns out coconut oil skincare products that are now available at Sephora.

The textures are most impressive. While coconut oils are thick and heavy, Kopari products are lightweight, so sink in easily, and a dream to use. The effective products are also free of parabens and phthalates.

The Beauty Gazette finds out from brand co-founder Gigi Goldman, on what keeps Kopari Beauty authentic at a time when beauty fads come and go almost instantly.

Just a few years ago, I was a stay-at-home mom to three little kids and I barely had any time to devote to my beauty routine. I kept it simple and natural, and discovered coconut oil could be used to give me hydrated, smooth and glowing skin and hair. Soon, I was chasing my kids around the house with this multi-tasking gem, curing everything from chapped lips to sunburned shoulders. The more I used coconut oil, the more I realised its beauty benefits were simply too good to ignore. I brought the idea to my husband, Bryce, who worked in the beauty business. We began searching the globe for the most premium coconut oil for beauty use and discovered it on small family farms in the Philippine Islands. We connected with our partners James Brennan (Suja Juice co-founder) and Kiana Cabell (naturalist and organic food chef), fellow beauty and wellness enthusiasts, and Kopari was born.

As a founder team, we experienced so many “firsts,” which has been exhilarating, exhausting, intense and incredible, all at the same time. While my husband has a plethora of beauty industry experience, none of us have developed a beauty brand from start to finish before.  That fresh perspective gave us the ability to create something really unique and authentic because we didn’t have boundaries, but there was a lot to learn in a very short amount of time (i.e. everything from shipping logistics, to raising money, to managing the biggest retailers in the world). The other challenge we faced is how drastically the landscape is changing due to social and digital media. As a progressive young company we are always trying to stay ahead of the curve. There is no set road map, we are always paving new paths. 

I think the secret to our success is multi-faceted. We developed a brand with a distinct personality. Our hero ingredient, coconut, is trending and our products are free of bad-for-you ingredients. Most importantly, our products work. All of these components were part of our brand DNA at the onset of our journey. I think that is why consumers are connecting with Kopari and we stand out in a crowded space. Our community is key to our success and they have a strong voice when it comes to our products, content and strategy. We also have a strong omni-channel approach, a prevalent digital presence and are available in multiple retail channels so consumers have easy access to our products. 

We now offer more than eight items in our skincare line. Our newest launch, Starry Eye Balm, is magic. This hydrating and awakening coconut eye balm delivers a dose of caffeine to help de-puff, illuminate and refresh tired eyes.  But at the core of our skincare line are the Coconut Skincare Essentials. The essentials include our Coconut Cleansing Oil, Coconut Rose Toner and Coconut Face Cream – this three step system will leave your face cleansed, toned and ultra-hydrated.

Our 100% organic Coconut Melt is our top performing product. Everyone loves the way it absorbs into the skin, smells like a dream, and hydrates like no other. I use it every single day when I get out of the shower as a body moisturizer. I also use it to remove my make-up at night. Finally, it is a great hair mask, which my daughter and I do every Sunday evening.

 

 

Another bestseller is our Coconut Deodorant. We launched it January last year, and it quickly catapulted to number one within our portfolio, having won Allure’s 2018 Best of Beauty Award. Currently, we are the number one deodorant at Sephora.  Consumers, media and influencers love it because it is aluminum-free, baking soda-free, glides on clear, and actually works. Later this year, we will expand the Deodorant range with additional scents and other personal care launches. Consumers are becoming more concerned about what they put on their body so they are making the switch to cleaner options in every aspect of their beauty and personal care routine.

Last but not least, our Coconut Lip Glossy is a cult favorite. It is petroleum free, hydrates and most importantly, it is not sticky. It gives you the perfect pout. All of these products are vegan and cruelty fre

 

 

 

I love facials. I get them once a month. They feel like such a treat and my face is always soft and glowing afterward. I also love masking once a week. I use Kopari’s Detox Mask which is a creamy clay formula that helps to coax impurities out of pores without stripping skin of moisture like traditional clay masks. A blend of pre-and probiotics work to calm, balance and nourish stressed skin while locking in moisture. This product will be available at Sephora in June.

We are also dedicating much of 2019 to giving back to the community. We will be visiting the Philippines in March, where our coconuts are sourced, to build a Kopari village for those who lost their homes due to natural disasters. Giving back fills our souls and will continue to remain a focus for Kopari in the coming years.

©The Beauty Gazette

Photos: Kopari Beauty