SoCal's Kopari Elevates and Perfects Organic Coconut Oil Based Beauty

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The undisputed reigning queen in the works-for-everything lifestyle category is trendy standby, coconut oil; billed as a cure-all, a healthy vegan fat, and an anti-aging miracle worker, the promises are huge, but can it deliver? Enter San Diego-based Kopari Beauty with a revamped, lightweight spin on traditional coconut oil (which tends to feel heavy on the skin). Incorporating innovative natural ingredients to enhance the oil's performance, Kopari's products are thoroughly high-grade with a luxurious finish and stellar absorption (not to mention sans GMO's, sulfates, and parabens).

Kopari owes its health-driven, steadfast vision to Hawaiian-born co-founder and mega babe Kiana Cabell, whose experience as a certified organic chef makes her an expert on the properties of coconut oil. Together with beauty industry veteran Bryce Goldman and health entrepreneur James Brennan (who happens to be the co-founder of Suja Juice), Kiana realized her quest for an all-natural, enhanced beauty brand that will ring true for any ingredient-savvy shopper. We asked Kiana to give us the skinny on her favorite Kopari products and her daily beauty routine.

What makes coconut oil so genius as a moisturizer?

Coconut oil is hands-down the best emollient, due to its high concentration of medium-chain fatty acids that establish a protective barrier on the skin's surface, trapping in moisture to keep skin hydrated. Also, coconut oil is uniquely rich in lauric acid, which is proven to have antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies have shown that these properties not only make coconut oil an incredible moisturizer, but also can help to reduce bacteria associated with acne and other skin conditions.

Is your sheer oil effective for all skin types?

Our Coconut Sheer Oil is good for all skin types, and with 70% organic coconut oil, it still packs in all of the amazing fatty acids that help restore and nourish, dry/flaky skin. And if your skin overproduces oil and is prone to breakouts, our Coconut Sheer Oil can actually help to regulate your skin’s natural oil production to reduce acne (in addition to coconut oil’s antibacterial properties).

Take us through your daily beauty ritual.

Every morning when I wake up, I start by drinking a 16oz bottle of water. Then I hop in the shower and wash my face with a cleansing oil (I am actually currently working on one for Kopari that can be used on wet skin). When I get out of the shower (still damp) I apply Coconut Balm all over my body. It’s my favorite all-over body moisturizer because it leaves my skin velvety soft. I then spritz my face with toner and massage a few drops of our Coconut Sheer Oil into my cream moisturizer with SPF. At night I follow the same routine, but don’t apply the sunscreen. 

Does coconut oil really have anti-aging properties?

Absolutely.  The medium chain fatty acids, vitamin E and high protein content inherently found in coconut oil help to smooth the skin and prevent the development of wrinkles, saggy skin and age spots.  We have added complementary natural ingredients to many of our products that also help to reduce collagen breakdown, improve skin elasticity/firmness and revitalize the skin.  All leading to younger, healthier looking skin.

Which product would you recommend as a great introduction to your brand?

Our Coconut Sheer Oil is a great introduction to Kopari. For those of you who are coconut lovers or coconut virgins, you will fall in love with this new lightweight version of traditional coconut oil. It is uniquely formulated to intensify all of the hydrating benefits of coconut oil into a non-greasy, fast-absorbing face oil. Jam-packed with all natural anti-aging ingredients, it is the perfect face moisturizer for day and night. Not to mention it's conveniently packaged in a dropper bottle for ease of use.