Cold cream is a skincare product designed to moisturize and cleanse. While it’s been around for ages, it’s still a popular choice for removing makeup and hydrating dry skin.
But what is in cold cream that makes it so effective? This article will break down the typical ingredients, explain the benefits for your skin, and guide you on how to use it properly. We’ll explore the traditional recipes and compare them to modern formulations, helping you understand why this classic product has stood the test of time.
A Brief History of Cold Cream
Believe it or not, cold cream has been around for a while. Some people trace its origins back to ancient times. One possible ancestor is Galen’s Ceratum Refrigerans, a formula developed by a Greek physician in the second century.
Cold cream really took off in the 19th and 20th centuries. Several key figures and brands helped to popularize it. Clever advertising and marketing played a big part in making it a household staple.
Today, cold cream is still around, but it faces stiff competition from newer skincare products. Even so, some brands have adapted it to fit modern trends.
Key Ingredients in Cold Cream
While the exact recipe varies from brand to brand, cold cream typically contains a blend of emollients, water, and emulsifiers.
Emollients: Oils and Fats
Oils and fats make up the emollient portion of cold cream, moisturizing the skin and leaving it soft and supple. A couple of the most common are:
- Mineral oil. Mineral oil creates a protective barrier on the skin that helps prevent moisture loss. Some people worry that mineral oil could clog pores, but most modern formulations are considered non-comedogenic.
- Other oils. Some cold cream recipes call for almond oil, olive oil, or other natural oils. These oils have emollient and moisturizing properties that nourish the skin.
Water
Water is a key ingredient in cold cream, giving it its creamy texture. It also acts as a solvent, dissolving water-soluble ingredients and helping them distribute evenly throughout the product.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers bind the oil and water together, preventing them from separating and creating a stable, homogenous cream.
- Beeswax. Beeswax is a natural emulsifier that helps to create a smooth, creamy texture. It also has benefits for the skin, drawing water to the skin, which may help keep it hydrated.
- Borax. Borax has historically been used as an emulsifier in cold cream. However, there are potential safety concerns surrounding borax, and many modern formulations use safer alternatives.
How cold cream works: The science behind the benefits
Cold cream has endured for more than 2,000 years. But how does it work?
Cleansing action
Cold cream’s oil-based formula excels at dissolving makeup and other pore-clogging substances that are also oil-based. The cream gently lifts dirt and debris from the surface of your skin without stripping it.
This is a key advantage over harsher cleansers, which can dry out your skin and cause irritation.
Moisturizing action
Cold cream creates a barrier on the skin that helps to prevent water loss. The oily layer traps moisture and protects the skin from environmental factors that can dry it out.
Ingredients like beeswax and mineral oil act as occlusives, forming a protective film that seals in hydration.
Cold cream hydrates the skin because it contains water. Humectants, like glycerin, can draw moisture from the air into the skin.
Benefits of Using Cold Cream
Cold cream has been around for a long time for a reason: because it works. Here are some of the benefits you may experience when you use it.
Makeup Removal
Cold cream is particularly effective at dissolving heavy makeup, even the kind that seems determined to stay put. It’s also a gentle alternative to some of the harsher makeup removers on the market, so it’s a good choice if you have sensitive skin.
Moisturizing and Hydrating Dry Skin
If your skin is dry and flaky, cold cream can help replenish lost moisture. It also creates a protective barrier that shields your skin from environmental stressors like wind and cold.
Suitability for Sensitive Skin
Because cold cream formulations are relatively simple, they’re usually well-tolerated by people with sensitive skin. Some cold creams also contain soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera, which may calm irritated skin.
How to Use Cold Cream Properly
Here’s how to get the most out of your cold cream:
- Application: Apply a generous layer of cold cream to your face and neck. Gently massage it into your skin using circular motions. This helps dissolve makeup, dirt, and oil.
- Removal: Use a soft cloth or tissue to wipe away the cold cream. Some people prefer to rinse with water afterward for a lighter feel.
- Frequency: How often you use cold cream depends on your skin type. If your skin is dry, you can use it daily. If you have oily skin, you may only want to use it a few times a week.
In Conclusion
Cold cream is a cleanser and moisturizer that can gently and effectively remove makeup and hydrate the skin. Because it’s so mild, it’s often a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
Although there are now many new skincare products on the market, cold cream continues to be a popular option. It’s been around for a long time, and its staying power probably comes down to its simple ingredients and the fact that it works.