Cold Cream

Definition: Cold Cream

December 15, 2008

Raise your hand if you've ever had a relative with a jar of cold cream in her bathroom. Although the brand's become synonymous with the product, it actually wasn't invented by T.T. Pond in the early twentieth century but by Greek physician, Galen, in the second century instead. The original cream was created from an emulsion of beeswax, oil, rose petals, and water to condition the face and remove makeup . . . pretty similar to the uses today.

The combination of fats and water in this product help moisturize – the cream gets its name because it's cold to the touch – with people using it to soften their skin, soothe sunburns, and protect faces from wintry weather, too. My great aunt swears by this as a makeup remover: just apply, wait, and wipe off with a washcloth. Oh, and you can put that hand down now.

Glossary Cold Cream

21 Comments

Niami 4 years 22 weeks

I was using it nightly for a few weeks and had to stop when I was getting some major breakout action. I did love how it made my skin feel so soft and clean. With my skin getting so dry lately I think I'll start using it again, but maybe just once a week to keep the breakout thing under control.

Niami 4 years 22 weeks

KatharineN 4 years 23 weeks

I second all of the people who have referenced the value of cold cream as regards stage makeup - it is the *only* thing that will take that heavy oil based crud off. It's also good for anytime you do a heavy evening look, when you feel like it's all going to peel off. Takes eye makeup off (waterproof, water-resistant, whatever) in a flash. It's super good to touch up eye makeup - get a little on a Q-Tip, swipe-swipe, problem gone. Now, since I break out like no ones business I usually have to then wash my skin, but still. No scrubbing, just set it on, wait and wipe.

KatharineN 4 years 23 weeks

I second all of the people who have referenced the value of cold cream as regards stage makeup - it is the *only* thing that will take that heavy oil based crud off.It's also good for anytime you do a heavy evening look, when you feel like it's all going to peel off. Takes eye makeup off (waterproof, water-resistant, whatever) in a flash. It's super good to touch up eye makeup - get a little on a Q-Tip, swipe-swipe, problem <i>gone</i>.Now, since I break out like no ones business I usually have to then wash my skin, but still. No scrubbing, just set it on, wait and wipe.

Susanna 4 years 23 weeks

I used to use cold cream to remove stage makeup after performances. It was very efficent -- maybe I should give it another go.

Evalicious 4 years 23 weeks

I have the exact one in the picture, but is it just me or does it make your skin break out by clogging your pores???

aimeeb 4 years 23 weeks

I think I've maybe used this a handful of times in my 26 yrs of being on this earth.

LoveSarah 4 years 23 weeks

I love my ponds cold cream. As every one said it is the best eye make up remover ever, and it makes your skin feel so soft and look extremely smooth!

terryt18 4 years 23 weeks

omg, that jergens face cream is so greasy! I got a jar on sale once and I still have it. I relegated it to my feet only, and then with socks after slathering it on.

elizasea 4 years 23 weeks

I wish I could use Pond's cold cream, but it has mineral oil in it, which I am extremely sensitive to. :(

Berlin 4 years 23 weeks

Yep, love it as a makeup remover! Removes every bit of makeup, even lipstick and mascara flawlessly. Plus it leaves a wonderful silkyness to my skin that isn't at all oily. AND it has a fresh clean smell rather than a overly powerful floral or fake scent.

amerikanbeanhead 4 years 23 weeks

I dont get it, how does this work?

ehknee 4 years 23 weeks

I also use the cold cream from c.o. bigelow.I used to see my mom using cold cream that Clinique sells or used to sell (i'm not sure because she hasn't found it for years). But I used to think it was weird, but now i love it.

ehknee 4 years 23 weeks

I also use the cold cream from c.o. bigelow. I used to see my mom using cold cream that Clinique sells or used to sell (i'm not sure because she hasn't found it for years). But I used to think it was weird, but now i love it.

omilawd 4 years 23 weeks

I've never used it, but it sounds like a lot of the commenters LOVE it. Going to have to try some out. :]

fleurdelispink 4 years 23 weeks

My parents use it, but I should try it as a makeup remover one day.

ckeller825 4 years 23 weeks

Pond's Cold Cream is THE best makeup remover I've ever used. I have been using this product since I started wearing makeup, and my mom has sworn by this since forever. She's 54 and barely has incredibly smooth and almost wrinkle-free skin.

tamint 4 years 23 weeks

i love using cold cream when my skin is dry too. In fact my husband saw me using it the other day, and made fun of me b/c its so old ladyish! oh well, it works. i use c.o bigelow from bbb, it feels soo good.

bastylefilegirl 4 years 23 weeks

I swear by it...it's great when your skin is feeling dry to use this in combination with a warm washcloth in the place of your daily clenser. I also have given up on anything but this product as a makeup remover it is PERFECT!

Angela123 4 years 23 weeks

Jergens makes one (they call it face cream, but it's got to be the same thing) that I looove for eye makeup removal!!! it's pink and smells awesome and comes in a GIANT jar for like 3 bucks! def makes my HG list (and that's a sadly short list!)

Punk Glam Queen 4 years 23 weeks

I haven't used cold cream in years, but boy was this the best for getting off heavy stage makeup! I'm headed to CVS later today and I think I'm going to pick up a jar for mascara removal -- this new Chanel Exceptionnel is quite hard to remove and I bet cold cream will do the trick fast!

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21 Comments

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