Cold cream is a type of emulsion in which the proportion of fatty and oily material predominates, although when it is applied to the skin a cooling effect is produced due to the slow evaporation of the water contained in the emulsion. It is an oil-based semisolid preparation that is used to soothe and cleanse the skin. Cold cream is also known as Unguentum or Ceratum Refrigerans. It can be classified as a form of cleansing cream.
The major portion of cold cream is the oil phase, and it typically contains mineral oil, beeswax, borax, and water. Cold creams may be formulated with oils, both or either mineral oil and vegetable oil, as well as fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and fatty esters, emulsifying agents, preservatives, and purified water.
Positive aspects of cold cream include its ability to soothe and cleanse the skin, and its oily consistency can help to moisturize dry skin. Negative aspects may include the potential for clogged pores and breakouts, particularly for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Ingredients commonly found in cold cream include:
- Mineral oil
- Beeswax
- Borax
- Water
- Fatty alcohols
- Fatty acids
- Fatty esters
- Emulsifying agents
- Preservatives
