all about cold cream
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cold cream is a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion, which can be used to clean and soften the skin. traditionally, cold cream was used as a gentle makeup remover. it can also be used to protected skin from harsh winter weather and to soften tough skin on areas like knees, elbows, and feet.
 
• about this formula
ingredients
jojoba oil15.0 gmcold cream is a simple emulsion of oil, wax, and water. this formula includes vitamin e (antioxidant) and glycerin (humectant).
 
i've opted to [also] include cosmocil (preservative), even though cold cream keeps well at room temperature, and should not spoil unless exposed to extremes in climate, or impurities are introduced to the product. this lack of the need for a preservative seems to be supported by the ingredients list from "pond's cold cream": mineral oil, water, bees wax, ceresin (thickener), sodium borate (emulsifier), fragrance, carbomer (thickener).
 
the water portion could be substituted with aloe vera, a hydrosol, or any herb infusion (i.e. white tea, calendula, etc.).
olive oil15.0 gm
shea oil15.0 gm
beeswax10.0 gm
vitamin e1.0 gm
dist. water36.5 gm
borax2.0 gm
glycerin4.5 gm
preservative1.0 gm
fragrance

 
• history of cold cream
cold cream has been around for a very long time. it was first formulated in the second century by the greek physician galen. in some regions, cold cream is called "galen's cream" or "cream of galen".
 
he combined one part melted wax with three parts olive oil, in which rose petals had been macerated to provide the scent. to this, he blended in as much water as possible.
 
the cream was originally designed to moisturize and condition the face, and to facilitate the removal of makeup ...which, at that time, was considerably harsh. the "cold" in cold cream comes from the cool, refreshing feeling it leaves behind.
 
• uses for cold cream
not all cold creams are the same. although the above represents the "basic" formula for cold cream, different manufacturers have modified it with a variety of other ingredients to accomodate myriad skin types. since the oils in cold creams can leave the skin feeling greasy, people with oily skin may need to find a brand that's been formulated for use on their type of skin.
 
cold cream can be used...
  • to remove makeup:
  • spread a thin layer on the face and allowed to sit for a moment, and then wipe off with tissue or washcloth ...disposible tissues are better, since the cream is extremely difficult to wash out of cloth.
    the cream's moisturizers condition the face, helping it recover from the use of harsh beauty products.
  • to condition skin:
  • apply cold cream to trouble spots and leave on overnight. for increased conditioning, it can be worn with gloves or socks when applying to hands and feet.
    cold cream mixed with ground oats is a useful remedy for scaly elbows and knees. the mixture is gently rubbed into the skin and then wiped off.
cold cream can also be used...
  • to erase temporary tattoos
  • temporary tattoos can be stubborn and painful to remove. to facilitate this process, loosen the tattoo by rubbing cold cream on it. it can then be easily removed with gentle wiping.
  • to remove bumper stickers
  • cover that old bumper sticker with cold cream and let it soak. the sticker should then peel off easily.
  • to make face paint
  • by combining 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon water, 1/2 teaspoon cold cream, and 2 drops food coloring, you can create a skin-safe paint which can be easily removed with soap and water.