13 Best Cold Creams for Soft, Hydrated, and Clean Skin
Experience deep cleansing and lasting hydration with these top cold creams for every skin type—fragrance-free, mineral oil-free, vintage-inspired, and more.
Cold creams are a staple in skin care routines around the world, renowned for their rich, emollient texture that deeply cleanses and hydrates the skin. Whether you’re searching for a makeup remover that won’t strip your skin, a nourishing moisturizer, or a multitasking balm to soothe winter dryness, there’s a cold cream for everyone. This comprehensive guide explores thirteen of the best cold creams, covering every need from classic favorites to new, innovative formulas—each guaranteed to leave your complexion soft, luminous, and clean.
Table of Contents
- What is Cold Cream?
- How to Use Cold Cream
- The 13 Best Cold Creams
- How to Choose the Right Cold Cream
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Cold Cream?
Cold cream is an emulsified blend of water, oils (often mineral or plant-based), and waxes (like beeswax) designed to cleanse or moisturize the skin. The high oil content and creamy, cooling texture make it particularly effective at dissolving makeup and deeply hydrating dry, sensitive complexions. Historically, cold cream was considered a multipurpose beauty product, used for cleansing, moisturizing, and even as an after-sun soother.
- Cleansing: Melts away makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities.
- Moisturizing: Locks in hydration for soft, supple skin.
- Barrier support: Beeswax and oils help shield against moisture loss.
How to Use Cold Cream
Cold cream is incredibly versatile. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your skin care routine:
- As a makeup remover: Massage a generous amount onto dry skin, including eyes and lips. Gently wipe away with a warm, damp washcloth. Rinse if you prefer.
- As a gentle cleanser: Use in place of foaming washes for balanced, hydrated skin—especially in dry or cold climates.
- As a moisturizer: Apply as the last step in your routine to deeply hydrate and soften skin, particularly overnight.
- As a barrier creme: Smooth on extra-dry areas, like elbows or hands, to protect and heal.
The 13 Best Cold Creams
Ready to discover your new favorite? Here’s a breakdown of the best cold creams by function, ingredient focus, and skin type—plus expert-guided reviews.
Pond’s Fragrance-Free Cold Cream Cleanser
Best Iconic Cold Cream (Fragrance-Free) – $10, CVS
If you love the legendary makeup-melting power of classic Pond’s but find the scent too strong or irritating, the fragrance-free version is your holy grail. It delivers the same rich, soothing cleanse without added fragrance, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types. Gentle enough for daily use, it efficiently removes makeup while leaving your skin soft and protected.
- Key strengths: Gentle, hypoallergenic, scent-free.
- Best for: Sensitive, dry, or scent-averse skin.
Ole Henriksen Wonderfeel Double Cleanser
Best Lightweight Double Cleanser – $20-$23, Amazon
With modern sensibilities in mind, this cleanser offers the makeup-removing and hydrating benefits of a cold cream in a surprisingly lightweight formula. Perfect for those who want a deep, nourishing cleanse without the heavy finish, it emulsifies with water, rinsing away cleanly and leaving even sensitive skin comfortable, not greasy.
What others are reading
- Key strengths: Lightweight, multitasking, non-stripping.
- Best for: Combination or normal skin; those who dislike heavy creams.
Avene Cold Cream
Best for Super-Dry Skin – $13, Amazon
Avene’s cult French pharmacy favorite combines soothing thermal spring water, mineral oil, and beeswax to calm and intensely moisturize parched skin. The luxurious, balmy texture instantly comforts redness and flakiness, locking in moisture for hours. Apply liberally in winter or use as a rescue cream on irritated patches.
- Key strengths: Calming, intensive hydration.
- Best for: Sensitized, dry, or eczema-prone skin.
Weleda Deep Moisture Facial Balm
Best for All-Day Moisture – $13, Amazon / $31, Walmart
Previously branded as a cold cream, this deeply moisturizing balm is infused with almond oil (rich in essential fatty acids) and beeswax. It helps restore skin barrier function, providing lasting protection, especially in harsh climates. Layer on after cleansing, or use as an overnight mask during winter months.
- Key strengths: Nourishing, long-lasting, gentle on the skin.
- Best for: Dry, mature, or sensitive skin; cold or windy weather.
Kate Somerville Cold Cream Moisturizing Cleanser + Makeup Remover
Best for Mineral Oil-Free Preference – $29, katesomerville.com
For those avoiding mineral oil, this luxe cleanser swaps traditional base oils for white honey (soothing), sunflower seed oil (emollient), and glycerin (humectant). It gently lifts makeup while doubling as a moisture-replenishing treatment—all without a heavy after-feel.
- Key strengths: Honey-infused, mineral oil-free.
- Best for: Oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin sensitive to heavy emollients.
Bésame Cold Cream
Best Vintage-Inspired and Fragrance-Free Cold Cream – $36, besamecosmetics.com
This heritage-inspired formula embraces nostalgia without the old-school drawbacks: it’s both fragrance- and mineral oil-free. Instead, it harnesses the powers of coconut oil and vitamin E to hydrate, soothe, and cleanse effectively. Perfect for those with sensitivities, and anyone who appreciates vintage beauty rituals.
- Key strengths: Gentle, clean, with a vintage vibe.
- Best for: Sensitive, fragrance-averse, and retro beauty fans.
Jergens All-Purpose Face Cream
Best Budget Multipurpose Cream – $13, Amazon
This all-in-one powerhouse offers affordable luxury. Despite its retro packaging, Jergens delivers results, tackling four jobs in one: makeup removal, hydration, skin barrier protection, and even use as a makeup primer. Its rich base of mineral oil and beeswax creates a cushiony, moisturizing effect that’s hard to outmatch at this price.
- Key strengths: Versatility, affordability, deep moisture.
- Best for: All skin types; those who want an effective, multitasking product.
Noxzema Moisturizing Cleansing Facial Cleanser
Best for Those Who Like a Tingle – $13, pricefalls.com
This is not your standard cold cream cleanser. Noxzema’s signature blend contains menthol, linseed, and soybean oils, producing a cooling, tingling sensation reminiscent of 1990s skin care routines. While not the gentlest, it leaves the skin feeling clean, invigorated, and lightly hydrated.
- Key strengths: Refreshing, lightly moisturizing, classic feel.
- Best for: Non-sensitive skin; fans of a cooling cleanse.
Other Notable Cold Creams
- Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm: Beloved for easily dissolving even stubborn makeup without over-drying.
- Perricone MD Cold Plasma: A high-end option promoting both cleansing and targeted skin rejuvenation, perfect as a splurge for luxury skin care fans.
- Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser: Extremely popular for heavy makeup removal and pre-cleansing routines, especially among makeup artists.
- Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm: Renowned for gentle, fragrance-free eye makeup removal suitable for the most sensitive areas.
- Mario Badescu Make-Up Remover Cream: Soothes while swiftly melting away waterproof makeup without tugging.
- Bioderma Cold-Cream: French pharmacy favorite for vulnerable, dry complexions needing deep care.
How to Choose the Right Cold Cream for You
Choosing the perfect cold cream depends on your skin type, routine, and ingredient preferences. Consider the following:
| Skin Type | Recommended Cold Cream Type | Main Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Dry/Sensitive | Fragrance-free, rich balms (e.g., Pond’s Fragrance-Free, Weleda, Avene) | Look for gentle, soothing ingredients like beeswax, almond oil, thermal water. |
| Oily/Acne-Prone | Mineral oil-free, lightweight (e.g., Kate Somerville, Ole Henriksen) | Choose non-comedogenic oils and humectants; avoid heavy petrolatum. |
| Normal/Combination | Multi-purpose creams (e.g., Jergens, Neutrogena, Albolene) | Balance between hydration and cleansing efficacy; rinseable preferred. |
| Mature/Mature/Weather-exposed | Barrier-strengthening, nourishing balms (e.g., Weleda, Perricone MD) | Rich in antioxidants, ceramides, or unique active ingredients for barrier support. |
Always patch-test new products and read ingredient labels carefully if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between cold cream and other cleansers?
Cold creams have a much higher oil-to-water ratio than typical gel or foaming cleansers, providing a cleansing and moisturizing effect in one step. They are particularly beneficial for removing heavy makeup or for those with dry, sensitive skin.
Can I use cold cream every day?
Yes, most cold creams are gentle enough for daily use, either as a makeup remover, facial cleanser, or moisturizer. Adjust frequency based on your skin’s response.
Will cold cream clog my pores?
Traditional cold creams contain mineral oil, which is considered non-comedogenic for most people. However, if you’re oily or break out easily, try a formula labeled mineral oil-free or non-comedogenic and see how your skin reacts.
Can cold cream replace my moisturizer?
Many cold creams provide enough hydration for night-time use or as a barrier treatment. For oily or acne-prone skin, you may prefer a lighter lotion during the daytime and reserve cold cream for dry patches or as a night mask.
Are cold creams suitable for removing waterproof eye makeup?
Most cold creams are excellent at breaking down waterproof makeup thanks to their rich oil content. Be sure to use a gentle, fragrance-free version and avoid tugging at the delicate eye area.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking a makeup-melting classic, a modern oil-free update, or an ultra-nourishing overnight balm, there is a cold cream to match every routine and skin type. Explore these expertly recommended options for the softest, most hydrated skin of your life—and don’t be afraid to experiment between cleansing and moisturizing uses to meet your unique needs.
Related Reading
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- Expert Advice on Achieving Glowing Skin
References
- https://marmurmedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/The-13-Best-Cold-Creams-of-2022.pdf
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g34556084/best-cold-cream/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a65321822/readers-choice-beauty-awards-2025/
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g68019229/best-makeup-primer/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/cosmo/new-beauty-products-dubai
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