Pond’s Cold Cream Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover

A rich, mineral oil-based cream cleanser formulated with beeswax and fatty acids to dissolve heavy makeup while leaving a moisturizing layer on the skin.

Performance Rating: 3.9

This formula is a classic cold cream or deep cleansing cream, primarily relying on a high concentration of Mineral Oil (the first ingredient) to dissolve waterproof makeup, dirt, and sebum effectively. The combination of Ceresin and Beeswax creates a rich, thick texture that allows for a prolonged massage without dragging the skin. While excellent for heavy makeup removal and moisturizing dry skin, it is likely to leave a greasy residue or film, necessitating removal with a warm washcloth or a second, water-based cleanser.

Safety Rating: 2.8

The safety profile is compromised by several potential irritants. It contains Fragrance and multiple fragrance allergens (Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Geraniol), which are common triggers for contact dermatitis. Additionally, the preservative Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a known sensitizer and is restricted in some markets. The inclusion of Triethanolamine and ethoxylated ingredients (PEGs) may raise concerns regarding purity and skin sensitivity for some users, particularly those with compromised barriers.

Final Rating: 3.4

This is an effective, albeit old-fashioned, heavy-duty cleanser. It excels at makeup breakdown and provides deep moisturization for very dry skin types. However, the formulation lacks modern skin-soothing actives and relies on a preservation and fragrance system that is risky for sensitive skin. It is best suited for individuals with resilient, dry skin who need to remove heavy cosmetics, but it is likely too heavy and potentially irritating for acne-prone or sensitive complexions.

Verdict

This product is formulated as a classic, heavy-duty cream cleanser, relying primarily on Mineral Oil to perform its job. Mineral oil is an excellent solvent for hydrophobic substances, making this cleanser particularly effective at breaking down stubborn makeup, theatrical greasepaint, and surface impurities without the need for harsh scrubbing. Unlike foaming detergents that can strip the skin, this oil-based mechanism works to soften and condition the skin while it cleanses. The texture is structured by Ceresin and Beeswax, which give the product a thick, balm-like consistency. These occlusive waxes, combined with a blend of nourishing fatty acids—Behenic Acid, Arachidic Acid, and Stearic Acid—create a rich, emollient experience. This ensures the cleanser feels luxurious and comforting on the skin, leaving behind a protective film that helps prevent moisture loss, which is a boon for dry skin types.

However, the formulation shows signs of being dated. It uses Triethanolamine as an emulsifier and pH adjuster, which can be a potential irritant for some users. Furthermore, the inclusion of Fragrance and a cocktail of scent components like Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, and Terpineol significantly raises the risk of irritation. Users with sensitive skin or those prone to contact dermatitis should be cautious, as these fragrance ingredients are common allergens. The preservative system, involving Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, is also known to be sensitizing for some individuals.

While the inclusion of Tocopherol (Vitamin E) provides antioxidant benefits, the overall profile is very heavy. The combination of mineral oil, waxes, and Cetyl Alcohol is highly occlusive. While this is excellent for trapping moisture in mature or very dry skin, it poses a risk of congestion for others. Those with oily or acne-prone skin will likely find this formula too greasy and potentially clogging (comedogenic). In conclusion, this is a specialized cleanser best suited for dissolving heavy makeup on dry skin, but its heavy fragrance load and waxy residue make it unsuitable for delicate or easily congested complexions.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 WATER (EAU) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the product, dissolving other ingredients.

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 润肤剂与封闭剂

🧪 MINERAL OIL / 矿油

Purpose: Emollient, Occlusive

Concerns: Petroleum derivative

Notes: A highly effective occlusive agent that helps seal moisture into the skin; cosmetic grade is non-comedogenic.

🧪 CERESIN / 地蜡

Purpose: Binder, Viscosity Controller, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A mineral wax used to stabilize the formula and add texture.

🧪 BEESWAX / 蜂蜡

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifying

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural wax that thickens the product and protects the skin barrier.

🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens the skin and stabilizes the formula; not drying like simple alcohols.

📁 Fatty Acids / 脂肪酸

🧪 BEHENIC ACID / 山嵛酸

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier, Opacifying Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A long-chain fatty acid often used in cleansers to provide a creamy texture.

🧪 ARACHIDIC ACID / 花生酸

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A saturated fatty acid used to add hardness or stability to the cleanser.

🧪 STEARIC ACID / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: A common fatty acid that helps rebuild the skin barrier and creates a creamy lather.

🧪 LIGNOCERIC ACID / 木焦油酸

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A saturated fatty acid used for structural stability in the formulation.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 TRIETHANOLAMINE / 三乙醇胺

Purpose: pH Adjuster, Surfactant

Concerns: Potential for nitrosamine formation

Notes: Reacts with fatty acids (like Stearic Acid) in the formula to form the soap that cleanses the skin.

📁 Emulsifiers & Solubilizers / 乳化剂与增溶剂

🧪 CETETH-20 / 鲸蜡醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Concerns: PEG contamination risk (1,4-dioxane)

Notes: Helps mix oil and water components.

🧪 PEG-4 DILAURATE / PEG-4 二月桂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: PEG contamination risk

Notes: Helps blend ingredients and clean the skin.

🧪 PEG-4 LAURATE / PEG-4 月桂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Concerns: PEG contamination risk

Notes: Aids in the removal of oils and impurities.

🧪 PEG-4 / PEG-4

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: PEG contamination risk

Notes: Acts as a moisture-retaining agent and carrier.

📁 Viscosity Controls / 粘度控制剂

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickening Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like consistency and stabilizes the emulsion.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & Antioxidants / 防腐剂、稳定剂与抗氧化剂

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Possible irritant for very sensitive skin

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds to metal ions to prevent spoilage and boost preservative efficacy.

🧪 IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE / 碘丙炔醇丁基氨基甲酸酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential allergen/irritant

Notes: An antifungal preservative often used in combination with other preservatives.

🧪 TOCOPHEROL / 生育酚

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Vitamin E; protects the formula from oxidation and provides skin benefits.

📁 Fragrance / 香精香料

🧪 FRAGRANCE (PARFUM) / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common sensitizer/irritant

Notes: Synthetic or natural blend to provide scent.

🧪 BENZYL BENZOATE / 苯甲酸苄酯

Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient, Solvent

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: A component of many essential oils.

🧪 CITRONELLOL / 香茅醇

Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Natural component of rose and geranium oils.

🧪 GERANIOL / 香叶醇

Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Natural component of rose and citronella oils.

🧪 TERPINEOL / 松油醇

Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Naturally occurring terpene alcohol with a lilac scent.