Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser Review: Classic Makeup Removal Tested

Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser is the beauty equivalent of a well-loved quilt. It is familiar, comforting, and surprisingly effective when used correctly. We tested it on full glam and everyday sunscreen to find out whether this vintage staple holds up to modern, long-wear formulas, and which skin types will enjoy it most.

Overview

Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser is a thick, water-in-oil emulsion built around mineral oil and waxes. Unlike modern cleansing balms that fully emulsify and rinse clean, classic cold creams are designed to be massaged over dry skin, then tissued or cloth-wiped away. They leave behind a protective occlusive film that many dry and mature skin types appreciate. The texture is cushiony and dense, and the scent is a light powdery floral that feels decidedly old-school. It comes in a wide-mouth plastic jar in multiple sizes, typically at a very budget-friendly price for the quantity you get.

This is not a lathering cleanser. There are no soap-like surfactants doing the heavy lifting. Instead, makeup removal relies on oil solubility and slip, which can be extremely effective for dissolving pigments, silicones, and water-resistant sunscreen. The trade-off is a residue that some will love for softness and others will dislike as greasy. A quick second cleanse solves that for most people.

Who it’s for

Based on our testing, Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser suits the following users best:

• Dry to very dry skin that tightens after washing. The occlusive finish offsets transepidermal water loss and calms post-cleanse tightness.
• Mature skin or anyone focused on maintaining a soft, cushioned feel after cleansing. The residual film can enhance comfort and glow.
• Heavy makeup wearers who want a gentle first cleanse that breaks down foundation, cream blush, eye liner, and sunscreen without stinging.
• Budget shoppers who want a large jar that lasts months with nightly use.

It may be a poor fit if you:

• Prefer a rinse-clean finish. If any residue bothers you, a modern balm or oil that emulsifies may feel better.
• Are very clog-prone or currently breaking out. Mineral oil is not inherently comedogenic, but the waxy, occlusive finish can trap debris if you do not remove it fully with a second cleanse.
• Are sensitive to fragrance. The scent is noticeable. If your eyes or skin react to fragrance, proceed with caution.
• Have lash extensions. Rich oils can weaken the adhesive and shorten retention.

How it feels and performs

Texture: In the jar, Pond’s is thick, creamy, and opaque. On skin, it melts with body heat into a silky slip that spreads quickly. It does not feel waxy during massage, which reduces tugging around delicate areas like the eyes and lips. There is a soft, powdery floral scent that lingers lightly while you work.

Makeup removal tests:

• Long-wear foundation and cream bronzer: Excellent removal in about 30 to 45 seconds of massage. We saw full breakdown with no visible patches left on a white cotton round post-wipe.
• Waterproof mascara and gel liner: Very good removal with technique. Massaging closed lashes gently between fingers for 30 seconds then pressing with a warm, damp microfiber cloth took off roughly 90 to 95 percent in one pass. A second light pass cleared the remainder at the lash base. We experienced no stinging, but sensitive eyes may notice fragrance.
• Transfer-proof liquid lipstick and lip stains: Good, but requires patience. Holding a pea-size amount on lips for 15 seconds before massaging improved breakdown. A second pass was needed for deep berry stains.
• Water-resistant sunscreen: Excellent. The oil phase dissolves film-formers effectively, better than micellar waters in our experience.

Finish: After tissuing or wiping with a damp cloth, skin feels soft and cushioned, with a definite emollient layer left behind. On dry and mature skin, that feels comforting. On combination and oily skin, it can feel heavy or filmy unless followed with a water-based second cleanser.

Rinse factor: Cold creams are not designed to rinse completely with plain water. If you splash without wiping first, the product may bead and slide rather than lift. Removal is straightforward with soft tissues, cotton rounds, or a damp microfiber cloth, followed by an optional gel or cream cleanser to finish.

Eye comfort: We had no sting in testing, even with generous eye makeup removal, but the added fragrance could trouble very sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. If that applies to you, keep eyes closed and use a damp cloth to lift product rather than rubbing back and forth.

Value: A small almond-sized scoop is enough for a full face, so even a mid-size jar lasts a long time. It is one of the most cost-effective first cleanses available at drugstores.

How to use for best results

1. Start with dry hands and a dry face. Scoop an almond-sized amount with clean fingers or a spatula for hygiene.
2. Warm it between fingertips for a second, then massage over face for 30 to 60 seconds. Use light pressure and circular motions. For the eye area, keep eyes closed and gently roll lashes between thumb and forefinger to loosen mascara.
3. Pause on stubborn areas. For waterproof mascara or long-wear lipstick, let a thin layer sit for 10 to 20 seconds before continuing to massage.
4. Remove thoroughly. For the least tugging, press a warm, damp microfiber cloth onto the face for a few seconds, then wipe outward in sections. Rinse the cloth and repeat once.
5. Optional but recommended for most: Follow with a water-based second cleanser. A gentle gel or milky cleanser will remove remaining residue and leave skin fresh without squeakiness.
6. Pat dry and apply your usual treatment and moisturizer. Many dry skin users find they can use a lighter moisturizer after this routine, since the skin is already cushioned.

Tips and troubleshooting:

• If your skin feels filmy after step one, your second cleanse is doing too little. Increase contact time, add a bit more water to emulsify your gel cleanser, and spend 20 extra seconds around the nose and jawline.
• Concerned about congestion along the hairline or jaw? Use a damp cotton round to detail clean those edges before your second cleanse.
• Make sure cloths are truly clean. Residual fabric softener or detergent can cause breakouts or eye irritation. Rinse cloths very thoroughly and air-dry between uses.
• If your eyes are sensitive, avoid rubbing product across the waterline. Work the lashes first, then use a fresh damp cloth to lift without spreading fragrance into the eyes.
• With lash extensions, skip rich oil-based removers near the lash line to preserve adhesive bonds.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Excellent at dissolving heavy makeup and water-resistant sunscreen without harsh rubbing. Leaves skin soft and comfortable, especially for dry and mature types. Extremely economical and widely available. Gentle glide minimizes tugging on the eye area.
• Cons: Does not rinse clean on its own and leaves a film. Scented, which can bother sensitive eyes or noses. Not ideal for those who prefer a squeaky-clean finish or are very clog-prone without a diligent second cleanse. Jar packaging requires clean hands or a spatula to keep hygienic.

Ingredient notes and sensitivities

Cold creams are largely mineral oil and wax based, with emulsifiers to bind oil and water. Mineral oil itself is inert and non-fragrant, which many sensitive users tolerate, but the overall product is occlusive by design. That is great for comfort and barrier support, yet it can trap sweat and debris if you do not remove it completely. Pond’s includes fragrance, which provides that nostalgic powdery scent but is a common irritant for some. If you are highly sensitive, patch test along the jawline for a few nights before using it around the eyes.

Real-world results from testing

We used Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser for seven evenings on a mix of looks. On everyday sunscreen plus light concealer, it performed beautifully and left skin soft enough to skip a heavy moisturizer. On full glam with waterproof mascara, gel liner, and long-wear lipstick, it still delivered, though the eye area benefited from a patient approach and a warm cloth press. On oily skin testers, the finish felt heavy unless followed by a gel cleanser, but the double cleanse left skin fresh without tightness. No stinging was reported, although one fragrance-sensitive tester noted mild eye watering when the product was rubbed very close to the lash line. No immediate breakouts were observed over one week with a thorough second cleanse, but we would not recommend leaving the residue in place overnight on acne-prone skin.

How it compares to modern balms and oils

Compared with emulsifying cleansing balms and oils, Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser is plusher during massage and more comforting after removal, but it requires a cloth and usually a second cleanse to fully clear residue. Balms and oils that turn milky on contact with water feel quicker and more rinse-friendly. If you love a soft, moisturized finish and do not mind a two-step cleanse, Pond’s is satisfying and cost-effective. If you want a fast, mess-free shower routine with a one-and-done rinse, look to an emulsifying balm or oil instead.

Final verdict

Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser earns its reputation as a gentle, effective first cleanse. It breaks down heavy makeup and sunscreen with minimal effort, cushions skin during massage, and leaves a soft finish that dry skin types will adore. The drawbacks are clear. It is scented, it does not rinse clean, and it can feel too heavy for oily or very congestion-prone skin without a diligent second cleanse. If you are comfortable with a cloth removal and a quick gel cleanse afterward, this classic still performs in 2025. For a fragrance-free, fully rinseable experience, a modern balm or oil may suit you better, but few options at this price match the plush feel and makeup-melting ability of Pond’s.

See also

If you prefer a rinse-clean routine but still need heavy-duty makeup removal, our roundups of best cleansing balms for waterproof makeup and best cleansing oils for acne-prone skin walk through options that emulsify easily. For quick nights or travel, see the picks in best makeup remover wipes to keep tugging low and speed high.

Sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers who want something gentler around the lash line can check our hands-on Optase Life Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover review. And if makeup never seems to sit right after cleansing, these common pitfalls in makeup mistakes you probably make may explain patchy foundation or smudging mascara.

FAQ

Does Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser remove waterproof mascara without rubbing?

Yes, with technique. Massage a small amount over closed lashes for 30 seconds, then press and lift with a warm, damp microfiber cloth. Most waterproof formulas come off in one or two gentle passes. Avoid rubbing back and forth and keep eyes closed to limit fragrance exposure.

Will it clog pores if I have acne-prone skin?

Mineral oil itself is not comedogenic, but the product is intentionally occlusive. If you are breakout-prone, remove it with a damp cloth and always follow with a gentle water-based second cleanser. Detail clean along the hairline and jaw, and avoid leaving any residue overnight.

Can I use Pond’s Cold Cream as a moisturizer?

It is designed as a cleanser, not a leave-on product. Some enjoy the soft film it leaves, but it is better to remove thoroughly and then apply a targeted moisturizer that suits your skin type, especially if you are prone to congestion or use active treatments.

Is it safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers?

Many people can use it around the eyes with no sting, but it does contain fragrance, which can irritate very sensitive eyes. Keep eyes closed, work gently, and use a damp cloth to lift product. If your eyes water or burn, switch to a fragrance-free eye remover and keep Pond’s for the face.

How much should I use for full makeup removal?

Start with an almond-sized amount for the face and a pea-sized amount for the eye area. Add more only if needed. Spending 30 to 60 seconds massaging is more effective than scooping extra product, and it reduces the chance of residue after removal.

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