Cold cream is an emulsion of water and beeswax and aromatic plant extracts, designed to smooth skin and remove makeup. The name "cold cream" derives from the cooling feeling that the cream leaves on the skin. Variations of the product have been used for nearly 2000 years.
Cold cream is mainly used for skin treatment (such as a facial mask or lip balm), due to its moisturizing properties. It can also be used to remove makeup and as shaving cream.
The invention of cold cream is credited to Galen, a physician in second century Greece. The original formulation involved rose water, beeswax, and either almond or olive oil - and we use exactly same basic ingredients nowadays in our lab! Historic natural cosmetics revival.
In France, this substance is still known as cérat de Galien ('Galen's Wax'), or ceratum galieni in latin.
