Cold Cream
The term cold cream comes from the cooling sensation that a cold cream leaves on the skin while being applied. The cooling sensation is produced by the evaporation of water.Cold creams are mainly formulated by the process of emulsification of oil and water.
The cold cream is a “water-in-oil” type of emulsion.
Mainly, beeswax and borax are used as emulsifying agents.
Cold cream is mainly used because of its moisturizing properties.
Characteristics Of Cold Cream
1. It must be non-inflammatory and non-irritant.2. It should give cooling effects.
3. It should easily penetrate or spread on the skin.
4. It should be attractive in appearance.
5. The pH should be optimum, that is, 4.6 to 6.0
6. The consistency should also be optimum so that it does not get diluted easily, and can easily be taken out of the container.
7. While applying to the skin, it should not give a sticky feeling.
8. To protect against the evaporation of water on the surface of the skin, it must give a thin, waxy protective layer on the skin.
9. It should also provide an emollient effect that will be beneficial for dry skin because it makes the skin softer in a short period.
10. As compared to the ointment, it should be less greasy.
11. It should also be free from sandy particles.
12. Throughout its shelf life, it should be physically as well as chemically stable.
13. The excipients that are used for the formulation of cold cream should be compatible with each other.
14. With the help of water, it should be washed off easily.
15. It should be sterile. If any microbial growth is found, immediately stop the usage of cold cream.
Formulation Of Cold Cream
The formulation consists of the following ingredients;a) Emulsifiers
For the stabilization of water-in-oil emulsions as well as to prevent separation, emulsifiers are used.
Example – Beeswax
b) Thickeners
The thickeners are used to provide the desired consistency and enhance the texture as well.
Example – Stearic acid, Borax
c) Oils / Lipids
Generally, cold creams contain a high percentage of oils as well as lipids because of their nourishing and moisturizing properties on the skin.
Example – Lanolin, Mineral oil, Olive oil, Almond oil
d) Water
The water phase acts as a dispersion medium and is the main component of cream.
e) Humectant
The humectants are added to the cold cream to retain moisture, help to hydrate the skin, and also to maintain the moisture balance.
Example – Glycerine, Hyaluronic acid
f) Preservatives
To prevent microbial growth and to ensure product safety as well as shelf life, preservatives are used.
Example – Parabens, Phenoxyethanol
g) Fragrance
To provide a pleasant smell to the cold creams, fragrances are used. Based on the desired smell, either synthetic or natural fragrance oils can be used.
Method Of Formulation Of Cold Cream
1) The desired amount of beeswax and liquid paraffin is taken in a container.2) Heat these mixtures in a water bath at about 70°C to get a molten mass. This is known as the oily phase (Mixture A).
3) In another container, heat water at about 70°C, and borax dissolves in it. This is known as the aqueous phase (Mixture B).
4) With continuous stirring, mixture B is added slowly into mixture A until a cream-like consistency is obtained.
5) Now, add the required amount of methylparaben and perfume to the formulation.
6) Finally, transfer the cream into the container, label, and dispense.
Formulation of Cold Cream
| Ingredients | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Beeswax | 20.0 |
| Liquid Paraffin | 50.0 |
| Borax | 0.7 |
| Methyl Paraben | 0.5 |
| Distilled Water | 28.3 |
| Perfume | 0.5 |
Sterility, Storage, and Labeling Information
It should be sterile and should be prepared with the test for sterility.Storage
It should not be placed in the refrigerator.Labelling Information
The information on the label should contain;a. Date of manufacturing as well as expiry
b. The storage conditions of the cold cream
c. Name of antimicrobial preservative that is added.
d. Where the cold cream should be applicable should be labeled properly.
Why is Cold Cream called Cold Cream?
When it is applied to the skin, it gives a cooling effect, which is why it is called cold cream. It is a type of cosmetic product that moisturizes the skin from the ages. Because of the traditional method of the formulation of cold cream, its name originated as cold cream. These are popular just due to their softening as well as moisturizing properties, and also popular for skincare routines, as well as makeup removal.
Uses Of Cold Cream
1) It is used for cleansing the face of makeup.2) It is used for moisturizing dry skin.
3) Various medicated creams are also available that are mainly used topically for the treatment of skin.
4) It is also used as a cleansing preparation to remove makeup.
5) It is also used to provide an emollient effect.
6) It is also used to remove oil-soluble impurities from the skin.
7) It is also used as a balm for dry and cracked lips.
8) It is also used as a shaving cream alternative for men
Evaluation Of Cold Cream
To evaluate the quality of the cold cream, many tests are performed, such as;- Viscosity test
- Impurities
- Microbiological examination
- Determination of water content
- Assay (if required)
- Uniformity of dosage (if required)
Cold Cream Video Tutorial
Conclusion
Cold cream is a versatile skincare product that has excellent emollient properties. The ideal cold cream should have non-inflammatory and non-irritating properties with a cooling effect, easy penetration, and spread on the skin. I hope you have liked my efforts on the topic of cold cream. If you have any questions regarding the topic, feel free to drop a message in comment.FAQ
Q 1. What ingredients are in cold cream?Ans – The cold cream typically contains water, oils (mineral oil, almond oil, olive oil), beeswax, borax, glycerine, and preservatives (methylparaben).
Q 2. Which base is used in cold cream?
Ans – Beeswax, water, and mineral oils are used as a base in cold cream.
