Cold Cream
Cold Cream
Product Description
Avène Cold Cream by Avène is a rich, nourishing protective cream built around pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil, white beeswax and Avène Thermal Spring Water. Designed for dry to very dry, sensitive skin, it reinforces a weakened moisture barrier and shields the face and body from cold, wind and daily aggressors — gentle enough for babies, children and adults alike.
✨ Texture & Feel
Occlusive Barrier Shield
Pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil forms a breathable protective veil that locks in moisture and reduces transepidermal water loss in harsh, cold conditions.
White Beeswax Nourishment
Pure white beeswax adds rich, comforting nourishment and helps support and smooth a compromised, flaky skin barrier.
Avène Thermal Spring Water
The brand's signature soothing thermal water helps calm sensitivity, redness and feelings of tightness.
Multi-Use, All Ages
One tube for face, body, hands and rough patches — gentle enough for infants, children and adults.
🛡️ Safety & Compatibility
Generally considered safe — no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters. Check with your doctor if unsure.
Not fungal-acne safe. Contains fatty alcohols and esters (cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, polysorbate 20, sorbitan isostearate) that can feed Malassezia.
Formula includes Parfum. Well-tolerated by most, but sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin should patch test first.
Paraben-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free (no drying alcohol) and reef safe.
Inert occlusive base — pairs well as a final sealing step over retinol, vitamin C, AHA/BHA serums.
Very rich and occlusive — may feel heavy, add shine or congest pores on oily or breakout-prone skin.
🔬 Ingredient Breakdown
🛢️ Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) ~High Proven
The first and most abundant ingredient. A highly-refined, cosmetic-grade mineral oil that acts as an occlusive, forming a protective layer that locks in moisture and prevents water loss from the skin.
- Source: A 2017 review concluded cosmetic use of mineral oils and waxes poses no consumer risk from absorption.
- Source: Cosmetic-grade mineral oil tested on human skin showed no comedogenic activity, with a corrected rating of 0.
🐝 Beeswax (Cera Alba) ~5-15% Proven
Natural wax that forms a protective layer to lock in moisture and reduce water loss. Widely used as a thickener and emulsifier; research suggests beeswax-containing moisturizers support skin barrier integrity.
- Source: Comedogenic testing scored beeswax 0-2 (low end); pore-clogging depends on the whole formula.
🔗 Glyceryl Stearate ~1-10% Proven
An emulsifier, emollient and mild occlusive made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid. It keeps oil and water blended so the cream stays uniform and smooth.
- Source: Studies found it non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic and non-photoallergenic at typical use levels.
🧴 Cetyl Alcohol ~1-5% Proven
A fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. Despite the name, it is unrelated to drying denatured/ethyl alcohol, and the FDA allows "alcohol-free" labelling alongside fatty alcohols.
- Source: Comedogenic rating of 2/2 — moderate; contributes to the cream's rich, cushiony slip.
🛡️ BHT <0.1% Promising
A synthetic antioxidant and preservative that fights free radicals and stabilizes the formula by preventing oxidation, keeping the oils from going rancid.
- Source: Currently permitted for cosmetic use by both the FDA and EU; concerns largely stem from oral, not topical, studies.
💧 Caprylyl Glycol ~0.3-2% Proven
A humectant, skin conditioner and preservative booster. It helps draw and hold water in the skin while improving the efficacy and stability of the preservative system.
- Source: Typical levels range 0.3–1% as a preservative booster, up to 2% for skin conditioning.
🌸 Parfum (Fragrance) <1% Promising
A blended scenting agent that gives the cream its light, characteristic aroma. The exact composition is proprietary and varies by product.
- Source: Fragrance blends can contain known EU allergens such as linalool and citronellol depending on the mix.
🔬 Polysorbate 20 ~1-3% Proven
A gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant that keeps oil and water from separating and helps active ingredients absorb slightly better.
- Source: The CIR Expert Panel confirmed it safe as used in cosmetics; true allergic reactions are uncommon.
16 ingredients
Paraffinum Liquidum, Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, BHT, C20-40 Pareth-10, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Phosphate, Parfum, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitan Isostearate, Triethanolamine, Water.
🔄 Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your final nourishing/sealing step at night, or before sunscreen in the morning. Its occlusive texture is ideal for locking in lighter hydrating layers underneath.
📝 How to Use
Cleanse First
Apply twice a day to thoroughly cleansed, dry skin — morning and evening.
Warm & Massage In
Take a small amount, warm between fingertips and massage gently into face and very dry areas (cheeks, lip contours) in circular motions.
Extend to the Body
Use on hands, elbows, knees or any rough, chapped patches as often as needed.
Optional: Nourishing Mask
For an extra boost, apply a generous layer, leave on for 10 minutes, then tissue off the excess.
👤 Who Is It For?
✅ Perfect for you if:
- You have dry to very dry, tight or flaky skin
- Your barrier is compromised by cold, wind or harsh weather
- You want one multi-use cream for face, body and the whole family
- You like a rich, comforting balm-cream texture
- You react to most products and want a paraben/silicone-free option
❌ Consider alternatives if:
- You have oily or acne-prone skin and dislike heavy textures
- You are managing fungal acne (malassezia)
- You need a completely fragrance-free formula
- You prefer fast-absorbing, lightweight gel moisturizers
- You want a vegan product (it contains beeswax)
🎯 Skin Type Compatibility
Its core purpose — rich occlusive nourishment that relieves tightness and flaking fast.
Soothing thermal water and a minimal base help, but the added fragrance means a patch test is wise.
Great on dry zones but can feel too rich on the T-zone — apply only where needed.
Heavy, occlusive texture may add shine and feel greasy. Better suited to lighter Avène formulas.
Mineral oil itself is non-comedogenic, but the rich formula and fatty alcohols may congest some breakout-prone skin.
📈 Results Timeline
Instant Comfort
Tightness and roughness ease right away as the occlusive veil settles and seals in moisture.
90% noticedLess Flaking
Visible dry patches and flaking begin to smooth out with consistent twice-daily use.
75% noticedCalmer, Softer Skin
Skin feels suppler and more resilient; redness and weather-related irritation tend to settle.
68% noticedStronger Barrier
A reinforced moisture barrier means fewer dry flare-ups, even in cold or windy conditions.
60% noticed⭐ Ratings by Platform
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Praised
- Exceptional relief for dry, tight, weather-beaten skin
- Multi-use across face, body and the whole family
- Trusted French pharmacy formula, dermatologist-favored
- A little goes a long way — long-lasting tube
- Paraben-, silicone- and sulfate-free; reef safe
❌ Criticized
- Rich, occlusive texture can feel greasy
- Contains fragrance — not for fragrance-sensitive skin
- Not fungal-acne safe and may feel heavy on oily skin
- Not vegan (contains beeswax)
- Slower to absorb than gel or lotion moisturizers
💰 Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Rich occlusive barrier cream with three ceramides and hyaluronic acid instead of beeswax. Fragrance-free and far larger tub — better value for full-body use.
A classic mineral-oil-and-wax occlusive cream with a very similar "cold cream" feel. Also fragranced, but a fraction of the price for everyday dry-skin sealing.
Equally rich nourishing balm built on natural plant oils and beeswax. Heavier and more scented (lanolin + essential oils), aimed at very dry patches.
🔄 Comparison with Competitors
Avène Cold Cream (Featured)
$24.00La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
$19.99Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
$28.00CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
$18.99📦 Storage & Shelf Life
6 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Squeeze tube — hygienic and travel-friendly.
Yes — 40 ml and 100 ml tubes are both under the 100 ml carry-on limit.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters — just occlusive moisturizing agents like mineral oil and beeswax. As always, check with your doctor if you have specific concerns.
No. While the mineral oil base is inert, the formula contains several fatty alcohols and esters — cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, polysorbate 20 and sorbitan isostearate — that Malassezia yeast can feed on. If you are managing fungal acne, choose a fungal-acne-safe moisturizer instead.
Yes. Because it is a simple occlusive cream with no actives of its own, it pairs well with treatment serums. Apply your retinol, vitamin C or AHA/BHA first, let it absorb, then seal with Cold Cream as your final step to buffer dryness and irritation.
It is best for dry to very dry and sensitive skin, especially skin stressed by cold, wind or harsh weather. Oily and acne-prone skin may find it too rich and occlusive, and may prefer one of Avène's lighter formulas.
Comfort is usually immediate — tightness and roughness ease on first application. Visible flaking tends to improve within 2–3 days, and with consistent twice-daily use, skin feels calmer and the barrier more resilient over 1–4 weeks.
It goes near the end of your routine, as your moisturizer/sealing step — after cleansing, toner, serums and eye cream. At night it can be your last step; in the morning, apply it before sunscreen.
It has a low comedogenic rating of around 2/5. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is non-comedogenic and beeswax scores low, and Avène markets the cream as non-comedogenic. That said, it is a rich occlusive, so very oily or breakout-prone skin may find it congesting — apply sparingly or only to dry areas.
About 6 months after opening, as indicated by the PAO symbol on the tube. Store it in a cool, dry place and keep the cap closed to preserve the formula.
Verdict: Avène Cold Cream is a French-pharmacy classic that does one job exceptionally well — deeply nourishing and protecting dry to very dry, sensitive skin against cold and harsh weather. Its mineral-oil-and-beeswax occlusive system delivers reliable, dermatologist-trusted relief for the whole family, and it stays free of parabens, silicones and sulfates. The trade-offs are predictable: it is rich and slow to absorb, contains fragrance, isn't fungal-acne safe, and is best skipped by oily or breakout-prone skin. For anyone battling tight, flaky, weather-stressed skin, it remains a dependable barrier hero.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient, Skin Protecting, Solvent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising, Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 6 |
BHT
Masking, Fragrance, Antioxidant
|
|