Kylie Jenner Is A Fan Of This Old-School Product That’s Perfect For Dry Or Mature Skin

When Kylie Jenner – make-up maven and latterly Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra model – shares her skincare routine, people tend to pay attention, and her pre-bed routine – shared in an Instagram Reel – came with a plot twist. Jenner kicks things off with a very old-school product: Pond’s cold cream. “I’m back on the Pond’s. I used this when I was a teenager, and now I’m just into it again,” she explained, following up with a cleanser.

Though the Pond’s version isn’t carried in the UK, consultant dermatologist Dr Sidra Khan breaks down the benefits of cold cream more generally. “Cold cream is one of the oldest skincare formulations there is, essentially a rich emulsion of oils and waxes, traditionally things like mineral oil or beeswax, blended with water. It melts onto the skin and leaves a slightly occlusive film. The name comes from the cooling sensation you feel as the water in it evaporates.”

Much like a cleansing oil or balm, cold cream is an effective make-up remover – and, thanks to its rich formula, Khan recommends it for anyone with mature or dehydrated skin. However, she cautions that it can leave behind some residue, so it’s best to follow up with a gentle second cleanse. And those who are oily or breakout-prone may want to avoid it entirely, as they could find it too thick.

That could explain why cold cream fell out of popularity in the first place. “The texture can feel heavy and greasy by modern standards, and ingredients like mineral oil picked up a rather unfair reputation,” explains Khan. “The industry also moved towards lighter, more elegant and more targeted formulas, such as micellar waters and gel cleansers, which felt fresher and more convenient. It wasn’t that cold cream stopped working, more that newer textures captured people’s attention.”

So, which is better? “There’s no need to see it as better or worse, it’s really about your skin type and preference,” says Khan. “If you have dry, sensitive or mature skin, or you simply enjoy that cushiony feel in winter, cold cream is a lovely option.” While those on the opposite end of the skin spectrum may want to skip this one for a lighter product, it goes to show that some things truly do stick around for a reason.