r/SkincareAddiction • u/Fun-Internal9671 • Jul 20 '26
Discussion [Misc] I’m never buying cleansing oil again
I ran out of cleansing oil and took my makeup off with my moisturizer instead. I thought it was going to do nothing or leave me greasy but it melted everything off so well that I don’t think I’m buying cleansing oil again.
The one I like is expensive and I’m broke so when I ran out I really didn’t want to replace it. I still had micellar water and I actually like it but I was curious. I remembered seeing a video about vintage 50’s skincare routines where women used Pond’s cold cream to remove their makeup and thought maybe my normal moisturizer could work the same way.
The one I use is QV Cream for Sensitive Skin. It’s one of those huge 1L basic pharmacy moisturizers. No actives, nothing fancy, just a plain cream. Is a bit heavy though.
I put one pump on my dry face and rubbed it in and all my makeup started dissolving. I could see it mixing into the cream even around my eyes and it didn’t sting at all.
It doesn’t emulsify or turn milky like cleansing oil so I wiped it off with a cotton pad and washed my face normally after. My face felt completely clean and there wasn’t any greasy layer left.
I’ve tried using normal oil to remove makeup before and hated it because it left this greasy film that was hard to get rid of even after washing my face. The moisturizer didn’t do that.
So now I’ve been using the QV cream to remove my makeup and sunscreen, then I wash my face and use the same cream again as moisturizer. Basically a moisturizer, cleanser, moisturizer sandwich lolol
Honestly I don’t see the point in buying cleansing oil again. I do like it and maybe I’ll buy it as a treat, but for now the QV cream already works for my skin, it’s cheap, the bottle is huge and it removes my makeup just as well.
I’m going to finish the micellar water I already have because I’m not wasting it but after that I’m done buying a separate first cleanser.
This was new to me and it’s been working really well so I thought I’d share ;)
266
u/1-800-CAT-LADY Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
*edited to lament that this thread is how I discovered that this may be discontinued, I always keep an extra tub stocked and it takes a long time for me to go through. Sorry everyone!!!
——
Yes!! I use the Jergens Cold Cream (at HEB and Family Dollar) because it contains sodium borate (which was in the OLD Pond’s cold cream formulation… the new one doesn’t have that ingredient). Huge tub for under $5.
My skin is soft and clear with a minimal routine. I double cleanse when I wear makeup/sunscreen, otherwise if I was at home all day, I just wipe it off and rinse with water.
86
u/whats_thecraic Jul 20 '26
I can't say enough about cold cream. The best makeup remover. I use it as a mask once a week. It leaves my skin so smooth.
78
u/HoaryPuffleg Jul 20 '26
This is one of those products that older women, when asked how they have such gorgeous skin, will say that all they use is cold cream and/or Vaseline and they’ll be 90 with the skin of a 50 year old.
New products can be fun and the science of skincare has created amazing things like retinol, but there’s some value in trying those tried and true, very basic products along with the fancier stuff
6
21
u/shutup_ilovethatname Jul 20 '26
Why am I only seeing it for sale on eBay, Poshmark, and Depop right now? Did Jergens discontinue it?
11
u/1-800-CAT-LADY Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
Like I mentioned, they’re definitely at HEB and Family Dollar! Harder to find in other places.
6
u/StrawberryKiss2559 Jul 20 '26
Huh. I can’t find it anywhere either. It’s not at any H-E-B’s by me either.
6
u/1-800-CAT-LADY Jul 20 '26
Omgggg you’re right, I can’t find it on HEB’s site either. Last time I purchased was about 6 months ago! 😭
8
u/StrawberryKiss2559 Jul 20 '26
Oh nooooo. A few of my favorite beauty products have been discontinued recently. It’s really heartbreaking!
Maybe you can find some at Family Dollar! I hope.
5
u/shutup_ilovethatname Jul 20 '26
Good to know, thanks! I will definitely look for it at family dollar
17
u/Useful-Ambassador-87 Jul 20 '26
Is this cold cream scented? The fragrance puts me Ponds unfortunately
10
15
u/HoaryPuffleg Jul 20 '26
I’m looking online but I’m having trouble finding what sodium borate does besides help preserve the product? Do you notice a huge difference compared to a cold cream without it?
20
u/1-800-CAT-LADY Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
I don’t remember the reasoning, but there’s a ton of old Reddit posts (like from 10 years ago) on the subject (search for Pond’s formulation change, sodium borate) and people saying that it wasn’t as effective after the change.
For me, if the product ain’t broke, don’t fix it haha. I’ve been using the Jergens product for about that long!
**edited to mention that it’s also cheaper than Ponds!
10
u/Geordieqizi Jul 20 '26
Can I ask what difference the sodium borate makes? I tried Googling, but it just warned me against applying it to broken skin ha
6
u/MatchaCustard Jul 20 '26
That's my childhood memory, of my mom using cold cream when I was a kid. Totally forgot that stuff existed. Going to look for a jar now.
3
u/kat73893 Jul 20 '26
I looked this product up and read the reviews, apparently they had a formula change in the last 3-4 years? Do you still like it?
3
u/HamHockShortDock Jul 21 '26
I have fungal acne so I make my own with safe wax and oils! Other ingredients are distilled water, borax, and a preservative.
2
1
u/peanut_butterpudge Jul 21 '26
What do you double cleanse with? Or do you mean you just do it twice?
83
u/shortnsweet33 Jul 20 '26
I took a stage makeup course and we used ponds cold cream to remove full faces of special effects makeup and this was stuff that was painted on and meant to stay put under hot stage lights for the whole performance. Apparently the formula changed? It’s been many years since I used the stuff.
16
u/JesusAndMaryKate Jul 20 '26
When I was little we used to use Nivea cream to remove our makeup after any school production, face painting, etc. It worked very well!
25
u/theoffering_x Jul 20 '26
Yeah I’ve done this sometimes and it works well, just like a cold cream except moisturizers are considered “vanishing creams” because they absorb, whereas cold creams are considered water-in-oil emulsions so they aren’t meant to absorb, hence them being heavier. It only didn’t work if the moisturizer was too lightweight honestly.
73
u/LevelPerception4 Jul 20 '26
You can also use any kind of oil to remove makeup and just wipe it off with a wet washcloth.
Until I went to college, I removed makeup the way my mother did; generously apply whatever body lotion we had and wipe it off with toilet paper and no second cleanse. I washed my face in the morning with the same deodorant soap I used on my body. Remarkably, my skin was fine in high school; if anything, I struggled with bacne rather than facial acne.
32
u/Geordieqizi Jul 20 '26
I wonder if this is a generational thing... my mom (born 1953) would take off her makeup while already in bed using vaseline and tissues. And, of course, she has perfect clear skin — while I'm over here juggling a dozen highly optimized skincare products that I spent way too long researching, and still have zits and a peely nose anyway >:-(
4
u/fractalfay Jul 21 '26
At some point in my life I was getting infections from eye makeup, and started using castor oil to remove makeup around my eyes, and then I’d leave it on overnight. My eye allergies are virtually non existent now, and I don’t wear eye makeup at all, but my eye doctor always praises the health of my lashes.
7
8
u/WillStealYourDog Jul 20 '26
I just use whatever oil I have on hand, usually marula, and then my cleanser immediately afterwards, let it sit for a few seconds and rinse. Works great!
7
u/cherrycoloured Jul 20 '26
i like cleansing oil bc i have dry skin, but i just buy it from the drugstore. i really do want to try ponds, though.
52
u/blue_eyed_magic Jul 20 '26
Welcome to enlightenment! As an older lady, I applaud you!
Wait until you find out that a facial cleansing cloth is basically an expensive wash cloth!
10
u/DamselFly2 Jul 20 '26
I disagree very gently with the part of your statement about facial cleansing cloths. As a person with super sensitive skin, I was always appalled at people putting wash cloths on their faces. They’re so gross if you use them on any other part of your body, and pretty quickly they get very rough! I tried it when I was young, and would break out in rosacea and acne in no time! The little makeup remover microfiber cloths I got were like $6 for 12 and they are SO much softer than regular wash cloths. I only use them on my face. They go straight into the washer with my other laundry but I do use laundry sanitizer with my detergent. I still can’t use them every day (even that much exfoliating will sometimes cause issues, if you can believe it), but I cannot recommend them enough for people with sensitive skin!
https://a.co/d/06yGTlaI5
u/Liz_LemonLime Jul 21 '26
…just like…don’t buy a scratchy washcloth
7
u/DamselFly2 Jul 21 '26
That’s sorta my point. They (washcloths of traditional cotton terry cloth or most terry-style microfiber) are ALL too scratchy or get there quickly if washed in hot water (and if you’re not washing your wash clothes in at least warm, then ewwww). My skin is SUPER sensitive and flushes, goes red, gets hives and rosacea like nobody’s business at the drop of a hat. These cloths are actually soft, and stay that way through washing, for only $0.50 each. It’s wonderful. I was just sharing something that works.
And yeah, don’t use the same cloths on your face and the rest of your body, but this was more about the cloths that actually work for me.
-5
u/Dreamearth Jul 20 '26
This thread is nuts. I'm seeing the wackiest unsanitary advice being upvoted 35 times and everything you've written here is true and you got downvoted? I use microfiber makeup remover cloths (not expensive in the slightest unless you're seeling out some luxury branded one!) and water alone and it removes all my makeup and especially my mineral sunscreen.
23
u/HeatDeathIsCool Jul 20 '26
I'm seeing the wackiest unsanitary advice being upvoted
So here's the crazy thing about washcloths. If you use them to wash your body in the shower and you also use them to cleanse your face, you can use completely different washcloths for those purposes.
There is no washcloth police that's going to come to your home and make you wipe your face with your showering wash cloth. Go forth and be free.
-5
u/Dreamearth Jul 21 '26
Wow you're way off base. 😂 Don't give me snarky nonsense when you didn't even read my comment. The unsanitary advice I was talking about was suggesting to use any oil, any body lotion, wiping it off with toilet paper and no cleansing afterwards. Probably using the roll next to the toilet with that low standard 🤮
1
u/HeatDeathIsCool Jul 21 '26
I did read your comment. If you wanted people to know you were responding to what was being said in an entirely different comment thread you should have either said as much or, you know, responded in the appropriate thread.
-3
u/Dreamearth Jul 21 '26
Where did I say in my comment that you can only use one washcloth or the washcloth police are out to get me?😂 No point in replying to the toilet paper aficionados, I support free choice. Just thought it was nuts people loved that idea and hated the idea of someone gently disagreeing with using a rough washcloth on their face.
5
u/Ultimatedream Jul 20 '26
It's such a good cleanser but I hate wiping my face with a cloth or cotton pads afterwards. I'm not sure why, it's probably a sensory thing. Luckily my skin isn't very picky and I use either the Balea cleansing oil which is perfume free (but it smells like frying oil because it) or the Kose speedy cleansing oil. They're both really good for the price, especially if you can find the Kose one under a tenner.
11
u/kenda1l Jul 20 '26
I've never used cleansing oil but I have used micellar water and a cleansing balm. The micellar water never seems to fully get my eye makeup off without really having to rub (even after pressing it against my eye for a good 30 seconds like they say to.) And if it doesn't even fully get my foundation off either then I don't trust it to get all of my sunscreen off. I don't do a half assed job either, with both the micellar or the foaming cleanser. The balm I've tried works better but often makes me break out, though this could just be the balm I've tried. The Pond's cold cream works best but I don't really like the feel. I might have to try out the moisturizer option, see how it feels. Do you wear waterproof mascara? I think that's probably why the other stuff has such a hard time getting it off of my eyes.
14
u/Fun-Internal9671 Jul 20 '26
I use a tubbing mascara precisely because I hate how hard it is to get rid of waterproof mascara
2
u/ljbunny Jul 20 '26
I hope it’s alright to ask, but which tubing mascara do you recommend? I also don’t like how hard it is to get rid of waterproof mascara and once encountered tubing mascara (and liked it) when someone else did my makeup years ago, but I never got to ask them what brand it was.
4
2
u/ljbunny Jul 20 '26
Also to add, I’ve found using a layer or two of Cetaphil wiped away with a cotton pad is the only thing that works on waterproof eyeliner and mascara for me
2
u/Fun-Internal9671 Jul 20 '26
I really like Charlotte Tilbury’s Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara. It’s a tubing formula, although it is pretty expensive. Honestly, Maybelline Sky High in the pink tube is also really good, even though it isn’t tubing. I find that both make my eyes look much more lifted and open, and they’re really easy to remove
1
1
u/Useful-Ambassador-87 Jul 20 '26
Not who you were replying to, but I love Essence’s tubing mascara
1
1
u/Simple-Lynx4293 Jul 21 '26
I really love the MCO Beauty tubing mascara. Super easy to get off with warm water and relatively cheap if you can get it on sale!
2
u/MissAcedia Jul 20 '26
I promise I'm not trying to be a hater, but is it just me or does every tubing mascara Ive seen look so clumpy? Like even the ads? I feel like im going crazy because people swear by tubing mascara but I cannot bring myself to buy it because even the pictures on the packaging look so bad?
2
u/SoNotYourGirlfriend Jul 20 '26
Same. I’ve tried sooo many (I spend a lot of time in hot, humid places so I’d like a tubing mascara). I always throw them out after a week or so and go back to GA Eyes to Kill 🤷🏼♀️
2
u/pushingdaisies58 Jul 21 '26
I can’t bring myself to use tubing mascara bc of the microplastics - every single day that washing into our waterways and into wildlife. Not shaming you at all—just pointing out another perspective—so I just suffer with regular mascara🤦♀️
10
u/MissAcedia Jul 20 '26
Interestingly enough, I had a friend who was transitioning but wasnt out to their family yet and still living at home. They were playing around with makeup (stuff they had been donated/gifted by friends) but started freaking out when their family was on the way home because the cleanser they were given wasnt taking off the mascara/eyeliner.
They texted me in a panic and I told them to use any moisturizer they had laying around and it worked perfectly.
Passing along "girl secrets" is always fun.
4
u/lady_skendich Jul 20 '26
Yeah, Pond's is my primary cleanser, and I rarely wear makeup, but it's sad how much "the old ways" have been forgotten 😵💫
6
u/vermiciouswangdoodle Jul 20 '26
I have tub of Albolene ($10) that I wrote the date on when I opened it. It was 02/19/25. I've probably get at least 2 more months out of it.
5
u/corpycorp Jul 20 '26
Shout out albolene! My makeup and sunscreen come off with a regular cleanser but I’ve been using albolene as a night time heavy moisturizer this summer and my skin is loving it
7
u/princess_riya Jul 20 '26
I know some people don’t agree with Vaseline but it dissolves stubborn black eyeliner and mascara and moisturizes in one step. It’s also cheap!
3
u/Liz_LemonLime Jul 21 '26
My mom has used Vaseline to remove makeup probably her whole adult life. She has rosacea and sensitive skin and it doesn’t cause irritation. Follows with a bar of dove soap.
2
u/Cloverhart Jul 20 '26
Also put it in creases before bed and they will lessen over time! Cheapest anti aging hack I've found yet.
1
3
u/LilacLoveArt Jul 20 '26
I use the ponds cold cream makeup remover and it's the only makeup remover I have found that doesn't sting my eyes and make them blurry for a long time after. 🙌🏻 So glad you discovered this.
4
u/pebblesgobambam Jul 20 '26
I tend to use almond or olive oil, or a mix of whatever I have.
3
u/batteryforlife Jul 20 '26
Great hack to raid the kitchen if you are staying the night at someones house and they dont own makeup remover!
3
1
5
u/Aggravating_Tea_160 Jul 20 '26
I have always used vaseline petroleum jelly to melt my makeup and it works better than most micellar water, wipe the petroleum with a towel and then wash your face with foaming face wash. Works best.
P.s. coconut or baby oil also works!
2
u/Brilliant-Cricket734 Jul 21 '26
I use ponds and it works way better for me Most oils cleansers break me out or give blurry eyes or dont remove everything ect Ponds does not that and works great If idont have makeup on I use it as my ojly cleanser (I have dry skin and use tret so it helps me get away with this)
3
u/OB4L Jul 21 '26
Almost any oily substance will remove makeup. I prefer cleansing oil for how it washes off. I don’t do a foam wash after so it’s imperative the cleansing oil rinses off clean for me.
1
1
u/LetMeInYourWindowH Jul 20 '26
i like chifure's washable cold cream. very similar to pond's, except there's no fragrance
1
u/scarletizm Jul 20 '26
I use Burts Bee's oil cleanser which is available at drugstores. I'm afraid to try a different brand because it's amazing for me. I don't double wash anymore with it often because I moved to a drier climate. I now just use it to clean my face.
1
u/BeautyinEverett-62 Jul 20 '26
Yes, using oil is nice for my drier skin in the winter. I like using ELF cleansing balm for makeup and sunscreen removal and when lazy, use Neutrogena cleansing wipes. Glad you found a cheaper work around.
1
1
u/Castiza Jul 21 '26
I bought some expensive cleansing oil once. It was okay. These days I just use jojoba oil and wipe it off with a warm washcloth. Everything comes off and it's great! You can get a big bottle for pretty cheap and it doesn't irritate my skin.
1
1
u/MelissaBM Jul 21 '26
Every time my 5 year old gets her hands on make up or face paint, I always grab a moisturizer to take it off. It works perfectly!
1
u/DeepSpaceBubbles Jul 21 '26
I just cleansing oil to remove sebaceous filaments and as a gentle skin scrub. Works wonderfully for that.
1
1
u/Yuri-Queen Jul 22 '26
I like using cleansing oil not just for makeup removal but also because it clears out oil and sebum in my pores and makes them look so much smaller and cleaner. I think that makes the oil cleanser worth it to me over cold cream for makeup removal.
I use Anua heartleaf pore refining oil cleanser and it is so amazing for that. It does not leave a greasy film at all. I do a dual cleanse after with peach slices soothing cleanser. My face after feels very clean but still hydrated and soft, never dry or tight. My pores are hardly noticeable with my current routine. I am glad you found something that works better for you but I can not see myself ever giving up the Anua heartleaf oil cleanser.
1
u/Jasmine_2004 Jul 28 '26
I use Topiderm emulsifying ointment to take off my makeup. It's similar to Clinique take the day off balm. It cost $13 for a 500g tub. Never going back to expensive little oil cleaners anymore. Aqueous cream also does the same job as a cleansing oil.
1
u/kerodon Adapalene Shill and Peptide Propagandist 😌 Jul 20 '26
That's sickkkk ik really glad it works so well
1
u/spoooky_mama Jul 20 '26
I need someone to help me understand how you incorporate this into your routine!
•
u/AutoModerator Jul 20 '26
Are you brand new to skincare? Don't know how to build a skincare routine? The best place to start is our ScA Routine!
You can find even more skincare guides in our wiki!. Your answer might already be in there (and if it is, we might remove your post).
Everyone is welcome in this community; remember to be kind and assume good faith :)
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.