It’s not about having a specialized ice bath for skincare products, but placing certain products in the refrigerator (skincare fridge) for optimal use. Skincare products must be stored at optimal temperature without direct sunlight.
The idea sounds good from a freshness perspective but that doesn’t mean every skincare product must reside on fridge shelves. There are certain products you can’t put into the refrigerator. But the question is: Is there any skin benefit of using refrigerated skincare products? If so, what products should I keep in my skincare fridge?
The answer is not clear-cut. However, we have tried to compile a list of skincare products you should and shouldn’t place in a refrigerator. Before explaining the answer, here are some general queries:
Are There Skin Benefits To Refrigerating Skincare Products?
No benefits are associated with the majority of the refrigerated skincare products. It may harm more than help. Dr. Debra Jaliman (board-certified dermatologist) says, “Store skincare products at room temperature (25 degrees) away from direct sunlight.” She says, “Skincare fridges are unnecessary or even harmful for skincare products.”
Exposure to cool products can cause skin barrier damage. Common signs include tightness, flaking, redness, dryness, and itchiness. A study demonstrates that a temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit causes dilation of skin blood vessels, which if repeated, leads to skin redness. Such exposure also worsens the signs of rosacea.
In general, placing skincare products in the refrigerator doesn’t help increase longevity or formulary stability. A 2021 study reveals that pure Vitamin C or ascorbic acid retains its potency and stability when frozen or refrigerated. However, long-term storage can negatively affect vitamin C’s derivatives or other ingredients.
Don’t worry! Here’s a good part too. Most skincare products are stability-tested and withstand short-term temperature changes such as transportation in a hot delivery vehicle or being left in room on a warm day. Concerns arise with the products subjected to long-term temperature shifts which leads to skin issues.
10 Skincare ProductsTo Put In A Fridge
There are some sound benefits behind refrigerated skincare products. Low temperature prevents the oxidation process that breaks down active ingredients of skincare products and causes a color change. This is the reason Vitamin C serums turn yellow if not cooled.
Below is a list of products you can store in the refrigerator for increased longevity and cooling sensations:
Eye Creams
Eye creams are among the best products to be kept in cold, consistent temperatures. Chilled eye creams or serums offer additional de-puffing effects that improve the look of dark circles and eye bags due to short-term vasoconstriction. This cooling effect also has the additional benefits of refreshing tired eyes.
Acne Treatments
Products containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid remain effective for a longer period when cooled. The same is true for antibiotic or prescription acne treatment. Certain products also contain storage temperature on instruction lists.
Sunscreens
Fridges can also maximize the efficiency and shelf life of SPF Products. Room temperature or warm places can quickly break down the active ingredients of the products and thus lower their ability to block UV rays. Exposure to light and heat also causes rapid degradation of sunscreen products.
Moisturizers
If your moisturizer has a thick consistency, it’s better to store it in a dark, cool place as the refrigerator can alter product chemistry. For a gel-based moisturizer, it’s safe to place it in a fridge for an extra cooling sensation.
Face Mist
Chilled mists help keep your face soothing and refreshing, especially for inflamed or sensitive skin. The cool mist helps reduce inflammation and redness with a burst of hydration to your skin.
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are a popular choice for an effective and quick boost of nutrients and hydration to your skin. However, heat and humidity in your bathroom can contribute to the dryness of sheet masks. Skincare fridges keep the masks fresh and moist, with a cooling sensation when applied to the skin.
Vitamin C Serums
These are unstable and immediately lose potency when exposed to heat and light. These are popular choices for anti-aging benefits that are increased when placed in a refrigerator.
Nail Varnish
It may sound astounding, but putting a nail varnish in a cooler place and out of direct sunlight increases its lifespan. This is because heat and sunlight make the liquid thick and viscous. Skincare fridges keep the varnish thin so it does not dry out fast.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera repairs sunburns. Chilled aloe vera soothes burned skin without causing irritations. For hot and bothered skin, aloe vera gels calm the skin without any uncomfortable sensations.
Liquid Make-up
All make-ups have an expiration date. It’s better to place liquids like mascara, foundation, or liquid eyeliners, etc in a skincare fridge for increased lifespan.
Can I Use My Regular Refrigerator As My Skincare Fridge?
Skincare fridges are designed to keep the skincare products refreshingly chilled. These miniatures are often dot vanity setups, bathroom counters, and desks.
You can use a regular fridge as a skincare fridge, but there are some drawbacks:
Skincare fridges are tuned between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit while regular fridges operate at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. It can separate the product ingredients or harden the texture- resulting in difficult application on the skin.
Skincare fridges avoid over-chilling, are portable, and are more efficient for morning and evening skincare routines. You can store your favorite skincare products separately from your food, or near you in the room.
Products to Keep in a Skincare Fridge?
Toners are great to apply after cooling. When chilled, these are more efficient in reducing inflammation and giving a refreshing look.
Cooler eye creams are effective for puffiness, under-eye swellings, and dark circles.
Ampoules contain antitoxins and fragile ingredients that last longer when chilled.
Skincare tools such as face globes, jade rollers, and gua sha stones better reduce puffiness and swelling when cool.
Perfumes last longer only if placed in a skincare fridge. The regular fridge may be too cold. Place oil-based perfumes in a cool, dark place.
You can always experiment to decide the optimal temperature for your skincare products. Place the products in the fridge for a few hours, take them out, and apply to see if their efficiency is increased or reduced. With time, you’ll notice which products work best at room temperature and which become sensitive when chilled.
Optimal Fridge Temperature for Skincare Products
“A 40-50 degree Fahrenheit is enough to expand a product’s shelf life and cooling effects without being too cool that it damages product formula,” says Dr. Singhal.
While a skincare fridge is not a necessity, it is beneficial to store the products at a consistent temperature, away from the constant opening and closing of regular refrigerators. Skincare fridges are smaller as compared to household fridges and can be adjusted to your desired place for storing skincare products.
Skincare Products You Should Not Refrigerate
Certain beauty products are not made for the refrigerator. With that in mind, don’t refrigerate oily products such as facial oils and oil-based cleaners as low temperature solidifies oil and water, which in turn, affects product stability.
Refrigeration also changes the consistency and color of clay products like clay masks. Similarly, oil-containing balms are also hardened on cooling while some wax balms can be benefited.
FAQs
Which skincare products should I put in the fridge?
It depends upon the nature of skincare products. Some products lose their effectiveness while others have an expanded lifespan.
Should I refrigerate retinol?
Retinols are sensitive to air, light, and temperature. Studies show that light causes retinal degradation. Instead of placing it in a skincare fridge, choose a dark, dry room with little light entering into it. Retinol and retinoid formulas contain ingredients that degrade in cooler temperatures.
What kind of cosmetics should be refrigerated?
You can refrigerate all your pre and probiotic cleansers, and serums, for improved lifespan and efficiency of products. These products contain skin-friendly bacteria that need a cool temperature to stay active.
