Should you store skin care products in the refrigerator?

The expiration date of skin care products is important, as is the place where they are stored. It is a well-known fact that skin care products need to be stored in a cool and dry place. Cool cucumber slices or aloe vera gel can help reduce under-eye puffiness when applied directly. It is obvious that applying chilled natural ingredients can instantly improve our well-being. Does this mean that even store-bought skin care products should be stored in the refrigerator? It might be a good idea to store some skin care products, such as eye creams and serums, in the refrigerator.

What are the benefits of storing skin care products in the refrigerator?

Storing skin care products in the refrigerator can have some benefits:

1. Extends shelf life

Cold temperatures can help slow the degradation of active ingredients in skin care products. “This is especially true for natural and organic products that are free of preservatives,” says the dermatologist. Dr. Vijay Singhal.

2. Increases efficiency

Using products such as eye creams and under eye masks for eye care? They may be more effective in reducing puffiness, soothing irritation, and calming redness when applied cold.

3. Calming effect

Local application of ice can reduce inflammation and pain, according to a study published in The boundaries of physiology in 2017. “Skin care products that are stored in a cool place, such as the refrigerator, can also help relieve irritated, red, or inflamed skin,” says Dr. Singhal.

Skin care products that are safe to store in the refrigerator

Some skin care products can benefit from being stored in the refrigerator. These include:

1. Creams for the skin around the eyes

Cooling eye creams can help reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes. “Keeping them in the fridge can enhance this effect and make them more effective in reducing eye puffiness and soothing the skin around the eyes,” says the expert.

2. Face masks

Gel or sheet masks, especially those designed to hydrate and soothe the skin, work better when cold. Cool temperatures help reduce inflammation and refresh the skin.

3. Serums

«Face Serums“especially those containing vitamin C should be refrigerated as they are prone to oxidation,” the expert says. Refrigerating vitamin C can help maintain its potency, according to a study published in Journal of Food Composition and Analysis in 2021.

4. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel can be used for treat sunburnwounds and other skin conditions such as acne, according to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthStoring it in the refrigerator can enhance its cooling and soothing properties.

5. Facial Sprays

A refreshing facial mist can be even more restorative if you keep it in a cool place. “A chilled mist can help revive the skin and calm redness,” says Dr. Singhal.

Use these products as soon as they feel comfortable on your skin. This can usually take 5 to 10 minutes.

Skin Care Products That Shouldn't Be Refrigerated

Some skin care products do not benefit from refrigeration and can even be damaged by cold. These include:

1. Oil-based products

Oils can become cloudy or solidify when cooled. This won't necessarily ruin your skincare product, but it can change its texture, making it difficult to apply.

2. Lotions

Cold temperatures can cause the ingredients in lotions to separate. This can compromise the texture as well as the effectiveness of the skin care product. Therefore, store them only at room temperature.

3. Clay-based products

Clay masks and other clay-based skin care products may dry out faster if stored in the refrigerator. This can cause the consistency to change, making them difficult to apply.

4. Sunscreen

Storing sunscreen in the refrigerator can cause it to become too thick and the formula can break down. This can make it difficult to spread evenly across the skin and can compromise the product's ability to protect against UV rays.

5. Perfume products

Perfumes, essential oils, and other strong-smelling products can lose their scent when exposed to cold temperatures. Cold can alter the delicate balance of aromatic compounds.

What is the optimal temperature to store skin care products in the refrigerator?

The ideal temperature for storing skin care products in the refrigerator is around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. “This is cool enough to extend the shelf life of the products and enhance their cooling effect, but not so cold that it ultimately compromises the consistency of the product,” says Dr. Singhal.

While a dedicated skin care refrigerator is not strictly necessary, it can be helpful. A dedicated skin care refrigerator is usually smaller and designed to maintain a consistent temperature. Using a kitchen refrigerator is perfectly fine, but it is important to store products in a designated area where they will not be exposed to food particles or temperature changes due to frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door.

How to store skin care products safely?

To ensure your skin care products remain effective and safe, follow these steps:

• Air and moisture can ruin many skin care products, so always check that lids are tightly closed after use.
• Humidity can cause mold growth and deterioration of the product. If you do not use a refrigerator, store food in a cool, dry place, i.e. away from direct sunlight.
• When applying products, use clean hands and tools to avoid introducing bacteria into the containers.
• Even in the refrigerator, skin care products have an expiration date. Always check the expiration date and look for changes in color, smell, or consistency that may indicate they have gone bad.
• If you use a kitchen refrigerator, store your skin care products in a separate compartment to avoid contamination and exposure to strong food odors that can alter the flavor of your products.

Storing your skin care products in the refrigerator can be beneficial for your skin and items. Storing them in the refrigerator can maximize the shelf life and effectiveness of your skin care products. But buying a refrigerator for your skin care products is not necessary. You just need to store them in a room away from direct sunlight and moisture.