Are Skincare Fridges Safe?

You may have seen advertising for the more recent popular trend of using a "skincare fridge." However, we have one question, are they safe to use? And if they are safe, why use one? Luckily we researched this topic so that you don't have to. Not to worry, the results are worth it! Skincare products are gradually taking over the mini-fridge. Most recently, the skincare fridge went on TikTok, where the hashtag has had 1.1 million views (and counting). A stream of videos featuring proud owners and their skincare fridges stacked with temperature-controlled skincare. The concept is that it helps to keep unstable ingredients like retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and vitamin C as stable as possible. While they aren't necessary to keep your skincare effective, beauty consumers will always get their money's worth. Creams and serums do feel better than ever after being in the fridge, and if it helps remedy even one day of puffiness? It is worth it.

The Science Behind a Skincare Fridge

The feeling of a cold product on your skin is lovely. Still, a product that's been refrigerated will always be much more effective at de-puffing and boosting the circulation than a room-temperature one because once products get exposed to air, they become oxidized. Refrigerating your skincare slows the oxidation process and keeps ingredients from becoming inactive.

The Mini Fridge Trend

We know that skincare fridges have been tremendous within the K-beauty community for a while, so why is it just now that the trend for keeping your skincare cold is moving to a mainstream trend? With the rise of natural skincare brands making their products in smaller batches and often without chemical preservatives, refrigeration is necessary. However, keeping your skincare in the bathroom is not the best thing. The temperature change when you shower can alter the potency of your products. In contrast, keeping your products in the fridge can boost their efficacy. Cold skincare helps to stabilize the active ingredients, soothes and calms irritation in the skin, and helps to tighten the skin while refreshing it.

Skincare Best Stored at Room Temperature

But while some skincare products will benefit from being kept cool, some products should be kept well away from your fridge. For example, makeup won't show any benefits from refrigeration and can become harder to use. Any liquids like oils, solids, or balms may separate or become too solid. It's best to keep these products at room temperature. Fragrances will get too cold in a fridge but steer clear of keeping them near the sun or in your bathroom.

Recommended Skincare for the Fridge

So should we all rush to store our entire beauty stashes in our fridges? Not quite. Critical types of products benefit from being kept cool. Sheet masks, face mists, and serums all help with de-puffing, boost radiance bring down swelling, and soothe the face after a facial or laser treatment. It's also essential to consider the formulas you use, as natural skin products and anything containing vitamin C will benefit from the preservative power of the cold. The final product is a skincare tool. For example, a facial roller can help boost lymphatic drainage for a more sculpted and firmer feel to your skin when chilled.

What Shouldn't go in a Skincare Fridge?

Although the cooling effect is impressive, not all of your skincare needs to be refrigerated. Some skincare products should be refrigerated to help maintain the product's shelf life, but what about other products? Does toner, essence, moisturizer, cleanser, and facial oil need to be there? The truth is not really. What you choose to store in your skincare fridge is, for the most part, all preference.

• Clay - it will harden and be difficult to remove from the container.
• Oil-based products or thick cream moisturizers - since water and oil separate, you may find the formula and consistency of your cream moisturizer might change if you place it in the fridge.
• Serums - It all depends on the formulation of the product. Some serums may separate in cooler temperatures.
• Facial oils - should be stored in room temperature areas and placed away from direct sunlight. Facial oils generally come in dark packaging, which helps keep the product from oxidizing.

How to Help Your Skincare Last Longer Without a Skincare Fridge

• Keep skincare products away from the bathroom because that one room in your house is central for germs.
• Store products away from sunlight since the sun can damage your skincare products.
• Store your products somewhere with light airflow

Bathrooms are a terrible place for skincare. Humidity is the ideal environment to grow bacteria and mess with the formulations of your products. Instead, store your products somewhere dry, airy, and without direct sun. Where should you be keeping your skincare? In your skincare fridge, on your vanity, or in a closet or drawer. What you store in your skincare fridge depends on you and the product's formulation.