Skincare 101

Should I Refrigerate My Skincare?

You might have seen all over Instagram that refrigerating skincare is having a moment. We have been receiving a lot of questions asking if it’s better to refrigerate your products; so here’s our advice after asking numerous product formulators. 

Just a disclaimer: Know that skincare products can be complex and what’s written below is just a helpful guideline.The maintenance of your skincare items depend on the individual formulation, so this is not one size fits all.  

Why You Might Not Need To

The refrigeration of products can depend on the stability of the formula. Before any product is released to the public, companies are required to conduct tests such as exposing the formula to harsh UV light, varying humidity and temperature levels and will even leave the product open to see how it reacts. These assessments verify that the formula is safe and stable in all kinds of conditions. A majority of skincare products are created to be stored at room temperature (aka. how most customers store their items) without any issues. Unless a brand advises to store its products in a specific condition, keeping skincare products in the fridge isn’t necessary and can even change the consistency or formulation.
 

Ice Ice Baby

There are, however, some formulas that enjoy a chillier environment:

  • Vitamin C: Since it is an active ingredient, it might be best to leave in the fridge. It’s extra important to avoid exposure to UV light when storing it!
  • Individually Packaged Ampoules:  An ampoule is just a fancy word for a concentrated treatment with a high level of active ingredients. They are typically in small packages and sealed off to cut air-exposure to harness the full benefits of the active ingredient used. Some brands do recommend keeping it in the fridge, but we always recommend asking! 
  • Water-Based Products: Keeping items like hydrating toners, essences, aloe gel and sheet masks in the fridge can provide a refreshing and cooling effect. We can’t tell you that it’ll make them last longer,  but it’ll sure feel greeeaattt!
  • Items Containing Natural Extracts: Just like you would keep certain fruits in the fridge; some products that have natural extracts should be stored in lower temperatures. Brands will usually state this on their packaging.

 

Jusssttt Right

As MOST of your skincare products are built to live in room temperature, they should be kept at room temperature unless stated otherwise by the company. 


No Chill

  • Sunscreen and Silicone Based Products: These are found to be more stable in room temperature. If it gets too cold, these formulas can harden up in the fridge and might even separate in the bottle.
  • Creams With High Oil or Wax Content: In a chillier environment, depending on the kind of oils, waxes and formulating technology used, the products can solidify. 
  • Formulas with an Unusual Consistency: Products that have a jam, jelly, memory foam or whipped cream-like consistency, also, have a higher chance of being affected by the change in temperature. 

The rule of thumb is that storing your skincare products in the refrigerator can 'somewhat' extend the shelf life and stabilize some actives, but most formulas are created to be specifically stored at room temperature. All in all, we don't believe there’s a need to obsess too much about applying another rule to the already complicated realm of skincare.

Skincare 101

All the skincare basics covering routines, skin concerns, ingredients, and more.

8 Tips to Spring Clean Your Routine

8 Tips to Spring Clean Your Routine

Sticking to the Basics: A Skincare Guide for Tweens, Teens, and Everyone in Between!

Sticking to the Basics: A Skincare Guide for Tweens, Teens, and Everyone in Between!

Great Barrier Relief and Great Body Relief

The 8 Benefits of Tamanu Oil

How Antioxidants Level Up Your Routine

How Antioxidants Level Up Your Routine

Great Body Relief on body skin

Your Spring Skincare Survival Guide

Beyond Cleansing: 7 Unique Ways to Utilize Oil Cleansers

Beyond Cleansing: 7 Unique Ways to Utilize Oil Cleansers

10 Essential Winter Skin Tips

10 Essential Winter Skin Tips

5 Easy Skincare Habits to Keep Your Skin In-Check This Year

5 Easy Skincare Habits to Keep Your Skin In-Check This Year

Consumerism in the Beauty Industry (And How to Work Around  It)

Consumerism in the Beauty Industry (And How to Work Around It)

Skin Barrier 101

Skin Barrier 101

Your Uncomplicated Guide to Skincare

Your Uncomplicated Guide to Skincare

All About Antioxidants

All About Antioxidants

Supplementary Skincare for Your Skin Concern

Supplementary Skincare for Your Skin Concern

How to Choose a Cleanser

How to Choose a Cleanser

Ingredient Series: Oats

Ingredient Series: Oats

How to Choose a Moisturizer

How to Choose a Moisturizer

10 Skincare Myths Debunked

10 Skincare Myths Debunked

Five Rules to Control Your Oily Skin

Five Rules to Control Your Oily Skin

10 Skincare Mistakes That Make Your Acne Worse & Sensitize Your Skin

10 Skincare Mistakes That Make Your Acne Worse & Sensitize Your Skin

What's The Difference: Whiteheads, Milia, Fungal Acne?

What's The Difference: Whiteheads, Milia, Fungal Acne?

Acne Skincare Ingredients 101: All you need to know about best acne-fighting ingredients

Acne Skincare Ingredients 101: All you need to know about best acne-fighting ingredients

Does My Skin Get Used to Products?

Does My Skin Get Used to Products?

Should I Refrigerate My Skincare?

Should I Refrigerate My Skincare?

Ingredient Series: Rosehip Oil

Ingredient Series: Rosehip Oil

The REAL Talk On Silicones

The REAL Talk On Silicones

Image Source: http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Calophyllum_antillanum

Ingredient Series: Tamanu Oil

Ingredient Series: Ceramides

Ingredient Series: Ceramides

Ingredient Series: Get to Know Niacinamide

Ingredient Series: Get to Know Niacinamide

Ingredient Series: Natural Moisturizing Factors

Ingredient Series: Natural Moisturizing Factors

Ingredient Series: Retinoids to the Rescue

Ingredient Series: Retinoids to the Rescue

Image Source: https://overthemoon.com/beauty/prevent-post-workout-breakouts-skin/

New Year, New Me: Pre and Post Gym Skincare

Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Br5v0fsh5-n/

Ingredient Series: Skin Brightening Ingredients to Target Hyperpigmentation & Sun Spots

Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrAclsKF691/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1jicj9np03q09

Ingredient Series: Vitamin C

Image source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BobwZsqgMAt/

Ingredient Series: The Chemical Exfoliators, AHA and BHA

Image Source: https://www.gaiam.com/blogs/discover/why-humidify-and-which-type-of-humidifier-is-best

Ingredient Series: Hello Humectants!

Ingredient Series: Oils, why do we need them?

Ingredient Series: Oils, why do we need them?

Winter Series: What is Eczema?

Winter Series: What is Eczema?

Winter Series: Guide to Choosing Winter Skincare

Winter Series: Guide to Choosing Winter Skincare

image source: https://www.instagram.com/beawuty/

Change in Weather = Change in Skincare

Acne Series: PIH, PIE, and Acne Scars

Acne Series: PIH, PIE, and Acne Scars

Acne series: Skincare Routine for Acne-prone Skin, THE REAL GUIDE.

Acne series: Skincare Routine for Acne-prone Skin, THE REAL GUIDE.

Acne Series: Fungal Acne

Acne Series: Fungal Acne

Acne Series: Causes and Solutions

Acne Series: Causes and Solutions

Acne Series: Demystifying Acne

Acne Series: Demystifying Acne

A Love Letter to All Your Beautiful Faces

A Love Letter to All Your Beautiful Faces

Height of Summer: Post-Sun, Beach, & Travel Care

Height of Summer: Post-Sun, Beach, & Travel Care

Height of Summer: TEWL

Height of Summer: TEWL

How to Manage Summer Breakouts

How to Manage Summer Breakouts

Skin Myths: Fact or Fiction?

Skin Myths: Fact or Fiction?

The Relationship Guide: Skin + Body

The Relationship Guide: Skin + Body