When it comes to skincare, many people have their own special routines and rituals. However, with the rise of beauty trends, there’s been a surge in people storing their skincare in the fridge. Refrigerating your skincare products can have its benefits, as cold temperatures can help extend the life of your skincare and also increase their efficacy, however, there are a few things to consider before you start storing your skincare in the fridge.
1. WATER-BASED PRODUCTS
If you are unsure what the ingredients in your skincare contain, it's best to not store them in the fridge - unless directed by the product usage. According to the lecturers of Diploma in Perfumery and Cosmetic Science at the School of Chemical and Life Sciences in Singapore Polytechnic, most water-based skincare can be stored in the refrigerator. These can include lotions, serums, toners and moisturisers.
It's worth noting that oil-based liquid skincare formulas might turn cloudy, so avoid storing skincare products like most face serums, which have both water and oil components.
Besides the temperature in the fridge can cause the water and oil elements to separate. When that happens, there is a chance that the formula would not return its original state, and thus, your skincare product is ruined.
2. PRODUCT FRESHNESS
Some people believe that refrigerating skincare products can help slow down bacterial growth and prevent product degradation. However, this is not the same as refrigeration with preservation, which is when refrigeration is used to maintain the quality of a product. If you are using preservative-free skincare, refrigerating them is not necessary and may actually do more harm than good. All products have an expiration date, and if you follow that date, you should be safe.
3. COOLER DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN BETTER
This is something that cosmetic manufacturers have to take into account when creating their skincare products. The stability and efficiency of the products are tested according to the World Health Organisation's climate conditions. This means that products bought locally will be able to perform at their best in room temperature unless otherwise stated.
4. EXTENDED SHELF LIFE
Chilled water-based skincare products can last longer when stored in the fridge at around 4 Degree Celsius, according to Singapore Polytechnic Perfumery and Cosmetic Science lecturers.
5. FRIDGE CONDITION
If you choose to keep your skincare products in the fridge, you need to make sure that your fridge is clean and free from any bacteria or mold. This is because skincare products are sensitive to temperature and any bacteria or mold in the fridge could potentially contaminate them. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the temperature in the fridge is constant (at around 4 Degree Celsius) and not fluctuating too much. Last but not least, to avoid any confusion, always make sure the skincare products are properly labeled in the fridge (to not be confused with food label)! Keep skincare products out of reach from children, as they could be injured if they try to put the products in their mouths.
