What skincare products should be refridgerated?
We keep our food fresh in the fridge, so it makes sense to think our skincare products might benefit from the same treatment, right? The truth is, while some brands might recommend using a beauty fridge to keep their products cool, most skincare doesn’t require refrigeration. Cold temperatures can affect skincare products differently; they can thicken nail polish solutions and increase the longevity of products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and prescription or antibiotic acne treatments, but they can also negatively impact some products.
Here at London Skin Company, we formulate and clinically test our products specifically for room temperature storage. This ensures optimal potency and stability, so you can be confident you’re getting the best results, without the need for a special skincare fridge.
Here's why you can skip the skincare fridge
Our carefully selected ingredients protect our formulas from bacteria and degradation at room temperature, keeping them safe and effective for their intended shelf life.
Constantly moving products between the fridge and room temperature can actually destabilise the ingredients and shorten their lifespan. Additionally, facial oils and oil-based products should not be refrigerated as they can solidify, separate, and change in color and consistency. It is best to store these products at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight.
Refrigeration can alter the texture of some products, making them thicker and more difficult to apply. It can also affect the stability of active ingredients, such as vitamin C serums, by preventing oxidation and maintaining their efficacy.
When is refrigeration okay (or even beneficial) for refrigerated skincare products?
Single-Use Products: Some brands offer single-use ampoules or serums that can benefit from the cooling and de-puffing effects of refrigeration.
Natural & DIY Formulas: Products made without preservatives might require refrigeration to prevent bacterial growth.
Aloe Vera: Refrigerating aloe vera products can enhance their soothing and healing benefits, providing a cool sensation that relieves sunburn and refreshes the skin.
Eye Creams: Storing eye creams in the fridge can reduce under-eye swelling, puffiness, and dark circles, offering additional de-puffing and tightening effects for tired eyes.
Sheet Masks: Chilled sheet masks are more refreshing and can soothe sensitive skin, tighten pores, and improve skin texture and tone.
Vitamin C Serum: Refrigerating vitamin C serum can extend its shelf life and preserve its effectiveness by slowing down the degradation rate of this fragile ingredient.
The Bottom Line on shelf life
Unless specifically stated, your London Skin Company products are perfectly happy living on your bathroom counter. However, storing skincare tools like jade rollers, face globes, and gua sha stones in a skincare fridge can enhance their benefits by reducing swelling and puffiness.
We’ve taken care of the science, so you can focus on what matters most – enjoying a healthy, radiant skin care routine, whether you choose to refrigerate your products or not!