Does it Matter Where You Store Your Beauty Products?
“The general rule is, packaging and storage does affect product shelf life. Light, humidity and moisture, air, and heat will age a product faster.”
Fridge = Yes!
According to Frankel, if you’re dealing with products made without preservatives, a cool, dry storage environment like a fridge is the way to go, as it protects them. Other products that benefit from fridge storage are waterproof or long-lasting mascaras or eyeliners, because they contain “volatile actives.” “Heat accelerates volatility and the drying out of a product,” Frankel explains, “so fridge storage could help a waterproof product last longer.”
If you live in a warmer climate, you might consider refrigerating moisturizers to increase their shelf life. Usually, temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius will cause a product to age (that is: separate, curdle, melt, soften, yellow, or smell) three times faster than if the product was stored at room temperature or below. Frankel also says if a product contains heat-unstable vitamins like C and A and is in packaging that’s not airtight, the active ingredients will become inactive faster at elevated temperatures. This includes any product you’ve opened that does not come in a sealed tube, airless pump, or brown UV-protected bottle.
Fridge = Optional
Generally speaking, if your room temperature is between 59–70 degrees F/15–21 degrees C, refrigeration is not required—unless the product directions specify. “As a general rule, all stability product testing is performed at a room temperature to ensure product shelf life at store temperature. Think about the temperature at department stores, pharmacies, and specialty stores,” Frankel explains.
Generally speaking, if your product has UV-protected packaging (usually, these are dark brown) or comes in a sealed tube or airless pump, you don’t need to refrigerate it. And if a product contains preservatives, you can store it at room temperature.
Fridge = No-No
So is it ever not a good idea to store in the fridge? Yes, says Frankel, since oil or wax-based formulas can solidify at low temperatures, just like olive oil. “Products like Moroccan oil, face oils, silicone primers, and liquid foundation may solidify in the fridge—or the consistency just may end up being funny. Store those at room temperature,” she recommends.
Caution & Warnings
1. Refrigeration does not equal preservation.?
“Consumers should not confuse refrigeration with preservation,” says Raffy. And be aware that refrigeration doesn't completely kill off bacteria — it just slows them down. If a product gets contaminated, you also might not be able to see the bacteria, but it's still harmful to your eyes and skin.
2. Keep your kids safe.
If you keep any beauty or personal care products in the fridge, "Make sure your children don’t get to them," says Steinberg, adding that this can be tricky since cosmetics don't have childproof openings. And if you are going to do it, he thinks your best bet is to “buy a separate refrigerator and put a lock on it.” We say: If you keep anything that's not food in your fridge, make sure it's well-sealed, not only for safety, but for sanitary purposes.
AUG 07, 2013 by Krista Burton; Retrieved from WWW.BEAUTYLISH.COM
