Is A Skincare Fridge Really Necessary?
This story dates back to 2000’s.
Amy, a Korean high school girl, would wake up in the morning and the first thing she does is walk towards her fridge. She would open the fridge and pick up her serum and aloe gel sitting next to the egg holder. Probably influenced by all the readings from Vogue. Fast forward to 2010’s--she’s now married and as usual she walks toward the fridge and picks up the cold eye cream. Her husband would question, “Why’s that coming out from the fridge?”
It’s not a wine cellar, and no, it’s not a kimchi fridge. Seriously, Koreans are taking it to the next level now with skincare fridge. OK, is this all that necessary? Let’s find out!
Long story short, a skincare fridge does hold more purpose than merely flashing your new toy on Instagram or TikTok. The founder of London-based clinic, Clinicbe, Dr. Barbara Kubicka states, “Many skincare products benefit from being kept in the fridge. Specifically, natural products and those that contain few preservatives. The cold helps ingredients stay potent for longer – especially antioxidants, growth factors and peptides – as well as extending their shelf life.”
In fact, the skincare fridge was initially designed with a purpose to safely store retinol, benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C, which can be easily damaged by heat or light. Storing your skincare in the fridge is a perfect fit if the product label advises to be stored in a ‘cool dark place’~!
Below, are a few of tips and things to consider when deciding which products could benefit from being stored in the fridge:
Number 1: Read the product label
Note that most skincare is developed in consideration of storing them in 10~25℃ setting – not to mention all the testing it goes through. So, it’s not absolutely necessary to store all of your skincare in the fridge. However, it’s an absolute must if the skincare does not have any preservatives or is an ampoule type in which active ingredients are separated in powder and liquid forms.
Number 2: Cooling products belong there
Aloe gel, soothing mist, sheet masks and other products with cooling purpose will have maximum effect when refrigerated.
Number 3: Cautions when using your kitchen fridge as a substitute
ㅇAvoid storing in places that directly supply chilled air (i.e. back of the fridge), and store closer to the fridge doors.
ㅇAvoid taking in and out of the fridge repetitively as frequent temperature changes may affect ingredient denaturation.
Number 4: Temperature per product type
- Level 1 (Functional Cosmetics): 11~13℃
- Level 2 (Serum): 7~10℃
- Level 3 (Sheet Mask): 4~6℃
Bottom Line: So is it Necessary?
Although refrigeration may not be an absolute must for all skincare, it’s fair to say it definitely serves two purposes. One, it feels great to have your own designated chic-looking skincare fridge that fits perfectly on your vanity, and you don’t have to go all the way to your kitchen fridge. Two, it certainly helps with specific skincare products such as sheet mask, serum, preservative-free skincare.
K-Beauty Insider Recommendation
Here are some items that we think you should put in your skincare fridge.
Ma:Nyo, Bifida Biome Ampoule Pad (70ea)
Featured in Marie Claire Korea as convenient, and most-often used essence pads. Perfect for skin barrier repair, healthy microbiome, pH balancing. An essential key in maintaining the health of your skin barrier.
링크: https://manyofactory.co.kr/product/bifida-biome-ampoule-pad-70ea/223/category/77/display/1/
allNatural Green Centella Asiatica sheet mask
#vegancertified #immediatesoothing #sensitive skin
SOQU Vitamin C Products (Mist, Serum and Cream)
Remember, Vitamin C is affected by heat and light. Where else would you want to put it if not in your skincare fridge?
링크: https://soqu.co.kr/vitamin-serum
감사합니당 (◡‿◡✿)
~~~ <K-Beauty Insider>
Photo: https://www.clinicbe.com/