Are Mini Fridges for Skincare Worth It?

A skincare fridge is, in essence, exactly what it sounds like: a mini fridge for skincare products. Usually, these little refrigerators are kept in the bathroom for easy access. As they are featured more regularly on social media, they have been gradually rising in popularity. It seems like the height of luxury is to keep your cherished masks and serums in our own mini fridges for skincare. But is keeping your products refrigerated actually advantageous and worth the extra accessory?

Contents

1. Are they worth it?

2. Products to keep out of your mini fridge

3. Top mini fridges for skincare

Key Points

• Mini skincare fridges are a fun way to elevate your skincare routine
• Cool temperatures may benefit you psychologically, even if they don't enhance the product's effectiveness
• There are many options if you are in the market for a skincare fridge

Are they worth it?

Skincare product refrigeration "is not really necessary," according to dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD. The properties and advantages are the same in either case, room temperature or cool.

However, There could be a psychological benefit. The feeling of using cool items allows you to enjoy a more soothing and relaxing experience. Some products great to have cool, especially in the summer heat are:

• Eye creams: Eye creams work to hydrate, calm, and de-puff the bothersome dark circles that develop beneath your eyes. These become much more luxurious when kept in the refrigerator. Also, it is advised to put eye cream in the fridge if it contains active enzymes or has a thin consistency.
• Sheet face masks: Keeping these in the fridge heightens the soothing experience, and you could also pop them back into the fridge and reuse the other side later. These are one of my personal favorite skincare products. They’re only a few dollars and give you a spa-like experience at home.
• Mists: Mists are an easy, luxurious method to hydrate and brighten your skin. When kept in the refrigerator, they will have a cooling effect that is ideal just before going out or after returning home on a hot day.
• Facial tools: Most likely, you've noticed tiny jade rollers at your local beauty supply store and wondered what they're for. These rollers as well as related instruments like gua sha or even a metal spoon are used to minimize puffiness and stimulate drainage. Keeping these things cold will make it easier for your blood vessels to constrict and expand more.

Via Giphy

• Gel moisturizers: Gel moisturizers don't separate in the cold like oil-based moisturizers do. But, let's face it, aloe vera gel that is cold is ten times more soothing than aloe vera gel that is room temperature, especially if you suffer from sunburn.
• Temperature-sensitive products: Products containing vitamin C, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide formulations, or flower water should all be kept cool to keep them fresh.

Products to keep out of your mini fridge

• Clays: It's not a good idea to keep any clay goods in your refrigerator. When cold, clay becomes very hard. It's not exactly ideal for someone wanting a relaxing mask to have to chip away at a rock first.
• Oil-based products and thick moisturizing creams: While mini fridges for skincare cool your tools and light creams for better application, water and oil in thicker products separate when chilled.
• Facial oils: Although using cold oil on your skin may seem wonderful, storing facial oils in the refrigerator can cause changes to their color and consistency. Pure oils may even solidify, which is a great way to know that your product is high quality, but not ideal for application.
• Serums: Serums are hit or miss. It varies based on the serum, some may be fine while others separate or harden.

Some products have a longer shelf life when kept in the refrigerator. With a skincare fridge, you can protect your products from food odors that may be trapped in your kitchen fridge while simultaneously keeping them cool and fresh.

Additionally, kitchen refrigerators' might be too cold and freeze your products. It is crucial to remember that you never freeze your products since they could lose their stability and intended texture after thawing.

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Top mini fridges for skincare

Mini fridges for skincare might be worth considering if you use skincare products with short shelf life or just have some spare space in your bathroom. If you are looking for one, here are some potions to get you started:

This bathroom accessory is only $32 and comes in pink, blue, black, and white with a mirrored door for easy cleaning and a sleek look. There are a few fridges in this price range available on Amazon and across other sellers. It contains one small shelf, holds around 4-7 products, and is portable so you can have a spa vibe on the go. This appliance also features a warm setting depending on the intended use. 

2. Bromose Mini Fridge (8 Liter):

Up next for $60 is this Bromose fridge. It holds double the capacity of the Chefman and also fits a basket on the door for extra items such as a gua sha, facial rollers, or other skincare tools. Like the Chefman fridge, it also has a mirrored door, but with the added bonus of a touch-activated ring light.

3. LVARA Professional Smart Mini Skincare Fridge (9 Liter)

If you are looking toward the higher end of mini fridges for skincare, this is a great option. This $120 fridge features a sleek box resembling a fancy ice chest instead of the typical fridge shape. It is also controllable via an app where you can adjust the temperature and choose custom time periods. 

Mini fridges for skincare products used to be a luxury item, but they have gained so much popularity that it has also become an affordable option for anyone. If you are curious, it might be time to treat yourself to a countertop accessory.  

Written by Kiana St. Onge

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SOURCES:

1. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g29190365/skincare-makeup-mini-fridge/#product-1d3a896a-6558-48ae-a657-87b8ce5a1e30-anchor
2. Image via Chefman