It's not a completely straightforward answer, but I'm inclined to say no. Skincare products are designed to be stored at room temperature. However, before launching new products, reputable manufacturers conduct various tests in beauty fridges to evaluate the stability of the new product. One of the tests is to leave a sample in a refrigerator (4C) and observe its behavior, color changes, precipitation of ingredients, and a series of other variations over 3 to 6 months. These tests are not mandatory, and some brands rush to launch new products, sometimes driven by their marketing departments. In such cases, no one knows how the product will survive at low temperatures. This cold test establishes what can happen to the final product during transport (especially during winter months) and/or while stored in logistics or courier warehouses. Not everything is bad about this trend, and despite being a stress factor for skincare, some products containing the following ingredients might be preserved for longer:
- Vitamin A and its derivatives (retinols)
- Vitamin B (niacin B3, panthenol B5, pyridoxine B6)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Conversely, cosmetics stored in "mini-fridges" that contain some surfactants or a high dose of alcohol can become cloudy, or some suspended particles may be detected, or even small residues may appear at the bottom of the bottle. In some emulsions, especially richer ones, cold temperatures break the emulsion, and you can see some of the water floating on top of the oily phase. Products rich in oils and even balms can solidify. The fact is that fluctuating temperatures affect products; in other words, they change the shape of the ingredients. Low temperatures also affect the solubility of natural gums and essential oils. Another reason to avoid this trend is the negative impact on skin health and small capillaries from applying cold masks or spraying your favorite toner stored in your refrigerator. While many users praise the refreshing, and even soothing, effect, the stress on their skin outweighs this sensory experience. And last but not least, if you can't resist this eye-catching "insta" trend, be quick once you use your product; put it back in the refrigerator immediately, as leaving it out for 5 minutes can affect the stability of the formulas. I'd love to hear your opinions and experiences with these beauty fridges in the comments below!