Should you refrigerate retinol?

Make sure to leave some space in your fridge for your retinol and vitamin C skincare, as these antioxidants can degrade much quicker and become unstable when exposed to heat and sunlight. Storing these products in the fridge keeps the formulas stable and helps with preservation.

Do I have to refrigerate retinol after opening?

Caution: Retinol can cause irritation, redness, and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of use while skin builds tolerance. Refrigerate after opening.

Can you put retinol in skincare fridge?

What about retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C? Any skincare products with active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C will benefit from refrigeration. “Heat and light will degrade these active ingredients,” says Sanvictores. “So if you have a skincare fridge, absolutely keep these products in there.”

Can retinol be chilled?

Can you put retinol in the fridge? Just like vitamin C is beneficial but temperamental, since it oxidizes faster than other ingredients, retinol is another one to store in the fridge. Cooler temperatures will preserve the shelf-life plus keep ingredients as potent as possible for as long as possible.

How do you store retinoids?

Pop it in the refrigerator.

Just like air and light, heat alters "the chemical structure and composition of retinol, making it less biologically active," says Gary Fisher, a professor of dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Skin care fridge: do you need?| Dr Dray

What if I didn't refrigerate my retinol?

Products With Active Ingredients

Heat, and light can speed up the expiration by weakening the active ingredient over time. Keeping your retinol moisturizer or benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment in a dark and cool environment like the fridge will slow down the degradation of the active ingredient.

What skincare should not be refrigerated?

Oil-based products, including facial oils and makeup, should never be refrigerated. The cold temperatures can cause these products to harden and make them unusable. Clay products, like clay masks, shouldn't be placed in the fridge. This can change their color and consistency.

Is retinol temperature sensitive?

However, vitamin A, particularly all-trans retinol, is sensitive to oxygen, heat, and light and is vulnerable to decomposition in cosmetic formulae, resulting in the loss of vitamin concentration and/or the formation of unfavorable odors.

At what temperature does retinol degrade?

The results showed that the retinoids were broken down in almost all products, both at room temperature (0-80% degradation) and at 40°C (40-100% degradation).

What skin products should be refrigerated?

How long does retinol stay fresh?

Anti-aging products with ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid and vitamin C can break down quickly and typically last nine months to one year, depending on how they're dispensed. Opt for vacuum-sealed products in air-tight pump bottles for a longer lasting product.

Does retinol lose its potency?

Retinol is a light-sensitive ingredient that can easily lose potency over time, often sooner than you expect. It all depends on the packaging, preservatives system, and how you store your product.

Can retinol spoil?

When it comes to expiration dates, Retinol A and Retinols typically have an expiration date of two years after the manufacturing date. After this period, both products may become less effective, and cause skin irritation or other side effects.

What not to do after applying retinol?

Importantly, retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight so be sure to use sunscreen and avoid the sun as much as you can while you use retinol products.

Should I refrigerate hyaluronic acid?

Unlike other skincare products like vitamin C serums and some retinoids, you do not need to refrigerate hyaluronic acid to extend its shelf life.

How do you know if retinol is stable?

Look for Retinol in Opaque Packaging

Retinol is delicate. It deactivates quickly if it's exposed to light—even if it's encapsulated. This is why it's important to look for a retinol product with the right packaging. The worst offender is a clear bottle with no box.

How do you know if retinol is off?

Dr Dhillon reveals, “Retinol or products containing acids are important to check regularly. If they become destabilised they can be extra harsh on the skin unnecessarily.” To know whether or not your products are safe, check for musky smells and yellowing, advises Dr Dhillon.

Should I refrigerate tretinoin?

Store in the refrigerator.

How can I make retinol more effective?

What season is best for retinol?

But autumn and winter is also the best time to start using one unlikely skincare ingredient. Whether you're a skincare obsessive or simply a cleanse-and-moisturise type of person, you've probably heard dermatologists extolling the virtues of vitamin A (aka retinol).

Why does retinol make skin worse at first?

"Skin purging happens when new ingredients, like retinol, promote increased cell turnover, which causes clogging and worsening breakouts. This is particularly the case as oil and debris that is trapped deeper underneath the skin comes to the surface," explains board-certified dermatologist Michele J.

What face serums should be refrigerated?

Serums. Vitamin C serum will benefit from being stored in the fridge to avoid oxidation and extend its shelf life. Other serums like Hyaluronic Acid can be kept chilled to amplify their soothing benefits, especially on sensitive skin.

Does putting skincare in fridge make it last longer?

The cold helps ingredients stay potent for longer—especially antioxidants, growth factors and peptides—as well as extending their shelf life.” When a skincare label instructs you to keep your product in a “cool, dark place,” a skincare fridge instantly ticks both boxes.

Does refrigerating skincare make it last longer?

"Generally, but not always, refrigerating products will help extend their shelf life," says Zeichner. "Moreover, the cooling sensation on the skin from applying a refrigerated product may help calm itch and give a more soothing effect than a room-temperature product.