BULO BEAUTY: "Makeup lasts longer if you keep it in the fridge"

By now, we all know very well that 'bauty' fridges have become the obsession of 'influencers' around the world and it seems that they are now claiming their place in our routines. These adorable beauty gadgets have earned their own hashtag, #beautyfridge, which is taking Instagram and TikTok by storm. But will it be because they are ideal in the 'feed' or because of how useful they are? We talk to those who really know.

We've read more than once that eye creams, face mists, and moisturizing masks can be kept in the fridge, but it turns out that TikTok users who are dedicated to giving 'skincare' tricks insist that we should also do the same with our makeup bases, lipsticks, concealers or eye shadows. They are right?

"With the 'boom' of cosmetic refrigerators, such as the sold-out refrigerator of Kylie Skin, the brand of Kylie Jenner, it is not surprising that all the 'influencers' of beauty have begun to viralize content in which these refrigerators become a fundamental element of your cosmetic 'kit'", points out Estefanía Blanco, pharmacist expert in dermopharmacy. But is it really necessary?

Should you store cosmetic products or makeup in the fridge?

The expert makes it very clear: "No. Contrary to popular belief, storing cosmetics in the fridge does not make any practical sense when we talk about products with preservative systems beyond the sensation of freshness that the products can provide there stored.This sensation of freshness on certain occasions -as in the case of eye contours-, can improve the decongestant action of the ingredients that make up the formula.Fortunately, cosmetics and traditional color products have preservative systems that they keep them in optimal conditions during the time of viability of the product or PAO (Period After Opening), as long as they are kept in neutral temperature and humidity conditions, avoiding extreme temperatures or sudden changes".

What benefits does the cold have for our skin?

The fact of cold storage certain cosmetic products – such as eye contour, toner or masks – can bring us some benefits. "The cold improves blood circulation, calms and eliminates swelling of the skin, helps to close the pores, provides an instant relaxing effect... But, beyond this, it is not necessary to do it", explains Marta Barrero, pharmacist, dermo-cosmetics expert and co-director of The Secret Lab. "Therefore, unless specifically stated by the manufacturer, storing cosmetics in the fridge should not be our main priority or obsession," adds the expert.

Does it make sense to store our products in the fridge in any case? "If we find ourselves in an extreme weather condition, mainly dealing with an extreme increase in temperature, it might make sense to store cosmetics in this type of refrigerator (they usually have a temperature range starting at 18ºC) to avoid alteration and loss of properties of the product due to extreme conditions," says Estefanía Blanco.

How should you store your makeup products?

The vast majority of cosmetics are formulated and packaged to be stable at room temperature. "Sudden changes in temperature – both hot and cold – can compromise the formula, causing it to lose effectiveness and even causing the product to spoil and become unusable. Therefore, the best way to store a foundation or concealer is of makeup is to keep it at a normal temperature without great contrasts, always avoiding receiving direct light", explains Raquel González, CEO at Pure Skincare.

"Cosmetic laboratories and firms invest a lot of resources in developing the best containers for their products, those that guarantee the duration of the active ingredients that thus contain their effectiveness. The most important thing is to maintain the stability of the temperature and humidity conditions of each of the cosmetics that we use and respect the opening time of the container in each use. The most important thing in the conservation of cosmetic products is to follow the manufacturer's instructions", emphasize the DRUNI experts.

Keep in mind that, for example, today's foundations provide benefits beyond evening out skin tone and covering imperfections. "They are usually accompanied by powerful treatment benefits, rich in antioxidant, moisturizing or illuminating active ingredients to ensure that, with continued use, the face presents a better appearance, the vast majority of which are self-stable formulas that do not require special storage, or they depend on external factors to keep them in an optimal state. Therefore, it will not be necessary to resort to the refrigerator to try to increase the durability or effectiveness of the product", highlights Raquel González.

In addition, we need to pay attention to the composition of our makeup products. "If make-up bases and concealers contain any ingredient of an oily nature, the product could solidify in the fridge and, therefore, lose all its functionality and even go bad," says Marta Barrero.

Can you really extend the life of makeup products?

Raise your hand if you don't have a closet dedicated to dozens of moisturizers, blushes and other potions that she has never used, but which she saves for "special occasions." Error! Remember that cosmetics also expire and their useful life cannot be extended.

Of course, for them to last the indicated time, it is necessary to store them well. "Cosmetic and makeup containers specify that they should be kept in a cool and dry place, which translated into everyday language means that they should be avoided to expose them to heat and humidity. Better away from radiators, heat sources and windows that receive direct sun to avoid greenhouse effect If you are one of those who transform the bathroom into a steam room, it is better to store your products in a cabinet / drawer that stays dry in the bathroom or in the room. Storing some products in the fridge allows you to maintain constant and controlled conditions, but in general it is not necessary and in no case does it allow you to extend the period of preferential consumption once opened", highlights Dr. Cristina Paradelo, dermatologist at the Institut Dermatologic Integral in Barcelona.

What will happen if you store your makeup products in the fridge?

"Apart from the obvious, such as the drop in temperature of the product, we could also experience changes in the texture that, for certain products such as makeup bases, can be a problem when working the product on the skin" , explains Estefania Blanco.

Why then are there so many myths? "One of the reasons could be that two of the most famous ingredients in cosmetics, such as vitamin C and retinol, are very susceptible and sensitive to changes in temperature and light, causing changes in their structure and thus worsening the properties and viability of the final product. That is why it might make sense to keep them at a controlled temperature and in a dark environment such as inside a refrigerator, although as we have already seen, it is completely unnecessary," says the expert.

"On the other hand, with the rise of natural cosmetics, we find products without preservative systems, something that I totally discourage, which is why a direct relationship is established between cold storage and product maintenance. However, each microorganism grows at certain temperature conditions and for some of them the cold can be a catalyst instead of a brake", concludes the pharmacist.