Storing Your Skincare

How you store skincare has a big effect on how long it stays effective. Heat, light, air and moisture all speed up the breakdown of formulas, especially those with active ingredients.

Keep it cool, dark and dry

Store products at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, radiators and steamy bathrooms. Heat and UV light can degrade actives such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), retinoids and some sunscreen filters, and can make emulsions separate.

Limit air and contamination

Close lids tightly after each use. Airless pumps and opaque tubes protect formulas better than open jars. Use a clean spatula instead of fingers for jars, and don't let droppers or pipettes touch your skin before they go back into the bottle.

Does the fridge help?

A fridge isn't necessary for most products, but it can help with water-based mists, eye gels and some vitamin C serums in hot climates. Avoid freezing and big temperature swings, which can break emulsions.

Sunscreen is a special case

SPF products must remain effective until their expiry date. If a sunscreen has no date, the FDA notes it is considered stable for up to three years. Discard sunscreen that is past its date or has been left in a hot car or on the beach for long periods.