Cody Casey
When it comes to skincare, proper storage is essential to maintain the efficacy and longevity of your products, and this is particularly true for The Ordinary’s formulations. Many of The Ordinary’s products contain active ingredients like vitamin C, retinoids, and peptides, which can degrade when exposed to heat, light, or air. While not all of their products require refrigeration, some, such as those with water-based formulas or sensitive ingredients, may benefit from being stored in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator. Refrigeration can help slow down the oxidation process, preserve the potency of the ingredients, and extend the shelf life of your products. However, it’s important to check the specific storage instructions on the packaging or the brand’s website, as some products may not be suitable for refrigeration. Ultimately, proper storage ensures you get the most out of your The Ordinary products, maximizing their effectiveness and ensuring your skincare routine remains consistent and beneficial.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| General Recommendation | Most The Ordinary products do not require refrigeration. |
| Products to Refrigerate | Some products with natural ingredients or probiotics (e.g., Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, Probiotics Serum) may benefit from refrigeration to extend shelf life. |
| Temperature Range | If refrigerating, store at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). |
| Avoid Freezing | Do not freeze products, as it can alter texture and efficacy. |
| Light Sensitivity | Many products are light-sensitive; store in a cool, dark place regardless of refrigeration. |
| Air Exposure | Minimize air exposure by closing lids tightly to prevent oxidation. |
| Shelf Life | Refrigeration can slightly extend shelf life, but follow the PAO (Period After Opening) symbol on the packaging. |
| Texture Changes | Refrigeration may cause temporary texture changes (e.g., thickening), but products return to normal at room temperature. |
| Official Guidance | The Ordinary does not explicitly recommend refrigeration for most products, but it’s an option for preservation. |
| Product-Specific Needs | Always check individual product labels or Deciem’s official website for specific storage instructions. |
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What You'll Learn
- Serums & Actives: Most serums need refrigeration to preserve potency, especially vitamin C
- Oils & Hydrators: Oils are shelf-stable, but some hydrators benefit from cooling
- Acids & Peels: Refrigeration can extend shelf life and reduce irritation risk
- Creams & Moisturizers: Check labels; some creams may separate if refrigerated
- Travel & Storage: Use a cool, dry place if refrigeration isn’t possible
Serums & Actives: Most serums need refrigeration to preserve potency, especially vitamin C
Vitamin C serums are notoriously unstable, and their efficacy diminishes rapidly when exposed to heat, light, and air. Refrigeration slows down the oxidation process, ensuring your serum remains potent for longer. The Ordinary's Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% and Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone are prime examples of products that benefit from cold storage. Without refrigeration, these formulas can turn yellow, indicating a loss of potency.
Consider this: a study published in the *Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology* found that vitamin C serums stored at room temperature lost up to 40% of their efficacy within six months. By refrigerating your serum, you’re not just preserving its color and texture but also maximizing its ability to brighten skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and boost collagen production. For best results, store your vitamin C serum in the door shelf of your fridge, where the temperature is consistent, and avoid placing it near strong-smelling foods to prevent odor transfer.
Not all serums require refrigeration, but those with active ingredients like retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid can also benefit from cooler temperatures. The Ordinary’s Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% and Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, for instance, contain delicate actives that degrade faster in warm environments. While refrigeration isn’t mandatory for these products, it can extend their shelf life and maintain their effectiveness. Think of it as an insurance policy for your skincare investment.
Practical tip: If you’re unsure whether a serum needs refrigeration, check the label or The Ordinary’s website for storage instructions. As a rule of thumb, any product housed in a tinted glass bottle or containing water-based formulas is a good candidate for cold storage. Additionally, if you live in a hot or humid climate, refrigeration becomes even more critical. For those who travel frequently, consider transferring small amounts of serum into airtight, travel-sized containers and storing them in a cool, dark place.
Ultimately, refrigerating your serums and actives is a small step with significant payoff. It’s not just about preserving the product—it’s about ensuring you’re getting the maximum benefits from your skincare routine. By taking this simple precaution, you’re safeguarding the potency of your actives, from vitamin C to retinol, and ensuring they perform at their peak every time you use them. Your skin—and your wallet—will thank you.
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Oils & Hydrators: Oils are shelf-stable, but some hydrators benefit from cooling
Oils, by their very nature, are inherently stable and resistant to spoilage. Their lipid-rich composition creates an environment hostile to bacteria and fungi, making refrigeration unnecessary for most formulations. The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, for instance, can safely reside on your shelf, its antioxidant-rich profile remaining potent without refrigeration. This shelf-stability stems from the oil’s natural preservative properties, a benefit not shared by all skincare products.
Unlike oils, hydrators often contain water, a breeding ground for microbial growth. While preservatives mitigate this risk, refrigeration can offer an extra layer of protection, particularly for water-based formulas like The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. Cooling slows microbial activity, extending the product’s lifespan and ensuring its efficacy. This is especially beneficial for those who live in humid climates or use products infrequently.
Consider refrigeration a strategic choice, not a universal mandate. For hydrators housed in opaque, airless pumps, the need for cooling diminishes. These packaging innovations minimize light and air exposure, two factors that accelerate product degradation. However, for hydrators in jars or clear bottles, refrigeration becomes a more compelling option, particularly if you’re concerned about maximizing potency and shelf life.
Think of refrigeration as a tool, not a rule. If your bathroom is cool and dry, your hydrators may fare just fine without chilling. However, for those seeking to optimize product performance and longevity, especially in warmer climates, refrigeration offers a simple and effective solution. Remember, consistency is key – once you start refrigerating, maintain the practice to avoid temperature fluctuations that could compromise the formula.
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Acids & Peels: Refrigeration can extend shelf life and reduce irritation risk
Refrigeration isn’t just for food—it’s a game-changer for acids and peels in your skincare routine. Products like The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% + HA or Mandelic Acid 10% + HA contain active ingredients that degrade faster at room temperature. Cooler storage (around 50–60°F or 10–15°C) slows this breakdown, preserving potency for up to 6 months longer. Think of it as hitting pause on the expiration clock, ensuring every drop delivers maximum exfoliation without losing efficacy.
But shelf life isn’t the only benefit. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, reducing redness and inflammation—a common side effect of acids. Applying a chilled peel can minimize irritation, especially for sensitive skin types. For instance, storing The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution in the fridge makes its intense formula more tolerable. Pro tip: Apply it with a cooled brush for an extra soothing effect, and always follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Not all acids need refrigeration, though. Lower-concentration products (like The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution) are more stable and can tolerate room temperature. However, if you live in a humid or hot climate, even these benefit from cooler storage. The key is consistency: once refrigerated, keep them there to avoid temperature fluctuations, which can destabilize the formula.
For best results, store acids in the fridge door (the warmest spot) or a dedicated skincare drawer. Avoid freezing, as extreme cold can alter texture. Label the product with a "refrigerated since" date to track freshness. Pair this practice with patch testing and gradual introduction into your routine to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. Refrigeration isn’t mandatory, but for acids and peels, it’s a simple step that pays off in longevity and gentleness.
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Creams & Moisturizers: Check labels; some creams may separate if refrigerated
Refrigerating creams and moisturizers from The Ordinary might seem like a good idea to extend their shelf life, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The key lies in the product’s formulation and packaging. Emulsions, which most creams are, consist of oil and water phases stabilized by emulsifiers. Refrigeration can disrupt this delicate balance, causing separation. For instance, the *Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA* contains water-based ingredients that may tolerate cooler temperatures, but its emulsion structure could still be compromised. Always check the label for storage instructions—if it doesn’t explicitly recommend refrigeration, avoid it.
Consider the *100% Plant-Derived Squalane*, a lightweight moisturizer that remains stable at room temperature due to its single-ingredient, non-emulsion formula. In contrast, products like the *“Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%* contain multiple actives and a water base, making them more prone to instability if refrigerated. Temperature fluctuations can cause the peptides to degrade or the texture to become grainy. If you notice a cream separating after refrigeration, it’s a sign to return it to room temperature and gently stir or shake to re-emulsify, though efficacy may already be affected.
A practical tip: if you live in a hot, humid climate, storing creams in a cool, dry place (like a drawer away from direct sunlight) is often sufficient. Refrigeration is rarely necessary unless the label advises it. For travel, prioritize products in airless pumps or tubes, as these minimize exposure to air and contaminants, reducing the need for extreme storage measures. Remember, refrigeration isn’t a universal preservative—it’s a specific solution for specific formulations.
Finally, observe your products post-refrigeration. If a cream feels gritty, appears oily, or smells off after being chilled, discard it. These are signs of separation or spoilage. The goal is to maintain efficacy, not risk it. When in doubt, consult The Ordinary’s official guidelines or contact their customer service. Proper storage ensures your creams and moisturizers perform as intended, delivering the results you paid for without unnecessary experimentation.
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Travel & Storage: Use a cool, dry place if refrigeration isn’t possible
Refrigeration is ideal for preserving the potency of certain The Ordinary products, but it’s not always practical, especially when traveling or in environments without consistent access to a fridge. In such cases, a cool, dry place becomes your next best option. This means avoiding areas exposed to direct sunlight, heat sources like radiators, or humidity, such as bathrooms. A drawer, closet, or shelf in a temperature-stable room works well. For instance, products like the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% or the Buffet serum, which contain sensitive actives, can degrade faster in warmth but will remain stable in a cool, dry environment for their intended shelf life.
When traveling, portability and stability are key. Transfer products into smaller, airtight containers to minimize exposure to air and temperature fluctuations. Avoid checking skincare in luggage, as cargo holds can experience extreme temperatures. Instead, pack them in your carry-on, ensuring they’re in a sealed bag to comply with airline regulations. If you’re in a hot climate, consider using insulated pouches or cooling packs to maintain a stable temperature during transit. For example, the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% or the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, which are water-based and prone to bacterial growth in heat, will benefit from this extra care.
Not all products require the same level of caution. Oils, like the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane or Marula Oil, are naturally more stable and can tolerate room temperature without issue. However, water-based or active-rich formulas, such as the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or the Lactic Acid 5% + HA, are more sensitive and should be prioritized for cool storage. Always check the product label or Deciem’s guidelines for specific storage recommendations, as some formulations may have unique requirements.
A practical tip is to monitor the texture, scent, and color of your products regularly, especially if they’ve been stored in less-than-ideal conditions. If a serum becomes discolored, separates, or develops an off odor, it’s likely time to replace it. While refrigeration extends shelf life, proper storage in a cool, dry place ensures your The Ordinary products remain effective and safe to use, even when a fridge isn’t an option.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all The Ordinary products require refrigeration. Only specific formulations, such as those containing probiotics or vitamin C, benefit from refrigeration to maintain stability and efficacy.
Check the product label or packaging for storage instructions. Products that explicitly state "refrigerate" or "store in a cool, dry place" should be kept in the fridge.
Yes, refrigerating certain products, like those with sensitive ingredients (e.g., retinoids, peptides, or vitamin C), can help preserve their potency and extend their shelf life.
Products that need refrigeration may degrade faster, lose efficacy, or change in texture or color if not stored properly. Always follow storage guidelines for best results.
While it won’t harm most products, refrigeration isn’t necessary for formulations without sensitive ingredients. Room temperature storage in a cool, dry place is usually sufficient.
