:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-skincare-fridges-tout-2-1e91317afe424c9490bf7795d871e49b.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500,1125&ssl=1 "The 2 Best Skincare Fridges of 2024, According to Derms")
A skincare fridge might look like an accessory for dolls, but it’s a super cute way to make your skincare products more effective. They can hold everything from eye creams to face masks to gua sha tools, and keeping them cool (but not too cool) increases their soothing (and depuffing) abilities tenfold. But it goes beyond that.
“Storing products like vitamin C serums, retinol creams, and eye creams in a skincare fridge can slow down the degradation of active ingredients, potentially extending their shelf life,” says Dr. Hannah Kopelman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at DermonDemand. Sure, regular fridges can also keep skincare cold, but Dr. Kopelman says they’re often kept at colder temps than skincare fridges, which can “cause certain formulations to become too cold, potentially altering their texture and making them difficult to apply.”
We asked dermatologists what skincare fridges they love and recommend and received the same answer multiple times. So below, you’ll find more information about just two bestselling picks that will make your skincare routine feel amazing and do its best work.
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Size: 11.4 x 10 x 13.4 inches | Temperature Range: 35 to 150 degrees | Colors: Gold, pink, blue, black, pattern, pink, white | Features: Portable, offers cooling and heating
All mini-fridges are cute by definition, but this one from Cooluli has a tempered glass front that adds to its chicness. We love that it comes in eight facades (including mirror!) and that you can easily move the 8-pound fridge around a space by its little top handle. But the best part is, aside from keeping things cool, you can heat products up to 150 degrees. Perfect for helping face and body oils absorb faster.
Dr. Kopelman appreciates the Cooluli’s versatility, as does Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified teledermatology specialist. “Although it’s roomy enough to fit actual full-size products inside, which is key, it’s still portable and lightweight. I love that the shelving is removable, so you can adjust the spacing inside to fit products you want to chill and multiples. As a bonus, it has built-in door storage for extra space!”
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Size: 11.4 x 9.4 x 13.4 inches | Temperature Range: 35 to 150 degrees | Colors: Gold, pink, blue, black, pattern, pink, white | Features: Portable, offers cooling and heating
Skincare fridges can be a tad pricey, but not the Frigidaire. While not specifically designed as a skincare fridge, it has virtually the same functionality in a stunning retro design (and seven colorways). A well-regarded refrigerator company also makes it, so you can feel confident the cooling part will work well.
Board-certified dermatologist and advisor for Vice & Virtue, Dr. Neha Chandan, M.D., MPH, FAAD, loves how lightweight and portable this fridge is (it also has a handle). “The removable shelf allows larger lotions/creams to be stored as well, making it a versatile pick for different skincare needs,” she explains. We do wish it could warm products as well as cool them, like some other skincare fridges, but it still offers a lot, especially for the price.
What to Look for in a Skincare Fridge
- Size: While many are called “mini-fridges,” experts say you actually want something significantly smaller than your average mini-refrigerator. Check the dimensions before buying one to make sure it’ll fit on your counter, desk, vanity, or dresser without taking up too much space.
- Temperature Settings: Skincare fridges vary in their temperature settings, but Dr. Kopelman says they should be warmer than your typical fridge (ideally between 40 and 60 degrees) so they preserve active ingredient efficacy without changing the texture of products. “A skincare fridge maintains a consistent temperature range that is gentler than a standard refrigerator and is ideal for preserving the efficacy of many skincare products,” says Dr. Chacon.
- Portability: Another thing to consider is how easily you can move these mini-fridges around. We love a lightweight option with a handle that you can take on your travels, but if you intend to leave it at home, portability may not be a dealbreaker. Many beauty fridges can be plugged into car chargers, too.
Meet Our Experts
Team Byrdie worked with several experts to get the best insight on skincare fridges:
- Dr. Hannah Kopelman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at DermonDemand
- Dr. Martha H. Viera, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida
- Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified teledermatology specialist
- Dr. Neha Chandan, MD, MPH, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and advisor for Vice & Virtue
Why Trust Byrdie
Ally Hirschlag is an associate editorial director on Byrdie who regularly tests and writes about beauty products. She’s low-key skincare obsessed, and as she’s gotten older, she is always looking for ways to make her skincare products more effective. She loves a skincare fridge for this and has been recommending them to all her skincare-loving friends and family members.
Grace Gavilanes is a contributing writer at Byrdie, where she covers beauty and skincare. She takes her daily skincare routine very seriously and swears by her skincare fridge.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any skincare fridges from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
