What To Look For When Buying A Fridge For Your Beauty Products

Out of all the unnecessary purchases out there, you would think a beauty fridge would be high up on the (long) list. A mini fridge for your skincare items — really? But hear us out! While your beauty and skincare products don't need to be chilled, these little self-care luxury appliances actually provide wonderful benefits that may be worth the investment. 

"It can feel very nice to put something cool on your face, especially on a hot day," dermatologist Melissa Piliang, M.D., told the Cleveland Clinic. "If your skin is irritated, a soothing mask can feel good, and aloe vera that comes from the fridge is a relief for sunburnt skin." Plus, storing your skincare in a chilled environment will help them last longer. The best items to keep in your fridge include gel and water-based items, like serums, light creams, and sprays. Don't forget those jade rollers and gua shas, too!

Will you immediately notice a significant difference in your appearance if you store your skincare items in a fridge? Probably not. However, when you combine the cooling sensation your products will provide with the extended shelf-life of your items and a cute and trendy appliance to add to your vanity, you may consider a skincare fridge a new staple. If that rings true, you'll want to know what to look for when buying a fridge for your beauty products, and we've got you covered.

Skincare fridges come in several sizes, ranging from four to 15 liters. To decide what size is right for you, you may want to take inventory of the skincare items you want to store in your fridge and the amount of counter or vanity space you have. A 4-liter fridge is a great choice if you have six or fewer products (that are up to 12 ounces). However, if you have more than a handful of items that you want to store in your fridge, you should go up a few sizes.

For reference, a YouTube video shared by lifestyle vlogger Irem Wlazlo showcases the difference in size between two skincare fridges. The 4-liter fridge on the left is relatively small compared to the 10-liter one, but it comfortably fits her face masks and compact items. The larger, 10-liter fridge is spacious and holds up to 11 of her various-sized products. If you prefer to store several large items in your fridge, you may want to opt for a whopping 15-liter one, which content creator @thebeautyvault shares in a TikTok video. She could fit over 15 items in her skincare fridge, including masks, moisturizers, facial tools, serums, and more.

We know what you're thinking: can't I just store my makeup products in my kitchen fridge? We wouldn't recommend it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the refrigerator in your kitchen storing your milk and last night's leftovers should be set at around 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Your beauty products don't need to be held in an environment that cold. In fact, they should be kept at approximately 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the standard temperature range for most skincare fridges.

So, when looking for a skincare fridge, you'll want to take a peek at the available temperature settings. This is especially true if you want to warm up certain products! That's right: even though it's called a fridge, some settings go as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can warm up items like facecloths and masks for a cozy, relaxing spa-like experience. Heating your face masks may improve their effects, as their nutrients can meld into the skin better than if it were at room temperature. If chilly and warm temperatures both speak to you, you may want to search for a beauty fridge with a sizeable temperature range.

Aside from its size and temperature settings, there are other aspects to consider depending on your lifestyle and preferences. If you're always on the go and  looking for ways to pack your beauty essentials in your carry-on while you travel, a portable skincare fridge with a handle may be a preferred choice. Perhaps you have many tall items and need a fridge with adjustable shelving to customize the available storage space. Many skincare fridges have noteworthy features, like adapters fit for a car or RV, energy-efficient" models that are better for the environment, and even integrated Bluetooth speakers.

You may also want to consider the accessibility of your products when selecting your ideal skincare fridge. Since most open like your traditional kitchen fridge from the front, it's likely that you'll have to dig through your skincare fridge to get products tucked in the far back. In that case, you may prefer a fridge that opens from the top, as seen in a TikTok video shared by @lila50isthenewfword. She explains that since her fridge opens from the top, you can see every item immediately, and every product is "super accessible."

The appearance of your skincare fridge may not be as important as its functionality, but you still want it to be aesthetically pleasing! Whether placed on your bathroom counter or vanity, you want it to fit your space and style. Beauty fridges are available in various colors, which may be important for you to consider depending on the color scheme of your space. Some of the best skincare fridges on the market have gorgeous sleek designs, from tufted baby pink padding to matte black exteriors.

A skincare fridge is an attractive addition to your vanity or beauty room, so you may want to select a fridge that has an LED light and mirror on the front to elevate your beauty routine. This style of skincare fridge is shown in a YouTube video shared by BeautywithMika, who placed her mirrored fridge on top of her vanity, which she mentions is "very pretty." And we agree! This style of fridge is trendy and perfect for those who've never met a mirror they didn't like. Whether you're a fan of girly pink, the vintage style, or a moody, grudge aesthetic, there's a fridge out there to fit your style and take your beauty space to the next level.