What do skincare fridges do?

In the simplest sense, skincare fridges allow you to store your cosmetics in a cool, dry, dark place . "Most of us have this environment in our medicine cabinet, so a mini-fridge just dedicated to skincare is not all that necessary for most products that are formulated, packaged, and labeled appropriately," notes Dr. MacGregor. However, according to Dr. Viera, "There are definitely products that can be more beneficial to use while they are cold."

What temperature does a skincare fridge need to be?

While it depends on the product, somewhere between 40 to 60 F is ideal—not as cold as you keep your regular refrigerator, but still significantly cooler than room temperature.

What products should you put in a skincare fridge?

Dr. Viera suggests keeping eye creams, jade rollers, gel masks, and eye pads in a skincare fridge to make them more comfortable against your skin and potentially reap some redness-reducing or depuffing benefits . Additionally, you might want to refrigerate botanical-antioxidant formulas to keep them stable and maintain their growth factors. "Another category of products that would do well to go on cool or chilled would be anti-redness/soothing masks and moisturizers," offers Dr. MacGregor. "Certain prescription medications, such as compound medication that we as dermatologists use all the time for our patients, need to be kept in the fridge in order to be stable," Dr. Viera adds. "Also, some products that can help with certain conditions such as rosacea, itching, or sensitive skin can benefit from being used cold since it creates an anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive effect."

The 12 Best Skincare Fridges of 2022

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Commerce Photo Composite — Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

If you're one of those people who've always kept their cosmetics in the crisper, prepare to be validated because skincare fridges are now a thing. These pint-sized, aesthetically pleasing refrigerators are meant to be filled not with food but lotions, potions, mists, and masks. While mini-fridges aren't anything new, the skincare variety is notably tiny, often smaller than the average medicine cabinet. If you're new to the concept of chilled beauty products, you might be wondering what all the hype is about.

"Refrigerating your skincare products can help them last longer and improve the application experience," explains Adebola Dele-Michael, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Skin Dermatology & Laser in New York. "For instance, I recommend refrigerating sheet masks before applying them to the skin after a laser procedure because the cooling effect soothes the skin and reduces redness."

"Some products are indeed unstable when exposed to warm and/or moist environments, especially when they aren't packaged appropriately," adds Jennifer L. MacGregor, MD, of Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York.

When we say skincare fridges are cool, we mean it figuratively and literally. You can turn the temperature down on more perishable products, like clean formulas that might not contain as many preservatives. "Those may benefit to be in the fridge to extend the shelf life," says Martha H. Viera, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami.

With all this in mind, here are the best skincare fridges out there today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Cooluli Infinity 10 Liter Mini Fridge at Amazon

Best Budget:

Frigidaire Portable Retro Mini Fridge at Amazon

Best for Travel:

AstroAI AstroAI Portable AC/DC Power Cooler and Warmer Mini Fridge at Amazon

Best Large:

MOOSOO 15L Portable Mini Fridge at Amazon

Best Portable:

The Beauty Spy Mini Fridge at Thebeautyspy.com

Best Countertop:

Crownful 4 Liter/6 Can Mini Fridge at Amazon

Best for Desk:

Koolatron Retro Portable 6 Can AC/DC Mini Fridge Cooler at Amazon

Best with Mirror:

Cooseon Mini Fridge 6 Liter AC/DC Portable Beauty Fridge at Amazon

Best with Window:

Vanity Planet Fria Skincare Fridge at Amazon

Best Lighted:

Chefman Personal Mirrored Mini Fridge at Amazon

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Why Trust Byrdie?

View On Amazon View On Best Buy

What We Like

Chic design
Comes in various sizes
Versatile

What We Don't Like

May not be long-lasting

While most mini-fridges have that irresistibly chic, gotta-have-it appeal, the Cooluli Infinity stands out from the rest. Available in all our favorite iPhone colors and then some, this cute little crisper has a sleek tempered glass front, three shelves, and built-in door storage.

Measuring just over 13 inches tall, 9 inches wide, and 11 inches deep with a top handle, it's notably portable too. We also like that this skincare fridge offers a warming function in addition to refrigeration—it can get down to 35 F and up to about 150 F.

Size: 11.4 x 10 x 13.4 inches | Temperature Range: 35 to 150 F | Colors: Gold, pink, blue, black, pattern, pink, white | Features: Portable, offers cooling and heating

Courtesy of Home Depot

View On Amazon View On Home Depot

What We Like

Lightweight
Retro design

What We Don't Like

May not be long-lasting

For something a bit more wallet-friendly, check out this mini-fridge from Frigidaire. The throwback-inspired design features a removable shelf and a little oval window, plus shiny metal hardware. We also like that it weighs just 3 pounds and can get as cold as 27 F.

Size: 10 x 21 x 29 inches | Temperature Range: 32 to 150 F | Colors: Black, blue, pink, yellow | Features: Portable, integrated Bluetooth speaker

AstroAI Mini Fridge Portal AC/DC Powered Cooler and Warmer

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Includes removable shelf
Can be used in the car

What We Don't Like

Not enough space for large items

This exceedingly compact skincare fridge measures roughly 9 x 7 x 10 inches and provides barely 0.15 cubic feet of storage space. Having said that, it's ideal for anyone with limited counter space and offers an alternative to trudging off to the kitchen to retrieve your best-loved products. Plus, the removable shelf allows you to stash some taller tubes and bottles.

Size: 9.45 x 6.89 x 10 inches | Temperature Range: 32 to 150 F | Colors: Black, blue, pink, teal, white | Features: Portable, offers cooling and heating

View On Amazon View On Imoosoo.com View On Walmart

What We Like

Large capacity
Can be used in the car
Quiet

What We Don't Like

Pricey

"Large mini-fridge" sounds like an oxymoron, but the point is, this one is slightly bigger than others in its category. Measuring roughly 15 x 13 x 11 inches with about 0.5 cubic feet of space to keep your treasured tinctures, it's great for anyone with a lengthy skincare routine.

Size: 8.07 x 8.07 x 12.6 inches | Temperature Range: 32 to 150 F | Colors: Blue, pink | Features: Portable, offers cooling and heating, car plug

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

View On Thebeautyspy.com

What We Like

Lightweight
Easy to carry
Comes with stickers

What We Don't Like

Smaller temperature range than other models

Made for gals on the go, Beauty Spy's take on the skincare fridge is this super-compact, ultra-portable number. It weighs less than 4 pounds, has a convenient carrying handle, and presents a chic vintage appeal you'll definitely want to show off.

Size: 5.5 x 5.5 x 8 inches | Temperature Range: 46 to 55 F and 130 F | Colors: Blue | Features: See-through window, portable, offers cooling and heating

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Good value
Cute design
Quiet

What We Don't Like

Adjusting temperature is time-consuming

Measuring about 11 x 10 x 7 inches, this itty-bitty refrigerator is the best countertop option. The pared-down, modern silhouette will complement most bathrooms. But beyond aesthetics, we appreciate that it cools down to 32 F and warms up to 149 F (though be advised that it's not always recommended to turn up the heat on a product, as most are meant to be stored at room temperature).

Size: 7.48 x 9.85 x 10.83 inches | Temperature Range: 32 to 150 F | Colors: Pink, green, black, white | Features: Portable, offers cooling and heating, quiet

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Compact
Includes removable shelf
Retro design

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Looking for something to place on your desk or vanity? Your best bet is the Koolatron Retro Portable 6 Can AC/DC Mini Fridge Cooler. It takes up only about 0.3 square feet of space and has a removable shelf for adjustable storage. We're loving the pale blush option, but black is always a tasteful choice.

Size: ‎6.8 x 7 x 10 inches | Temperature Range: 32 to 135 F | Colors: Pink, black, aqua | Features: Portable, offers cooling and heating, locking door handle

Cooseon 6 Liter Mini Mirrored LED Beauty Fridge

View On Amazon

What We Like

Includes mirror
Can be used in the car
Easy to carry

What We Don't Like

Adjusting temperature is time-consuming

Skincare fridges are a lot like medicine cabinets, which by the looks of it, is where the Cooseon gets its inspiration. This contemporary cooler features a mirrored front with an LED-lit border, allowing you to apply your products and check out your glowing complexion all in one place.

Size: ‎10.23 x 7.87 x 11.41 inches | Temperature Range: 32 to 140 F | Colors: White | Features: Portable, offers cooling and heating, LED lighted mirror

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Vanityplanet.com

What We Like

Sleek design
Semi-frosted window allows visibility
Includes interchangeable shelves

What We Don't Like

Pricey

The Fria boasts a semi-frosted window so you can put all your prettiest products on display. While this skincare fridge is a little spendier than most others, you'll get slightly more storage space.

Size: 10.35 x 7.7 x 11.22 inches | Temperature Range: 35 to 40 F | Colors: White, rose gold | Features: See-through door, interchangeable shelving

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Includes mirror
Sleek design
Compact

What We Don't Like

Doesn't get super cold

We're also big fans of the Chefman Personal Mirrored Mini Fridge, which has a mirrored door and a bright LED light for an illuminated skincare routine. Bathroom, bedside, vanity, or desk, wherever you place it, it's sure to enhance the ambiance of your space.

Size: ‎7.25 x 10.25 x 11.25 inches | Colors: White | Features: Portable, offers cooling and heating, LED lighted mirror

View On Amazon View On Facetory.com

What We Like

Cute design
Compact
Temperature is determined by the air

What We Don't Like

Pricey

While heating your cosmetics has the opposite effect of preserving them, you can still make good use of the FaceTory Fridge's warming function. Eye masks, compresses, and even washcloths can offer a soothing, therapeutic effect when you take the temperature up a few notches.

Size: 9.65 x 11.42 x 13.39 inches | Temperature Range: 16 to 20 F below room temperature | Colors: Coral, Mint | Features: Portable, offers cooling and heating

Courtesy of Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Bed Bath & Beyond

What We Like

Storage basket for extras
Compact
Dry erase door

What We Don't Like

May not be long-lasting

Beauty refrigerators aren't just for skincare. With internal shelving and a little basket inside the door, the Flawless Fridge is a great place to keep your makeup—extra points for the rose gold hardware.

Size: 7.25 x 10.25 x 10.75 inches | Colors: White | Features: Portable, dry erase front

Final Verdict

Our number one pick is the Cooluli Infinity 10 Liter Mini Fridge (view at Amazon), an undeniably chic model with a tempered glass front, built-in shelving, a carrying handle, and cooling/warming functions. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option and appreciate retro-inspired appliances, you can't go wrong with the Frigidaire 6 Can Retro Mini Fridge (view at Amazon).

What to Look for in a Skincare Fridge

Size

The main thing to consider when browsing skincare fridges is the size. While many are called "mini-fridges," you actually want something significantly smaller than a regular mini-refrigerator. Check the dimensions before buying one to make sure it'll fit on your counter, desk, vanity, dresser, etc.

Temperature Settings

Skincare fridges vary in terms of their temperature settings. Some get as low as 27 F, while others only go down to about 45 F. Also, many have a warming function in addition to refrigeration, often reaching as high as 150 F.

Portability

Another thing to think about is portability. If you're planning to keep your skincare fridge in one place, this won't matter as much. But if you want to move it around your home or take it on the go, look for a lightweight option with a carrying handle. Many beauty fridges can be plugged into car chargers too.

FAQ

What do skincare fridges do?

In the simplest sense, skincare fridges allow you to store your cosmetics in a cool, dry, dark place. "Most of us have this environment in our medicine cabinet, so a mini-fridge just dedicated to skincare is not all that necessary for most products that are formulated, packaged, and labeled appropriately," notes Dr. MacGregor.
However, according to Dr. Viera, "There are definitely products that can be more beneficial to use while they are cold."
What temperature does a skincare fridge need to be?

While it depends on the product, somewhere between 40 to 60 F is ideal—not as cold as you keep your regular refrigerator, but still significantly cooler than room temperature.
What products should you put in a skincare fridge?

Dr. Viera suggests keeping eye creams, jade rollers, gel masks, and eye pads in a skincare fridge to make them more comfortable against your skin and potentially reap some redness-reducing or depuffing benefits. Additionally, you might want to refrigerate botanical-antioxidant formulas to keep them stable and maintain their growth factors.
"Another category of products that would do well to go on cool or chilled would be anti-redness/soothing masks and moisturizers," offers Dr. MacGregor.
"Certain prescription medications, such as compound medication that we as dermatologists use all the time for our patients, need to be kept in the fridge in order to be stable," Dr. Viera adds. "Also, some products that can help with certain conditions such as rosacea, itching, or sensitive skin can benefit from being used cold since it creates an anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive effect."

Why Trust Byrdie?

Theresa Holland has been writing for Byrdie since 2020, where she covers fitness, haircare, makeup, and skincare. With morning and night routines spanning several steps, she's well-versed in the concept of a skincare fridge. You can read more stories by Theresa on The Spruce.

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.

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