Storage of Cosmetic Ingredients at High Room Temperature and Refrigeration

Asked by: apisit-2014 On: September 23, 2014 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Based on the instruction to store ingredients at room temperature, avoiding light and heat, is a room temperature of 30-35°C problematic? If so, what are the solutions, and is it acceptable to store these ingredients in the refrigerator?

Answer

Regarding the calibration of your weighing scale, since you mentioned having trouble following the manual, I cannot provide the exact steps without knowing the specific model. However, the general process for calibrating most digital scales involves using known, precise calibration weights. You usually need to enter a specific calibration mode on the scale (often by pressing a combination of buttons) and then place the required calibration weight(s) on the scale when prompted. If the manual is unclear, the best approach is to contact the seller or the manufacturer of the scale directly. They should be able to provide more specific instructions or troubleshooting tips for your particular model.

For the storage of ingredients that should be kept at room temperature away from light and heat, a room temperature of 30-35°C is indeed on the warmer side. While some ingredients might tolerate this range, prolonged exposure to temperatures this high, especially combined with light, can potentially degrade the quality, potency, or shelf life of certain substances.

Here's a breakdown and some suggestions:

  1. Is 30-35°C problematic? It can be for some ingredients, particularly sensitive ones. High temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions that lead to degradation.
  2. How to solve it?
    • Avoid direct light and heat sources: As the staff mentioned, keep the ingredients away from windows (sunlight), electronics that generate heat, or heating vents. Store them in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or drawer.
    • Improve room conditions: If possible, try to lower the room temperature using air conditioning or fans, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
    • Use appropriate containers: Ensure containers are airtight, especially for powders, to prevent moisture absorption, which is also accelerated by heat. Using opaque containers can help block light.
  3. Can you put them in the refrigerator? This depends heavily on the specific ingredient.
    • Pros: Refrigeration (typically 4°C) significantly slows down degradation processes.
    • Cons: Cold temperatures can cause some substances to change texture or separate. More importantly, taking items out of the cold refrigerator into a warm, humid room can cause condensation to form inside the container, introducing moisture which can be very damaging, especially to powders.
    • Recommendation: Check the specific storage instructions for each ingredient. If refrigeration is not explicitly recommended, it might not be suitable. If you do refrigerate, ensure the container is very well sealed, and ideally, let it warm up to room temperature before opening to minimize condensation.

In summary, while 30-35°C might be acceptable for some ingredients, it's best to store them in the coolest, darkest place available and always check the specific storage recommendations for each item. Refrigeration is not a universal solution and can sometimes cause new problems like condensation.