Have you seen these kinds of containers yet? They’re making inroads in skin care. More and more companies are packaging creams and lotions in airless containers.
Why does it matter? Because air, light, and moisture degrade ingredients in skin care. More specifically, it’s the oxygen in air combined with light that oxidizes the ingredients. And oxidized product generates free radicals. Not good!
This is why I am still surprised to see so many creams packaged in jars with regular lids. And lotions packaged in bottles with regular caps. Every time you open a jar or bottle, you let in oxygen.
Airless containers in skin care keep out the air and light.
Airless Containers for Cream
Here on the left is an airless pump container by Dr. Dennis Gross. You press downward on the top, which activates a pump that releases a squirt of cream through the hole in the center. The remainder of the product stays safely encased in the container until you need it the next time.
To keep my products as clean as possible, I swipe my (clean) finger to pick up the cream. Then I wipe the surface with a clean tissue and put the lid back on.
Airless pumps in a bottle are more common – here is an example of a serum in an airless swivel bottle.
Dr Dennis Gross Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask
Kate Somerville Age Arrest Advanced Reviving Cream
Skincare Storage Tips
To keep your products fresh for as long as possible, store your products in these conditions:
- Dark – Away from light. So not by your windowsill! Even indirect sunlight is not good. I like to put mine in a cabinet or drawer.
- Cool – Again, not near a window where the sun’s warmth could heat up your products. In the summer time or if you live in a hot climate, put the products that you’re not using in the fridge or basement. I store my winter products in the basement (mine happens to be quite cool).
- Dry – Not in a damp or moist place. Moisture and humidity breed bacteria. This may not be practical if you keep your products in the bathroom. But it’s something to consider if you have the option of storing your products elsewhere. If you store your products in the bathroom, be sure to close the caps and lids tightly.
Antioxidants are especially susceptible to light. So be sure your serums and moisturizers are kept away from light.
A serum that has turned brown in color has oxidized. Not all oxidized products change color, but a change of color is a sure sign of degradation.
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