Caring for Your Natural Skincare and Makeup Products in Hot Weather: A Complete Guide

Natural skincare and makeup products have surged in popularity for their pure, minimally processed formulas, however, the unrefined nature of the ingredients in natural skincare means your products can be more sensitive to changes in temperature, especially during hot weather. Therefore, understanding how to care for your products is crucial to ensure they remain effective, safe and don't melt all over your wash bag.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why natural products can be more sensitive to temperature changes, how to keep them stable in hot weather, the temperatures they can withstand, how to revive products that have got too hot and our ten essential tips to keep your products intact during the summer heat.

Why Are Natural Products More Sensitive to Temperature Changes?

Natural skincare and makeup products are often formulated without synthetic preservatives, stabilisers, and additives, which are commonly found in conventional beauty products. These synthetic ingredients help to extend shelf life and maintain product integrity under various conditions, including extreme temperatures.

However, natural products rely on plant-based ingredients, essential oils, and natural preservatives that mean they can be more sensitive to heat. When exposed to high temperatures, your natural cosmetics may experience:

1. Ingredient Degradation: Heat can break down active ingredients, reducing their effectiveness. For example, rosehip oil, a common antioxidant in natural skincare, is particularly vulnerable to heat and light.

2. Texture Changes: Balms, creams, and lipsticks may melt or separate when exposed to high temperatures, altering their consistency and making them harder or less enjoyable to apply. When the temperature returns to normal you may find your products feel grainy or you can see little lumps or crystals within your products. This is completely normal but can feel disappointing. (See below on how to improve the texture of a melted skincare product)

3. Oxidation: Natural oils and essential oils are prone to oxidation when exposed to heat and air, leading to rancidity, off-putting smells, and loss of beneficial properties.

What Temperatures Can Natural Products Withstand?

Natural products generally fare best when stored at room temperature, ideally between 15°C to 24°C. However, they can begin to degrade if exposed to temperatures above (29°C). Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 38°C can cause significant damage, including ingredient breakdown, separation, and oxidation.

Some products with more sophisticated formulations, or those that are designed to be used in hot weather, may withstand temperatures up to 40°C, however, this shouldn't be over sustained periods of time. Odylique's lipsticks and mineral sun cream, for example, can be used up to 40°C and CacaoPow's Deodorant Bar can be stored in a cool, dark place up to 38. Aiden from CacaoPow says "Cacao butter melts at 34-38 degrees celsius. This gives you some leeway compared to coconut oil formulas which melt at 24 degrees"

10 Tips for Keeping Your Natural Products Intact in the Heat

Maintaining the stability of your natural products in hot weather requires some extra care and attention. Here are some of our favourite tips for helping to protect your skincare and makeup:

1. Store in a Cool Dark Place: Keep your products away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cool, dark cabinet or drawer is ideal for storage and be sure to tighten lids and caps securely after each use to prevent air from entering the containers and accelerating oxidation.

2. Avoid Bathroom Storage: Bathrooms can become humid and warm, especially after hot showers, or in homes where there's little to no air cooling, which can lead to microbial growth. Opt for a bedroom dresser or another cool spot for storage.

3. Choose Packaging Wisely: Opt for products packaged in dark or opaque containers, as they offer better protection against light and heat. Terre Verdi use miron glass which is excellent at protecting your products. 

4. Refrigerate Sensitive Products: Whilst we couldn't find a definitive answer for keeping your skincare and make up in the fridge to prolong shelf life and boost efficacy, certain products, like balms, eye creams, and natural face mists, may benefit from being stored in the refrigerator, for a short period during hot weather to prevent melting or separation. Jila from Inlight Beauty recommends popping their balms and floral tonic in the fridge; "the tonic is great to use to cool down hot skin and is really refreshing when used as a splash on the face"

5. Use Smaller Containers: Decant products into smaller containers for daily use. This reduces the amount of time the main container is exposed to air and heat.

6. Avoid Sunlight: Never leave your skincare or makeup products in direct sunlight, whether in your car, on a windowsill, or at the beach/outdoors.

7. Check for Signs of Spoilage: Regularly inspect your products for changes in colour, texture, or smell. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard them.

8. Invest in Insulated Bags: For on-the-go storage, insulated makeup bags can help protect your products from the heat when you’re out and about.

9. Choose Powder Formulas: When possible, opt for powder-based products (like mineral foundations) over cream or liquid forms, as they’re less likely to be affected by heat.

10. Use Within the Expiry Date: Natural products typically have shorter shelf lives. Be mindful of expiration dates and aim to use products within that time frame to ensure their efficacy, particularly if they've been subjected to swings in temperature.

Taking care of your natural skincare and makeup products in hot weather is essential to maintain their integrity, efficacy, and safety. By understanding why these products are more sensitive to temperature changes and implementing strategies to keep them cool and stable, you can enjoy the full benefits of your natural beauty routine all year long. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in preserving the potency and quality of your favourite natural products during the summer months.