Skin-care products don’t last forever — and we’re not talking about scraping the bottom of the jar. Rather, skin-care products can expire just like fruits and veggies, and while skincare-gone-bad won’t exactly harm your skin, it could make the formula less effective. Not only that, but products can get funky faster when exposed to extreme conditions — think a bright, sunny spot near a windowsill, or stashed in a super-humid bathroom.

That’s where proper storage can help. However, it’s different for every product. While all Glow Recipe products are designed to be stable and potent at room temperature — a major priority, seeing as clean products don’t usually have a ton of preservatives — storing your faves strategically can help ensure that you’re getting the maximum benefits. Here’s exactly where to put what.

Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Where to store it: In the refrigerator

Whether you keep your mask in the refrigerator or at room temperature won’t technically make a difference, although the cooler temperature will feel extra-refreshing on a hot day — and, bonus, will calm inflammation. Wherever you store it, though, just remember: This formula is full of natural actives, and thus some separation may occur. So, use the included spatula to mix it for a full minute until it has a gel-like texture.

Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer

Where to store it: In a dark, cool place

You don’t have to keep your moisturizer in a box under your bed, but it does help to keep it away from sunlight. Sunlight, while it won’t destroy the formula, may turn this moisturizer white. Keep it pink for the ‘gram.

Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist

Where to store it: In a dark, cool place

Whether you choose to keep it at your desk or in the refrigerator for a refreshing pick-me-up, it’s your call. Just don’t keep it near a window, as sunlight can alter its signature pink color.

Watermelon Glow Lip Pop

Where to store it: In a cool spot

You can keep your lip balm wherever you’re most likely to look for it — so, in your bag or desk drawer — so long that it’s in a spot where it won’t be subjected to heat. It contains coconut flower sugar, which offers that gentle exfoliation but also may be faster to melt.

Pineapple-C Bright Serum

Where to store it: In its carton in a cool spot

Vitamin C, one of the all-star ingredients in this brightening serum, is notoriously unstable, meaning it can break down quickly in the presence of heat and light. To avoid that, our bottle has a UV-protective coating on it to minimize any impact from sunlight. Even so, we recommend keeping it in its carton packaging to ensure it stays in the dark. Also, unlike most vitamin C serums, ours has pineapple juice that may change color over time — totally normal. So if it turns darker, that doesn’t mean it’s gone bad. It’s just the pineapple doing its thing.

Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream

Where to store it: At room temperature

This is one formula that you should definitely not put in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures could make it feel watery — not ideal when you’re talking about a cream. 

Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser

Where to store it: Wherever you want

Short of leaving it in the desert in the middle of summer, you can stash this wherever you want to. Several Glow Recipe staffers keep theirs in the shower, and have found that it does just fine in the steamy environment.

Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask + Eye Sleeping Mask

Where to store it: In the refrigerator

While the Avocado Melt line keeps well at room temperature, the masks have a hydrogel base that feel especially good when cooled in the fridge. As noted earlier, cold temperatures can benefit skin and even help depuff the eye area, so you’ll get multiple benefits from making space in the refrigerator. Just don’t mistake it for guac and you’ll be good.

Keep reading about how to make the most of your skincare:

• What’s So Cool About Cold Skincare?
• Why You Should Keep These Products in Your Fridge
• 7 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Vitamin C