How to organize your skincare products – 4 tricks dermatologists swear by to extend the lifespan of their own products

A great skincare routine is the key to keeping your skin looking great. But if your products are left strewn across the counter in humid bathrooms, or muddled up and forgotten about in drawers, it can compromise the longevity and quality of your products.

Whether you have a minimal evening routine or a collection of lotions and potions galore, organizing your skincare can help to streamline your routines while keeping your products fresh and effective, dermatologists say.

Here, cosmetic experts and professional organizers share how to organize bathroom cabinets to include all your skincare essentials in the most efficient, effective way.

How to organize skincare

As with any organizing project, it helps to start by decluttering makeup and skincare to make space and reduce how many items you have to find a home for.

Get rid of any items that have expired, you don’t like or didn't work well for you, as well as any duplicates. Unopened products can often be donated to charities or shelters.

With these out of the way, you can start to organize your skincare and bathroom for a better morning routine.

1. Keep skincare off the counter

While it can make sense to keep your most used products out on your counter, this can drastically reduce their lifespan. Instead, Dr. Hannah Kopelman, dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery suggests finding a home for them when organizing a bathroom vanity or organizing a medicine cabinet instead.

Dr Kopelman explains, ‘When it comes to organizing skincare in a bathroom vanity, the first thing I always recommend is ensuring your products are stored away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Heat and light can degrade the active ingredients in many products, especially those containing retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides, causing them to lose effectiveness more quickly.

'If your bathroom tends to experience temperature fluctuations, try storing more sensitive items in a drawer or cabinet where they’re not exposed to steam from showers or fluctuating temperatures.’

2. Categorize by routine

When you have found a spot big enough to house your skincare, it helps to categorize them into routines, using the best makeup organizers to help keep everything neat and together.

Alexis Pfropper, owner and founder of äesthetik skincare says, ‘Categorizing skincare by routine is the easiest way to stay organized and consistent. I like to group products into three main categories: morning, evening, and treatments (like masks or spot treatments).

'For each routine, arrange items in the order they’re used. Cleansers first, followed by toners or tonics, serums, moisturizers, and SPF for daytime. Another method is to sort by product type, such as serums, moisturizers, and cleansers, to quickly find what you need. Whatever system you choose, make sure it's easy to see and access, so nothing gets lost or forgotten.’

Head of solved, Punteha van Terheyden found a viral spinning tiered organizer transformed her vanity. She now organizes her skincare and products on the front half for the morning, and back half for the evening items for minimal fuss and maximum functionality. 'I love this INVSSENE 360 organizer from Amazon. It's good value, has adjustable tiers and looks lovely. It's also available in five different colors you're sure to find one that suits your aesthetic.'

For an extra helpful touch to your bathroom organization, Dr. Annabelle Garcia, board-certified dermatologist at Sonterra Dermatology, adds, ‘You should have a system to separate these products if you’re using them at different times. You can store them in different drawers or use dividers for a clearer visual distinction. This is especially helpful if you have an ointment or topical medication that needs to be applied at a certain time to treat conditions such as dermatitis or eczema.'

She explains once your products are organized by routine, you can then place them by product type and their chronological place in your routine. ‘The thinnest products should be applied first, and your routine should end with the thickest product. The order typically goes from cleanser, toner, and serum to moisturizer and sunscreen. Storing your products in this order can help you to avoid skipping a step, allowing for the most effective skincare routine.’

3. Pick up a mini-fridge

If you are big on skincare then you might be familiar with the annoying trip to the kitchen to get any products that need to be kept in the cold, such as retinoids and some face masks. To help cut time out of your skincare routine and increase relaxation, consider picking up the best mini fridge to keep everything you need close to the bathroom suggests Dr. Hannah Kopelman, dermatologist.

Hannah says, ‘For products that need refrigeration, like certain serums, eye creams, or gel masks, I recommend using a mini skincare fridge or even a designated section in your home fridge. To make sure you don't forget about these refrigerated items, keep a reminder near your vanity – either on the mirror or in your product organizer – so you’re prompted to grab them during your routine.'

Another tip is to organize these refrigerated products in the order you use them in your regimen. That way, when you grab one, you’re more likely to remember the next step.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Jolene Monaco, certified professional organizer at Habitually Organized adds, ‘We’re seeing more skincare that are best refrigerated and as a result, seeing more features to assist storage incorporated into new construction and remodeling projects. Frigidaire has these cool Frigidaire mini-fridges in multiple colors on Amazon that are affordable options.'

4. Keep a note of opening dates

Whether you are organizing a refrigerator with serums, or stowing your face washes beneath the bathroom sink, it is generally a good idea to keep a note of the dates you open them so you have an idea of their expiration.

This symbol will feature on your product container or packaging, which tells you how many months it will keep after you open it:

Jolene Monaco, certified professional organizer points out that skincare expiration dates are widely ignored, which could lead to subpar results. She says, ‘With skin care, you’ll often see an expiration date or a symbol. This lets you know the product will lose effectiveness ‘X’ number of months after opening. We recommend adding an expiration date sticker such as these on Amazon to keep track of when you open the product.'

Following these home organization secrets for skincare will help to make your skincare regimen less of a chore and more relaxing me-time to leave you and your bathroom feeling a little more refreshed at the end of each day.