Mini fridges are increasingly being installed in bathrooms to store beauty products and medications, though experts note that refrigeration is only necessary for specific items.
Key facts
- •Sub-Zero & Wolf reported a tenfold increase in demand for mini fridges over the last two years.
- •Searches for mini fridges on Gumtree increased by 85% between January and June.
- •NHS guidelines state that injectable semaglutides and tirzepatides require refrigeration between 2-8C before first use.
- •UK electrical regulations require bathroom sockets to be at least 3 metres from water sources.
- •The UK wellness industry is valued at more than £160 billion by the Global Wellness Institute.
Mini fridges are emerging as a popular fixture in bathrooms and dressing rooms, used to store items ranging from skincare products to GLP-1 weight-loss medications. While luxury manufacturers report a significant increase in demand for built-in cooling units, the trend has also expanded to the secondhand market. Industry experts and dermatologists suggest that while some products benefit from cooling, others do not require it.
By the numbers
Market Growth and Usage
Emma Lewis, marketing manager for luxury appliance manufacturer Sub-Zero & Wolf, reported a tenfold increase in demand for mini fridges over the past two years. These units are increasingly being installed in en suites, walk-in wardrobes, and home offices. On the secondhand platform Gumtree, searches for mini fridges rose by 85% between January and June, with the average unit costing £45.
Dermatological and Medical Perspectives
Dr. Ariel Haus, a London-based dermatologist, stated that refrigeration is beneficial for vitamin C serums and retinoids, which can oxidize and lose potency when exposed to heat or light. Regarding weight-loss medications, NHS guidelines specify that semaglutides and tirzepatides should be stored in a fridge between 2-8C before their first use. However, Dr. Haus noted that cooling items like eye creams or sheet masks is largely a sensory preference rather than a skincare necessity.
Installation and Safety Considerations
Integrating a fridge into a bathroom requires adherence to UK electrical regulations, which mandate that plug sockets be placed at least 3 metres away from water sources like baths. Qualified electricians must install sockets with residual current device protection. Due to the need for ventilation to minimize fire risks, experts advise that mini fridges are better suited for large bathrooms or dressing rooms rather than standard wet rooms.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Fashion.
