Last modified: May 16, 2025
Shipping heat-sensitive products
Overview
Most heat-sensitive products are designed to withstand typical shipping conditions and don’t need cold packs. If a manufacturer indicates that a product does require a cold pack, it’ll be included in your order at no extra cost.
If a manufacturer specifies that a product needs a cold pack, it will thaw during transit. Even when thawed, it will still help keep the package cooler than outside temperatures and keep your product safe.
Long-term storage is key to maintaining product quality and efficacy. Always check the product label for specific storage instructions.
Note:
Under the advisement of our suppliers, many heat-sensitive products aren’t required to ship with an ice pack. These products are manufactured to withstand time in transit, including the journey to our warehouses and the subsequent trip to our customers. Long-term storage remains the key factor in maintaining the quality and efficacy of these products. Please refer to the product label for supplier storage instructions.
Packing your heat-sensitive order
Our warehouse carefully follows packing rules for all products according to our supplement quality control standards. This may include shipping a product in an insulated bag or separating it from other items in the package to keep it near any cold packs added to your shipment.
Note:
Though some heat-sensitive items will still ship with a cold pack, many will not, following the guidance of our supplier partners. These products are designed and tested to withstand heat exposure during transit. Long-term storage remains the key factor in maintaining their quality and efficacy.
Storing heat-sensitive products at home
Heat-sensitive products are made with travel in mind. It’s expected that the cold pack, which our warehouse packs with the product, will only stay cold during the first day in transit, depending on the temperatures it’s exposed to.
Long-term storage is by far the most significant factor in maintaining the potency of a product. We recommend putting unopened, heat-sensitive bottles in the refrigerator (if refrigeration is required) to let them get cold again before opening. This helps prevent moisture from being introduced into the bottle, which is more damaging to products such as probiotics than short-term heat exposure.
The following are general guidelines that we suggest you follow:
- Follow the storage instructions on the bottle – not all heat-sensitive products need refrigeration.
- Moisture leads to mold – leave cotton balls or silicon packets inside the bottle.
- Close the lids on all containers tightly.
- Avoid storage in the bathroom or near the stove in the kitchen.