9 Skin Care Ingredient Pairings That Work Well Together (and 6 That Don’t)
The holy grail of a good skincare routine is using the right products. But with so many different ones out there, knowing which skincare ingredient pairings work together and which don't play well together is rule number one. When it comes to layering cleansers, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and beyond, even the most power-packed ones can be a downright skin downer if the ingredients are mixed and matched incorrectly.
Think of skincare ingredient pairings like building the perfect outfit—some complement each other and act almost like an accessory, and others are downright no-nos. A handful of ingredients should be kept away from each other and never used simultaneously since combining them can either cancel out their benefits or, worse, cause irritation, inflammation, and potential damage. As board-certified dermatologist and member of Dermstore's Medical Advisory Board Ashley Magovern explains, some skincare ingredients work better together. "Pairing the right actives can amplify results, improve absorption, and reduce irritation."
Instead of taking matters into your own hands to build the perfect skincare concoction, these are the best skin care ingredient pairings that always work well together.
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Ashley Magovern - Board-certified dermatologist and member of Dermstore's Medical Advisory Board
Derm-Recommended Skincare Pairings
- Vitamin C and Sunscreen
- Retinol and Peptides
- Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycolic Acid and Ceramides
- Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide
- Salicylic Acid and Zinc
Best Skincare Ingredient Pairings
When it comes to skincare, sometimes, using two ingredients to tackle a skin concern is better than one. Known as ingredient synergy, pairing the right ones together helps increase each ingredient's strength and effectiveness, enhancing and balancing its properties for a whole greater than the summary of its parts. In short, skincare ingredient pairs help garner better results than the combined effects of using each one individually. However, choosing complimentary ingredients is key when addressing specific concerns since the right combinations deliver targeted results.
1. Vitamin C and Sunscreen
Dr. Magovern calls pairing vitamin C with sunscreen a classic combination for daytime protection. "Vitamin C helps to neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure, while sunscreen physically or chemically blocks those rays," she says. When used together, the two significantly reduce sun damage, pigmentation, and early signs of aging. Plus, layering on vitamin C and sunscreen can boost your SPF's effectiveness for even greater UV protection.
U Beauty Multimodal Sheer Mineral SPF 25
$98.00
This science-backed formulation blurs the lines between sunscreen and skincare and doubles as a primer, all in a lightweight formula. Thanks to its unique technology and non-nano zinc oxide, it gives the skin a fresh, airbrushed effect, so it looks radiant even while being protected from the sun.
Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, golden seaweed, macroalgae, vitamin C, clary sage
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Blurs the skin, protects the skin from UV damage, acts as a makeup base, brightens and evens out the skin
Beauty Insider Tip: Use the sunscreen and night as a targeted skin-brightening treatment.
Whitney Bowe Beauty Asta C Vitamin C Age Defense Serum
4 reviews
$88.00
Dermatologist Dr. Whiteny Bowe, the queen of skin cycling, formulated this award-winning vitamin C serum. It features two newer forms of 15% vitamin C plus antioxidants to firm and brighten the skin for a renewed complexion.
Key ingredients: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, 3-0-ethyl ascorbic acid, astaxanthin, turmeric
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Reduces the look of wrinkles and firms skin's appearance, fades the look of dark spots and discoloration, brightens the overall appearance of the skin, restores youthful radiance to the skin, helps defend against free radicals that accelerate skin aging
Beauty Insider Tip: If you're new to vitamin C, always patch-test the ingredient before applying it all over your skin.
Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C Perfecting Serum
81 reviews
$148.00
This supercharged 35% waterless vitamin C serum helps strengthen the skin and provides a protective layer of defense to safeguard the skin from environmental aggressors. The more you use it, the plumper, smoother, and more glowy the skin looks.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, superoxide dismutase, glutathione
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Brightens and firms the skin, provides antioxidant protection
Beauty Insider Tip: Use the serum on clean skin as the last step before moisturizer.
Paula's Choice 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50
This sunscreen serum is the perfect blend of vitamin C and SPF. It is weightless on the skin but powerful in its benefits. Thanks to a blend of unique skincare ingredients, it helps to protect, brighten, and hydrate the skin while also protecting it from the sun.
Key ingredients: 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, acetyl zingerone, Porphyra umbilicalis Extract
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Brightens and hydrates the skin, helps prevent discoloration from forming, enhances the skin's ability to resist signs of environmental damage, creates an instant glow with a sheer finish, enhances UV protection
Beauty Insider Tip: The sunscreen is suitable for acne-prone skin since it contains vitamin C and antioxidants to help calm and soothe redness and irritation.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
82 reviews
$58.00
Swap your everyday face makeup for this tinted mineral sunscreen, which evens out the skin's tone and gives it flawless coverage. The hydrating formula features innovative iron oxide pigments that start off white and adapt to the skin's tone for buildable coverage and a demi-matte finish.
Key ingredients: Zinc oxide
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Encapsulated pigments adjust to the skin's natural tone, hydrates, water and sweat-resistant
Beauty Insider Tip: No makeup tools, sponges, or brushes are necessary to apply this sunscreen—use your fingertips to help release and activate the pigment color.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
5738 reviews
$182.00
This dermatologist's favorite vitamin C serum protects the skin against environmental damage while working to improve the common signs of aging. In addition to providing antioxidant benefits, it also brightens the skin and improves skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Key ingredients: Vitamins C and E, ferulic acid
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Reduces free radical damage, corrects the common signs of aging, improves discoloration, suitable for use on post-laser skin
Beauty Insider Tip: The vitamin C serum remains effective for at least 72 hours on the skin.
2. Retinol and Peptides
If there's one skincare ingredient pairing that acts as an anti-aging power couple, it's retinol and peptides. While retinol has a track record of being the gold standard for preventing and reversing the signs of aging, when paired with peptides, there's the added benefit of skin firming, tightening, and smoothing, along with a stronger skin barrier. According to Dr. Magovern, pairing retinol, which stimulates cell turnover and collagen production, with peptides or soothing ingredients such as aloe vera can help reduce dryness or irritation. "Pairing it with peptides also helps support the skin's natural repair process, while soothing ingredients, like aloe vera, allantoin, or bisabolol, can calm inflammation and reduce redness and irritation. When first starting out, I often recommend buffering retinol with a calming serum or moisturizer."
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle Fix Refillable Serum
1 reviews
$65.00
The perfect skin fix if in-office injectables aren’t for you, this dual-purpose treatment serum helps to reduce the look of expression lines and wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. Formulated with peptides and Argirelox, it can also prolong the results of injectable treatments (if you choose to do them) for upwards of six months.
Key ingredients: Peptides, glycerin, Argirelox
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, prevents new lines and wrinkles from forming
Beauty Insider Tip: After just one week of use, the formula is clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier and improve elasticity and firmness.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Serum
16 reviews
$85.00
Pair this power-packed retinal serum with your favorite peptide for unparalleled skin-firming, brightening, and youth-boosting results. The best part? The vitamin A-derived nighttime serum smooths out wrinkles, brightens dark spots, and decongests the skin without any irritation or redness.
Key ingredients: Retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Reduces wrinkles fast, provides professional-grade results, imparts a natural radiance for more youthful-looking skin, and can be customized with your regimen
Beauty Insider Tip: The serum contains a next-generation vitamin A, known as retinal, which acts 11 times faster than standard retinol.
Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
3 reviews
$380.00
This ultra-lightweight retinol-rich serum is formulated to meet the needs of all skin types without irritation, redness, or sensitivity common among many retinol products. Instead, it leverages the power of pure retinol to accelerate cell turnover. Coupled with the brand’s proprietary TFC8 technology, it rejuvenates the skin for a more youthful complexion sans any of the retinol downsides.
Key ingredients: Retinol, zinc, microbiome blend, marine ecotine, Japanese knotweed extract
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Renews the skin so it appears healthier and rejuvenated, reduces the look of deep lines and wrinkles, helps clear up blemishes and acne scars, erases evidence of hyperpigmentation, locks in moisture so skin is hydrated, radiant, and plump
Beauty Insider Tip: After cleansing the skin, gently massage a small amount of the serum over the face, neck, and chest using sweeping upward motions.
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
51 reviews
$148.00
Peptide serums deserve a place in everyone’s skincare routine, and this one, which is inspired by the anti-wrinkle effects of injections, helps reduce the appearance of expression lines while working to achieve glass skin. The unique blend of peptides, niacinamides, and actives helps smooth away wrinkles while improving the skin’s overall tone and texture.
Key ingredients: Peptides, PHA, brown seaweed, niacinamide
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Reduces the look of expression-related lines and wrinkles, reveals glass skin radiances, improves skin texture, refines the look of pores
Beauty Insider Tip: Use the serum on its own or as a complementary at-home treatment to neurotoxin injections to aid in results.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced Face Serum
2 reviews
$92.00
This clinically proven serum adds natural volume to the skin while diminishing the appearance of stubborn wrinkles. Powered by innovative peptide technology, it smooths away expression lines and wrinkles while improving the skin’s structure over time.
Key ingredients: MiniProtein, growth factors, peptides
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, builds skin elasticity for increased firmness
Beauty Insider Tip: Since the serum is gentle yet effective, it works on even the most sensitive of skin types.
Neocutis BIO Serum Firm Rejuvenating Growth Factor + Peptide Treatment
97 reviews
$290.00
Harness the skin-rejuvenating power of growth factors and peptides in this anti-aging formula, which is proven to provide results in just six days. As the serum goes to work, expect fewer lines and wrinkles, a more refined skin texture, improved firmness, and brighter skin tone.
Key ingredients: Human growth factors, peptides, sodium hyaluronate, arginine, glycerin, acetyl glucosamine, glutamine, pullulan
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Supports collagen and elastin production, improves skin firmness, elasticity, tone, and texture, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increases skin hydration for enhanced skin smoothness and luminosity, plumps up the appearance of skin, improves the skin’s texture and tone
Beauty Insider Tip: Apply the serum to clean skin morning and night for maximum results.
3. Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid
While some ingredient pairings only offer one benefit, using niacinamide with hyaluronic acid offers multiple ones. "Niacinamide is a multitasker," Dr. Magovern says, "so it calms inflammation, reduces redness, and helps with pore appearance." On the other hand, she shares that hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin, so when using the two together, they deliver hydration while calming and balancing the skin. "This pairing is especially great for acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin." In addition, layering on niacinamide and hyaluronic acid also helps to enhance the skin barrier and strengthen it, control oil production, and improve the skin's texture."
Sunday Riley Be Nice 10 Niacinamide Serum
2 reviews
$65.00
Perfect for all skin types, but especially those who struggle with post-acne scars and enlarged pores, this niacinamide-powered serum helps promote a more even and radiant complexion while reducing redness. Taking a couple of years to formulate expertly, reach for this product to enhance the skin's tone for a natural glowy complexion.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, brightenyl, trans-resveratrol, EGCG
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Reduces post-acne dark spots, improves skin oiliness, clears the skin while reducing redness, diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and enlarged pores
Beauty Insider Tip: Niacinamide, the serum's hero ingredient, helps regulate shiny and oily skin while supporting the skin's moisture barrier to prevent water loss and dryness. Thus, using this serum regularly will not compromise the skin.
By Terry Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra Powder 8HA
$54.00
This hyaluronic acid-rich translucent powder sets your makeup while infusing the skin with long-lasting moisture. It features eight types of hyaluronic acid filling in lines while mattifying the skin for a natural finish and blurring effect.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, mica pearls, soft-focus powders
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Instantly mattifies, blurs imperfections, and controls shine
Beauty Insider Tip: To use the powder without creating a heavy look on the skin, load up the puff and tap off excess powder. Then, press the puff into oily areas or where there is more makeup to set it.
SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish & Restore Hydrator
9 reviews
$192.00
Hydration goes to the next level with this ultra-advanced hyaluronic acid moisturizer, which is also loaded with collagen. Perfect for moisturizing the skin and improving its smoothness, it leaves skin plump, dewy, and healthier-looking for up to 48 hours.
Key ingredients: Avocado oil esters, vitamin F, passion fruit seed oil, vitis flower stem extract, lotus sprout extract, collagen, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Attracts and retains water for instant hydration and plump, smooth skin, supports skin health, improves the skin barrier and water-holding capacity
Beauty Insider Tip: With two times more hyaluronic acid than the previous formula, this version offers immediate hydration for longer lasting results.
Neocutis Hyalis Intensive Hydrating Serum
37 reviews
$127.00
Oily skin types can reap the benefits of a super hydrating serum like this without worrying about clogged pores or breakouts. This moisture-restoring formula helps maintain the skin's natural hydration levels, which equates to softer, smoother skin and fewer lines and wrinkles.
Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid elastomer, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, sodium polyglutamate, acetyl glucosamine
Skin Type: Acne-prone, Oily, Combination
Skin Benefit(s): Promotes smooth, soft, and supple skin with intensive moisture-infusing action, relieves dryness due to climate, environmental or hormonal changes, helps soothe and replenish stressed skin, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Beauty Insider Tip: Apply the serum to the skin following cosmetic and dermatologic treatments and procedures to help soothe and replenish it.
La Roche-Posay Toleraine Double Repair Moisturizer
152 reviews
$23.99
Drench thirsty skin in a trio of skin hydrators and repairing ingredients with this safe-for-all-skin-types of moisturizer. Within one hour, the skin's natural protective barrier improves.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water
Skin Type: Acne-prone, Oily, Combination
Skin Benefit(s): Repairs the skin's protective barrier, provides long-lasting hydration, produces a unique prebiotic action on the skin microbiome and restores healthy-looking skin, immediately comforts even sensitive skin
Beauty Insider Tip: To reap the maximum benefits of the cream, apply it in gentle circular motions.
4. Glycolic Acid and Ceramides
Ceramides work well with glycolic acid. "Glycolic acid is a powerful exfoliator that helps with texture and brightness," Dr. Magovern says. So, pairing it with ceramides, which she explains works to help strengthen the skin barrier and prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. To make the most of the combo, always apply a cream or serum with ceramides to damp skin which will keep lock in moisture for the long-term. "This ingredient pairing is a smart way to get a glow without compromising the skin's integrity."
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
2434 reviews
$155.00
This intense anti-aging cream restores lost moisture and infuses life back into your skin. This ceramide-rich treat fights free radical damage while smoothing skin texture and improving elasticity for noticeably supple, healthier skin.
Key ingredients: Natural cholesterol, pure ceramides and fatty acids, vitamin E, essential oils
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Mature
Skin Benefit(s): Restores essential skin lipids including ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids, improves the look of skin fullness, texture, and pore appearance, improves the appearance of skin evenness and overall radiance
Beauty Insider Tip: Once opened, the cream is most effective within 12 months.
EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex
197 reviews
$62.00
Dry, aging skin can be challenging to treat, but thanks to this advanced formula, which improves the appearance of fine lines and elasticity while enhancing the skin's texture and tone, obvious signs of aging have become a thing of the past. The non-comedogenic treatment is chock full of lipids and ceramides to restore the skin barrier, while enzymes go to work to gently exfoliate for the best skin of your life.
Key ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, vitamin E
Skin Type: Dry
Skin Benefit(s): Visibly minimizes the look of fine lines, improves skin elasticity and skin texture and tone, reduces pores size, strengthens the skin barrier and restores its natural hydration system, minimizes redness in the skin, promotes natural exfoliation for brighter, more even skin
Beauty Insider Tip: Even though the lotion goes on semi-thick, it provides hydration to even the driest of skin types.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
104 reviews
$16.99
Slather the face and body in this lightweight cream, which moisturizes the skin and locks hydration into place for long-lasting moisture without a greasy residue. Thanks to unique MVE technology that slowly releases nourishing ingredients, the all-day hydrating effects never dissipate, no matter what the day brings.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: Normal, Dry
Skin Benefit(s): Controlled release for all-day hydration, won't clog pores
Beauty Insider Tip: The lotion is cradle-to-cradle certified, meaning it meets the world's most advanced science-based multi-attribute certification program for designing, making, and verifying materials and products that are safe, circular, and responsibly made.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
511 reviews
$48.00
Send dull, dry skin packing and say hello to a refreshed, rejuvenated complexion with this ultra-luxe exfoliator. Formulated with natural extracts for a gentle scrub that removes dead skin cells from the surface, this exfoliator makes the skin appear softer, smoother, brighter, and totally revitalized with every use.
Key ingredients: Lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic acids, jojoba oil, salicylic acid
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Improves the skin's texture, tone, and smoothness, thoroughly cleanses and gently exfoliates the skin
Beauty Insider Tip: Always use sunscreen with the cleanser, which contains AHA that can make the skin more sun-sensitive.
SkinMedica Even and Correct Brightening Treatment Pads
15 reviews
$60.00
Renew the skin's appearance and obtain an instant glow with these skin-refreshing, easy-to-use facial pads. Packed with gentle exfoliators and proprietary technology, the concentrated formula tackles existing discoloration while preventing new pigment from forming—all without relying on retinol or hydroquinone.
Key ingredients: Lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, witch hazel
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Helps prep the skin for improved absorption of treatment products, reduces the appearance of dullness and uneven tone and texture for visibly bright skin
Beauty Insider Tip: Use the pads daily or as needed and anywhere you desire brighter, fresher skin.
5. Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide
Sensitive and easily irritated skin tends to do well with a combination approach consisting of azelaic acid and niacinamide. "These two are a dream for redness, acne, and rosacea," Dr. Magovern shares. "Azelaic acid helps with pigmentation and inflammation, and niacinamide calms and strengthens." One thing to take into consideration is the format and texture of each. To prevent the products from piling on the skin, try to use both products in a cream or serum formula, but if that's not possible, always layer on the serum first.
Paula’s Choice 10 Azelaic Acid Booster
195 reviews
$39.00
If clearer skin and fewer spots sit high on your skincare wish list, this skin booster is the one to reach for. This lightweight, oil-free cream-gel targets stubborn discoloration and soothes red and irritated skin so it looks healthier and acts more normal, leading to a more radiant-looking complexion.
Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, salicylic acid, adenosine, allantoin, boerhavia diffusa root extract
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
Skin Benefit(s): Smoothes and evens out the skin, diminishes the look of bumps and blemishes, targets dark spots
Beauty Insider Tip: Even though azelaic acid has some exfoliating benefits, it shouldn’t take the place of your regular exfoliating products.
Paula’s Choice 10 Azelaic Acid Booster
4 reviews
$99.00
If clearer skin and fewer spots sit high on your skincare wish list, this skin booster is the one to reach for. This lightweight, oil-free cream-gel targets stubborn discoloration and soothes red and irritated skin so it looks healthier and acts more normal, leading to a more radiant-looking complexion.
Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, salicylic acid, adenosine, allantoin, boerhavia diffusa root extract
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
Skin Benefit(s): Smoothes and evens out the skin, diminishes the look of bumps and blemishes, targets dark spots
Beauty Insider Tip: Even though azelaic acid has some exfoliating benefits, it shouldn’t take the place of your regular exfoliating products.
Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex
49 reviews
$82.00
Want to get rid of hyperpigmentation and dark spots once and for all? This light face cream works double duty to brighten the skin and improve hydration for more evenly toned skin that oozes radiance, youthfulness, and optimal health.
Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin E
Skin Type: Hyperpigmented
Skin Benefit(s): Brighten discolored skin, exfoliates dead skin cells for better penetration and product efficacy, leaves skin soft and hydrated, improves the look of dark spots
Beauty Insider Tip: Use the cream for at least three months with sunscreen to see optimal results.
Grown Alchemist Skin Renewal Serum
$72.00
Apply this lightweight, quick-to-absorb formula daily and watch your skin’s health and texture improve over time. Packed with a powerhouse of skin-friendly ingredients, the serum reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration while eliminating rough, dry skin.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, aloe leaf juice, soybean oil, niacinamide, panthenol, peptides, ashwagandha, fructose acids, ylang ylang
Skin Type: Dry, Mature
Skin Benefit(s): Provide defense against environmental aggressors, hydrates the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores, helps even out the skin’s tone, reduces blemishes
Beauty Insider Tip: After four weeks of use, users of the serum reported more supple, renewed skin.
Peter Thomas Roth Potent C Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment
$65.00
Packing vitamin C, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide into a gel cream format, this intense brightening treatment dramatically improves discoloration, dark spots, and lingering acne scars for more even skin. Unlike other skin brighteners, this one doesn’t compromise the skin’s integrity, instigate dryness, or leave it flaky and red—all you’ll see is clear, radiant skin!
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, resveratrol, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Fades discoloration and spots, leaves skin more evenly toned
Beauty Insider Tip: Apply the cream to the skin morning and night but switch to every other day use if needed.
6. Salicylic Acid and Zinc
For acne-prone skin and congestion, there's no better one-two punch than the combination of salicylic acid and zinc. As Dr. Magovern explains, salicylic acid helps unclog pores and fight breakouts, and zinc is anti-inflammatory and oil-regulating. Together, they help calm acne without overdrying. "This is a great duo for teens or anyone with oily or blemish-prone skin."
Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Lotion
126 reviews
$98.00
Eliminate breakouts for good with this powerful triple-acid packet lotion that does little of everything. The advanced combination of ingredients clears problematic skin while reducing lines, wrinkles, redness, and acne scars for a more luminous look.
Key ingredients: Glycolic, azelaic, and salicylic acids
Skin Type: Normal, Combination, Oily
Skin Benefit(s): Dramatically smooths the skin, creates clearer, more luminous-looking skin
Beauty Insider Tip: To reduce sensitivity, apply one lotion application daily before working up to twice daily.
MD SolarSciences MD Mineral SPF 50 BB Crème
88 reviews
$42.00
Part sunscreen, part skincare, this mineral-based BB cream is ideal for those days when you don’t want to wear makeup but still want to even out your skin. Providing a boost of hydration while defending against UV damage, each of the four shades enhances the skin’s natural tone for a pretty glow that lasts until you wash it off.
Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, caffeine, niacinamide, pomegranate extract, vitamin C, green tea, silica
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Protects the skin from the sun, de-puffs and brightens, reduces the appearance of redness and discoloration
Beauty Insider Tip: Use the CC cream as a primer or makeup alternative, especially for more sensitive skin.
Cosmedix Clarity Serum Skin Clarifying Serum
11 reviews
$50.00
Salicylic acid and retinol combine in this skin-clarifying serum to reduce excess oil while helping to firm the skin. A must-have addition to any routine that focuses on oily skin and aging, this gentle yet effective exfoliating formula helps clear congested skin and reduce blemishes without stripping the skin of much-needed moisture.
Key ingredients: Eucalyptus plant, salicylic acid, retinol, willow herb, tea tree oil, aloe vera
Skin Type: Oily, Combination
Skin Benefit(s): Exfoliates congested skin, helps clarify clogged pores, soothes the skin for enhanced radiance and clarity, adds a dose of moisture
Beauty Insider Tip: Use the serum regularly or as needed to clear up congestion and breakouts.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50
70 reviews
$69.00
Slather on this all-mineral sunscreen to protect the skin from UVA and UVB light, pollution, and blue light damage. Super lightweight on the skin, the quick-to-absorb formula works for all skin tones and types and won’t irritate the skin or instigate breakouts, making it a win-win.
Key ingredients: Lutein, iron oxides, polymers, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Shields skin from pollution, UV damage, and blue light
Beauty Insider Tip: The soft peach color gives a color-correcting benefit to the skin.
Korres Santorini Grape Clear Skin Volcanic Mask
$39.00
Treat your skin to an at-home glow with this pore-refining and skin-improving clay-based mask. Activated charcoal removes excess oil from the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, shine-free, and with a healthy glow.
Key ingredients: Santorini grape extract, white clay, green clay, AHAs, BHAs
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Benefit(s): Refines the pores, removes impurities, dirt, and oil, smooths the skin, eliminates excess oil and shine
Beauty Insider Tip: Skin feels softer, smoother, and looks brighter after just one use.
How to Properly Customize Your Skincare Ingredient Pairings
Rather than taking a willy-nilly approach to skincare ingredient pairings, it's best to stick with tried-and-true combinations known to work. Still, any time you introduce something new to your routine, taking a low and slow approach is important rather than going head-on. Always read the product labels first to ensure that the specific products you are using don't bear any contraindications, and always layer the products from lightest to heaviest. Some skincare ingredient pairings are better suited for daytime, while others, like those with retinol, are reserved for nighttime use. And before applying any new combination to your skin, always do a patch test first.
The Bottom Line
For the most part, amping up the benefits of your regular skincare routine by pairing specific ingredients together can make all the difference between good and great skin. That's because some ingredients deliver even better results in a combination approach versus an individualized one for enhanced support and balance. While not every skincare ingredient combination is a perfect match, the ones will undoubtedly make a difference in your skin.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun. Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
