Skincare ingredients, sometimes, are like peanut butter to each other’s jelly. In some cases, they bring out the best of each other to address various skin concerns simultaneously, whilst in different scenarios, one steps in to make up for what another may be missing, safeguarding the skin from potential side effects. Stumbling upon these power duos in a single formula is not uncommon, but when they are not conveniently blended, it’s up to you to play mixologist for your skin’s desires.
NIACINAMIDE AND HYALURONIC ACID
Think of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid as the perfect introductory cocktail — a welcome and safe bet to easily add to any skincare routine. Also known as B3, niacinamide is a multitasker on its own; when its oil-controlling, pore-refining, soothing and hydrating properties are complemented by hyaluronic acid, you unlock a powerful combination for achieving well-balanced skin. It works wonders on shiny skin with visible pores, as well as on sensitive skin seeking a non-irritating radiance boost.
Our picks:
Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum, The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum & Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
CAFFEINE & GREEN TEA
The coffee or tea dilemma doesn’t exist in the world of skincare; in fact, it’s best to have both. Caffeine is loved for its energising properties that depuff, smooth, brighten and enhance blood flow. Green tea, on the other hand, eases oxidative stress and inflammation with its soothing nature. This pairing is commonly infused into eye products like a refreshing double shot to wake up tired eyes without irritating the delicate skin around them.
Our picks:
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, Innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum & Tony Moly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Eye Cream
VITAMIN C & SPF
Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, rain or shine, is the best favour you can do for your skin. But teaming it up with vitamin C gives the skin’s daily protection an extra sweet boost of antioxidants. Whilst SPF guards the skin against harmful UVs, vitamin C acts as an added defence, neutralising free radicals and preventing them from damaging the skin. Together, this reliable duo also effectively addresses hyperpigmentation by hindering melanin production. With consistent use, it unveils an even complexion with that coveted healthy glow.
Our picks:
Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF40 Serum, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum & Melixir Vegan Airfit™ Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
RETINOL & PEPTIDES
If there’s one ingredient that intrigues as much as it intimidates, it’s retinol. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol accelerates cell turnover for smoother, firmer and more even-toned skin. Whilst it truly does it all, the transformative effects more often than not come hand in hand with dryness, redness and peeling during the introductory phase. Using it with restorative peptides helps to counteract these unwanted side effects. To incorporate this duo into a regimen, seek out retinol products formulated with peptides for added comfort. Alternatively, follow the retinol application with a layer of peptides moisturiser to strengthen the skin barrier.
Our picks:
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment, Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide & Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream
SQUALANE & CERAMIDES
By mimicking the skin’s own natural lipids, the squalane and ceramides combo helps the skin retain moisture and strengthen its barrier. As we age, the natural production of lipids slows down, leading to the loss of moisture and firmness. Adding this quenching duo to our skincare routine helps to make up for what time takes away. Whilst squalane replenishes moisture without weighing the skin down, ceramides lock in the moisture and restore resilience to the skin.
Our picks:
Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream, Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner & Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
