Why ingredient cocktails are the only plot twist your skincare routine needs

Over years of building up my skincare army, one thing I’ve realised is that it is never too late to decode a new language in beauty. Just when you think you’ve mastered the act, a fresh ingredient is waiting to scooch by your existing stack and magically take that zit away. But, skincare gods believe, it takes two to tango, and that’s where skincare’s best-kept secret steps in—ingredient cocktails. The practice of combining two active ingredients in tandem is what ingredient/skincare cocktailing loosely translates to.

It may not be a new phenomenon, but it sure has paved the way for some of the best skincare combinations to take over our routines. Being a victim of sebaceous skin, I thought ceramides were my holy grail until I paired them with peptides. Now, they’re the duo my skin refuses to function without. Hence, pairing is the key! So, we turned to experts to uncover some of the best ingredient combinations and here are the ones you simply can’t go wrong with.

VITAMIN C & VITAMIN E 
The power duo 

Vitamin C and Vitamin E are considered to be one of the most effective antioxidant defences you can give your skin. A power-pact duo that swears by brightness, or as Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, founder and chief dermatologist at Alive Wellness Clinics, says, “consider them like best friends in skincare, as each makes the other stronger.” 

Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum, ₹8,400 for 30ml; Sunday Riley C.E.O. Body Butter, ₹4,640 approx; Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask, ₹1,850

HOW IT WORKS: One complements what the other lacks. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerhouse antioxidant that brightens skin by fading pigmentation and protects against free radical damage. But on its own, it can be a little unstable. That’s where Vitamin E (tocopherol) steps in as a saviour. It moisturises and stabilises Vitamin C, which further enhances its effectiveness and longevity,” explains Dr Chhabra.

ROUTINE PLACEMENT: As per experts, Vitamin C alone can fit into both your AM and PM routines. The best time to use this duo is in the morning, layered under sunscreen, so your skin stays guarded all day.

BEST SUITED FOR: For dull and uneven skin.

NIACINAMIDE & ZINC 
The zit quit 

This one’s a pro in eradicating your zits. “Niacinamide and zinc form a highly effective combination, especially for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types,” says Dr Debeshi, clinical cosmetic and aesthetic expert founder, Lueur Aesthetics. 

Glossier Super Pure Serum, ₹3,600, for 30ml; The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, ₹600 for 30ml; Sephora Clarifying Toner With 5% Niacinamide and Zinc, ₹1,800 for 200ml

HOW IT WORKS: “Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, ability to regulate sebum production, and improve overall skin texture. Zinc, a powerful mineral, complements these benefits by reducing inflammation, controlling excess oil, and promoting faster healing of acne lesions,” adds Dr Debeshi.

ROUTINE PLACEMENT: The best time to use products containing niacinamide and zinc is during the morning and evening skincare routines, as they are gentle and well-tolerated.

BEST SUITED FOR: Acne-prone and oily skin.

RETINOL & HYALURONIC ACID
Perfect synergy

Retinol may not have a very gullible reputation, but the ones who’ve benefited do not seem to let go of it. And if added with Hyaluronic Acid, it’s like the perfect partnership, especially for anti-ageing and skin renewal. “Retinol remodels the skin while hyaluronic acid cushions and protects it,” says Dr Chytra V Anand, Celebrity Cosmetologist, Founder, Kosmoderma Skin & Hair Clinics, and Chief Formulator, SkinQ. 

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, ₹16,600 for 30ml; COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream, ₹1,650 for 100g; iS Clinial Retinol + Emulsion 0.3, ₹10,700

HOW IT WORKS: “Retinol—a Vitamin A derivative—is known for its ability to normalise keratinisation, stimulate collagen synthesis, and reduce photoageing signs. However, its benefits often come with barrier disruption, dryness, and irritation. Hyaluronic Acid balances this effect by hydrating both the epidermis and dermis, maintaining barrier function,” shares Dr Anand.

ROUTINE PLACEMENT: The duo is recommended to be used during the evening hours.

BEST SUITED FOR: Normal to dry or mature skin. 

CERAMIDES & PEPTIDES
Repair and renew

A match made in heaven, indeed! The simplest and the purest form to achieve hydrated skin is by mixing up the two. 

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum, ₹15,000 for 50ml; Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Sleepair Intensive Soothing Repair Mask, ₹3,550 for 75ml; Formularx Barrier Plus Peptide Ceramide Moisturiser,₹699

HOW IT WORKS: The hydrating properties of ceramides and peptides rejuvenate the skin at multiple levels. “Ceramides, the essential lipids naturally found in the skin barrier, help seal in moisture and protect against external irritants, while peptides act as cell communicators, signalling the skin to produce more collagen and elastin,” says Dr Manisha Mareddy, Dermatoloist and Founder, Jade Dermatology.

ROUTINE PLACEMENT: “The best time to use ceramides and peptides is at night, when the skin’s natural repair processes peak. Layering a peptide serum under a ceramide-rich moisturiser enhances barrier recovery and supports overnight rejuvenation, resulting in smoother skin by morning,” states Dr Mareddy. 

BEST SUITED FOR: All skin types.  

All images: Courtesy Getty Images and the brands