Most Beneficial Combinations of Actives in Skincare.

• Vitamin C and arbutin acid:

  Vitamin C or ascorbic acid targets the oxidation of dermal cells and helps neutralize the free radicals that alter its natural biological functioning and cause the premature appearance of signs of aging. Acting over the long term, vitamin C and arbutin acid not only brighten the complexion, but also reduce the signs of skin aging. As part of your beauty routine, morning and night, for example, you can apply the vitamin C radiance serum first, followed by the pigmentation spot serum formulated with 2% alpha-arbutin and lemon extract.

• Hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid:

  Skin care ingredients that really work together are hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, as both optimize skin hydration. Their main difference lies in their origin: hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body (mainly in the skin), while polyglutamic acid is not. Their chemical structure and molecular weight are also different. Hyaluronic acid penetrates deeper into the skin because its molecular weight is lower. Hyaluronic acid thus acts on the inner cells of the epidermis, providing long-lasting hydration and helping to oxygenate, tone and nourish the skin. Polyglutamic acid forms a protective film on the surface of the stratum corneum, preventing water evaporation. During your beauty routine, morning and evening, for example, you can apply the moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid first, followed by the plumping serum with polyglutamic acid and red algae extract.

• Vitamin C and ferulic acid.

  Ferulic acid fights free radicals to prevent and correct wrinkles. Combined with vitamin C, both actives in skincare together effectively combat the signs of skin aging. What's more, ferulic acid helps stabilize vitamin C so that its antioxidant power is retained for as long as possible. The order in which these two molecules are applied to the skin is not relevant. Only the texture of the product needs to be taken into account, so choose the thinner product first, then apply the more viscous one second. For example, in the evening, you can first apply our antioxidant serum with ferulic acid and resveratrol, then use the antioxidant cream with vitamin C and lemon extract. Although the ferulic acid serum can also be used in the morning, we recommend it only in the evening, due to the oily finish it can leave behind.

• Vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid.

  According to a study published in 2013, the age-reducing effects of vitamin C are increased tenfold when combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid. More precisely, a mixture of 0.5% ferulic acid and 1% vitamin E with 15% vitamin C multiplies the latter's action by eight. To combine these three active ingredients in your evening-only routine, first apply the 5-vitamin Firming & Radiance Complex (vitamin C, pro-vitamin B5, vitamin B3, vitamin E and vitamin B6). Then use the antioxidant serum with 3% ferulic acid and 3% resveratrol, which neutralizes free radicals induced by UV rays and pollution, and slows down premature skin aging.

The following combinations are only beneficial for resistant skin that doesn't usually react to actives in skincare:

• Glycolic acid and azelaic acid:

  Mixing skin care products with these two ingredients is particularly effective in targeting various skin problems, such as pimples or uneven skin tone (melasma, post-acne marks, etc…). Studies have shown that combining these two active ingredients one on top of the other helps even out your complexion (reducing the appearance of pigmentation spots) and treat pimples. For example, to solve your blemish problem, you can apply the glycolic acid exfoliating lotion followed by the azelaic acid mattifying serum. Furthermore, glycolic acid's exfoliating properties encourage the absorption of azelaic acid.

• Retinol and glycolic acid:

  If your skin tolerates them well, a study has shown that these are two skin care ingredients that really work together. They are effective in reducing acne and the post-acne marks, but beware: this combination can lead to dry skin. Alternatively, a good way of integrating retinol into your beauty routine alongside glycolic acid would be to alternate them every other night: one night using retinol, the other night using a leave-in exfoliator followed by a moisturizing face cream.

• Retinol and salicylic acid:

  A study has shown that applying a retinol-based skin care product directly after a salicylic acid-based peel can be effective in improving photo-aging-related skin marks (pigment spots, fine lines and wrinkles). To benefit from these virtues, during your evening routine, after cleansing your skin, you can apply the purifying toner with a cotton pad all over your face before using the wrinkles and fine lines serum with 0.3% retinol.

• Azelaic acid and niacinamide:

  Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, helps restore the skin's barrier function and participates in the healing process. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it attenuates the marks and redness left by imperfections.

  For an overall action on redness, you can combine niacinamide with azelaic acid. Together, these two actives in skincare form a real defense for combination to oily skin. So, in morning and evening, on clean, dry skin, first apply the matifying serum with 10% azelaic acid, wait a few seconds for it to penetrate the skin, then apply the unifying serum with 12% niacinamide all over the face.