Upgrade These Viral Skincare Ingredients With Their Perfect Pairings

Every season is an opportunity for new ingredients to be explored and new skincare formulas to be developed. As the audience, we get a front-seat perspective of the latest innovations within the K-beauty world, presented to us through up-and-coming ingredients that hold promise for even better skin results. When these ingredients are combined with the right pairings, the outcomes are even more extraordinary and can speed up your progress towards achieving specific skin goals. From calm and bright skin to even skin texture, keep reading on for the complementary duos with viral ingredients to add to your routine.

NAD+ and Vitamin C

Hailey Bieber loves it, Jennifer Aniston loves it; NAD+ is the hottest ingredient to add to your skincare routine. NAD+ is an ingredient focused on deep cellular repair, working to heal damaged skin and strengthen skin resilience. It works great with Vitamin C because while the former takes care of the deeper layers of skin, the latter ensures the surface is protected with antioxidants against environmental stress. When used together, this NAD+ and Vitamin C combo fosters a firm, plumped and even appearance.

numbuzin - No.9+ NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - numbuzin

EQQUALBERRY - Vitamin Illuminating Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - EQQUALBERRY

Matcha and Heartleaf

Who knew your favorite beverage was also such a useful skincare ingredient? Matcha is one of 2026’s trendiest ingredients, not only because it makes for a tasty post-workout boost, but also it offers several skin benefits such as fighting free radical damage, controlling excess sebum and detoxifying impurities. When paired up with Heartleaf extract, the two ingredients work synergistically to soothe skin affected by breakouts, calming redness and ensuring a comfortable oil-water balance. Acne-prone and sensitive complexions take note.

Dr.Ceuracle - Jeju Matcha Tea Essence

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dr.Ceuracle

Abib - Heartleaf TECA Capsule Serum Calming Drop

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Abib

Volufiline and Peptide

The concept of a natural botox alternative almost seems too good to be true, but then there’s Volufiline, the plant-derived ingredient that’s gaining rapid momentum in the beauty world. This miracle component supports fat cell accumulation for more dense and plump skin, effectively smoothing out fine lines and filling out hollow areas of the face (as botox would). Team it up with Peptide that boosts collagen and elastin within the skin, and you’re on your way towards a bouncy, youthful complexion with improved skin texture and a lifted effect.

CELDYQUE - 100% Pure Volufiline Concentrate Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - CELDYQUE

medicube - PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - medicube

Azelaic Acid and Retinol

ICYDK, Azelaic Acid is a real skincare MVP: this calming ingredient fights against acne, bacteria, redness and hyperpigmentation, all while being sensitive-skin friendly. It’s a wonderful partner to use with Retinol because together they provide a balanced solution to breakouts, uneven skin texture and irritation. Not only do they treat existing blemishes, but they also prevent new ones from appearing. Note for ultra-sensitive complexions: if you’re trying out this combo, it’s safest to use Azelaic Acid in the AM and Retinol in the PM to avoid potential irritation.

VT - Azelaic Acid A1 Calming Ampoule

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - VT

APLB - Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Facial Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - APLB

Kojic Acid and Licorice

If a bright, luminous complexion is your skin goal for 2026, Kojic Acid is the must-have ingredient on your top shelf. It fades hyperpigmentation and dullness by inhibiting melanin production, visibly restoring radiance to your appearance. How are these benefits elevated with Licorice? Licorice is soothing and provides antioxidant protection, and the two make a useful duo for treating complexions during and after breakouts or eczema flareups. Begone pesky scarring and irritation, hello calm and radiant skin.

medicube - Kojic Acid Turmeric Pad

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - medicube

Cos De BAHA - A-Arbutin 5 Licorice Serum (AL)

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Cos De BAHA