When it comes to skin care, certain products go together like two peas in a pod. Think mustard and ketchup or chocolate and vanilla: Sure, they’re good on their own, but they work even better as a pair. Don’t just take our word for it, though. We tapped Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai, who kindly gave us a primer on which products are most compatible and effective as a duo.

“As much as we’d all love to find the ‘silver bullet’ of skin care, no product performs every function we want it to,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “Pairing products is the next best thing you can do to give your skin the complement of ingredients it needs.”

Curious to know which of your skincare staples work better as a team? Just keep on scrolling.

Vitamin C Serum and Overnight Mask

What’s better than the brightening power of vitamin C? Adding in a boost of skin-resurfacing acids via a concentrated sleeping mask. Alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin C are scientifically proven powerful exfoliating agents, so it makes sense to layer them for best effects (for those unsure, here’s a handy primer on how to do just that without irritating your complexion). While any combo of the two is theoretically going to be more effective, it’s the combination of the fast-acting serum and the long-lasting overnight mask that really kicks the exfoliation into high gear. Case in point: Glow Recipe’s Pineapple-C Bright Serum and the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask. Pineapple-C is used daily, both in the morning and evening, to even out hyperpigmentation from acne scars and sun exposure via three forms of vitamin C, including antioxidant-rich pineapple juice. Watermelon Glow is an overnight sensation that exfoliates, clears out clogged pores, and re-texturizes rough, uneven skin while you sleep. Add in some hyaluronic acid and its naturally soothing namesake fruit and you’ve got a duo that will make your complexion bright and smooth like no other.

Essence and Sheet Masks

Take your skin’s hydration to a whole new level (we’re talking glass skin status here, folks) by simply using a sheet mask right after applying your essence. This will lock in moisture while adding even more hydrating benefits into the mix. The fan-favorite Whamisa Deep Rich Toner is formulated with fermented dandelion, aloe vera extract, and argan oil — among other deeply nourishing ingredients — and works like a charm underneath Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Jelly Sheet Mask.

Serum and Oil

Much like sheet masks, there are myriad types of serums on the market: ones that fight acne, reduce redness, brighten skin tone, and so on. Most of them, however, aren’t necessarily designed to moisturize the skin, says Dr. Zeichner, which is why pairing them with an oil is in your best interest (especially if your complexion is on the drier side). “Oils are natural emollients that soften and hydrate the skin, making them a great product option to pair with your serum,” he explains. Try layering your favorite facial oil or a mask like Jullai’s Super 12 Bounce Oil in Mask on top of a serum such as Yuripibu’s Asiatica Calming Ampoule — the latter of which is packed with soothing cica — for super-tranquil, baby-soft skin. Bonus: If you’ve indulged in a little too much fun in the sun, this duo is great for hydrating and healing sunburned skin.

Moisturizer and SPF

Any reputable dermatologist in the world will tell you that if you do nothing else to your skin, you should at least be applying sunscreen every single day. “Even really low levels of UV light exposure add up over a lifetime and contribute to premature aging and skin cancer,” explains Dr. Zeichner, who says if you’re not using a moisturizer with SPF in it, then you need to make sure to wear both for best results. “Pairing your sunscreen with your face moisturizer helps to maintain skin hydration and keep your skin barrier in prime shape,” he says. It’s also an ideal cocktail for those with drier skin types, as some sunscreens aren’t hydrating enough on their own. Make P:rem’s Blue Ray Sun Gel is a beautiful weightless option that wears well underneath just about any lotion or cream—especially a product like Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer, which is packed with antioxidants and nutrient-rich amino acids.

They say two is better than one, and with these perfect product pairs, we think that saying is spot on. Happy skincare cocktailing!