Every Maruderm formula is built around a proven active. Use this guide to understand what each ingredient does, who it suits and how to combine it safely. Not sure where to start? Take the 60-second routine quiz.
Quick pairing rules
- Retinol + AHA/BHA: don't use them in the same routine. Alternate evenings.
- Vitamin C + retinol: vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night.
- Acids, retinol or vitamin C: always finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+.
- Easy pairs: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, centella and panthenol work with almost everything.
- New product? Patch-test on a small area for 24 hours and introduce one active at a time.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip retinol and check with your doctor before using other actives.
Ingredients A–Z
Niacinamide
What it does: Helps the look of enlarged pores, uneven tone and excess shine, and supports the skin barrier.
Best for: Oily, combination and blemish-prone skin; anyone with uneven-looking tone.
Good to know: Gentle and easy to pair with almost everything, including acids, retinol and vitamin C.
Find it in: Niacinamide 10% Serum, Niacinamide 10% Cream, Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Serum
Salicylic acid (BHA)
What it does: An oil-soluble exfoliant that works inside the pore to help clear blackheads and congestion.
Best for: Oily, congested or blemish-prone skin.
Good to know: Start every other day. Don't use in the same routine as retinol; alternate evenings instead. Wear SPF daily.
Find it in: Pore Minimizing Daily Serum, BHA Pore Cleaning Daily Toner, Salicylic Acid & Tea Tree Oil Clay Mask
Glycolic acid (AHA)
What it does: A surface exfoliant that helps smooth rough texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
Best for: Dull or uneven texture; normal to oily skin.
Good to know: Use in the evening, a few times a week to start. Don't layer with retinol on the same night. Wear SPF daily.
Find it in: Glycolic Acid 7% Toner, Glycolic Acid 5% Clay Mask
Azelaic acid
What it does: Helps the look of redness, blemishes and uneven tone, and is gentle enough for many sensitive skin types.
Best for: Redness-prone, blemish-prone or uneven-looking skin.
Good to know: Can tingle at first; start once a day. Pairs well with niacinamide.
Find it in: Azelaic Acid 10% Solution Serum, Azelaic Acid Solution 5% Cream
Retinol
What it does: The classic renewing ingredient for the look of fine lines, firmness and uneven texture.
Best for: Anyone starting an anti-aging routine; begin with 0.3% before moving to 0.5%.
Good to know: Evening only, 2–3 nights a week at first. Don't use with AHA/BHA on the same night. Wear SPF daily. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Find it in: Retinol 0.3% Serum, Retinol 0.5% Serum, Retinol 0.3% Anti-Aging Night Cream
Bakuchiol
What it does: A plant-based alternative to retinol for smoother, firmer-looking skin.
Best for: Sensitive skin or anyone who finds retinol too strong.
Good to know: Can be used morning and evening.
Find it in: Bakuchiol Cream
Vitamin C
What it does: An antioxidant that helps brighten dull skin and even out the look of tone.
Best for: Dull, tired-looking or uneven skin.
Good to know: Best in the morning under SPF. If you also use retinol, keep retinol for the evening.
Find it in: Vitamin C Daily Glow Serum, Vitamin C Facial Cleansing Gel
Tranexamic acid
What it does: Helps the look of dark spots and discoloration.
Best for: Uneven tone and post-blemish marks.
Good to know: Gentle and pairs well with niacinamide and vitamin C.
Find it in: Tranexamic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid
What it does: A humectant that draws water into the skin for plumper, hydrated-looking skin.
Best for: Every skin type, especially dry or dehydrated skin.
Good to know: Apply to slightly damp skin and follow with a moisturizer. Pairs with everything.
Find it in: Hyaluronic Acid & Collagen Anti-Aging Serum, Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Cream
Centella asiatica (cica)
What it does: A soothing plant extract that calms the look of redness and supports comfortable skin.
Best for: Sensitive, reactive or stressed skin.
Good to know: Pairs well with actives to keep your routine comfortable.
Find it in: Centella Asiatica Extract Toner, Centella Soothing & Hydrating Cream, Centella Moisturizing Milk Serum
Panthenol (vitamin B5)
What it does: Softens and soothes, and helps support a healthy-looking skin barrier.
Best for: Dry, sensitive or over-exfoliated skin.
Good to know: Pairs with everything.
Find it in: Repairing & Strengthening Barrier Cream
Urea
What it does: A moisturizer and gentle exfoliant that softens rough, dry and bumpy skin.
Best for: Very dry body skin, rough elbows, knees and heels.
Good to know: For body use. Can sting on broken skin.
Find it in: 10% Urea Intense Moisturizing Body Cream
Caffeine
What it does: Helps the look of puffiness and tired-looking eyes.
Best for: Puffy or tired-looking under-eyes.
Good to know: Tap gently around the eye area, morning and evening.
Find it in: Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum
Snail mucin
What it does: Hydrates and helps skin look smoother and more resilient.
Best for: Dry, dull or dehydrated skin.
Good to know: Pairs with everything. Not suitable if you avoid animal-derived ingredients.
Find it in: Next-Gen Snail Mucin 96% Ultimate Essence, Snail Mucin 92% Ultimate Repair Cream
These are cosmetic products. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a skin condition, talk to a dermatologist.