The Best Budget Face Serums to Try

Serums are a wonderful product to have in your skincare arsenal. Their lightweight yet concentrated formulas go deep into the skin, plus provide plenty of benefits without having to layer on a tonne of product. A little goes a long way with serums, meaning that if you're that way inclined, you could definitely splurge a little more on serums than say a body moisturiser.

However, those of us on tighter budgets still deserve to feel and look great, and thanks to all the affordable and science-backed brands out there, it’s totally doable! There are so many serums on the market that will help you achieve your skincare goals—whether that’s clearing blemishes, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, hydrating dry skin—without breaking the bank.

Some notable brands we always trust to give us effective products at a budget price are The Ordinary, Q+A, The INKEY List and even Bondi Sands, who have branched out from sun protection and tanning into the wonderful world of skincare.

If you’re new to the world of serums and aren’t sure about how to use them, check out our Ultimate Guide to Face Oils and Serums. But if you’re ready to jump right in and start saving some serious dough, here are our top picks for affordable serums that work just as well as the pricey ones.

(P.S. We’ve divided up this list into various skin concerns for ease of reading, but a lot of serums fit into multiple categories and will address multiple concerns - for the price of one product. Heck yes!)

What to look for in a face serum? (Even if you're on a budget)

When shopping for a good face serum on a budget, it's important to focus on ingredients rather than price tags or fancy packaging. A quality serum doesn't have to be expensive—it just needs to contain effective, science-backed ingredients that target your specific skin concerns. For example, if you're dealing with dryness, look for serums with hyaluronic acid or glycerin for deep hydration.

For brightening or evening out skin tone, vitamin C and niacinamide are excellent options. Those with acne-prone skin may benefit from ingredients like salicylic acid or zinc. Regardless of your budget, choosing a serum that matches your skin type and goals is key. Many affordable brands now offer high-performance formulas without the luxury markup, proving that effective skincare can be accessible to everyone.

Best budget face serum by skin concern

Best for dark spots and hyperpigmentation

Best for dry skin

Best for anti-ageing

Best for blemishes & acne-prone skin

How to get the most out of affordable face serums

Even the best budget face serum won’t deliver results if it’s not used properly. To maximise effectiveness, always apply your serum to clean, slightly damp skin—this helps lock in moisture and allows the ingredients to penetrate more effectively. Serums should be applied before moisturiser but after toner, if you're using one.

Use just a few drops—serums are concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Gently press the product into your skin with your fingertips instead of rubbing it in, which can be irritating or wasteful. Be consistent with your routine, as most serums take several weeks to show noticeable results.

It’s also important to store your serum correctly, especially if it contains active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol. Keep the bottle sealed tightly, away from heat and sunlight, to prevent oxidation and preserve potency. Finally, patch-test new serums if you have sensitive skin, and introduce only one new product at a time to avoid irritation or unexpected reactions.

FAQs

Q: Can budget serums be as effective as expensive ones?
Yes! Many budget serums contain the same active ingredients as high-end options, often with similar concentrations. Brands like The Ordinary, Minimalist, and Bondi Sands are known for using research-backed formulas at affordable prices. The key is focusing on the ingredient list, not the brand name.

Q: How often should I use a face serum?
Most face serums can be used once or twice daily—morning and night. However, this depends on the formula and your skin type. Hydrating and calming serums are usually safe to use twice a day, while stronger actives like vitamin C or exfoliating acids might be better suited for once-a-day or alternate-day use.

Q: Are high street serums safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, but it’s important to read labels and avoid harsh additives like alcohol, synthetic fragrance, or unnecessary fillers. Look for serums labelled “fragrance-free”, “hypoallergenic”, or “non-comedogenic” if your skin is reactive. Always do a patch test and introduce new products slowly to avoid irritation.

Q: Can I layer multiple serums together?
In many cases, yes—but it’s best to keep it simple, especially if you're new to skincare. Try to layer from the thinnest to the thickest texture, and avoid combining strong actives like retinol and acids unless you’re experienced or guided by a dermatologist. When in doubt, alternate use or stick to one targeted serum at a time.

Now that you're all stocked up on affordable serums, follow them up with these Best Cheap Moisturisers. We also recommend you check out these Hybrid Makeup/Skincare products to cut down your beauty budget even more.