TOP BEST 7 BUDGET-FRIENDLY FACE SERUMS OF 2021

Tracy Nguyen
4 min readMar 22, 2021

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No matter what skin issue that you’re looking to treat — whether it’s dryness, dullness or the signs of aging — there’s a face serum for that.
As lightweight liquids, face serums are the best way to get active ingredients into your skin. Not only are they highly concentrated, but they also sink in quickly, since they’re not weighed down by heavy emollients. That also makes them easy to layer underneath a cream, oil, sunscreen or foundation.
All you need to do is decide which one(s) will be best for your skin — and this guide can help.
Here’s how to navigate the hundreds of serums out there, plus my top product picks for every skin concern and skin type.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum

Looking for a serum to give you youthful-looking skin at a budget-friendly price? The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum does not disappoint. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy-acid that helps improve the appearance of dull, aging skin. After every use, you’ll find your skin feels smoother and more refined and looks brighter.

Vichy Minéral 89

Hyaluronic acid is another key ingredient that can promote youthful-looking skin, thanks to its hydrating benefits. This serum from Vichy combines Vichy mineralizing thermal water, 15 minerals and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump and fortify skin, making it more resistant to visible signs of aging caused by pollution, stress and fatigue.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

This drugstore formula contains retinol to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture, hyaluronic acid for extra hydration and radiance, niacinamide for calming benefits and ceramides to help restore your skin’s natural barrier.

Garnier Green Labs Canna-B Pore Perfecting Serum Cream

If you struggle with excess shine and combination skin, try this three-in-one formula that serves as a moisturizer, serum and sunscreen. With niacinamide and cannabis sativa seed oil, it also works to minimize large pores and mattify the skin.

L’Oréal Paris Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% Retinol

Looking for a potent, pure retinol serum to help target fine lines and wrinkles? Opt for this wallet-friendly option. It has a combination of 0.3% pure retinol to visibly reduce deep wrinkles and smooth out skin texture for just $30. We also love that it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

I Dew Care Bright Side Up Brightening Vitamin C Serum

If your skin needs a boost of radiance, try the I Dew Care Bright Side Up Brightening Vitamin C Serum. The lightweight, jelly formula makes the skin look plumped and bright, thanks to the formula infused with nourishing vitamins C, E, B5 and grapefruit extract.

Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum

Acne-prone skin has nothing on this clarifying formula. With a blend of willow bark extract, zinc and niacinamide, it works to decongest pores and calm redness, helping you achieve glowy, clear and balanced skin.

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