BARGAIN ALERT: 15 Serums Under $80 That Actually Work
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
It's no secret we're big fans of cosmeceutical skin care here at Adore Beauty.
Give us a bougie serum packed with active ingredients and you can bet we'll slather it on our faces. And décolletages. Never forget the décolletage.
But it has to be said, skin care can get very expensive, very quickly. Especially when strangers on the internet are telling you your face will turn to dust unless you're using 1,567 different products.
Firstly, no one needs 1,567 skincare products. And secondly, not everyone wants or is able to spend hundreds of dollars on serums.
Yes, some skincare products have a high price tag for a reason, but you can absolutely find quality products that deliver results on a budget.
On that note, here is your beauty editor-approved list of just 15 of the best affordable serums.
What's considered 'affordable' is subjective, but for reference, we're talking about serums under $80 in this article, plus a couple of value beginner skincare routine sets under $150.
Watch our YouTube video below for our current favourites (or keep scrolling for the quick recap).
1. Viviology Vitamin C Serum, $55.
Viviology Vitamin C Serum 30mL is a brightening, antioxidant-rich serum with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Kakadu Plum Extract and Vitamin E.
The formula has been named as one of the best affordable vitamin C serums going around.
It defends against free-radical damage while helping to fade the look of hyperpigmentation for a brighter, more even complexion.
2. Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum, $49.
Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum 30mL is a triple-Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and B-vitamin complex that leaves skin feeling seriously plump, bright and protected.
The two-in-one serum deeply hydrates by binding water to the skin to fight the visible signs of dehydration. Skin appears brighter, bouncier and feels comfortable. Winning.
3. Viviology Retinol Serum 0.3%, $59.
Viviology Retinol Serum 0.3% 30mL is a slow-release 0.3% encapsulated retinol serum that improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The time-release technology combined with the creamy, hydrating base makes it perfect for retinol beginners and those with sensitised skin. Or anyone who prefers to use a gentler retinol serum more frequently (that's me!).
4. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $12.90.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - 30ml might just be the world's favourite affordable hydrating serum.
Multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 (also known as panthenol) help the skin to hold onto moisture. At less than $15, you can't go wrong.
5. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, $18.30.
Looking for an entry level vitamin A serum? The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane contains a gentle, non-irritating form of vitamin A called granactive retinoid and hydrating squalane in a formula most skin types will be able to tolerate.
A beginner anti-ageing serum for those on a budget.
6. The Ordinary Buffet, $24.90.
The Ordinary Buffet serum gets its name because it contains a buffet of ingredients that target the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: hyaluronic acid, peptides and amino acids.
You can learn more about this serum in our The Ordinary Buffet explainer here.
7. BOOST LAB AHA Glow Resurfacing Serum, $29.95.
As far as bang for your buck exfoliating serums go, BOOST LAB AHA Glow Resurfacing Serum is an easy winner. Gentle AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) lactic acid exfoliates the skin's surface for a smoother, brighter complexion.
We also reviewed this serum in our guide BOOST LAB serums article.
8. BOOST LAB 2D-Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum, $29.95.
Some affordable hydrating serums can feel sticky or tacky when you apply them, but BOOST LAB 2D-Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum is silky and doesn't pill.
It's got all the ingredients you want in a hydrating serum including two forms of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 (panthenol).
BONUS: Both these serums come in the BOOST LAB Supercharged Skincare Pack (7 Piece Set) that gives you all seven full-size 30ml serums for the price of five.
9. Skinstitut Retinol, $34.30.
Out of 541 customer reviews, Skinstitut Retinol 30ml is rated an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars.
The formula contains 0.25% retinol (an effective form of vitamin A), making it a low-medium strength product suitable for most skin types. Still, start slow, especially if you're a retinol beginner!
10. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Wrinkle Serum, $49.95.
Anecdotally, people love how plump and juicy L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Wrinkle Serum 30ml makes their skin feel.
Again, two forms of hyaluronic acid help the skin hold onto moisture, which in turn can reduce the appearance of dehydration, and fine lines and wrinkles.
11. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler Fragrance-Free Serum, $49.95.
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5 Percent Hyaluronic Acid Serum - Fragrance Free 30ml is a newer fragrance-free version of the brilliant original formula!
12. innisfree Brightening Pore Serum, $58.
Good affordable vitamin C serums can be hard to find, but innisfree Brightening Pore Serum 30ml is a Korean skincare favourite.
The formula contains ethyl ascorbic acid (a very mild form of vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E) for antioxidant protection, all-rounder niacinamide (vitamin B3) and hydrating vitamin B5 (panthenol).
Together, these ingredients help to improve the appearance of skin tone and texture.
13. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum, $59.95.
Want to target the appearance of ageing and blemishes at the same time?
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum 30ml is an exfoliating serum that uses two chemical exfoliation ingredients: glycolic acid (an AHA or alpha hydroxy acid) and salicylic acid (a BHA or beta hydroxy acid).
You can read our full La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum review here.
14. La Roche-Posay Niacinamide 10 Serum, $71.95.
La Roche-Posay Niacinamide 10 Serum 30mL is a multi-tasking serum that contains 10% niacinamide to improve the appearance of dark spots.
Together with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this niacinamide serum promises to even out skin tone, and hydrate, plump and brighten the skin.
15. Alpha-H Vitamin Serums.
We wrap up this list with not one, but four brilliant entry level serums that will also look chic in your bathroom.
Alpha-H Vitamin Discovery Kit (4 x 10ml) allows you to try all four of Alpha-H's vitamin serums (vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E) at roughly $32 per serum.
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