The 11 Best Affordable Face Serums for Plump, Radiant Skin

Vitamin C is a powerful anti-aging weapon. Vitamin C not only fades sunspots and hyperpigmentation, but it also makes sunscreen more effective, according to Dr. Marchbein. Many skin care companies don’t advertise their product’s ingredient percentages, but CeraVe Vitamin C Serum is upfront about adding 10 percent L-Ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C), making this one of the most potent face serums under $15.

The skin-brightening formula also includes good-for-you skin ingredients such as essential ceramides, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and soothing vitamin B5. Another vitamin C pro tip: Vitamin C oxidizes quickly, so be sure to purchase it in an opaque container that protects it from light and extends its shelf life.

If you’re looking for affordable face serums that also happen to be vegan and cruelty-free, then set your sights on bareMinerals Skinlongevity Long Life Herb Serum. It’s been clinically shown to strengthen the skin’s barrier by 45 percent, improve skin’s texture by 75 percent, and reduce fine lines by 25 percent. It has minerals and antioxidants to help combat free radical damage and smooth skin’s texture. It’s free from phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, mineral oil, and microbeads, too.

Transform your bedtime routine by applying a few pumps of Teal Botanicals Night Repar Serum to your face and neck in a light, upward motion until it’s fully absorbed. This face serum is made in the United States, using such organic and natural ingredients as aloe leaf juice, hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, white tea leaf extract, white willow bark extract, green tea leaf extract, and lemongrass oil. You’ll see in the morning just how much your skin loves the rich antioxidants and overnight boost of moisture.

There aren’t many skin care ingredients out there that are truly universal for all skin types and tones, but hyaluronic acid is an exception. Don’t let the word “acid” mislead you. This is the best face ingredient for serious moisturizing results. According to Dr. Marchbein, hyaluronic acid molecules absorb 1,000 times their weight in water, drawing moisture into the skin. “Hyaluronic acid is a great moisturizing booster,” she says. “Aging skin can often be dry, so this is a key ingredient to look for, especially in the winter.”

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum has 2 percent hyaluronic acid plus matrixyl peptides to boost collagen production. At just $8 an ounce, the product sells out regularly and for good reason. Be sure to apply it on damp skin to reap the most benefits.

Why choose a product that only addresses aging from one angle, when you could choose one with a triple anti-aging complex? The Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid serum from beloved French brand La Roche-Posay helps visibly plump, hydrate, and reduce signs of fine lines through its formulation of pure hyaluronic acid, plus a booster (nourishing madecassoside) and a buffer (soothing vitamin B5) so that it’s gentle even on sensitive skin. It’s free of parabens and oils and dermatologist tested. Just three to four drops morning and evening is all it takes to reap the benefits.

A derivative of vitamin A, retinoids are the gold standard for skin renewal. Retinol, in its many forms, is the most powerful skin care ingredient available. It’s been proven to increase cell turnover, which minimizes fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and acne. Apply The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid serum to your clean, dry face at night. Let the serum completely sink in before adding additional serums or moisturizers.

Dr. Marchbein advises, “You can get a prescription from your dermatologist for retinol if you don’t see results with a serum, but many patients benefit from over-the-counter serums.” Wearing daily sunscreen and moisturizer is a requirement for people using retinol—you need to protect your skin from UV exposure and keep it hydrated.

If it’s good enough for Jennifer Aniston, Ashley Graham, and Serena Williams, surely it’s worth a shot, right? Rosewater Serum from Heritage Store is lauded for its signature Damask rose oil, which refreshes and soothes, and its hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture. For an extra dose of TLC, store this vegan and cruelty-free product it in the fridge and pair your application with a rose quartz facial roller.

If one of your goals when selecting affordable face serums is a formula to fade the appearance of dark spots and acne scars, then look no further than Undefined Beauty’s R&R Day Serum. There’s plenty of plant-based magic here to love, including tremella mushroom, Kakadu plum, licorice root, aloe, noni fruit and purslane, alongside such workhorses as vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid.

There’s just something decadent about lavender, which is why all of Belfiore Herbal’s products are derived from only the finest lavender grown in northern California. The brand’s Super Serum contains a winning formula under the affordable face serums’ umbrella: vitamins A, C, and E, alongside hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. It’s the quickest way to ace your skincare routine!

Niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) is a three-for-one face serum ingredient. Niacinimide prevents breakouts by regulating oil production and pigment-making cells (goodbye dark spots), and soothing inflammation. Dr. Marchbein says the best face serums often contain niacinamide, so you get all the benefits without having to add another step to your skin care routine. Olay’s Wrinkle Correction Serum with Vitamin B3+ Collagen Peptides fits the bill, and also includes collagen-boosting peptides to increase cell turnover, boost moisture levels, and plump fine lines. Speaking of moisture levels, you can pair this serum with the best-selling Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 moisturizer for more hydrated, smoother and brighter skin.

Sometimes, a name just says it all, and we appreciate the honesty. If your skin had a late night, there’s no need to fret. Simply reach for your Too Faced Hangover Good in Bed Hydrating Serum and let it work its magic. The vitamin B5, yogurt probiotics, hyaluronic acid, and dragon fruit help moisturize, plump, soothe, and replenish your skin so nobody will ever know just how little sleep you got.