10 Best Affordable Serums in the Philippines 2026 | Belo Essentials, Garnier, and More
Skincare doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective, and there are products like affordable serums to help address your skin concerns. Serums deliver increased doses of active ingredients to help you achieve your skin goals faster. They’ve become increasingly popular and have found their way into many people’s skincare regimens.
Because of the many options out there, we have prepared a buying guide, reviewed by Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, to teach you all that you need to know when choosing the best budget-friendly serum. We also curated a list of the ten best affordable serums you can order online to make your skin dreams come true.
Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, MD, DPDS is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila, and achieving healthy skin is her goal in every skin journey she has with her patients. She also aims to raise awareness on healthy skin facts and skincare habits. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and is currently offering online consults for any skin, hair, and nail concerns. You can follow her on her Instagram and Facebook page to know more details about her practice!
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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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How to Choose an Affordable Serum - Buying Guide
Whether you're a skincare enthusiast on a budget or simply seeking cost-effective options without compromising quality, we've got you covered. Dive into our curated selection of budget-friendly serums that deliver results without breaking the bank! For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Look for Active Ingredients That Are Suitable for Your Skin Type
The active ingredients that your serum has are the star of the show. Make sure that they’re going to address the skin concerns that you have, so you can maximize the benefits and value of your chosen product. Here are some common ingredients that you will encounter.
Tea Tree and Vitamin C Are Beneficial for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Tea tree is a popular ingredient used to dry out acne. It’s anti-inflammatory and has anti-microbial properties, too, so it will help calm your skin and avoid future breakouts, making it helpful if you have oily and acne-prone skin.
Meanwhile, vitamin C helps brighten the skin, treating hyperpigmentation marks and scars left by acne. Zinc also has the same effect of reducing the appearance of blemishes. Some other ingredients that are usually paired with these are glutathione and peptides.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that prevents early signs of skin aging as well. It is recommended to be applied in the morning as it works synergistically with sunscreen to prevent skin damage.
AHAs and BHAs Are Effective for Oily Skin
BHAs are one of the commonly known exfoliators, which is very helpful in combatting oiliness. BHAs, like salicylic acid, penetrate the deeper layers of your skin to break down impurities that have clogged your pores. They are also useful in preventing the formation of blackheads.
Meanwhile, AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid gently exfoliate the surface of your skin, which helps get rid of dead skin cells, gunk, and excess sebum. That way, you can get rid of dull skin and reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin without experiencing dryness or irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and PHAs Are Great for Dry Skin
If you suffer from dry and dull skin, hyaluronic acid is a good ingredient to have in your serum. It provides hydration to your skin, making it look supple and youthful. On the other hand, niacinamide helps retain moisture and strengthens your skin’s barrier, so your skin stays nourished all day.
PHAs are also another ingredient that helps provide hydration to your skin and support skin cell regeneration, all while gently exfoliating your skin. This way, aside from helping you get softer and smoother skin, it also reduces the appearance of fine lines and other signs of aging.
Niacinamide is a brightening ingredient that fades away dark spots. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant that hydrates the skin from within. HA can either be low molecular or high molecular weight. Low molecular HA, such as sodium hyaluronate, can penetrate the skin deeper.
Avoid Serums With Alcohol, Fragrances, or Parabens if You Have Sensitive Skin
Some serums may be formulated with alcohol, fragrances, or parabens, which can irritate your skin, especially if it tends to be sensitive. Even though these ingredients aren’t necessarily harmful, they each have traits that may cause adverse reactions. For instance, some alcohols like ethyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol are drying to the skin.
Meanwhile, artificial fragrances may cause redness, irritation, or allergic reactions. Lastly, parabens can cause irritation for some people, so it’s better to avoid them altogether. As a precaution, opt for a serum with none of these ingredients; it would actually be good to get one with as few ingredients as possible.
Check the Concentration of the Ingredients in the Serum
Some ingredients, like vitamin C and niacinamide, are only effective when used in certain concentrations. A good rule of thumb in figuring out the right concentration is that if you’re new to using a certain ingredient in your skincare routine, it is best to start with a lower dose.
For example, vitamin C is best used from a concentration of 5% to 20%. If you’re new to it or have sensitive skin, then go for one with a lower dose of 5% to 8%. Meanwhile, niacinamide is effective at concentrations of 2% to 10%. Similarly, start with 2% and work your way up.
For the percent concentration of a particular ingredient, it is important to remember that it is not always the higher percent, the better. One has to take into consideration skin concerns, skin types, and also other skincare ingredients in one's routine. A pro tip for beginners is to start low and slowーlow percentage, and slowly introducing it to your skin.
Go for a Serum From a Trusted Brand and Read Feedback From Customers
Even though you’re looking for an affordable serum, it’s still important to get one from a trusted brand. Many established skincare companies have budget-friendly options, so it’s best to go for those since you can ensure that they’re safe and effective.
It’s best to read feedback from customers, too, so you can manage your expectations and know whether or not you’re getting value for your money. A tip is to look for reviews from customers who have the same skin type as you do, so you can learn and get some insights from their experience.
10 Best Affordable Serums to Buy Online
| Products | Image | Click to purchase | Popularity | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Serum Type | Best For | Key Ingredients | Paraben-Free | |||||
1 | Niacinamide 5% + Salicylic Acid Serum Dr. Sensitive |  | No.1 | Anti-Acne | All Skin Types | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin | ||
2 | Bright Complete Anti-Acne Booster Serum Garnier |  | No.2 | Skin-Brightening Serum | All Skin Types, Including Acne-Prone, Combination, Oily, Sensitive | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, AHA, Vitamin C Derivative | ||
3 | 10% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid High-Strength Formula Serum Dermorepubliq |  | No.3 | Oil-Control | All Skin Types, Including Combination, Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Cucumber Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin | ||
4 | AHA/BHA Skin Renewing Serum Belo Essentials |  | No.4 | Exfoliating | All Skin Types, Including Combination, Sensitive | Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide | ||
5 | Pimple Eraser Clarifying Serum QUICKFX |  | No.5 | Anti-Acne | All Skin Types, Including Acne-Prone, Oily, Combination | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Tea Tree Extract | ||
6 | Hyaluronic Acid Serum Good Molecules |  | No.6 | Hydrating Serum | All Skin Types, Including Dry, Combination, Sensitive | Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin | ||
7 | Brightening Radiance Boosting Serum Celeteque |  | No.7 | Skin-Brightening Serum | All Skin Types, Including Combination, Normal, Sensitive | Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Vitamin C Derivative, Glycerin | ||
8 | Bright Miracle Serum Burst Cream Pond's |  | No.8 | Skin-Brightening Serum | All Skin Types, Including Combination | Niacinamide-C, Gluta-Boost-C, Vitamin E | ||
9 | Double Boosting Brightening Serum Snailwhite |  | No.9 | Skin-Brightening Serum | All Skin Types, Including Sensitive and Acne-Prone | Snail Secretion Filtrate, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Arbutin | ||
10 | Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum Isntree |  | No.10 | Hydrating Serum | All Skin Types, Including Dry, Combination, Sensitive | Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Panthenol | ||
Dr. SensitiveNiacinamide 5% + Salicylic Acid Serum
| Serum Type | Anti-Acne |
|---|---|
| Best For | All Skin Types |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin |
| Paraben-Free |
GarnierBright Complete Anti-Acne Booster Serum
| Serum Type | Skin-Brightening Serum |
|---|---|
| Best For | All Skin Types, Including Acne-Prone, Combination, Oily, Sensitive |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, AHA, Vitamin C Derivative |
| Paraben-Free |
Dermorepubliq10% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid High-Strength Formula Serum
| Serum Type | Oil-Control |
|---|---|
| Best For | All Skin Types, Including Combination, Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive |
| Key Ingredients | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Cucumber Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin |
| Paraben-Free |
Belo Essentials AHA/BHA Skin Renewing Serum
| Serum Type | Exfoliating |
|---|---|
| Best For | All Skin Types, Including Combination, Sensitive |
| Key Ingredients | Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide |
| Paraben-Free |
QUICKFXPimple Eraser Clarifying Serum
| Serum Type | Anti-Acne |
|---|---|
| Best For | All Skin Types, Including Acne-Prone, Oily, Combination |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Tea Tree Extract |
| Paraben-Free |
| Serum Type | Hydrating Serum |
|---|---|
| Best For | All Skin Types, Including Dry, Combination, Sensitive |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin |
| Paraben-Free |
Celeteque Brightening Radiance Boosting Serum
| Serum Type | Skin-Brightening Serum |
|---|---|
| Best For | All Skin Types, Including Combination, Normal, Sensitive |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Vitamin C Derivative, Glycerin |
| Paraben-Free |
Pond's Bright Miracle Serum Burst Cream
| Serum Type | Skin-Brightening Serum |
|---|---|
| Best For | All Skin Types, Including Combination |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide-C, Gluta-Boost-C, Vitamin E |
| Paraben-Free |
SnailwhiteDouble Boosting Brightening Serum
| Serum Type | Skin-Brightening Serum |
|---|---|
| Best For | All Skin Types, Including Sensitive and Acne-Prone |
| Key Ingredients | Snail Secretion Filtrate, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Arbutin |
| Paraben-Free |
IsntreeUltra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
| Serum Type | Hydrating Serum |
|---|---|
| Best For | All Skin Types, Including Dry, Combination, Sensitive |
| Key Ingredients | Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Panthenol |
| Paraben-Free |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by dermatologist Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang.
What’s the Best Affordable Vitamin C Serum?
Affordability will depend on one's definition of what amount is reasonable. This will really depend on one's budget. Additionally, the best serum is one that will fit your skin type and concerns, so there's no one answer to this!
How Many Times Should I Apply Serum?
The frequency of serum application depends on the active ingredients incorporated. Serums can be applied twice a day if they contain hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid) or brightening ingredients (arbutin, niacinamide). Exfoliating serums that contain AHA, BHA, and even retinol are recommended to be applied only once a day.
Can You Layer Different Serums?
Layering can be done on different serums as long as the ingredients are not irritating when applied at the same time. For people with sensitive skin, it is recommended to stick to one serum type when applied.
Some examples of ingredients that must not be layered together include vitamin C and retinoids, AHA, BHA, and retinoids.
More Serums for Specific Skin Concerns
Serums are definitely the way to go if you want to address specific skin concerns, as they can help you achieve visible results in a shorter period of time. Check out our other articles below for more of our serum recommendations that can help you achieve your skin goals.
Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Editor: J. Cuizon
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
