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.
Quick List - Top Affordable Serums
Garnier
Targets Stubborn Spots for a Clearer, More Even Skin Tone
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!
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Serum Type | Best For | Key Ingredients | Concentration | Alcohol-Free | Fragrance-Free | Paraben-Free | Net Weight | |||||
1 | COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence | ![]() | Soothe, Heal, and Moisturize Your Skin With Snail Mucin | Brightening | All Skin Types | Snail Mucin | 96% Snail Secretion Filtrate | 100mL | ||||
2 | Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum | ![]() | Targets Stubborn Spots for a Clearer, More Even Skin Tone | Brightening | All Skin Type, including Acne-Prone, Normal, Dry, Combination, Sensitive | Vitamin C, Niacinamide | 3.5% Vitamin C | 30mL | ||||
3 | Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum | ![]() | Clearer Skin, Brighter Confidence | Brightening、Oil-Control | Acne-Prone, Sensitive, Oily | Niacinamide | 10% Niacinamide | 30mL | ||||
4 | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule | ![]() | A Great Serum for Sensitive Skin | Soothing、Skin-Repairing | Sensitive、Acne-Prone | Centella Asiatica | 100% Centella Asiatica | 100mL | ||||
5 | FRESH Skinlab Tomato Glass Skin 3-in-1 Vitamin C Brightening Serum | ![]() | Reveal Glass-Like Radiance with This Multitasking Vitamin C Serum | Brightening | All Skin Types | Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Tomato Extract | Not Specified | 30mL | ||||
6 | Klued Vit C 15% Serum | ![]() | Infused With Polyglutamic Acid to Keep Your Skin Radiant and Plump | Brightening | All Skin Types | L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Polyglutamic Acid | 15% Vitamin C | 30mL | ||||
7 | Face Republic Calming Tea Tree Madecassoside Serum | ![]() | Calm, Clear, and Comfort | Soothing、Hydrating Serum、Anti-Acne | Acne-Prone, Sensitive, Oily | Madecassoside, Tea-Tree Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract | Not Specified | 45mL | ||||
8 | AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum | ![]() | Your Daily Fix for Dullness, Dark Spots, and Uneven Tone | Brightening、Anti-Acne | All Skin Types | Niacinamide, Squalane | 5% Niacinamide | 50mL | ||||
9 | Oxecure Acne Defense Prebio Serum | ![]() | Fade Post-Acne Marks Faster With a Gentle Serum | Anti-Acne、Barrier Care | Acne-Prone, Sensitive, Oily | Prebiotics, Zinc PCA | Not Specified | 30mL | ||||
10 | Belo AHA BHA Skin Renewing Serum | ![]() | Smooth and Refine Rough Skin Texture with This Exfoliating Serum | Exfoliating、Anti-Acne | Oily、Acne-Prone | AHA, BHA | Not Specified | 30mL |
Serum Type | Brightening |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Snail Mucin |
Concentration | 96% Snail Secretion Filtrate |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Paraben-Free | |
Net Weight | 100mL |
Serum Type | Brightening |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Type, including Acne-Prone, Normal, Dry, Combination, Sensitive |
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, Niacinamide |
Concentration | 3.5% Vitamin C |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Paraben-Free | |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Serum Type | Brightening、Oil-Control |
---|---|
Best For | Acne-Prone, Sensitive, Oily |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide |
Concentration | 10% Niacinamide |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Paraben-Free | |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Made with 100% Madagascar Centella Asiatica for ultimate soothing
Specifically targets sensitive, irritated, or stressed-out skin
Lightweight formula—perfect for layering with the rest of your skincare
If your oily skin tends to act up, this might be your new go-to! A lot of people say it’s super calming and sinks in fast without causing any irritation. Many have noticed their skin looking more glowy and feeling extra soft after using it. Some even love it so much they’ve been using it for weeks—and are already planning to recommend it to friends!
Serum Type | Soothing、Skin-Repairing |
---|---|
Best For | Sensitive、Acne-Prone |
Key Ingredients | Centella Asiatica |
Concentration | 100% Centella Asiatica |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Paraben-Free | |
Net Weight | 100mL |
Serum Type | Brightening |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Tomato Extract |
Concentration | Not Specified |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Paraben-Free | |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Users praise this serum for noticeably brightening their skin, leaving a healthy glow. While slightly sticky upon application, it absorbs quickly and fits seamlessly into daily routines. Consequently, it remains a favorite for those seeking consistent results with minimal effort.
Serum Type | Brightening |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Polyglutamic Acid |
Concentration | 15% Vitamin C |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Paraben-Free | |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
One user described it as a "holy grail" product that restored their confidence after a breakout. The serum’s lightweight, milky texture absorbs quickly, making it comfortable for daily use even in hot and humid weather. Some users felt the serum was not as effective as advertised, with a few reporting little to no improvement.
Serum Type | Soothing、Hydrating Serum、Anti-Acne |
---|---|
Best For | Acne-Prone, Sensitive, Oily |
Key Ingredients | Madecassoside, Tea-Tree Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract |
Concentration | Not Specified |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Paraben-Free | |
Net Weight | 45mL |
Serum Type | Brightening、Anti-Acne |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Squalane |
Concentration | 5% Niacinamide |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Paraben-Free | |
Net Weight | 50mL |
Features and benefits:
Serum Type | Anti-Acne、Barrier Care |
---|---|
Best For | Acne-Prone, Sensitive, Oily |
Key Ingredients | Prebiotics, Zinc PCA |
Concentration | Not Specified |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Paraben-Free | |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Serum Type | Exfoliating、Anti-Acne |
---|---|
Best For | Oily、Acne-Prone |
Key Ingredients | AHA, BHA |
Concentration | Not Specified |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Paraben-Free | |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by dermatologist Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
No. 1: COSRX|Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
No. 2: Garnier|Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum
No. 3: Good Molecules|Niacinamide Serum
No. 4: SKIN1004|Madagascar Centella Ampoule
No. 5: FRESH Skinlab|Tomato Glass Skin 3-in-1 Vitamin C Brightening Serum
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others