Sponsored by e.l.f. SKIN
Hot Take: I've Been Using These Under-$23 e.l.f. SKIN Serums Way More Than My Expensive Skincare Lately

I try not to gossip, but when it comes to skincare, I'm willing to spill it all. My beauty-loving friends and I were chatting recently over collagen lattes when the conversation shifted to our skincare hot takes. Mine was that right now, my affordable skincare products are outperforming the more prestigious products I'm using, specifically in the serum category.
Eager to know more, my friends asked for specifics. I told them that, in my opinion, e.l.f. SKIN should have prestigious brands panicking. If you scroll its new-arrivals page, you're met with a treasure trove of luxurious, affordable serums, some of which cost less than the lattes we were sipping on! To me, there's no reason to spend triple digits on skincare when you can shop these five top-rated serums below for a fraction of the price.
Affordable Alternative
I love to indulge in some expensive skincare, but my wallet doesn't love it as much. I've tested countless serums over the years, and I keep coming back to e.l.f. SKIN. It's the only brand that has affordable yet high-quality serums that can actually compete with (and even surpass) the pricier ones in my cabinet. My go-to serums—the glow-giving Holy Hydration Triple Bounce Serum ($12) and illuminating Bright Icon Serum ($17)—prove that it's possible to curate an effective and luxurious skincare ritual at an attainable price point.
Ingredient Transparency
I love that e.l.f. SKIN focuses on ingredient transparency. For instance, the Thirst Burst Drops ($12) are formulated with hibiscus complex and niacinamide to help visibly plump, moisturize, and brighten your skin. The aforementioned Bright Icon Serum ($17) has vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to help target uneven tone and reduce the look of dark spots. And importantly, these serums are formulated without fragrance, which my sensitive complexion appreciates.
Wide Variety
e.l.f. SKIN has a wide variety of serums for different skin textures and concerns, including combination, oily, dry, and acne-prone skin. You can also find every other product you need to curate a complete skincare routine, including cleansers, moisturizers, and SPF. This allows you to create an effective routine that's completely personalized to your skin type, all without going over budget.

Emma is a beauty editor on the branded content team. She’s a passionate writer who loves all things beauty, wellness, and personal growth. Before pursuing writing, she worked in influencer marketing at Gallery Media Group, which owns the digital brand PureWow. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, where you can find her running to Pilates classes, sipping on matcha, or sunbathing on the beach.

