A Derm Says These 13 Serums Do the Most But Don't Cost More Than $40

Pros: Great for acne-prone skin, delivers extra hydration to the skin

Cons: May not be enough hydration for dry skin

Key specs: 1 oz., hyaluronic acid, oil-free

If you've ever been on Accutane or used any topical steroid creams for acne that dry out your skin, then you'll know dermatologists love to recommend this hydrating serum from Neutrogena. I used it myself when I was seeing a dermatologist for aggressive breakouts, and it provides the perfect amount of water-based hydration so your skin doesn't get too dehydrated.

Customer Review: "Oh my word! If you're looking for a lightweight hydrating serum that helps hide those fine lines and gives your skin a glow boost, look no further! I love this serum. It's so lightweight, absorbs quickly, and it is the best serum I've used after a chemical peel! I switch my skin routines up every month but I'm always going to make sure I have this around."

Pros: Delivers 24-hour hydration, minimalist formula is great for all skin types, repairs the skin barrier

Cons: None

Key specs: Sizes range from 1 to 2.53 oz., Vichy volcanic water, hyaluronic acid

Board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, recommends this hyaluronic acid–rich serum and moisturizer in one. "Formulated with hyaluronic acid and mineral-rich volcanic water, this lightweight hydrating serum plumps skin and helps strengthen and repair the skin barrier," he says.

Customer Review: "This is one of my all time favorite hydrating serums! It absorbs into the skin beautifully without leaving the skin neither dry nor sticky. The texture is perfect for layering with other serums or skincare products!"

Pros: Fragrance-free, great for dry and dehydrated skin, designed for sensitive skin

Cons: None

Key specs: 1 oz., hyaluronic acid

You'll get long-lasting hydration with Cetaphil's serum—up to 48 hours to be exact. It's really lightweight, absorbs instantly, and works quickly to hydrate dry and dehydrated skin. I used tretinoin for years without properly moisturizing and this was one of the serums my dermatologist recommended to me to help my skin regain proper hydration levels. It worked so well.

Customer review: "My face was peeling, however, this brought it back to life without feeling oily and didn't agitate my skin like most moisturizers do. A light coat protects and moistures with no scent."

Pros: Brightens hyperpigmentation, evens skin tone, boosts collagen production

Cons: Not oil-free and may not be suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin

Key specs: 1 oz., vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, jojoba oil

I know a lot of things are described as having cult status, but when I say this is a cult favorite, I mean it 10000%. This vitamin C serum contains vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, brighten, and improve wrinkles and dark spots, all while not even hitting the $20 mark.

Customer Review: "Developed acne as an adult at 35. I struggled with the scars and outbreaks and red, irritated skin. This has my skin glowing like it did in my 20s. Wish I would have found it sooner."

Pros: Contains 10% vitamin C, lightens dark spots and discoloration

Cons: Not fragrance-free

Key specs: 1 oz., 10% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, nonapeptides

RoC might be known for its cult-loved retinol formula, but don't sleep on its vitamin C serum. It's definitely a top-of-the-line option if you need an extra dose of glow. You also can't beat that $20 price tag. This targets environmental stressors, tightens the skin, reduces discoloration, and restores elasticity with other hero ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

Customer review: "I combined this with my hydro gel eye cream and saw results within a week. My skin was more and plump. The small under-eye wrinkles were greatly reduced."

Pros: Contains a gentle concentration of 10% vitamin C, refines skin texture

Cons: Contains salicylic acid and may not be suitable for sensitive skin

Key specs: 1 oz., vitamin C, salicylic acid, neorsensine

Made with 10% pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, and neurosensine, this rich serum hydrates, softens, and brightens the skin. You just need to add three to four drops to your face and neck in the mornings to see results.

Customer Review: "[It] instantly absorbs and has helped tremendously with age spots, trouble spots, uneven skin tone, etc. Very pleased with this product and will definitely purchase again!"

Pros: Noncomedogenic, great for dark spots, gentle and effective

Cons: Not oil-free

Key specs: 1 oz., niacinamide

Differin makes some really key drugstore products, like this Dark Spot Correcting Serum and good old-fashioned Differin Gel ($16), a classic over-the-counter retinoid that helps clear acne. Both of these serums are great for acne-prone skin; I can attest to that. The gel works really well, but if you also struggle with hyperpigmentation like I do, this serum is also great to have on hand for the lingering post-inflammatory spots left behind after a breakout. Camp also loves this option because it's effective yet gentle.

Customer Review: "Lightened up my dark spots after 3 weeks of daily use with adapalene cream."

Pros: Reduces age spots and hyperpigmentation,

Cons: May not be suitable for hypersensitive skin

Key specs: 1 oz., niacinamide, melasyl

"Made with niacinamide and melasyl, a proprietary ingredient that helps treat hyperpigmentation, this serum reduces a range of skin discoloration, including sunspots, age spots, post-acne marks." — Camp

Customer Review: "I have been using La Roche Posay for a few years now and my face feels so hydrated and soft. I hardly ever get breakouts. By far the best!!!!"

Pros: Calms inflammation and active breakouts, congests pores, alcohol- and fragrance-free

Cons: Not oil-free

Key specs: 1.01 oz., ceramide complex, zinc, blue tansy, gluconolactone

This clarifying serum from Byoma has an almost-perfect five-star rating due to its ability to calm redness, irritation, and breakouts all in one. It features star ingredients like blue tansy and zinc to soothe, while gluconolactone gently exfoliates the skin.

Customer review: "This serum transformed my skin in a week. Cystic acne, acne scars, irritation, all gone. Tempted to buy 10 bottles of this."

Pros: Great for a damaged skin barrier, helps reduce water loss and redness in the skin

Cons: None

Key specs: 1 oz., vitamin B12, centella asiatica extract, gallic acid

I recently learned from my aesthetician that if you're frequently breaking out, then you're probably dealing with some skin barrier damage. Serums like this one from The Ordinary help to support and soothed a damaged skin barrier with ingredients like vitamin B12, centella asiatica extract, and a gallic acid derivative.

Customer Review: "This is a great support serum. I am using it in the morning and it truly is soothing and supportive to my sensitive skin. I like how my redness is diminishing from using this! It really is a miracle worker with my skin."

Pros: Pre-dosed retinol capsules, fades dark spots, reduces the appearance of fine lines

Cons: None

Key specs: Pre-dosed, biodegradable capsules, ceramides, retinol

"These biodegradable, pre-dosed capsules deliver retinol, replenishing ceramides, and antioxidants to smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a healthier, more youthful complexion." — Camp

Customer review: "I love the quality of roc and I love that these little capsules are portioned so you don't over or under use them! It saves time and money for me! They go on super light and once fully dissolved into the skin it feels nice, the smell is light but it does not smell bad or like chemicals just like aveeno lotion smells to me. I am using it to prevent wrinkles and so far so good :) it goes on clear and comes out of the capsule clear! I also have sensitive skin and it does not dry me out but after it has been in my skin I do apply a moisturizer just in case! If you haven't tried it you should!"

Pros: Contains hydrating ingredients suitable for all skin types, helps diminish dark spots, reduces the appearance of fine lines

Cons: Contains alcohol and may not be suitable for extra-sensitive skin

Key specs: 1 oz., licorice root extract, niacinamide, ceramides, retinol

If you'd like an option that's a bit more affordable, you can't go wrong with one of my favorite drugstore brands, CeraVe. It works to minimize the appearance of acne scars, marks, and enlarged pores. It also contains three essential ceramides, licorice root extract, and niacinamide to nourish the skin.

What a reviewer says: "This product has slightly reduced the visibility of my acne scarring. Surprisingly, since I started using it, my acne has cleared up completely. Adding this product at night is the only change I made to my routine. My face no longer feels dry during the day. Overall, this product has helped balance my skin far more than anticipated."

Pros: Designed to target deeper wrinkles and fine lines, brightens and evens skin tone

Cons: Pricier than other options on this list

Key specs: 1 oz., retinol, vitamin c

This nighttime serum contains 0.3% pure retinol to reduce wrinkles and smooth texture. It also deeply hydrates the skin thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. And this set comes with some moisturizer samples.

Customer review: "I love how easy this serum is to use—[it] absorbs quickly, feels soft on the skin, and didn't irritate my sensitive skin at all. The formula is milky unlike other clear serums I have used which adds to the ease of spreading. Also a great value. They recommend two drops—this bottle is going to last!"