These 15 Budget Serums Are Just as Good as the Expensive Versions

This serum recieves rave reviews from users thanks to its ability to target a wide range of skin concerns, including photodamage, loose skin, dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles. The combination of vitamins C and E plus ferulic acid (which doubles the photoprotection benefits of the vitamins) are what makes it so effective. Together the three antioxidants work to decrease free radical damage to cells and slow down the ageing process.

Take a close look at the ingredient list and you'll see that alongside vitamin C, this serum also contains tocopherol (pure vitamin E) and ferulic acid, ticking all of the boxes to make it a dupe for the above. What's more, it also contains skin-brightening niacinamide and a host of hydration heroes (glycerin, squalane, and hyaluronic acid).

Perhaps the most famous serum in the world, Advanced Night Repair has been a staple on bathroom shelves since it first launched in 1982. The formula has since been revamped with a new molecule that prompts skin to create fresh new cells, while antioxidants offer protection and hyaluronic acid provides 72 hours of hydration. The result? Skin feels firmer and smoother, and looks brighter and clearer.

If your skincare budget doesn't allow for spending over £100 on one product, but you still want a powerful multi-tasking serum in your routine, look no further. Combining retinol, amino acids, peptides, squalane, and antioxidants, this do-it-all formula targets fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, and texture.

With benefits for skin concerns ranging from mature to breakout-prone, this serum draws upon six powerful peptides to repair damaged skin and boost collagen production. The hero ingredient, Copper Tripeptide-1 has impressive wound-healing and skin remodelling properties, so it's especially beneficial for targeting post-breakout scarring and signs of ageing.

The lower price point of this serum is reflective of the fact that it contains a lower concentration of peptides than the NIOD serum. But, since it still contains Copper Tripeptide-1, you will ultimately achieve similar results - it might just take you a little longer to see them.

With 0.5% pure retinol, this powerful serum works overnight to target fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and loss of firmness and elasticity. Since retinol can cause dryness and irritation (especially if you're new to the ingredient or have sensitive skin), the serum is accompanied by a buffer cream which can be mixed in to reduce any unwanted side effects.

A fuss-free and affordable dupe of the above, CeraVe's newest serum combines retinol with three essential ceramides. Together the ceramides work simultaneously to lock in skin's moisture and strengthen its protective barrier, preventing irritation and dryness from the retinol while it works to target fine lines, wrinkles, exposed pores, and post-acne marks. No mixing required.

This cult favourite serum is renowned for its ability to brighten dull skin and smooth rough texture. The star ingredient is glycolic acid, a powerful chemical exfoliant which works by dissolving the dead skin cells that clog pores and contribute to uneven tone and texture. 

Although it contains a lower strength of glycolic acid (4% versus 7%), this actually makes this serum a more sensitive skin-friendly alternative to the above, as well as a more budget-friendly dupe. Glycolic acid is fast-acting and effective, but it can cause irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive or you're new to using acid exfoliants. 

Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its ability to draw moisture into the skin, but did you know that there's more than one type of hyaluronic acid? This serum actually contains three weights of the ingredient, which means it has the ability to target three different layers of the skin for instant and long-lasting hydration.

This dupe only features two weights of hyaluronic acid, but it does include additional skin-soothing ingredients which make it a great all-rounder for all skin types. "Those with dry skin are ideal candidates for a hydrating serum but all skin types will benefit," says Khorana. "Both mature and young skin alike can use a hydrating serum and they can be a great oil-free option for breakout prone skin."

If you're sensitive to acid exfoliation, but still want a brightening boost, consider adding a vitamin C serum to your routine. With 15% ascorbic acid (a high strength form of vitamin C which is clinically proven to fade hyperpigmentation) and pumpkin ferment extract (for gentle enzyme exfoliation) this serum works fast. 

Naturium takes a science-first approach while still catering to an accessible price point, and like the above, this serum combines vitamin C with fruit extracts (in this case pineapple and papaya) for a two-pronged approach to brightening skin. "It's formulated with an efficacious vitamin C complex, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E," explains Onyejekwe. "So this skin-brightening serum works to protect the skin from environmental damage (think pollution and UV rays) whilst leaving you with a radiant complexion."

Ceramides have been used in formulations for years but have recently gained popularity due to their ability to strengthen the skin barrier, prevent dehydration, and provide moisture without clogging pores. These single-dose capsules are not only fun to use but are also perfect for travel.

Beauty Pie is another brand we love when shopping for beauty on a budget. The beauty buyers' club cuts out the middlemen with a direct-to-consumer model, which means you get access to premium products at a fraction of their RRP. The brand's ceramide capsule offering contains the same amount of capsules (60) as the above, for just £16.

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for targeting signs of oily skin, like excess sebum, enlarged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. Alongside soothing bisabolol and green tea extract, it's the key player in this soothing gel serum.

The Ordinary's version of the above costs less than 1/6th of its price. The only catch? Salicylic acid is literally the only ingredient in this formula. I love using this clear gel as a targeted spot treatment during the day, since it's totally invisible and layers well beneath makeup.

Mushrooms are (in my opinion) very underrated as skincare ingredients because there's not much they can't do. Origins' Mega-Mushroom range draws upon the benefits of three different varieties, chosen for their abilities to reduce redness, soothe irritation, and calm inflammation.

Although this serum contains only one variety of mushroom, it's accompanied by cica, an ingredient famous for its soothing and calming properties. If your skin is naturally sensitive or you've experienced a reaction or breakout, this serum offers immediate comfort and relief (and won't break the bank in the process). What's more, most of Beauty Bay's affordable serum range is designed to be layered together, perfect if you want to target multiple concerns at once.

For anyone who wants to target signs of ageing skin, peptides are a must-have, and this powerful serum combines ingredients specifically chosen to tackle mature skin concerns. The blend includes Matrixyl 3000, a powerful peptide complex which boosts collagen production to reduce the appearance of wrinkles with long-lasting benefits.

No7's patented Matrixyl 3000+ is even more powerful than the original technology, which is why this serum is such a bestseller. Clinical trials demonstrate that lines and wrinkles appear visibly reduced in just four weeks.

A souped up, creamy serum, this is one of my favourite products to recommend to people with dry skin. The formula is packed with ceramides, which strengthen the skin barrier in order to prevent moisture from escaping.

Offering affordable solutions to skin concerns like dull skin, breakouts, and pigmentation, Glow Hub's serums are (in my opinion) the unsung heroes of the product range. And they cost just £14... This lightweight but nourishing serum boosts dry skin with a combo of ceramides and amino fatty acids.

This top-rated serum is great for targeting dry and dehydrated skin, but works well for all skin types. The texture is silky and absorbs easily into skin, layering well beneath other products (including makeup).

The Inkey List's results-driven serums feature tried-and-tested ingredients and minimal packaging in order to keep prices low. "This is a brilliant, basic hyaluronic serum for those on a budget," says Onyejekwe. "If you have no major concerns but are finding your skin is feeling tight and dehydrated, you may want to give this a go. I like to apply to immediately after my face mist and lock in with a moisturiser."

Niacinamide is a true multitasking ingredient with benefits for pretty much every skin type and concern. Dehydration? Pigmentation? Breakouts? Excess oil? You name it, niacinamide will fix it. In this crowd-pleasing serum it's blended alongside hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, so there's no need to layer multiple serums - this one does it all.

Want to experience the benefits of niacinamide without the hefty price tag? Naturium's serum is a quarter of the price of the above, and combines niacinamide with zinc (which reduces inflammation and aids healing). This particular formula is great for people prone to breakouts.

Who doesn't want healthier, brighter, glowier skin? Drawing upon known skin-brightening ingredients including niacinamide and lactic acid, this formula aids dullness and hyperpigmentation in order to improve skin tone and prevent discolouration.

Byoma's budget-friendly serums are each geared towards a specific skin concern, which makes it easy to figure out the best one for your skin. And if dullness and discolouration are on your agenda, you'll find this particular serum an excellent dupe for the above. The formula combines ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for radiant results.