20 Best Budget Face Serums That Actually Work Wonders!

Looking for an affordable face serum that actually works? Here are my top 20 picks for every skin type and skin concern!

Serum is arguably the most important step in your skincare routine. Serums are clear, gel-based or liquid, and they tend to be thinner than your moisturiser. You apply them onto cleansed skin before any heavier creams.

Serums are designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin. When looking for a good serum you should look for one that contains antioxidants as well as hyaluronic acid which will hydrate the skin.

Often serums are able to hydrate the skin more effectively than creams. You should choose the serum that addresses your own specific skin concern.

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1. Best Day Serum for Oily Skin

Viola Skin Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

Hydrates and moistures the skin with Aloe and Hyaluronic Acid 
Witch Hazel Extract gives a more even skin tone
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

The Viola Skin hyaluronic acid serum is very affordable and the best face serum if you have dehydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture in the skin making it look plumper and firmer. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines that are caused by dehydration.

Using this serum as part of your daily routine will leave you with smoother skin which is brighter and more moisturised. It works on all skin types.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related:

• A Review of Viola Skin Vitamin C Serum
• A Review of Viola Skin Anti Wrinkle Cream

2. Best Korean Serum for Acne Prone Skin

Oh K! Sos Oil Balancing Solid Serum

Balances oil production
Reduces redness and irritation
Contains tea tree and witch hazel to combat shine

Unlike most serums which come in a watery or gel formula, the Oh K! Sos Oil Balancing Serum is solid and comes in a stick. It is an ideal serum for acne prone skin since it balances oils and reduces blemishes.

The formula contains witch hazel which reduces excess oil on the skin and tightens the pores, as well as tea tree which as antibacterial properties. This serum helps to combat shine on the T zone and make your skin look healthier. It works well under makeup or as part of your night time routine.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related:

• 7 Korean Beauty Secrets Every Woman Should Know
• 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine

3. The Best Budget Niacinamide Face Serum

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

A potent serum for combatting blemishes
Boost the skin’s immunity and improves moisture retention
Promotes collagen production

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, minimise fine lines and wrinkles and protect the skin from oxidative stress. Acne-prone skin types may see good results from using Niacinamide since it increases cell turnover and clears out any blocked pores.

The Ordinary Niacinamide serum also contains Zinc which is effective at reducing acne, redness and inflammation. If you have blemishes and are looking for a serum to control oil, reduce acne scars and make your complexion clearer, this is the best facial serum to try.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related: 7 Reasons Why You Need Niacinamide in your Skincare Routine

4. Best Anti Wrinkle Serum for Mature Skin

Viola Skin Retinol Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E

Retinol is clinically proven to be anti aging
Plumps, hydrates and brightens your skin
Reduces acne and pore size

Retinol is the only skincare ingredient that’s been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles. It’s currently the most widely studied anti-ageing ingredients. Viola Skin’s award winning retinol serum contains a very gentle form of retinol along with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and jojoba oil to help keep the skin moisturised.

This serum reduces wrinkles and fine lines and tightens and tones the skin. It also helps to maintain skin elasticity, gently exfoliate any dead skin cells on the skin’s surface and reduce acne. This is an incredible serum packed with potent ingredients and available for a very affordable price.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Best Oil Free Serum for Oily Skin

Eclat Skincare Organic Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Study showed 207% increase in skin hydration after 10 days
After 14 days fine lines are significantly reduced
Contains high, low, fragmented & encapsulated hyaluronic acid

The Elcat Hyaluronic Acid Serum is another great hydrating serum which is extremely lightweight. It has a water-like texture and oil-free formula making it perfect for oily skin types. The formula contains different forms of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights, to improve hydration levels in the skin.

With regular use this serum hydrates, lifts and firms skin without leaving any sticky residue. It is also paraben free and cruelty-free and available for a great price tag.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Best Gentle Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin UK

Viola Skin Vitamin C Serum For Face with Hyaluronic Acid

Contains a less potent form of Vitamin C – ideal for sensitive skin
Creates a natural glow
Helps to repair damaged skin cells

The ViolaSkin Vitamin C Serum is an excellent vitamin C serum and one of the best I’ve tried. It is also perfect for sensitive skin as it uses a less potent form of vitamin C than other stronger serums. I wrote a full review of the Viola Skin Vitamin C serum where I analysed the ingredients in depth and looked at the long term effects of the product.

This is the perfect serum for reducing dark spots, evening skin tone, plumping and firming the skin and healing the skin from sun damage. If you are new to Vitamin C products this would be an excellent one to try since it contains a very gentle form of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7. Best Calming Serum for Sensitive Skin

Hyaluronic Acid Serum – A Calming Touch of Lavender with Deep Hydration for the Skin 

Improves fine lines and firms skin
Effectively hydrates and moisturises skin
Lavender calms sensitive skin

The Gya Labs Hyaluronic Acid serum contains lavender essential oil which gently calms the skin and gives you a sense of serenity. It is effective at reducing fine lines and restoring suppleness to the skin. This would be an excellent serum to use as part of your night time routine to help you fall asleep.

Lavender is also a good essential oil to incorporate into your skincare regime since it helps to reduce acne, lighten the skin and reduce wrinkles.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

8. Best Budget Face Serum for Dry Aging Skin

Victoria Beauty Snail Gold with Snail Extract and Moroccan Argan Oil

Rejuvenates and firms skin
Snail extract is particularly good at moisturising dry skin
Skin tone will become more even in time

The Victoria Beauty Snail Skin Serum contains pure snail extract, organic Argan oil and chamomile to soothe and moisture dry skin. Snail is good for the skin as it contains allantoin, collagen and elastin. The formula also contains low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and a number of vitamins.

This serum absorbs well into the skin, restoring elasticity and hydration whilst protecting the skin barrier. It also helps to soothe skin irritations and redness. Argan oil is one of nature’s best moisturisers and keeps the skin toned and supple.

Snail mucin heals and protects the skin and improves suppleness and skin texture. This serum is a good choice for sensitive skin types who have seen a loss of elasticity in their skin.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

9. Best Budget Face Serum for Plumping Skin

Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum

Skin becomes plumper and more hydrated
Wrinkles and fine lines are smoothed out
Improves the appearance and tone of the skin

Antipodes Skin Plumping Serum is a water-charged serum that immediately plumps up the skin. It is an antioxidant serum containing mamaku black fern and vinanza grape from New Zealand which protect the skin from environmental damage. It also contains ingredients which boost collagen production and make the skin firmer and more bouncy.

If your specific skin concerns are related to loss of skin tone or wrinkles, this would be a good serum to try since it promotes cell renewal and makes the skin appear more radiant over time. It revives tired skin and and improves skin texture.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

10. Best Budget Face Serum for Blemish Prone Skin

Tru Skin Tea Tree Clear Skin Super Serum

 Ingredients specifically designed to target breakouts
Leaves skin looking soft, youthful and radiant
Pores will become smaller and skin texture improved

The Tru Skin Serum is a high powered blend of Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Essential Oil. These ingredients all work to unclog pores, to reduce acne, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. This serum is slightly more expensive than a regular drugstore serum however for the results it gets it’s worth the extra cost.

This serum helps to control sebum production making the skin appear less shiny and reducing blemishes. The salicylic acid in the formula gently exfoliates the skin whilst the vitamin C and niacinamide reduce dark spots and brighten any dullness. This serum is packed with active ingredients that leave you with glowing, healthy skin.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

11. Best Budget Skin Serum for 30+ Year Old

Official Hada Labo Tokyo Anti Aging Super Hydrator Lotion

Contains 4 sizes of hyaluronic acid
Contains collagen and retinol
Feels ice cool on the skin

The Hada Labo Tokyo Super Hydrator contains three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate different layers of the skin. It deeply hydrates the skin making it appear smooth and dewy. The formula quickly absorbs into the skin providing the perfect base for your moisturiser and a little goes a long way. One bottle can last you six months! You can read my full review of this product at the following link: Hada Labo UK.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

12. Best Korean Serum for Glowing Skin

SKIN and LAB Red Serum

Revitalises and moisturises the skin
Improves skin texture
Has a light, non-greasy texture and is fast absorbing

The SKIN and LAB Red Serum gets its name from its red ingredients which include pomegranate, acai, raspberry, cloudberry, and wolfberry. This anti oxidant rich serum works to firm, brighten and deeply moisturise the skin. In time signs of ageing will be reduces and skin will become smooth, healthy, glowing and soft. This is a very light serum that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy film.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

13. Best Hydrating Skin Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

NIP+FAB Dragons Blood Fix Serum 

Sap from the Croton Lechleri tree acts as a second skin
Dragons Blood reduces any redness or swelling
Skin is left hydrated and plumped up

This NIP and FAB skin serum is designed to hydrate, plump and smooth the appearance fine lines and wrinkles. It contains Dragons Blood which is used on the skin for its antiviral and wound healing effects. It is also anti inflammatory and reduces redness and swelling. As well as being rich in hyaluronic acid and Dragons Blood the formula also contains sap from the Croton Lechleri tree which acts as a ‘second-skin’ and adds a protective layer. Overall this combination of ingredients makes it an excellent hydrating serum.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

14. Best Budget Multi Peptide Face Serum

The Ordinary”Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%

Reduces blemishes and evens skin tone
Improves skin texture
Nourishes and hydrates the skin

The “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% formula differs from the original “Buffet” as it also includes a 1% concentration of pure Copper Peptides. These peptides are naturally found in human plasma (but decrease as you age) and work to maintain normal immune function, collagen synthesis, fibroblast production and anti-inflammatory responses. The Ordinary’s original “Buffet” serum is one of their best selling products. Regular use results in more nourished, youthful looking skin. If you are looking for the best copper peptide serum in the UK The Ordinary produce an excellent one.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

15. Best Skin Serum for 40+ Year Old

PURITO Snail Repair Advanced Serum

Smoothes and firms the skin
Regenerates the skin
Helps to brighten the complexion and reduce dark circles

There are many benefits of using snail serum on the skin. It helps to stimulate production of collagen and elastin, protect skin from free radicals, soothe and repair skin and restore hydration. It is used to treat dry skin, wrinkles and stretch marks, as well as acne and rosacea, age spots, burns, and scars. The PURITO serum has a high concentration of snail mucus along with aloe leaf and hyaluronic acid. It helps to reduce dark circles, brighten the complexion and firm the skin.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

16. Best Night Serum for Combination Skin

PurOrganica Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

Hydrates and moisturises the skin
Reduces the appearance of age spots and discolouration
Helps to repair damaged skin

This is a powerful anti-ageing hyaluronic acid serum which plumps the skin and fills in fine lines and wrinkles. It contains hyaluronic acid, Chinese ginseng, MSM, Vitamin E, Jojoba oil and aloe. The serum reduces fine lines, sun spots, age spots or discolouration. It evens out skin tone and improves texture. The serum can be used on the entire body for an enhanced glow and more radiant looking skin. It works on all skin types but is ideal for combination skin.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

17. Best Budget Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin

Satin Naturel Organic Vitamin ACE Anti-Wrinkle Serum  

Maximised antioxidant protection with Vitamins A, C and E 
Contains Aloe Vera which is deeply nourishing and moisturising
Evens hyperpigmentation & dark circles 

This serum contains a combination of Vitamins C, E and A. These antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals which can causes signs of aging on your face. They also help to reverse the visible signs of aging by providing hydration, renewing skin cells and promoting collagen production. The serum has an Aloe Vera base and contains green tea and rosehip. If you are looking for the best vit c serum for oily skin this is a great one to try and easily one of the best budget face serums in the UK!

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related: Vitamin C Serum – Proof that it works!

18. Best Night Repair Serum for Dry Skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Supercharged Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Trehalose – For dry skin 

Moisturises and replenishes skin
Pearl capsules burst to release Vitamin E
Skin becomes noticeably more hydrated and plumper

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost range is one of my favourites and really affordable. All of the products in this range work really well, and in my opinion perform better than some more expensive products. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum makes your skin noticeably more hydrated and supple. It contains pearl capsules which burst to release Vitamin E. You skin will appear illuminated and glowing after only 24 hours. This is easily one of the best hyaluronic acid serums in the UK!

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

19. Best Korean Serum for Dry Sensitive Skin

Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence

Bee Venom protects against pollution and stress
Adenosine and Arbutin provide nutrition to the skin
Makes your skin hydrated and smooth

This is easily the best hydrating serum for dry sensitive skin. The Snail Bee essence contains not only snail secretion but also Bee Venom to protect against pollution and stress. This essence is also great for troubled skin thanks to the addition of Adenosine and Arbutin which provide nutrition and improve your skins vitality. With regular use your skin will look hydrated and smooth. If you are interested in the Koreans’ use of snail in their skincare routine, as well as learning other Korean Skincare secrets check out: 7 Korean Beauty Secrets Every Woman Should Know

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

20. Best Antioxidant Serum for Sensitive Skin

NATURIC Beauty Green Tea AntiOxidant Serum

 Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial
Reduces breakouts and blackheads, and purify the skin
Antioxidants help to prevent skin damage from the environment

The Naturic Beauty Green Tea Anti Oxidant serum prevents blackheads and detoxifies the skin. Green tea contains an antioxidant called EGCG that fights DNA damage from UV rays to help prevent the harmful effects of sun damage. This serum is perfect to help with skin irritations, clogged pores or blemishes.

Last update on 2025-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Check out this interview with three dermatologists who all agreed that anti wrinkle serums do in fact work: The truth about anti-aging serums

FAQs on the Best Budget Face Serums in the UK

Do anti wrinkle serums work?

There is evidence to show that serums which contain active ingredients such as retinol or antioxidants do help to reduce wrinkles. Retinol has been clinically proven in many studies to reverse the signs of aging.

Do I need both serum and moisturiser?

Yes. Serums and moisturisers play very different roles in your skin care. You should choose your moisturiser based on your skin type and your serum based on your skin concern. Serums are more effective at penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin and targeting concerns such as dehydration, fine lines, pigmentation, redness or loss of tone. Moisturisers, on the other hand, are heavier and hydrate only the top layer of the epidermis.

Does serum go before moisturizer?

Serums should be the first products that touch your skin after cleansing, and your moisturizer should go on top.

Does Vitamin C serum help with acne?

Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory so it may help to reduce redness and swelling caused by acne.

When should you apply Vitamin C serum?

Many people apply their vitamin C serum in the morning as it helps to prevent damage from free radicals that can occur throughout the day.

Which is the best skin whitening serum?

The PULCHRIE Lightening Serum is an excellent skin lightener and dark spot corrector.

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Best Budget Face Serum UK