Want to buy a serum but am intimidated by some of their price tags? We separated the best serums by budget so you can find exactly what you’re looking for in your price range.
Skin care can be overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. From essences to serums and sheet masks to exfoliators, it’s a lot to invest in. Serums can be especially pricey given that they’re packed with a high dosage of concentrated ingredients, but always know that skin care is first and foremost for everyone, no matter the price point.
What I love the most about Korean skin care is how affordable yet effective it is. Because of this, people have access to high quality skin care products that they can actually afford, unlike most pricey Western brands. No matter your skin type or skin concern, here’s a list of the best serums that can work for you and your budget.
If you’re looking to spend $19-$25 . . .
The Neogen H2 Dermadeca Serum Spray and Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum prove that you don’t have to spend a lot of money for high quality.
Neogen’s H2 Dermadeca Serum spray is formulated with star ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide which work to even skin tone and fight signs of aging while centella asiatica extract calms inflammation and stimulates cell growth. This serum also comes in an innovative ultra-fine mist form making application easy so you can nourish skin in seconds, all for under $20.
If you’re looking for a serum to calm reactive skin then the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum is perfect. It’s packed with calming ingredients like centella asiatica and licorice root. These ingredients work in tandem to effectively reduce inflammation and leave skin feeling soothed and hydrated. It also contains a fortifying blend of organic ingredients, including celery, carrot root, and broccoli extract. These will replenish your skin’s moisture levels and reinforce it against environmental stressors.
If $25-$35 works for you. . .
You’re in luck because the Good (Skin) Days™ C’s The Day Serum and the Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Serum are powerful serums that provide results without hurting your wallet.
The Good (Skin) Days™ C’s The Day Serum is a cult favorite serum that helps you kiss your acne scars goodbye. It does this thanks to the 10% of pure ascorbic acid (the most effective form of vitamin C) along with camu camu extract, which together create a potent serum that fades pigmentation. This vitamin C serum will not only brighten but also calm and nourish skin. All this makes it a great choice for those who want to improve their overall skin tone and texture.
The Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Serum is another serum that proves you don’t have to break the bank for effective anti-acne ingredients. This product is unique because it contains AHAs, BHAs, PHAs and centella asiatica to both exfoliate and calm.
If you’re looking to splurge $45-$65 . . .
We can’t talk about Korean serums without mentioning the classic Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Serum which is a well known dupe for the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. This comparison is due to its key ingredient, Bifida Ferment Lysate, a fermented yeast that visibly reduces signs of aging and improves skin elasticity all while reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier. This Missha serum is also packed with niacinamide to brighten and retinol to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This powerful serum packs a punch against signs of aging for less than half the price of its trendy cousin.
The D’Alba Piedmont White Truffle Intensive Ampoule is another great choice for those who are looking to nourish their skin. It’s formulated with Italian white truffle oil and caviar that soothe, target signs of aging and moisturize. Despite being deeply nourishing, the formula is lightweight and fast-absorbing.
The bottom line:
Skin care is extremely personal as your skin type defines what products will work for you and your budget decides what products you can purchase. If you’re just starting out a routine or you’re a seasoned pro, Korean beauty provides high quality serums that almost everyone can afford.
