Whatever your skin type, supercharge your skincare routine with these purse-friendly yet powerful facial serums that are all under £15
Many of us were probably raised on the mantra that a great skincare routine features three simple steps: cleanse, tone and moisturise. And while there’s no denying its effectiveness (it’s a classic for a reason), there is one key and – in our opinion – vital step it misses out: the face serum.
A face serum is where you can take your routine to the next level, as these little bottles are packed with high-powered ingredients that get to work tackling specific skin concerns, providing a more targeted treatment.
Whether you’re on a mission to get your glow on with a vitamin C serum or want to introduce niacinamide to help combat oil, here’s our handy guide so you can find the right serum for you.
And while it may pack a punch, a great serum doesn’t have to cost the earth, as these hardworking heroes in our guide prove. So, prepare to add a new step to your skincare routine and get ready to reveal your best skin ever.
What is a face serum?
A face serum is a skincare product that targets and treats a variety of skin concerns. Most face serums have a lightweight texture, especially in comparison to traditional face moisturisers, meaning they sink into the skin quickly, while also delivering a high concentration of ingredients.
When should you use a face serum in your skincare routine?
A simple trick for ordering and layering your skincare products is to feel their texture and weight – the lighter the consistency, the earlier you want to apply it in your routine.
With this in mind, a serum should be applied after cleansing and toning, but before moisturiser.
For more tips and tricks, have a watch of our tutorial on how to layer your skincare.
Which face serum is best?
Finding the best face serum for you will depend on your skin type, as well as the results you want to achieve.
Different serums can add radiance, boost hydration or add an extra layer of defence for sensitive skin, depending on the ingredients they contain.
Wondering what the best serum is for you? Read on for our pick of 10 of the best budget face serums to shop right now.
Find more great face serums in Boots’ full range.
10 of the best affordable face serums to try
Best for dull skin
Try: Boots Glow Dewy Serum
• Size: 15ml
• *Vegan-friendly
If plumper-looking, hydrated skin is your goal, this bargain serum is a must-try. With a super light, water-like texture, it sinks into the skin quickly, moisturising while also giving skin a dewy, radiant sheen. Simply massage two to three drops into skin with your hands.
Best for oily skin
Try: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
• Size: 60ml
• Alcohol-free
• Oil-free
• *Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
• Boots Beauty Awards 2022 winner in the Niacinamide Essential category
Niacinamide is a wonder ingredient for oily and congested skin. It not only helps rebalance oil production, but makes skin appear smoother and boosts radiance to create a healthy-looking complexion. Even better, this serum from The Ordinary also contains zinc, which helps calm and soothe skin, too.
Best for hydration
Try: The INKEY List™ Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• Size: 30ml
• *Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
• Boots Beauty Awards 2022 winner in the Hyaluronic Hero category
Those with dry skin need a hydrating serum that deeply nourishes. Hyaluronic acid does just that, locking in moisture below the skin’s surface. This serum is gentle enough to be used daily – apply morning and evening on damp skin to reap the benefits.
Best multitasker
Try: Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firm & Lift 2-in-1 Booster + Firming Serum
• Size: 50ml
This hardworking serum combines a blend of high-powered ingredients, specifically formulated for mature skin – ideal if you want one product that does it all. Alongside niacinamide, it contains pro-vitamin B5, which is known for its nourishing benefits and helping to firm, as well as supporting the skin’s natural barrier.
Best for tired skin
Try: Botanics Revive & Protect Postbiotic Serum
• Size: 25ml
• *Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
• 100% recyclable packaging
If your skin is feeling the effects of pollution and urban living, it’s time you added this energising serum to your routine. Powered by black tea kombucha, it’s also rich in pro- and postbiotics to help support skin’s barrier function, enabling skin to look healthier and more balanced.
Best budget vitamin C serum
Try: Revolution Skincare 12.5% Vitamin C Radiance Strength Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Alcohol-free
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
If radiant skin is your goal, you want a serum that’s full of glow-boosting ingredients. This serum contains 12.5% vitamin C – a super-strength percentage designed to brighten your complexion and help make skin texture appear more even. If you’re new to vitamin C, we’d suggest starting on the brand’s lower 3% serum , increasing your dosage after continued use to ensure your skin isn’t overloaded.
Best for smoothing the appearance of fine lines
Try: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% In Squalane
• Size: 30ml
• Alcohol-free
• *Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
• Boots Beauty Awards 2022 winner in the Revolutionary Retinol category
If you haven’t heard about the power of retinol by now, it’s definitely time you did. Hailed as a great all-rounder, it helps increase skin cell turnover, smoothing the appearance of fine lines, boosting radiance and making skin tone look more even. However, retinol can make skin prone to sensitivity, so it’s important to only apply it at night and always use an SPF in the morning. Suffer from sensitivity? A retinol alternative, such as a bakuchiol serum, is a great option.
Best affordable brightening serum
Try: Byoma Brightening Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance-free
• *Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
For skin-brightening benefits on a budget, try this lightweight serum, containing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It also contains the brand’s clever tri-ceramide complex, which helps support the skin’s natural barrier, not only ensuring it looks great but that it’s more resilient, too.
Best for pigmentation & dark spots
Try: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
• Size: 30ml
• Alcohol-free
• *Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
• Boots Beauty Awards 2022 winner in the Hyperpigmentation Hero category
Combining skin-brightening alpha arbutin alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid, this serum has received glowing reviews for its ability to help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Apply two to three drops morning and evening after cleansing, before following with a moisturiser for best results.
Best for a retinol alternative
Try: Boots Ingredients Bakuchiol Serum
• Size: 30ml
• *Vegan-friendly
Bakuchiol is a great all-round serum in our experience, especially if you have sensitive skin or like to opt for more gentle skincare products. Commonly described as an alternative to retinol, the bakuchiol in this serum helps skin texture look more even, boosts radiance and helps skin look healthier for a triple-pronged skin treatment. Talk about getting your money’s worth.
*Contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
