Ask any dermatologist and they’ll tell you that a serum is a really good thing to add to your skin-care routine. Lighter than moisturizers, they’re packed with high concentrations of active ingredients, play nicely with your moisturizer and eye cream, and can treat every skin-care grievance imaginable (dryness, dark spots, wrinkles, etc.).
“Serums are the workhorse products that target specific skin concerns, such as redness, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, breakouts, and more,” New York City dermatologist Dendy Engelman tells Allure. “The difference in serums is all about the active ingredients, which address the issue you want to target.” Such powers mean that serums usually come with a hefty price tag, but there are exceptions. Fortunately, potent formulas featuring ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol are readily available at your drugstore and beyond.
Below, we present 15 of our current favorite face serums that all clock in at $30 or less, so there’s no buyer’s remorse to be had.
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