10 Serums Under $40 That Are SO Good For Your Skin 

A serum is one of those beauty products most people know they should use but avoid due to the price tag. So, we’ve rounded up 10 serums under $40 that’ll make a huge difference to your skin without breaking the bank.

Thanks to serums having a higher concentration of active ingredients and a small molecular structure, serums can penetrate and restore the skin at a deeper level with greater efficacy. Whatever your skin concern, we’ve found a serum packed with actives that’ll work overtime, leaving you with happier, healthier skin. Just remember to apply your serum after you’ve cleansed and toned and before you apply your moisturizer.

So, from brightening vitamin C serums to hydrating and gently exfoliating serums, here are 10 amazing serums, all under $40.

1. Hyper Skin Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum, $36

Source: Hyper Skin

If hyperpigmentation or dull skin is a concern of yours, this brightening serum is here to save the day. Enriched with 15% vitamin C and vitamin E, this glow-enhancing serum will brighten any dark spots while smoothing fine lines and uneven texture. The sheer, weightless formula also contains hydrating aloe, brightening turmeric root extract, and it’s also free of parabens, and sulfates and is fragrance-free.

2. The INKEY List Ceramide Hydrating Night Treatment, $15

Source: The INKEY List

The INKEY List is one of our go-to skincare brands thanks to their impactful, fuss-free formulas, available at seriously reasonable prices. This Ceramide Hydrating Night Treatment, $15, is no exception. Formulated with super hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it’ll hydrate and plump the skin while simultaneously protecting it from future moisture loss. We also love the weightless texture – it literally glides onto skin! This is great for those with dry or dehydrated skin or those who may have used too many intense ingredients and therefore just want to restore, balance, and hydrate the skin.

3. TruSkin Vitamin C Serum For Face, $30

Source: TruSkin

It’s no secret that you need a vitamin C serum if you’re looking to achieve #glowyskingoals. This serum boasts vitamin C and combines the skincare powers of vitamin E and mega-hydrator hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourish the skin. It’s also infused with plant-based extracts to improve skin tone and clarity while keeping breakouts at bay. With continual use, your skin will look more radiant and even-toned.

4. Peace Out Skincare Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum, $34

Source: Peace Out Skincare

This serum was designed to take down pimples! Formulated with pore-minimizing, pimple-busting salicylic acid, as well as hydrating niacinamide and brightening vitamin C, not only will it minimize oil production and nix breakouts, it’ll brighten and diminish post-inflammatory pigmentation. Soothing Centella extract will also help calm existing inflammation. In short: if you have oily or acne-prone skin, this is a no-brainer.

5. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum, $8

Source: The Ordinary

It’s well-known among skincare buffs that hyaluronic acid is one of the most hydrating ingredients on the shelves! This water-like formation combines low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamin b5, for intense, long-lasting hydration. It absorbs into the skin in an instant and leaves your skin feeling super soft. Think of it as a tall glass of water for your skin. We like to layer this with other serums to ensure our skin is always hydrated. Start with toner, then apply a few drops of HA while your skin is still damp, then follow with your other fave serum and/or moisturizer.

6. Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Serum with Green Tea Seed, $35

Source: Innisfree

This lightweight serum made with Jeju green tea extract and Jeju green tea seed oil replenishes hydration levels while helping the skin retain moisture. The addition of soothing panthenol helps to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, thereby protecting the skin. A great option for dry, dehydrated, or inflamed skin.

7. The INKEY List Lactic Acid, $13

Source: The INKEY List

If pores and dull skin are skin concerns of yours, then this hydrating, gentle exfoliating serum will be your best friend. The hydrating but gentle AHA gently sloughs away dead skin cells for a brighter, more even complexion without drying out the skin. The addition of a low molecular hyaluronic acid ensures skin stays hydrated.

8. Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector, $29

Source: Vichy

Another vitamin C serum – because, honestly, everyone needs a vitamin C serum in their morning routine! This one is enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin C (15%), which works as a powerful anti-aging agent to reduce fine lines over time while brightening skin tone and hydrating the skin. The non-sticky formula also boasts a powerful antioxidant complex, vitamin E, and mineralizing thermal water to ensure maximum effectiveness.

9. Winged Wellness Radiance CBD Youth Serum, $40

Source: Winged Wellness

With a healthy dose of 300mg of CBD from organically grown, full-spectrum hemp extract, this extremely nourishing serum boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the skin. Rejuvenating rosehip and evening primrose oil moisturize and enrich skin while squalane and jojoba hydrate. Finally, vitamin C helps to even skin tone and brighten.

10. Pixi Beauty Skintreats Overnight Glow Serum Concentrated Exfoliating Gel, $24

Source: Pixi Beauty

This concentrated exfoliating gel packs a powerful punch with 10% glycolic acid to reveal brighter, more even skin tone by morning. The potent AHA is balanced with skin-soothing cucumber and aloe vera extracts that simultaneously hydrate overnight. The addition of powerful antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, nourishes and protects the skin while working overtime during the night. This is a great option if you have post-inflammatory pigmentation or fine lines you’d like to get rid of.

Have you guys tried any of these serums? Let us know your faves in the comments.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.