Splurge or Save: 4 Serums for Every Budget

Most serums are supercharged with a high concentration of ingredients and designed to address various skin-related concerns, be it anti-aging or lack of radiance. As such, many serums can ring in at a high price point and aren’t necessarily accessible to those on a tight budget. If the latter is you, don’t write off serum from your routine just yet. There are plenty of anti-aging, hydrating, brightening…you get the idea…elixirs out there that are budget friendly AND effective. To prove our point, we went ahead and rounded up a few that cater to multiple skin (and wallet!) needs. Whether you’re looking to shell out serious cash or spend less than $30, we’ve got the serums for you! Scroll to discover a few of our best serums—from the L’Oréal portfolio of brands—at every price point.

$$$$: YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTÉ OR ROUGE SERUM

At a whopping $425 MSRP, it goes without saying that this luxurious serum is a definite splurge. It’s formulated with pistols of saffron extracted from the heights of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco once per year. That certainly speaks to the high cost, as a mere pound of saffron can easily deliver up to five-digit price tags! Oh, and did we mention the bottle is gorgeous? You’ll want to store this beauty front-and-center on your vanity—no question.  

$$$: LANCÔME ABSOLUE SUBLIME-OLEO SERUM

Help boost your skin nightly and restore essential moisture with this radiance-boosting serum. For optimal results, wear it under your regular moisturizer. It will set you back $192 (MSRP), but if your budget allows, why not go for it?

$$: KIEHL’S POWERFUL-STRENGTH LINE-REDUCING CONCENTRATE

This serum—priced at $60 (MSRP)—is a customer favorite that caters to a more middle-of-the-road budget. It’s formulated with a high concentration of pure vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) known for its powerful ability to improve the appearance of skin aging. With continued use over time, this formula has a significant effect on marionette lines around the mouth, sub-orbital wrinkles in the eye area, as well as other facial lines and wrinkles. In addition, skin shows a noticeable improvement in texture and radiance.

$: L’OREAL PARIS AGE PERFECT HYDRA-NUTRITION ADVANCED SKIN REPAIR DAILY SERUM

At a suggested retail price of $19.99, this anti-aging serum is an absolute steal. The formula—with a breakthrough Nutri-Repair Complex enriched with Bio-Peptides and patented Ceramide Fortifier—is so powerful it can help repair the visible signs of past damage and aging, as well as strengthens skin with deep nourishment. Thank to the serum’s continuous repair, skin is intensely hydrated, and appears more supple, resilient, and naturally radiant. All for just under $20. Pretty neat, huh?