If there’s one thing the skincare industry has done over the past decade, it’s dismantling the assumption that expense equates to efficacy. As consumers and brands moved away from products that did little other than protect and hydrate, they got to grips with active ingredients and how they worked.
Brands like The Ordinary, Byoma and The Inkey List quickly popped up, offering uncomplicated formulas with stellar ingredients, like retinol and hyaluronic acid, for less than a tenner. These low price point allow you to purchase two or three products for the price of one from a more expensive brand, and cater to your skin’s needs in a more bespoke way.
But this changing landscape isn’t without its downsides. Dermatologists are now seeing evidence of skin that’s overloaded with product, the consequences of which include skin barrier dysfunction, acne and dermatitis. And once this occurs, it can take months of gentle restorative work to get the skin back to health. So while high street offerings can be transformative, it pays to be selective with your approach – and just because you can access every active, doesn’t mean you should. Instead, start by identifying your skincare concern and then build out your approach from there.
Want to know the best budge face serum? or which face serum is best for a tight budget? Below are some of the hard-working, cost-effective formulas that get the vote of the some leading skincare experts.
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1
The INKEY List The INKEY List Super Solutions 10% Azelaic Acid Serum 30ml
'With antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing powers, there’s little this powerhouse ingredient do. Azelaic acid works by reducing the amount of bacteria, free fatty acids and lipids on the skin’s surface, all of which contribute to acne. Crucially, it’s gentler on the skin that salicylic acid and this formula also contains allantoin, which helps to calm and soothe,'
Dr Johanna Ward, founder of Zenii
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2
The Ordinary The Ordinary Soothing and Barrier Support Serum 30ml
'To be quite honest, I'm not someone who raves about The Ordinary but this new serum really does tick all of the boxes. I've been using for the past couple of months and it's brilliant at soothing my skin and calming down any dryness and irritation – especially around this time of year when my skin tends to go wild with the constant cranking up of the central heating. Lock it in with a moisturiser and you're done. Big fan.'
Chloe Burcham, Freelance Beauty Editor
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3
Simple Simple 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) serum Booster Serum skin care product suitable for all skin types for even skin tone and texture 30 ml
'Niacinamide is one of my hero ingredients. It is hydrating, boosts collagen and can balance oil. The Simple Booster Serum 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) also contains a blend of humectants including glycerin and B5 which further boost moisture at a great price point.When to use it in your routine? Wash with your favourite cleanser and place 4 drops for your face and follow with your moisturiser and sunscreen.'
'This vitamin C serum does at stellar job at brightening without irritating my sensitive skin. For less than £20 it's up there with similar vit C formulas that cost three times as much.'
'As someone with acne-prone skin, I've lost count of how many tubes I've used of this. The active ingredient is benozyl peroxide which is an ingredient well known for its ability to help prevent breakouts as it kills the bacteria responsible for acne.I personally use it after I've cleansed and moisturised in the evening. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after using as it can stain towels/clothing.'
Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and founder of Self London
'I love the Aveeno Triple Oat Serum because it is formulated with the most sensitive skin in mind and designed to deliver an extra dose of hydration to help with skin barrier repair. It contains calming feverfew and colloidal oat to help nourish the skin.' Dr Cristina Psomadakis, Dermatologist
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7
vichy Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum 50ml
'I like VICHY Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum because it contains hyaluronic acid and hydrates the skin for up to 24 hours whilst also supporting the skin’s natural barrier.It’s a light texture which makes it suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and is backed by dermatologists.'
Dr Bhavjit Kaur, aesthetic medical practitioner at Tuhi Clinic
'CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a favourite of mine. It is formulated to provide long-lasting hydration and help improve the skin's moisture barrier. It contains three essential ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin's natural protective barrier which is perfect for this time of year.'
Alexandra Mills Haq, medical aesthetician and skincare expert at AM Aesthetics
Perdita Nouril is the Beauty Editor for Women’s Health UK. She has worked in the beauty industry for 15 years since graduating from the University of Nottingham. Adept at exploring the colossal world of beauty, she loves to scratch beneath the surface to debunk the myths, decode the science and challenge traditional notions of beauty. You can always find her preaching sermons on the power of a red lip, extolling the virtues of a decent serum and championing the very best female beauty founders.
You can find Perdita on Instagram on @perditanouril