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  4. 10 Best Affordable Serums in the Philippines 2023 | Pond's, Fresh Skinlab, and More
  • 10 Best Affordable Serums in the Philippines 2023 | Pond's, Fresh Skinlab, and More 1
  • 10 Best Affordable Serums in the Philippines 2023 | Pond's, Fresh Skinlab, and More 2
  • 10 Best Affordable Serums in the Philippines 2023 | Pond's, Fresh Skinlab, and More 3
  • 10 Best Affordable Serums in the Philippines 2023 | Pond's, Fresh Skinlab, and More 4
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10 Best Affordable Serums in the Philippines 2023 | Pond's, Fresh Skinlab, and More

Skincare doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective, and there are products like affordable serums to help address your skin concerns. Serums deliver increased doses of active ingredients to help you achieve your skin goals faster. They’ve become increasingly popular and have found their way into many people’s skincare regimens.


Because of the many options out there, we have prepared a buying guide, reviewed by Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, to teach you all that you need to know when choosing the best budget-friendly serum. We also curated a list of the ten best affordable serums you can order online to make your skin dreams come true.

Last updated 03/02/2023
Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang
Expert
Dermatologist
Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang

Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, MD, DPDS is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila, and achieving healthy skin is her goal in every skin journey she has with her patients. She also aims to raise awareness on healthy skin facts and skincare habits. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and is currently offering online consults for any skin, hair, and nail concerns. You can follow her on her Instagram and Facebook page to know more details about her practice!

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Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).

Table of Contents

How to Choose an Affordable Serum - Buying Guide

Here are some key points to consider:


  1. Look for active ingredients that are suitable for your skin type.
  2. Avoid serums with alcohol, fragrances, or parabens if you have sensitive skin.
  3. Check the concentration of the ingredients in the serum.
  4. Go for a serum from a trusted brand and read feedback from customers.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.

① Look for Active Ingredients That Are Suitable for Your Skin Type

The active ingredients that your serum has are the star of the show. Make sure that they’re going to address the skin concerns that you have, so you can maximize the benefits and value of your chosen product. Here are some common ingredients that you will encounter.

Tea Tree and Vitamin C Are Beneficial for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Tea Tree and Vitamin C Are Beneficial for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Tea tree is a popular ingredient used to dry out acne. It’s anti-inflammatory and has anti-microbial properties, too, so it will help calm your skin and avoid future breakouts, making it helpful if you have oily and acne-prone skin. 


Meanwhile, vitamin C helps brighten the skin, treating hyperpigmentation marks and scars left by acne. Zinc also has the same effect of reducing the appearance of blemishes. Some other ingredients that are usually paired with these are glutathione and peptides.

Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang
DermatologistDr. Jarische Lao-Ang
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that prevents early signs of skin aging as well. It is recommended to be applied in the morning as it works synergistically with sunscreen to prevent skin damage. 

AHAs and BHAs Are Effective for Oily Skin

AHAs and BHAs Are Effective for Oily Skin

BHAs are one of the commonly known exfoliators, which is very helpful in combatting oiliness. BHAs like salicylic acid penetrates the deeper layers of your skin to break down impurities that have clogged your pores. They are also useful in preventing the formation of blackheads. 


Meanwhile AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid gently exfoliate the surface of your skin, which helps get rid of dead skin cells, gunk, and excess sebum. That way, you can get rid of dull skin and reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin without experiencing dryness or irritation. 

Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang
DermatologistDr. Jarische Lao-Ang
AHA and BHA are chemical exfoliants. I prefer using this type of exfoliation rather than physical exfoliants (scrubs) to prevent unnecessary irritation on the skin. AHA is recommended for dry and mature skin as it has humectant properties that helop hydrate the skin. BHA is recommended for acne prone and oily skin because it lessens oil production. 

Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and PHAs Are Great for Dry Skin

Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and PHAs Are Great for Dry Skin

If you suffer from dry and dull skin, hyaluronic acid is a good ingredient to have in your serum. It provides hydration to your skin, making it look supple and youthful. On the other hand, niacinamide helps retain moisture and strengthens your skin’s barrier, so your skin stays nourished all day. 


PHAs are also another ingredient that helps provide hydration to your skin and support skin cell regeneration, all while gently exfoliating your skin. This way, aside from helping you get softer and smoother skin, it also reduces the appearance of fine lines and other signs of aging.

Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang
DermatologistDr. Jarische Lao-Ang
PHA is a new class of hydroxyacid and is a chemical exfoliant. It is known to be the mildest/ most gentle hydroxyacid. It is preferred for people with sensitive skin and for beginners who just started using chemical exfoliants. Niacinamide is a brightening ingredient that fades away dark spots. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant that hydrates skin from within. HA can either be low molecular or high molecular weight. Low molecular HA such as sodium hyaluronate can penetrate the skin deeper. 

Plant-Based Ingredients Are Usually Fit for All Skin Types

Plant-Based Ingredients Are Usually Fit for All Skin Types

Some serums may opt to use natural extracts and ingredients like aloe vera, centella asiatica, and rose flower extract. These ingredients are typically mild so are able to work alone or hand in hand with other ingredients to address different skin concerns. 


They also have a variety of benefits that are suitable for various skin types, even those with dry or sensitive skin. Other beneficial plant-based ingredients include chamomile, pomegranate, and citrus extracts. 

Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang
DermatologistDr. Jarische Lao-Ang
Much like using any other skincare products, best to patch test plant-based ingredients too. Even if they are known to be less irritating, there's still a possibility of having reaction to them.

② Avoid Serums With Alcohol, Fragrances, or Parabens if You Have Sensitive Skin

Avoid Serums With Alcohol, Fragrances, or Parabens if You Have Sensitive Skin

Some serums may be formulated with alcohol, fragrances, or parabens, which can irritate your skin, especially if it tends to be sensitive. Even though these ingredients aren’t necessarily bad, they each have traits that may cause adverse reactions. For instance, some alcohols like ethyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol are drying to the skin.


Meanwhile, artificial fragrances may cause redness, irritation, or allergic reactions. Lastly, parabens can cause irritation for some people, so it’s better to avoid them altogether. As a precaution, opt for a serum with none of these ingredients; it would actually be good to get one with as few ingredients as possible

③ Check the Concentration of the Ingredients in the Serum

Check the Concentration of the Ingredients in the Serum

Some ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide are only effective when used in certain concentrations. A good rule of thumb in figuring out the right concentration is that if you’re new to using a certain ingredient in your skincare routine, it is best to start with a lower dose.


For example, vitamin C is best used from a concentration of 5% to 20%. If you’re new to it or have sensitive skin, then go for one with a lower dose of 5% to 8%. Meanwhile, niacinamide is effective at concentrations of 2% to 10%. Similarly, start with 2% and work your way up. 

Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang
DermatologistDr. Jarische Lao-Ang
For the percent concentration of a particular ingredient, it is important to remember that it is not always the higher percent, the better. One has to take into consideration skin concern, skin type and also other skincare ingredients in one's routine. Pro tip for beginners is to start low and slow (low % first and slowly).

④ Go for a Serum From a Trusted Brand and Read Feedback From Customers

Go for a Serum From a Trusted Brand and Read Feedback From Customers

Even though you’re looking for an affordable serum, it’s still important to get one from a trusted brand. Many established skincare companies have budget-friendly options, so it’s best to go for those since you can ensure that they’re safe and effective. 


It’s best to read feedback from customers, too, so you can manage your expectations and know whether or not you’re getting value for your money. A tip is to look for reviews from customers who have the same skin type as you do, so you can learn and get some insights from their experience.

10 Best Affordable Serums to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Points
1

Pond's

Bright Hydrating Serum Burst Cream

Pond's Bright Hydrating Serum Burst Cream 1枚目

Has a Unique Cream to Serum Formula That Brightens the Skin

2

Fresh Skinlab

Jeju Aloe Ice Booster Serum

Fresh Skinlab Jeju Aloe Ice Booster Serum 1枚目

All-Around Serum for a Healthy and Glowing Complexion

3

Dr. Sensitive

Tea Tree and Aloe Vera Pimple Relief Serum

Dr. Sensitive Tea Tree and Aloe Vera Pimple Relief Serum 1枚目

Tea Tree Serum for Banishing Pimples

4

Beyond Beautiful

10% Niacinamide Glow Skin Facial Serum

Beyond Beautiful 10% Niacinamide Glow Skin Facial Serum 1枚目

Gives the Skin a Radiant Glow and Fades Dark Marks

5

Sooper Beaute

Aloe Vera Juice Serum

Sooper Beaute Aloe Vera Juice Serum 1枚目

Hydrates the Skin and Doubles as a Makeup Primer

6

Luxe Organix

Miracle Solutions AHA BHA PHA Serum

Luxe Organix Miracle Solutions AHA BHA PHA Serum 1枚目

Gently Exfoliates Your Skin for Less Sebum Production

7

Dermorepubliq

5% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid for Sensitive Skin Serum

Dermorepubliq 5% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid for Sensitive Skin Serum 1枚目

A Serum That’s Specially Formulated for Sensitive Skin

8

Revitaglow

Glow Resurface Serum

Revitaglow Glow Resurface Serum 1枚目

A Lightweight Serum That Helps You Get Smoother Skin

9

iWhite Korea

Vitamin C Serum Tube

iWhite Korea Vitamin C Serum Tube 1枚目

Lightens Dark Marks and Hyperpigmentation Using Vitamin C

10

Gluta C

Facial Night Serum

Gluta C Facial Night Serum 1枚目

Infused With Glutathione to Give You Fairer Skin

Product details
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No.1

Pond'sBright Hydrating Serum Burst Cream

From ₱116

Has a Unique Cream to Serum Formula That Brightens the Skin

Pond's serum is one of a kind with its unique cream-to-serum formula. It's a light cream that transforms into a potent serum when you apply it to your skin. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (vitamin B3+), which attracts moisture to your skin and reduces dullness. As a result, you will get brighter-looking skin.


This product also has gluta-boost essence, which brightens your skin ten times more than vitamin C by boosting your skin's natural glutathione levels. This will help fade dark spots and marks from blemishes, giving you bright and even skin tone in no time. Join the thousands of happy customers and give this serum a shot!

No.2

Fresh SkinlabJeju Aloe Ice Booster Serum

From ₱399

All-Around Serum for a Healthy and Glowing Complexion

Get great skin with this serum from Fresh Skinlab as it uses a powerful trio of ingredients to give you a healthy glow. Using niacinamide, this serum tightens pores, while zinc reduces the appearance of dark marks and scars. Lastly, centella asiatica is used, too, to ensure your skin stays moisturized. 


With this line up of ingredients, you will surely get a clear and radiant complexion after continued use. Many customers have actually purchased this product over and over again because of its effectiveness. They said that it helps fade blemishes and that they like how smooth and cooling it is upon application.

No.3

Dr. SensitiveTea Tree and Aloe Vera Pimple Relief Serum

From ₱149

Tea Tree Serum for Banishing Pimples

Tea tree is a common anti-acne ingredient, being used to help heal pimples as it has anti-microbial properties. That's why if you're prone to breakouts, consider getting this serum, which uses tea tree as its main ingredient. Plus, it also contains aloe vera, a soothing ingredient that will help provide relief to your skin.


Together, these ingredients are encapsulated in a lightweight formula that will feel comfortable on your skin even under makeup, moisturizer, or sunblock. Users said they were able to see visible effects on their skin as early as a month. They also said it reduced the redness of their acne and that their breakouts have lessened as well.

No.4

Beyond Beautiful10% Niacinamide Glow Skin Facial Serum

From ₱158

Gives the Skin a Radiant Glow and Fades Dark Marks

Most people dream of a bright and clear complexion, and if you're one of them, this serum is for you! Using 10% niacinamide, this product hydrates and nourishes your skin as well as lightens dark marks and spots to give you a bright and even skin tone. As a result, you will get a clear and radiant glow from within.


Even though this serum is formulated with a high concentration of niacinamide, customers with sensitive skin vouched for this product, saying that it's effective and non-irritating. However, we still recommend that you use it with caution! It's alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, too, so you can ensure that it's safe to use. For radiant dewy skin, check this out now!

No.5

Hydrates the Skin and Doubles as a Makeup Primer

Aloe vera is a well-known soothing ingredient, but it also has amazing nourishing and hydrating properties. That's why if you have dry skin, consider going for this serum by Sooper Beaute. It will instantly soothe and calm your skin, especially on days when it's too dry or irritated. It works well for sensitive skin, too!


This serum also has chamomile extract in its formula to boost hydration and support the skin's healing process. Also, its texture allows it to be used as a makeup primer to ensure your skin is prepped for smooth makeup application. If you're looking for a two-in-one product for skincare and makeup, this is for you!

No.6

Luxe OrganixMiracle Solutions AHA BHA PHA Serum

From ₱499

Gently Exfoliates Your Skin for Less Sebum Production

AHAs, BHAs, and even PHAs are known in the skincare industry for their exfoliating properties, which are very beneficial if you have dry, oily, or acne-prone skin. This one by Luxe Organix, though, has a special anti-sebum formula that controls excess oil production, thereby unclogging congested pores.


With niacinamide, this serum also lightens acne scars and smoothens textured skin, so you can get the clear glass complexion of your dreams. It's dermatologist tested, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, too, so those with sensitive skin can also give this a shot and enjoy its effects.

No.7

Dermorepubliq5% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid for Sensitive Skin Serum

From ₱162

A Serum That’s Specially Formulated for Sensitive Skin

If you're looking for a gentle serum that will still banish blemishes, look no further than this! This serum is formulated with 5% niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of imperfections like dark marks or hyperpigmentation. It also contains hyaluronic acid to keep your skin supple and youthful. 


Plus, it's actually specially formulated for sensitive skin since it doesn't contain allergens and irritants like alcohols, fragrances, parabens, sulfates, silicones, artificial colorants, and more. This is why if you have skin concerns like oiliness or acne and are skeptical about adding something new to your skincare routine, give this a shot.

No.8

RevitaglowGlow Resurface Serum

From ₱350

A Lightweight Serum That Helps You Get Smoother Skin

AHA is known for gently exfoliating the surface of your skin, which is why having it in your serum is great, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. It will help brighten your complexion since it will remove impurities and promote collagen production for better skin cell turnover. It also helps tighten your skin, giving you a better skin texture.


According to customers, this serum will make your skin super soft, and it's light on the face. One user also mentioned that it delivered on all its promises, as it helped their skin texture become smoother and removed their dark marks. If you want to enjoy the benefits of AHA, get this serum now!

No.9

iWhite KoreaVitamin C Serum Tube

From ₱235

Lightens Dark Marks and Hyperpigmentation Using Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a popular ingredient in serums because of its intense skin brightening abilities. This serum utilizes it because it will lighten dark marks and hyperpigmentation to give you even skin tone and a more radiant glow from within. This is useful, especially if you have acne-prone skin and have some scars from past breakouts.


Aside from vitamin C, this product also has different fruit extracts that each have its own benefits. For one, citrus lemon extract and sea buckthorn berry help boost skin elasticity, while acerola cherry extract aids collagen production. Finally, pomegranate extract protects you against breakouts.

No.10

Gluta CFacial Night Serum

From ₱235

Infused With Glutathione to Give You Fairer Skin

Getting fairer skin is a goal that many Filipinas have and if you're one of them, consider getting this serum. It's infused with vitamin C and glutathione to give you a fairer complexion and defend your skin against photoaging. It also minimizes melanin levels to help you get a more even skin tone for a more luminous complexion.


Aside from its whitening abilities, it also has vitamins A and E, and natural oils to nourish your skin so as not to leave it dry. This will help your skin become softer and smoother as the days go by. Customers have a lot of good things to say about this product, saying that they like how lightweight it is and how quickly it is absorbed by their skin.

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by dermatologist Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang.

What’s the Best Affordable Vitamin C Serum?

Affordability will depend on one's definition of what amount is reasonable. This will really depend on one's budget. There are many locak skincare brands that are also as good as international brands.

How Many Times Should I Apply Serum?

The frequency of serum application depends on the active ingredients incorporated. Serums can be applied twice a day if it contains hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid) or brightening ingredients (arbutin. niacinamide). For exfoliating serums that contain AHA BHA and even retinol, it is recommended to apply these only once a day.

Can You Layer Different Serums?

Layering can be done on different serums as long as the ingredients are not irritating when applied at the same time. For people with sensitive skin, it is recommended to stick to one serum type when applied. Some examples of ingredients that must not be layered together include: Vit C and retinoids; AHA BHA and retinoids.

More Serums for Specific Skin Concerns

Serums are definitely the way to go if you want to address specific skin concerns, as they can help you achieve visible results in a shorter period of time. Check out our other articles below for more of our serum recommendations that can help you achieve your skin goals.

Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz

Editor: J. Cuizon

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.

Top 5 Affordable Serums

No. 1Pond'sBright Hydrating Serum Burst Cream

No. 2Fresh SkinlabJeju Aloe Ice Booster Serum

No. 3Dr. SensitiveTea Tree and Aloe Vera Pimple Relief Serum

No. 4Beyond Beautiful10% Niacinamide Glow Skin Facial Serum

No. 5Sooper BeauteAloe Vera Juice Serum

View Full Ranking

When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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