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Updated March 2023

Vitamin C is considered the holy grail of serums as it works well with most skin types, creates a glowing complexion, and boasts some seriously impressive anti-aging magic.

Some believe that for a Vitamin C serum to actually work, it needs to be expensive. However, this is a common misconception. There’s a wide range of affordable vitamin C serums that successfully penetrate the skin and help increase hydration, fight free radicals and treat dark spots. Vitamin C can be even more important for darker skin types that are more prone to hyperpigmentation.

We’ve compiled a list of affordable Vitamin C serums that are all under $50 that will leave your skin looking vibrant and your wallet feeling happy all at the same time.

10 Affordable Vitamin C Serums to Try

1. Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum
Hyper Skin’s Vitamin C serum is ideal for those treating hyperpigmentation. It’s a gel-based formula that combines ethyl ascorbic acid (which is a water and oil-soluble Vitamin C) with a less abrasive chemical exfoliant, kojic acid, which is derived from mushrooms. It also includes powerhouse ingredients, like aloe, turmeric, and biotin. For around $36, there’s no passing this one up.

2. LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum
Vichy’s LiftActiv Vitamin C serum is a brilliant combination of 15 percent pure Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a strong chemical exfoliant that provides the skin with moisture and firmness. Formulated with only 11 ingredients, this serum includes glycerin, which softens the skin, and a combination of other complementary ingredients. For $28, this is truly a match made in heaven.

3. Seoul Ceuticals 20% Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Serum + CE Ferulic
It’s nearly impossible to talk about Vitamin C without including some K-beauty products, and the Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum is one we definitely can’t forget. This serum includes 20 percent Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid serum, and CE Ferulic Acid, which is a great acid for anti-aging. It works to erase sunspots and treat breakout. For $17, it’s hard to resist giving it a try.

4. Face Theory Regena C20 Vitamin C Serum 
Face Theory’s Regena C20 Vitamin C serum has recently been updated and is working its best to be less prone to oxidation while continuing to provide its noteworthy formula with 20 percent ethyl ascorbic acid, which allows for deep penetration into the skin. It also includes ferulic acid, amino acid, and olive oil. It costs $25.

5. Soko Glam C’s The Day Serum 
Soko Glam has us covered when it comes to affordable Vitamin C serums. C’s The Day Serum is packed with Vitamin C, Camu Camu extract, mushroom extract, ginseng, and niacinamide. This serum specializes in minimizing the size of pores while actively lightening hyperpigmentation and refining textured skin. It costs $26.

6. Rosen Skincare Bright Citrus Serum
This refreshing serum comes with 20 percent Vitamin C, radish root, baking soda, and more goodies that fight discoloration, dark spots, and dull skin. This serum is perfect for both day and night use. Priced at $18, it may be time to give it a try.

7. SKIN INC Supplement Bar
This is an excellent Vitamin C serum for those with sensitive skin. It targets acne, dryness, and pigmentation with its combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B6. It carefully balances sebum production while increasing skin hydration. It costs $35.

8. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop
With only 5 percent Vitamin C this formula is suited to skin types that become irritated with too much Vitamin C. This Vitamin C has a pH level of 3.81 and is combined with Centella Asiatica Extract, which calms inflammation, and Yuja Fruit Extract, which locks in moisture. It costs $23.

9. Honest Vitamin C Radiance Serum
Honest Vitamin C Radiance Serum is another great hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C combo, as they work together with artichoke extract, which minimizes pores, and citric acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells. Ringing in at $28, this is one for the collection.

10. Fleur & Bee Nectar of the C
Working well with all skin types, Fleur & Bee‘s Nectar of the C is filled with rich ingredients that include, organic aloe vera leaf juice, organic jojoba seed oil, clary sage flower oil, and more. All of these components promote brighter skin and diminish fine lines and textured skin. It’s available for $50.

Featured Image by Park Street on Unsplash