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Face Serum Under ₹100 – Does It Really Work?

Can a face serum under ₹100 really work? Here’s a practical and honest breakdown of what low-cost serums can and cannot do for your skin.

10/18/20252 min read

Why Are People Searching for Serums Under ₹100?

The demand for ultra-low-cost skincare has increased because many beginners, students, and first-time users want to try a serum without spending too much money. Affordability is important — but when it comes to skincare, price is often linked to ingredient quality, concentration, and safety.

So the real question is:
👉 Can a serum under ₹100 actually deliver visible results?

Let’s decode it.

What Goes Inside a Serum Under ₹100?

To sell at ₹100 or less, brands must cut costs on:

  • Ingredient quality

  • Concentration level

  • Packaging (no UV-protected bottles)

  • Stabilizers & preservatives

  • Safety testing

This means most ₹100 serums:

  • Contain very low strength actives

  • Are diluted

  • Often oxidize or expire faster

  • Sometimes irritate sensitive skin

They might feel good initially, but real skincare results — brightening, fading dark spots, acne care — usually require clinically backed active concentrations, which ₹100 budgets can’t provide.

Where Do These Budget Serums Fall Short?

  • ❌ Not enough active ingredients to show visible improvement

  • ❌ No research-grade formulation

  • ❌ No packaging protection (light exposure destroys Vitamin C etc.)

  • ❌ Risk of poor-quality preservatives

  • ❌ No dermatology testing or pH balancing

So while they may moisturize temporarily, they don’t treat skin concerns like pigmentation, acne, tanning, or dullness.

Then Why Are People Still Buying Them?

Because:

  • They are easy entry point for skincare beginners

  • Heavy marketing makes them look effective

  • People want “quick fixes” at low prices

  • Most users don’t understand concentration levels

But long-term, using poor-quality serums may damage skin barrier, leading to:

  • Redness

  • Breakouts

  • Dryness

  • Uneven tone

What Actually Works (Realistic Expectations)

If you're looking for real results, you need:

  • ✅ Standardized active concentration

  • ✅ Stable formulation

  • ✅ Safe preservatives

  • ✅ Dermat-tested formula

  • ✅ UV-protected packaging

  • ✅ Consistency of use

This is why clinically formulated serums usually start at ₹250–₹500 — the cost covers quality actives + stability + safety testing.

Why CLARIV Is a Better Alternative to ₹100 Serums

CLARIV serums are designed to be affordable yet effective, sitting in the high-value category — not too expensive, but not so cheap that quality is compromised.

Why CLARIV makes more sense than ₹100 serums:

  • ✅ Real active concentration

  • ✅ Dermat-approved formulations

  • ✅ Safe & stable ingredients

  • ✅ Visible results with consistent use

  • ✅ Works on pigmentation, acne, dullness

  • ✅ Still budget-friendly

So instead of spending ₹100 repeatedly with zero results, it is smarter to invest a little more in a product that actually performs.

How to Choose a Budget Serum the Right Way

Before buying, check these:

  • Check the active ingredient percentage – If the %, strength, or concentration is not mentioned, it’s unlikely to work.

  • Look for UV-protected packaging – Amber or dark bottles prevent oxidation, especially for Vitamin C.

  • Read the ingredient list carefully – Avoid products loaded with fragrance, alcohol or cheap fillers.

  • See if the brand shares testing or clinical backing – Transparency = safety.

  • Prefer dermatologically recommended formulations – Better compatibility with Indian skin and climate.

If a ₹100 serum doesn’t mention these → it’s mostly just scented water + glycerin, not a treatment serum.

Final Verdict — Does a Serum Under ₹100 Really Work?

Short answer: Only as a moisturizer — NOT as a treatment serum.
If you want visible glow, acne control, reduced spots, or skin tone repair, ₹100 serums cannot deliver.

A well-formulated serum like CLARIV Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or Anti-Pigmentation Serum gives real transformation, not just temporary smoothness.

✅ ₹100 serum = Feel-good

✅ Proper active-based serum = Real results

If your goal is glowing, even-toned, healthy skin, choosing the right formulation matters far more than just the price tag.