Glow on a Budget: Top 6 Vitamin C Serums Under $100 for Luminous Skin

Do you ever fantasise about having skin so glowy and dewy that you'd put a summer sunrise to shame?

That’s what our trusted vitamin C serums are here to help you achieve.

Their main superpower is bringing you radiant, more even skin and particularly in summer layered under your SPF can help double your antioxidant protection.

We’ve scoured our digital shelves to find you some of the best vitamin C serums that won't break the bank—or your dreams of a luminous complexion.

Keep scrolling for just 6 of our top-notch vitamin C serums, all priced under $100.

1. Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum, $86.

What: Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum 30ml

One of the most popular and best vitamin C’s under $100 would have to be the Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C.

Loved not only by customers but also estheticians (such as Joanna Czech), this powerful serum is made with 100% stable vitamin C, helps fight signs of ageing, restores radiance and is suitable for all skin types.

It also stimulates collagen and elastin production while boosting skin with antioxidants to prevent and repair free radical damage.

Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum reviews:

"I have very sensitive skin and find some vitamin c’s irritate my skin this is one of the few that don’t cause me irritation and it’s oil based so it also doesn’t dry it out! love love love this product!” - AB customer Ash.

"I started using this product after trialing a mini size , I enjoyed using it and it felt nice but didn’t realise exactly how lovely it was making my skin! My mum, girl friends and parter all mentioned my skin after I started using it. I’ve repurchased this twice and will continue to use it."- AB customer Kim.

"Been using this serum for a few years now, after my skin therapist introduced me. I have such sensitive, dry, skin and this is all-glow without any irritation." - AB customer Sandra D.

2. BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $29.95.

What: BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum

With a potent blend of ingredients such as L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, the Boost Lab vitamin C is here to transform your complexion by enhancing collagen, combating free radicals as well as plumping and hydrating your face all for under $30.

This tiny but mighty serum goes the extra mile by incorporating ferulic acid: a powerful antioxidant that synergises with vitamin C to amplify its protective benefits against environmental aggressors.

This dynamic blend of key ingredients forms a protective shield against the ravages of time and external stressors, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion.

Other supporting key ingredients include niacinamide and bisabolol known for its anti-inflammatory properties that help calm redness and skin irritation.

BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum reviews:

"Have used a few Vitamin C serums before and seen varying degrees of results, this one will definitely give you small changes over a long period of time. But, it is only $30 and would be a good beginner Vit C to start off on. It spreads really easily, and would be great for someone with less oily skin. I only use 1 drop for my entire oily face." - AB customer Tyla.

"I received a Boost Lab sample of 5 different products from AB on a previous order and loved the Vit C so went for it. No pilling, light and creamy and instant results. Love that I don't have to choose between a week's groceries or Vit C for this product as well. The affordable price is great." - AB Customer Natasha.

"Loved this serum. Felt it made a big difference to the complexion of my skin. My only disappointment was when I ran out!" - AB customer Laura.

3. Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, $84.95.

What: Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 25ml

Alpha-H's Vitamin C Serum is a turbocharged vitamin C that boasts a 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid cocktail blended with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid.

Licorice extract joins the glow-giving party, bringing its soothing and anti-irritant prowess to the table, aiding in the battle against pigmentation.

It's skincare magic, Australia-made, and ready to elevate your glow game!

This powerhouse combo works tirelessly to revitalise your skin's tone, texture, and combat those telltale signs of ageing.

Picture a brighter, more radiant complexion, improved elasticity, and a shield of strong antioxidant protection—this serum has it all.

With over 100 five-star reviews this icon and legend speaks for itself. If you have some extra dollars to spend, spend it on this cruelty-free vitamin C serum that does wonders for skin tone and texture.

Added bonus: It’s also housed in 100% recyclable packaging.

Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum reviews:

"It's been two weeks since using this product. Skin seems brighter and more moisturised and pigmentation from old acne scars seem lightened. Looking forward to seeing the long term results." AB customer Kym.

"LOVE THIS vitamin C serum. Its a little more expensive than other brands but totally worth it. Feels great to put on in the morning, combines well with other peptide serums. I've used a number of vitamin C creams and serums, this one is my favourite and you can see results after a few weeks of use." - AB customer MadiG.

"I have sensitive skin and have had problems with redness and burning using Vitamin C in the past, but not with this one. Just ordered my second bottle." - AB customer SJ.

4. Viviology Vitamin C Serum, $59.

What: Viviology Vitamin C Serum 30mL

Ok bad news first...

This vitamin C under $100 is so good, it's currently sold out. But don't stress, it will be back soon - we promise!

If you’re looking to switch from your beloved SkinCeuticals vitamin C to a much more affordable vitamin C that's still effective and recommended by experts, then add the Viviology vitamin C to cart.

Australian-made (with Melbourne dermal therapist James Vivian), it helps defend against free-radical damage while helping to promote a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

This expert and customer-loved vitamin C serum under $100 is formulated with a powerful blend of 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Ferulic Acid and 0.1% Vitamin E as well as supporting ingredients like algae extract, glycerin and native Australian plant extracts.

Fight dull skin, even skin tone, support elasticity and address pigmentation all with this potent little bottle (also travel-safe and friendly).

Viviology Vitamin C Serum reviews:

"I hadn't had great success with vitamin C, because my skin doesn't always play nicely with citrus, but this is amazing! It brightens my skin to the point that even my partner, who washes his hair, face and body with the same bar of soap complimented my skin. It's also an awesome price compared with a lot of vitamin C with good reviews. Will definitely repurchase."- AB customer Viv.

"This is a great vitamin c serum without having to splurge all my money. It layers well and makes my skin look bright. For the price, this is great value!!!" AB customer Heidi.

"I’m now onto my fourth bottle of this Vitamin C and still as obsessed as I was when I first tried it. Post pregnancy it’s really helped to improve the overall condition of my skin and fade my marks left behind from spots and pigmentation. I’ve tried other brands but nothing compares to the quality and price point from this. I’ve even got my husband on the Vitamin C bandwagon with this!" - AB customer Is.

5. La Roche-Posay Redermic Pure Vitamin C10, $71.95.

What: La Roche-Posay Redermic Vitamin C10 Serum 30ml

Sensitive-skin havers, this one's for you.

With a blend of stable, pure vitamin C the La Roche-Posay vitamin C is designed to give all skin types including sensitive skins improved signs of pigmentation as well as improved skin texture, leaving your complexion glowy and more radiant.

Also helps with addressing fine lines and wrinkles.

Key ingredients include: salicylic acid (helps to improve blackheads and congestion, leaving the skin smoother), neurosensine (a scientifically-tested component, helps to keep the skin calm and clear).

La Roche-Posay Redermic Pure Vitamin C10 reviews:

"This has helped brighten my dark spots and suits my sensitive skin, I just love it and recommend it to everyone." - AB customer Nus.

"Recently returned to using vitamin C since my skin has been so dull from winter. This has helped with overall brightness. I find it doesn't feel too heavy under other skincare." AB customer Mj.

"My favourite, its brightening and hydrating, I always receive compliment and how much my skin is glowing after i use this serum! - AB customer Mira.

6. KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop, $39.

What: KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop 35ml

Of course we had to include a juicy K-beauty vitamin C!

The KLAIRS Freshly Juiced vitamin drop (cute name huh?) is packed with a bunch of skin-brightening ingredients such as 5% pure vitamin C essence, Centella Asiatica Extract, grapefruit extract, hyaluronic acid and lots more.

This cruelty-free bottle promotes collagen and is also suitable for all skin types.

Due to the purity of the vitamin C in this Korean ampoule, it’s recommended that you dilute Klairs Vitamin C by mixing it in with your favourite serums or moisturisers.

KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop reviews:

"I don't necessarily have sensitive skin but my skin always reacted badly with other vitamin C serums, but not the case with this one! It feels so nice and warm going on and my skin looks and feels so good the next day if I use it with a heavy moisturiser. One of my favourite daily products." AB customer Monique.

"I have struggled with my skin for a LONG time. I went through a period of time where my skin looked lifeless and dull and then i bought this. I'm not one to write reviews but I genuinely believe this saved my skin. It's still not perfect but its on its way there because of this product." AB Customer Anthony.

"Love this vitamin C serum. Leaves a warm feeling when applying and smoothes and brightens skin. Makes skin soft with no oily or gritty residue. A perfect canvas to apply following skin products and makeup almost straight away. highly recommend this product. " AB customer Kweeny.

Want more vitamin C tips and recommendations? Check out these articles:

• The Vitamin C Serum That Changed My Life and Lifted My Stubborn Pigmentation

• The Difference Between These Cult Vitamin C Serums (and Which One's Right for Your Skin)

• Our Fave Vitamin C Serums For Every Kind Of Customer