Acne Serum Price in Pakistan: What You Get at Different Budgets
Acne serums in Pakistan range from under Rs 2,000 to Rs 7,500 for a 30 mL bottle, but price tells you little unless the strength is printed. Compare price per mL and the actives named on the label. Below are examples with the date each price was checked.
For the research, the products and prices in one place, see our salicylic acid guide and our niacinamide guide.
Key takeaways
- Work out price per mL: price divided by size.
- Prefer serums that print the strength of each active.
- Different serums do different jobs: a niacinamide-only serum, a mandelic acid serum and a salicylic acid plus niacinamide serum are not interchangeable.
- Evidence for topical acne ingredients is mostly low quality; see a dermatologist for painful or scarring acne.
What do acne serums cost, and what is in them?
| Product | Size | Price (PKR) | Per mL | Printed actives | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelure Acne & Oil Control Serum | 30 mL | 2,450 | about 82 | 2% salicylic acid, 10% niacinamide (zinc PCA and neem extract, no percentage printed) | 29 Oct 2026 |
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | 30 mL | 5,450 | about 182 | 10% niacinamide, 1% zinc PCA | 24 Oct 2026, derma.pk |
| Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Skin Perfecting Liquid | 30 mL | 7,500 | 250 | 2% salicylic acid | 24 Oct 2026, derma.pk |
Prices change, so confirm before buying. Serums do different jobs, so a lower price per mL does not make one better than another.
What do you get at each budget?
| Budget | What to expect | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Under Rs 1,000 | Often no printed strengths or clear ingredient lists | Do not buy on a name alone; require a printed percentage |
| Rs 1,000 to 2,000 | Single-active serums with printed strengths, such as one acid or niacinamide alone | Check which job it does and whether you need a second product |
| Rs 2,000 to 3,000 | Combination serums, such as an acid with niacinamide in one bottle | Irritation risk rises with more actives; start slowly |
| Above Rs 5,000 | Imported single-active products | Price per mL is several times higher; check whether you need that brand |
How do you decide which serum fits your skin?
| Your skin | A reasonable starting point |
|---|---|
| Oily with blackheads and shine | Salicylic acid with niacinamide |
| Easily irritated | Niacinamide alone, or a low-strength acid 1 to 2 nights a week |
| Dull texture, few blackheads | Mandelic acid, started slowly |
| Painful, deep or scarring acne | A dermatologist |
For how to use a serum without drying skin, see our acne serum guide, and for the acid choice see mandelic acid vs salicylic acid.
How do you work out value with a real example?
| Serum | Price | Size | Price per mL | Typical use | Cost per 8 weeks (2 to 3 drops, 4 nights a week) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelure Acne & Oil Control | Rs 2,450 | 30 mL | about 82 | About 0.1 mL per night | Lasts well beyond 8 weeks |
A few drops is only a fraction of a millilitre, so a 30 mL bottle usually lasts several months at 3 to 4 nights a week. Cost per use is therefore much lower than the bottle price suggests, which is why price per mL matters less than what the serum does and whether your skin tolerates it.
What should you avoid buying?
- A serum that names an active but prints no percentage.
- Two or three single-active serums bought to layer at once.
- A very large bottle of an untested serum.
- A product from an unverified seller.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fair price for an acne serum in Pakistan?
Examples we checked ran from Rs 1,598 to Rs 7,500 for 30 mL. A fair price depends on printed strengths, what the serum does and your skin’s tolerance.
Is a more expensive acne serum better?
Not necessarily. Price does not tell you strength or tolerance.
Do I need a moisturizer with an acne serum?
Yes. A light moisturizer helps offset dryness from acids.
Can I use two acne serums together?
Not at first. One active per night is a safer start.
How long until an acne serum works?
Judge after 6 to 12 weeks. Results vary.
How long does a 30 mL serum last?
At 2 to 3 drops a few nights a week, usually several months. Check the expiry and the period-after-opening symbol.
Sources
- Liu H et al. Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2020. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011368.pub2
- American Academy of Dermatology. Acne: who gets and causes
A gentle reminder
Skincare helps the look and feel of your skin; it does not treat medical conditions. Patch test any new product behind the ear or on the inner arm first, and introduce one new active at a time. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you have a skin condition such as eczema, ask your doctor before adding active ingredients. See our FAQ for more, or build your own routine.
Related reading: Niacinamide serum in Pakistan.