LEIGH CAMPBELL: 'I've found a vitamin C just as good as the $250 SkinCeuticals one.'

With more than two decades of experience in the beauty industry, whenever executive producer and host of You Beauty, Leigh Campbell, raves about a product, we listen (and promptly try to beat everyone else to the punch before said product sells out).

Her latest discovery? Well, it might just be a game-changer if you're sick of splurging so much on a vitamin C.

Watch: Speaking of beauty, here's You Beauty's Em Vernem tries the foundation hug-proof test.Post continues below.

Speaking on a recent episode of You Beauty, Leigh revealed she'd accidentally stumbled across what she believes is a perfect dupe for the cult-favourite SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum — and the best part is, it's $140 cheaper.

We can almost hear our bank accounts celebrating from here!

If you're not across the whole deal with vitamin C and why it's such a powerhouse ingredient, vitamin C is basically an antioxidant that has blown up in recent years for its ability to brighten the skin. Applied topically, it also helps boost collagen and fights off free radicals (the bad guys who make your skin age).

So, it's a pretty fantastic ingredient. The only downside? It can be tricky to find the right one for your skin. It's an active, so can sometimes cause things like redness, flaking, breakouts or general irritation. So, when you find one that works for you, chances are you generally stick to it.

For most people, that just so happens to be the cult SkinCetucials CE Ferulic serum — it's known as the gold standard in vitamin C serums, and it'll set you back a cool $242.

The good news? Leigh Campbell's recommendation might just be the answer you've been looking for.

Listen: Want to catch the full episode? Check it out below:

As Leigh shared, "I grabbed something I had been using on and off on my chest. It kind of looks like an affordable Instagram brand, maybe for younger people."

The product in question? The Future Bright Vitamin C Serum by Sibling — an Aussie skincare brand created by a mother-daughter duo. We love a lady startup!

Image: The Future Bright Vitamin C Serum by Sibling.

After initially relegating it to body care status, Leigh quickly realised she'd struck gold when she started using it on her face.

"Honestly, it is a really great vitamin C. It's the plumping effect that I fell in love with immediately," she said.

And yes, please, tell us MORE.

The serum, which retails for $99, is packed with a stable form of vitamin C (specifically, 10 per cent ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate) and antioxidants.

And according to Leigh, it delivers on all fronts.

"My sister-in-law was like, 'You just look amazing. You just look so glowy.' It is so delicious," she said.

The formula comes in an airtight pump (crucial for preventing oxidation), and Leigh mentioned it plays particularly well under makeup — a common gripe with many vitamin C serums. Because if you're anything like us, you'll know it's so annoying when you're doing your skincare routine, only to find it pilling under your foundation.

Now, as an avid devotee of SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, Leigh said this new serum is comparable when it comes to results.

What makes both the Sibling and SkinCeuticals serums stand out is their formulation. While many vitamin C products struggle with stability issues, both these serums use sophisticated delivery systems to ensure the vitamin C remains potent. The science shows that stable forms of vitamin C are crucial for stimulating collagen and protecting the skin against environmental damage.

What's more, recent studies have shown that vitamin C is most effective when combined with other active ingredients which both these serums do brilliantly. Tick, tick, tick.

What makes this recommendation particularly noteworthy is that Leigh isn't easily swayed by trendy new releases. As someone who tests countless products, you know when she thinks something is genuinely worth your money/face.

"It is just delicious. So, I bought a bunch of those and I'm going to kind of alternate between that and when I'm trying new ones," Leigh added.

At $99 for 30ml, it's not exactly cheap, but when you consider the $242 price tag of its luxury counterpart, it's a hefty little saving for comparable results. And honestly, we're here for any way we can save in our spendy routines!

The best affordable vitamin C serums in Australia.

If you're looking for even more affordable vitamin C options, here are some other great alternatives that won't break the bank:

• No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum, $34.99.

• The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, $13.

• La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum, $69.95.

• Paula's Choice BOOST C15 Super Booster 15% Vitamin C Serum, $76.

Want to try Leigh recommendation for yourself? The Future Bright Vitamin C Serum is available directly through Sibling's website, and given Leigh's track record with recommendations, we'd suggest getting in quick before word gets out.

What's your go-to vitamin C serum? Share with us in the comment section below.

Image: Supplied/Leigh Campbell.