

Sunday Riley
beauty & self care
A lactic-acid exfoliating treatment that smooths texture, brightens discoloration, and improves skin clarity using a gentler acid profile supported by brightening and calming ingredients.
Good Genes is an exfoliating treatment with formal award recognition, strong retailer ratings, and fewer irritation issues than many stronger acids.
At the core is a lactic-acid treatment for resurfacing, tone correction, and smoother texture in one step. Lactic acid clears surface buildup while holding more water than glycolic, which contributes to a more tolerable feel. Licorice root addresses discoloration, and a support layer of prickly pear, aloe, arnica, blue agave, and yeast extract helps limit irritation during use. Users consistently report faster smoothing and brighter-looking skin.
Selected for repeatable smoothing and tone improvement. Strong retailer ratings and repeat purchase behavior indicate consistent performance over time. Lactic acid handles resurfacing, with a support layer that helps limit irritation during use.
Purified, food-grade lactic acid derived from corn fermentation
Licorice root and stearyl glycyrrhetinate for tone and discoloration support
Botanical support system: prickly pear, aloe, arnica, blue agave, orchid, and yeast extract
Brand claim: radiance and fine-line plumping shortly after application
Allure Best of Beauty 2023 winner in Best Resurfacing Serum
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 from 2,841 reviews for the 1.7 oz size
Sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, soy-free, phthalate-free, fragrance-free, and vegan
Available in multiple sizes from 0.5 oz to 3.4 oz
Winner in the Best Resurfacing Serum category.
Reviews consistently highlight smoother, more radiant skin—often by the next morning—with continued improvements in texture, tone, and clarity over time. Many users describe it as a “gentle but effective” acid they return to after trying alternatives, citing visible results without the harshness of stronger exfoliants. Repeat purchases are common, with some calling it a staple or “holy grail.” The main drawback is price, along with occasional tingling or sensitivity, especially with overuse.
“I wake up the next morning with such a glow!”
“Gentle on sensitive skin.”
“It’s a bit on the pricier side, but totally worth it for the results.”
“My skin always looks brighter the morning after use.”
| Primary Exfoliant | Purified, food-grade lactic acid |
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| Brightening Support | Licorice root extract and stearyl glycyrrhetinate |
| Support Ingredients | Prickly pear, aloe, arnica, blue agave, orchid, yeast extract |
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| Moisturizers | Caprylic/capric triglyceride and squalane |
| Humectants | Propanediol and butylene glycol |
| Core Functions | Exfoliates, smooths texture, improves tone, boosts radiance |
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| Clinical Positioning | Immediate smoothing and radiance improvement after application |
| Standards | Sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, soy-free, phthalate-free, fragrance-free, vegan |
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| Available Sizes | 0.5 oz / 15 mL, 1 oz / 30 mL, 1.7 oz / 50 mL, 3.4 oz / 100 mL |
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| Standard Price | $85.00 for 1 oz / 30 mL |
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