
OMG, I wish I could afford to bathe in Good Genes! It's one of the very few products I've elevated to my "holy grail" list- formulas that actually deliver results and worth their weight in gold.
I initially thought Good Genes was ridiculously overpriced for what appeared to be a fairly basic formula: purified lactic acid combined with a handful of skin-brightening botanicals. There's nothing particularly cutting-edge about the ingredients themselves. Lactic acid, lemongrass, aloe, arnica, and licorice have been used in beauty products for centuries. Even Cleopatra reportedly bathed in sour milk as low-tech lactic acid body peel!
Good Genes was in my cart for weeks before I finally decided to bite the proverbial skincare bullet and order it. Honestly, I almost wish I hadn't…because I absolutely love it.
If SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic has taught me anything, it's that creating a truly exceptional skincare product is about much more than the ingredient list. Percentages, concentrations, formulation, and delivery all matter. While Good Genes seems basic, it outperforms every other leave-on lactic acid treatment I've tried. The results speak for themselves, and that high price is easier to justify.
I'm in my mid-40s and had great skin until I turned 40. Seemingly overnight, a lifetime of questionable decisions appeared etched across my face every time I looked in the mirror. Good Genes restored a youthful glow to my very dry, dull, and probably perimenopausal skin almost IMMEDIATELY.
That's one of the things I love most about it- you get that instant gratification each time you apply it. Your skin looks brighter, smoother, and more radiant right away, while continued use helps soften fine lines and improve overall texture. My skin is noticeably more even, the fine lines around my eyes are smoother, and even my stubborn "1” wrinkle looks much softer.
If you're over 40, haven't yet discovered the magic of lactic acid, and don't want to deal with peels, I highly recommend giving Good Genes a try. It's an easy-to-use, no-rinse treatment that fits seamlessly into almost any skincare routine, whether you're a minimalist or a skincare enthusiast with a 20 step routine.
One pump is enough for my entire face, while two pumps cover my face, neck, upper chest, and hands. It layers beautifully under makeup, but also pairs nicely with retinol or other serums at night. I personally prefer using it in the morning, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen. It never pills and plays nicely with every product I've paired it with.
My only real complaint is the price. If you can, wait for a sale and stock up. I certainly will.
I really hate how much I love this stuff.
✓ Verified Purchase22 found this helpfulRead more
The Good Genes by Sunday Riley made my skin noticeably smoother and brighter after just a few uses. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and gives a healthy glow without irritation. A bit pricey, but totally worth it ✨
✓ Verified Purchase14 found this helpfulRead more
Anastasia
November 20, 2025
It smells luxurious, it’s like a light lotion cream on the skin, my skin looks more awake like 5 minutes after I put this on. It works. But I’ve already had it for about 2 weeks and almost done with it
✓ Verified Purchase7 found this helpfulRead more
Feels great, lightweight. Quick results with overall skin texture. I’m 39 and this is my second purchase of this product
✓ Verified Purchase11 found this helpfulRead more
JANET SAVICKAS
June 22, 2026
It’s a great product
✓ Verified Purchase14 found this helpfulRead more
This cream is awesome. Did everything my face need and more …
✓ Verified Purchase22 found this helpfulRead more
Once upon a time, I thought this stuff was crazy expensive... Then I tried it and TOTALLY GOT IT! Super effective yet gentle, very moisturizing, and smells ah-mazing! Also-no, just because another serum has lactic doesn't mean it's "basically the same thing as Good Genes" because it's just not. I will always have a bottle of this serum to hand.
✓ Verified Purchase17 found this helpfulRead more
I’ve tried a lot of exfoliating serums, and this one actually lives up to the hype. It makes my skin look smoother, brighter, and more glowy by the next morning without feeling overly harsh. The texture is lightweight and layers well with the rest of my skincare. A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts awhile. The only downside is the price, but honestly it’s one of the few products I consistently notice a difference with.
✓ Verified Purchase13 found this helpfulRead more
Michelle Benincasa
May 17, 2026
Use the whole Sunday Riley line and this is one of my faves. Has changed the surface of my skin.
✓ Verified Purchase13 found this helpfulRead more
We use this every night. And I have very brittle nails; however, they are so strong now. The only change that could cause this benefit is when I put the cream on. They grow so fast and so strong. It takes a month to see a difference on your face. Don’t let the price scare you away, because after that initial month, we have noticed a big difference in our skin. My hubby is 59 and I am 52 and BTW, he works outside all day and is a smoker.
✓ Verified Purchase7 found this helpfulRead more
I will buy 1.7 fl oz next time 😉
✓ Verified Purchase18 found this helpfulRead more
Barbara Casagrande
April 20, 2026
This serum really works well . My skin looks brighter and I get a lot of compliments on how good my complexion looks. I’m going to be 80 yrs old this year. I feel good about using this product at this point in my life.
✓ Verified Purchase23 found this helpfulRead more
Beth Odabashian
April 16, 2026
LOVE my Good Genes. It makes my skin feel so soft, and i can use it as my moisturizer too.
✓ Verified Purchase14 found this helpfulRead more
Just the best ever lactic treatment. I love this stuff, and it’s a great buy for what it does
✓ Verified Purchase23 found this helpfulRead more
Lauren Rockel
March 19, 2026
I have tried to find a dupe for this so many times and the truth is, it doesn’t exist. This is the only product that brightens my skin, evens out my complexion and minimizes my pours. It’s one step skincare.
✓ Verified Purchase7 found this helpfulRead more
Bauthne Customer
March 11, 2026
After using for 2 months, my skin is super soft and smooth. I don’t normally have the best skin texture but this improves it immensely. Nice and hydrating after toner and before moisturizer.
✓ Verified Purchase3 found this helpfulRead more
I’m in love with Sunday Riley’s Good Genes. From the first use, it was like magic—my pores were clear overnight. If you overuse it, it can cause a bit of dryness, but I use it 2-3 times a week because I have oily skin—and it’s marvelous. I haven’t found another product with similar results. I’ve tried many Elemis products, which are top quality but too gentle for me. Personally, I want strong, fast results, and those ultra-gentle products do nothing for me. Good Genes is magnificent—worth every penny. I tried a mini version in a set and ended up buying the full-size. I finished it and want more—it’s irreplaceable. Five stars!
✓ Verified Purchase22 found this helpfulRead more
Keighly Chavis
December 24, 2025
Love it! Noticed visible difference in dark spots, and face was just noticeably better! Ordered on sale on Black Friday, and just got my second bottle today!
✓ Verified Purchase6 found this helpfulRead more
Shoxsanam
December 4, 2025
Perfect serum
✓ Verified Purchase9 found this helpfulRead more
Whoah!! I purchased this on a Black Friday sale to try something new. It arrived today and I literally saw big results within minutes. This is my best purchase of the year. Holy crap this stuff is good. I have no ties to the brand whatsoever. I typically use “the ordinary” brand (which is good too but this has me in awe).
✓ Verified Purchase17 found this helpfulRead more
Taylor b.
November 20, 2025
I love this stuff ! Wish I would have tried sooner! Makes my skin look brighter and smoother. Adds more youth to the look of my face .
✓ Verified Purchase24 found this helpfulRead more
Christina Forster
October 21, 2025
I really love this product! I do layer it over Sunday Riley's Luna Sleeping Night Oil. Once I apply Good Genes over the oil there is a burn that isn't painful but you can feel it working. And then I put a moisturizer over it. Even the first morning after I started this routine again my skin felt so soft. There was a noticable difference. It helps with fine lines and overall radiance. It's a product I don't not like to go without.
✓ Verified Purchase16 found this helpfulRead more
Laura Lopez
September 5, 2025
Expensive but so worth it! I love the depuffing and the way it makes my skin look luminous and supple!
✓ Verified Purchase11 found this helpfulRead more
I’ve ordered this several times from Amazon and no issues,
✓ Verified Purchase15 found this helpfulRead more
This is an amazing product!! This turns dull skin into beautiful glowing skin. I have tried cheaper products but sometimes you get what you pay for. This is a definite keeper in my skincare routine.
✓ Verified Purchase11 found this helpfulRead more
Good Genes is highly effective! I started using this 2 weeks ago and can already see the difference. My hyperpigmentation is noticeable lighter. I am really shocked! My skin tone is evenly distributed especially under my eyes. It is worth every penny.
✓ Verified Purchase12 found this helpfulRead more
This product was recommended to me by my esthetician. It really helps with enlarged pores. I use it every night before bed. I noticed changes in smoothness and complexion.
✓ Verified Purchase5 found this helpfulRead more
An absolute must for anti-aging!!! You will see an improvement in skin brightness overnight!!! It costs a little more but you’ll agree that it’s worth every penny once you’ve tried it !!
✓ Verified Purchase18 found this helpfulRead more
Obsessed with this product, helped clear my skin after trying so many different products
✓ Verified Purchase10 found this helpfulRead more
My skin always looks so healthy while using this!
✓ Verified Purchase23 found this helpfulRead more
Love this stuff. Makes my face so smooth and really brightens my skin. Well worth the price.
✓ Verified Purchase16 found this helpfulRead more
I hate it because it’s so damn expensive but oh well. I’ve tried other lactic acid products and they either make my skin red or lead to breakouts. The Sunday Riley one is the only one I’ve ever found that makes my skin just look… perfect. I don’t use it daily, just before days where I will be wearing makeup or want my skin to look flawless. It’s a noticeable difference the next morning if I use it as the first step of my nightly skincare. The packaging really does suck though, there’s so much product left in the little packet thing that you have to cut it open and use it that way.
✓ Verified Purchase12 found this helpfulRead more
This started with a tiny packet of product that my sister gave me some time ago. I squeezed every drop of Good Genes out of that tiny packet . Nothing had ever come close to truly hydrating my skin.After doing a lot of research and scouring reviews of Sunday Reilly products, I decided to take an expensive dive into the products. My face has never felt so good. I do not regret this decision, my face has never felt so hydrated and lovely.
✓ Verified Purchase22 found this helpfulRead more
Great stuff! Goes on nice and looks great!
✓ Verified Purchase15 found this helpfulRead more
Kate the Great
April 15, 2025
I've been using this consistently for a few years now and love it. I'm skincare-obsessed, so it takes a lot to impress me. It does what it claims to do. I give it as gifts to friends because I want them to experience it too!
✓ Verified Purchase10 found this helpfulRead more
Jill Giddens
April 14, 2025
Love love love love good stuff!!
✓ Verified Purchase14 found this helpfulRead more
I love Sunday Riley product! Excellent quality, scented so nicely, feels great on my skin. Effective. This is premium, so the price reflects premium, but it's worth it all day long!
✓ Verified Purchase9 found this helpfulRead more
Elizabeth Bolton
March 8, 2025
This product works really well! Ordered another in the product line.
✓ Verified Purchase9 found this helpfulRead more
Mandy Anderson
February 16, 2025
I AM OBSESSED! I’m 45 years old and I’ve being using this auto correct for 3 years now. I’ve tried so many different eye creams and this is by far the absolute best! I LOVE how it gives you an instant brighter look! Im not joking when I tell you I love this stuff, I have the travel size auto correct in my purse so I can dab it on whenever I want. Lol Sunday Riley products are amazing!
✓ Verified Purchase9 found this helpfulRead more
There’s nothing like Sunday Riley‘s good genes. Makes your face feel fresh and radiant. Would recommend to a friend or anyone.
✓ Verified Purchase12 found this helpfulRead more
Tracey T.
January 28, 2025
I’ve been using for 2 weeks so far and some fine lines are looking less visible
✓ Verified Purchase7 found this helpfulRead more
This makes a huge difference in the moisture level of my skin. I use it on my face and chest and it helps plump up the skin and make it look less crepey. I use it everyday, and often twice a day so I'm always on the lookout for their sales since it's a little pricey. Definitely give this product a try!
✓ Verified Purchase24 found this helpfulRead more
This product will produce actual results, no gimmicks. Great for skin complexion. Not sure how to describe exactly what it does but my skin looks better after using it: brighter, less redness, flattens bumps, just all over good.
✓ Verified Purchase5 found this helpfulRead more
If you haven’t tried this you have to! This stuff makes my skin feel and look amazing!!
✓ Verified Purchase15 found this helpfulRead more
Pricey but great product! This one that you get what you pay for. I noticed improvement after the first use.
✓ Verified Purchase20 found this helpfulRead more
I know its expensive but I've repurchased this product multiple times! Its my go-to product for when my skin looks dull or feels congested. I use it for a couple days and by day 3 my skin looks smoother and feels so much better. I recommend this to all my friends and family and its worked for all of them no matter the skin type
✓ Verified Purchase11 found this helpfulRead more
Michele M
October 20, 2024
I’ve been using the Sunday Riley Good Genes serum for a few weeks now, and I’m amazed by the results. My skin feels smoother, looks brighter, and some of my fine lines have visibly diminished. The lactic acid in this serum gently exfoliates without irritating my skin, and I love how soft and refreshed my face feels after each use. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but totally worth it for the results. Highly recommend for anyone looking to improve skin texture and tone!
✓ Verified Purchase3 found this helpfulRead more
toni french
September 21, 2024
I’m sorry but for me this is the best cream if you want the instant gratification for your skin to look right, bright and refreshed! I apply every morning prior to my moisturizer.
✓ Verified Purchase6 found this helpfulRead more
The scent is really nice and refreshing. I smell mainly lemongrass that’s really nice. Doesn’t make my skin feel oily after, just hydrated. Definitely can tell it’s really good quality. I can see a difference in my skin appearance and texture. Very effective
✓ Verified Purchase11 found this helpfulRead more
This product is perfect to achieve evenly toned skin, don’t forget sunblock. It is a perfect addition to Luna oil. It helps accelerate results when used in combination. My skin is so soft and bright. No more full textured skin after using this.
✓ Verified Purchase21 found this helpfulRead more