Apply 1-2 pumps to clean, dry skin as a leave-on treatment. Use day or night. Can be applied on top of Luna Sleeping Night oil, and before your moisturizer. For sensitive skin, use as a mask. Apply 1-3 pumps to clean, dry skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry.

Multi-tasking, targeted lactic acid treatment rapidly exfoliates and boosts naturally youthful radiance, while visibly reducing the look of lines, wrinkles and dark spots. High potency, purified grade lactic acid exfoliates dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, to instantly clarify and reveal smoother, clearer skin. Together with skin brightening licorice, this super-concentrated treatment visually reduces the look of dark spots, age spots, and discoloration caused by exposure to the sun, for naturally brighter, even-toned skin. Clinically proven to immediately and significantly plump fine lines and boost radiance in just 3 minutes.

Product Reviews

Rated 4.08 out of 5 stars

100 Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Smoothens & brightens...

When it comes to Alpha Hydroxy Acids my skin prefers Lactic over Glycolic any day, as it's gentler, and this formula containing Lactic plus Licorice and a host of botanicals is good stuff! I try not to use anything containing AHA's during the daytime as I'm never convinced I've reapplied my SPF sufficiently to protect against the very strong southern Florida sun. For that reason I use it on a night time only. The texture of Good Genes is light and would suit most skin types I'd imagine, other than possibly sensitive. Having an oilier skin type myself, I find I usually don't need to use a moisturizer once I've applied this as it hydrates sufficiently on its own. Results-wise: I found my skin tone generally brighter within a week of starting use and also it feels much smoother - definitely down to the Lactic Acid. It does contain silicones, however they are thankfully much further down the ingredients list then most silicone-containing products, therefore not a huge issue for me. The fragrance of this serum reminds me of a citrus sherbet meets Lemongrass, it's strangely appealing and yet somewhat not at the same time! Speaking of oils I came across concerns in other reviews about the 'essential oils' in the formulation so I did a spot of detective work... of the 2 oils in here, Meadowfoam Seed Oil is a non-photo toxic carrier oil and Lemongrass oil is an essential oil, although not a photo toxic one either, and therefore no reason for concern. -> My 'Ulta Beauty Top 7 must-have list' (thought it might be useful to share my 7 favorite beauty products of all time, focusing mainly on my purchases at Ulta) < - < 1. Hair Loss Treatment: Divine Herbal Hair Oil < 2. Eye Cream: Clinique All about eyes < 3. Lip Gloss: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil < 4. Makeup Remover: Lancome Bi Facil < 5. Pigmentation + Anti-Aging Serum: Divine Herbal Facial Treatment Serum < 6. Eyeliner: Ulta Beauty Gel Eyeliner Pencil < 7. Moisturizer: 'Lush' – Enzymion

Most Helpful Critical Review

Works well, but nothing extraordinary

My skin loves lactic acid so I knew I'd like this product and I bought and completely used up the large size. And let me say that yes, it works well. But it doesn't work any better than other lactic acid products (shoutout to the ordinary). That being said, I've heard that this product gives an instant plumping effect for fine lines and wrinkles, but I'm in my late twenties so I don't have those/can't speak to that aspect of this product. (Also I only used this at night so I couldn't care less about an instant plumping effect). I simply use this as an AHA exfoliator and it works, but it's not any better than other lactic acid products for me. Honestly y'all give this a try if you want/have the money to spend but keep in mind that this product isn't a miracle, they just have good marketing.

Reviewed by 100 customers

Best Yet!

5

Daisyssl from Michigan

Easy, feel nice. Actually works - my skin looks great. Kids used to call my skin crunchy, now its soft and I swear something is happening to the lines and yucky pigments. It's a keeper, and Ive tried it all.

Yes, would buy again

5

Kitty12 from Michigan

Clean face first

Works!!

5

Annie from Idaho falls

This product is spendy but worth it. It works on all the problems it said it will fix.

Love it!

5

Dumisha from MI

My skin has never looked better! This exfoliator keeps me clear of outbreaks and clogged pores. I've been using it for about 6 months and couldn't be happier. My face doesn't feel dry. My skin is brighter, my dark spots have lightened. The only time I ever saw similar results was with a prescription. I love it.

Beautiful product, odd smell, too expensive

4

Jessie from Albuquerque, NM

If this product was $20-35 cheaper, it might be worth it. I did see significant instant results in appearance of my skin when used with a vitamin c serum, but it does revert and you really should use it as often as your skin allows, IMO. So for that, I switched to the Ordinary— it's less than $10 and I see very similar results. Also the smell is very strange— I don't wear this on date nights.

Wow miracle product for mascne

5

BlueBird from Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Ever since things started opening up again and I had to go back to work, wearing a mask for 8 hours at a time really wreaked havoc on my skin. It became drier than usual and of course I developed the dreaded mascne. I had these tiny little congested pores?? And I tried so many things and nothing has seemed to work. I finally decided to give this a good try after the exfolikate scrub and wow. My skin looks great. Those tiny little bumps are gone! After one use, I can only imagine after continued use. Expensive but the only thing that has worked so I will continue to buy those two things for my routine if the mascne returns.

Great Product!

5

Kimmy from Utah

Love this stuff! I have the Ordinary lactic acid 10% too, but if you don't use lactic acid daily Good Genes gives you the most immediate and effective results with fewer uses. Love how my skin is plump and glowy in a just a couple minutes. If you are just introducing your skin to it, it might feel tingly/itchy, but the more you use it that goes away. Would definitely recommend if you want hecka good results and can spend the money.

Where has this been all my life?

5

MrsBooBookitty from Chicago, IL

Omgee !!!! This has done wonders for my acne prone skin. I am dermologica stan but this has literally improved my overall skin tone and texture. I was a little bit hesitatant as some reviews said it made them breakout and I have always had to fight acne as an adult ongoing even using the dermologica skin regime. Adding this in and I have barley broken out AT ALL. I usually have 3-4 breakouts a month, since using this I think I had only one in the two months of use and it was very minor! I have no idea where this stuff has been hiding all my adult life but so glad it was recommended by a friend to try. I am now looking into incorporating some more Sunday Riley products , excited to try ☺️

10% lactic acid from The Ordinary under $10

1

Kalimagic from Florida

Then use a nice natural skin lotion/cream/ whatever works for your skin type. And less breakouts for under 10 bucks.

Beauty Routine Staple

5

Karebear from Avella, PA

I had this product for a while and never used it; I never bothered to read about it. Over the summer my face became really dry and patchy. I did a little reading and I will never go without this again. This is an absolute staple in my beauty routine now. I've been using it consistently for just over a month and notice the change in the appearance of my skin. It's not sticky or heavy, it just glides on and soaks into the skin. Love this stuff.

Love this makes my skin feel great and a light scent

5

Kitty from Michigan

On clean skin morning and night

Worth the price ,, I would like the price to be more access

5

SandriN from Tampa Florida

I use this product on my every day routine and I love it 🥰

Works well, but nothing extraordinary

3

Barnaby'sMom from SoCal

My skin loves lactic acid so I knew I'd like this product and I bought and completely used up the large size. And let me say that yes, it works well. But it doesn't work any better than other lactic acid products (shoutout to the ordinary). That being said, I've heard that this product gives an instant plumping effect for fine lines and wrinkles, but I'm in my late twenties so I don't have those/can't speak to that aspect of this product. (Also I only used this at night so I couldn't care less about an instant plumping effect). I simply use this as an AHA exfoliator and it works, but it's not any better than other lactic acid products for me. Honestly y'all give this a try if you want/have the money to spend but keep in mind that this product isn't a miracle, they just have good marketing.

Huge break outs

1

Beach babe from Orlando, Florida

I gave this 3 shots just in case it was something else but no. This gave me huge painful pimples all over my chin and checks. I'm devastated because my skin doesn't recover quickly from being irritated and broken out. If you are sensitive don't buy

noticeable results!

5

Sep from Texas

I love this product. I have been using this nightly for about 4 months now. I noticed results pretty quickly, like within a week. My skin looked smoother and more even. My boyfriend even noticed and commented on it. I used to suffer from horrible hormonal acne so I have leftover scars and texture issues and this has helped me so much! It's pricey and I normally don't like to overpay for items but when it's worth it, it's worth it and I would definitely repurchase even at full price.

Fantastic Product

4

Reneeva from Florida

I really love this product and found it to be very effective at returning a "glow" and improving texture. To the people concerned about breakouts, understand that it's encouraging cell turn-over, so initially you may get a "purging" effect from your pores. Go super light until you're used to it!

This stuff is amazing

5

Gabrielle W from Alabama

I suffer from adult acne and dry skin. I recently have gotten into skincare and have a routine. It was only after I started using Good Genes that I really started to see a huge change in my skin. My acne scars are fading and my skin looks bright and glowy! This is a holy grail product for me and have already purchased another bottle because I am so impressed by it. My skin is somewhat sensitive and I never had issues applying this. I put it on every night and it really helps other products applied after to absorb so much better. I really like the smell, too!

DRY SKIN = SUPER SMOOTH SKIN

5

LittleFairy from Oklahoma

I have dry skin. No matter how much moisturizer I put on, its still dry when I put on primer and foundation. I got this as a sample in my Birchbox Sub and I am so glad I did! It makes my face feel super smooth and makes my foundation application easier. A little goes a long way. I just had to buy the 1 oz and my mom even bought it, and she used it last night. She loves it! She is even glowing this morning. She's 60-70 years old. I am 30. I even recommend it to my friend who has more dry skin than me. I gave her the mini. You will not be disappointed. I didnt use it 7 days straight, because on the mini there are no instructions, and it STILL made my face smooth and it glowed. Love! Love! Love!

Best Skincare line ever

5

Lisa from New York

I use this every other day to avoid dry patches, I have combination skin and I'm prone to dry skin around my chin

Broke me out

1

Good Genes gone Bad from South

Just as the headline said. I'm 29 and used it this product at night. Woke up the next morning & my skin was SUPER oily & along with that I had break out. So much acne! Makes me so sad, had high hopes. Hopefully my skin gets back on track soon. Big no no.

Bait and switch?

3

AJW1 from Ohio

I used a sample of this and it seemed to transform my terrible skin overnight. I was shocked, and used the sample for a week. I even liked the smell. So I dropped the money for the big one, of course. It completely stopped working. It did nothing for a few days, nothing at all, and then started to break me out. I could have died. I thought I'd finally found something to make my skin socially acceptable. I returned it. But I tried the Ordinary's 10% lactic acid, and while it didn't work as quickly as Good Gene's, I've been using it nightly for months and my skin is as good as its ever been. I suggest it for $160 less.

Skincare staple

5

Nikki from Orlando, Florida

I've used Sunday Riley Good Genes since 2016 and now it's a skincare staple in my routine. My skin is at its best when I use this consistently. Leaves my skin smooth, bright, my pores are smaller & takes care of any blemishes, but I can honestly say I don't have any blemishes because of this product. I recommend the Luna oil with this at night & then a night none over powering moisturizer. Some back info I'm 39 yrs old, my skin is combo, but for the most dry and I mark up pretty easily. A little goes a long way. I love the lemongrassy smell & if your into a nice couple of steps skin routine at night you should add this to your routine.

Not a hit for me

1

VA Lady 2008 from Winchester, VA

I was so hopeful trying this but it aggravated my acne prone sensitive aging skin and gave me cystic breakouts. Beware if you have sensitive skin or acne.

Holy Grail

5

Sam from Florida

Started using this product to help with dehydration of my skin and to clear up my acne and minimise my pores, and within a couple of weeks my skin looks 10 times better! For those who broke out immediately after using this, it's because it's a stronger acid bringing out impurities from the skin, unless irritation follows it is normal for this to happen to a lot of people, it's called purging! Always allow up to two weeks after changing skin care routine for your face to get used to the product and to get out impurities. It happened to me after switching and my skin now looks so much more clear than what it did before using this. Will always use this!

Smoothens & brightens...

4

Selena from Miami, FL

When it comes to Alpha Hydroxy Acids my skin prefers Lactic over Glycolic any day, as it's gentler, and this formula containing Lactic plus Licorice and a host of botanicals is good stuff! I try not to use anything containing AHA's during the daytime as I'm never convinced I've reapplied my SPF sufficiently to protect against the very strong southern Florida sun. For that reason I use it on a night time only. The texture of Good Genes is light and would suit most skin types I'd imagine, other than possibly sensitive. Having an oilier skin type myself, I find I usually don't need to use a moisturizer once I've applied this as it hydrates sufficiently on its own. Results-wise: I found my skin tone generally brighter within a week of starting use and also it feels much smoother - definitely down to the Lactic Acid. It does contain silicones, however they are thankfully much further down the ingredients list then most silicone-containing products, therefore not a huge issue for me. The fragrance of this serum reminds me of a citrus sherbet meets Lemongrass, it's strangely appealing and yet somewhat not at the same time! Speaking of oils I came across concerns in other reviews about the 'essential oils' in the formulation so I did a spot of detective work... of the 2 oils in here, Meadowfoam Seed Oil is a non-photo toxic carrier oil and Lemongrass oil is an essential oil, although not a photo toxic one either, and therefore no reason for concern. -> My 'Ulta Beauty Top 7 must-have list' (thought it might be useful to share my 7 favorite beauty products of all time, focusing mainly on my purchases at Ulta) < - < 1. Hair Loss Treatment: Divine Herbal Hair Oil < 2. Eye Cream: Clinique All about eyes < 3. Lip Gloss: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil < 4. Makeup Remover: Lancome Bi Facil < 5. Pigmentation + Anti-Aging Serum: Divine Herbal Facial Treatment Serum < 6. Eyeliner: Ulta Beauty Gel Eyeliner Pencil < 7. Moisturizer: 'Lush' – Enzymion