Sunday Riley Good Genes Review

Sunday Riley Good Genes has something of a cult-like following. Other reviews that I’ve read have said things along the lines of: “holy grail status”, “completely lives up to the hype”, and “I’ve given up searching for a more affordable alternative”. After finishing up my first bottle of the good stuff, I have to agree. There are few products in my skincare routine which have almost instantaneous effects, but this is one of them.

First, let’s chat about my skin type. I have relatively sensitive skin, and am prone to (undiagnosed) perioral dermatitis around my nose and chin. My complexion is combination – oily in the T zone and dry elsewhere, yet it’s also dehydrated. Also, as someone in their mid-thirties, I’m starting to be a lot more conscious of fine lines appearing, pigmentation (genetic), and scarring. Chemical exfoliants are always my preferred as I find them effective, without causing any physical abrasion to my complexion.

Which was part of the reason I was so drawn to Sunday Riley Good Genes. It’s described as an “all-in-one lactic acid treatment”; meaning it uses the chemical exfoliant (in this case lactic acid) to slough away dead skin cells.

Lactic acid helps to increase cell turnover. In high concentrations, it has the effect of firming the skin which makes your complexion look and feel smooth, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In terms of use, I would apply this generally every other night, or at least 2-3 times a week. My general skincare routine has been sporadic if anything since we had our little girl. So I’ve relied on my products to work overtime. And Sunday Riley Good Genes has definitely held up its end of the bargain.

Lack of sleep has been giving me something of a dull complexion, so I’m always blown away by how radiant my skin looks on days that I’ve used this. Which is probably down to the most evident ingredient, by smell anyway… licorice root. This has the task of visibly reducing the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, resulting in brighter skin. While I can’t say I’ve noticed much change to the pigmentation I have – genetic, rather than as a result of sun damage – it is a seriously potent radiance booster. For that alone, it’s a huge winner in my books. Its seriously reduced my need to use base products to give my skin a lit-from-within glow.

The other thing I’ve noticed, or perhaps noticed a lack of, is spots or pimples. My diet hasn’t been the best. Disrupted sleep has had me reaching for sweet treats more often than I’d care to admit. Usually the first place this shows is on my face. But there’s not been a single blemish, from poor diet or hormones. I can’t help but think that Sunday Riley Good Genes is one part of the puzzle. Though it’s hard to say for sure.

One point of note though, and this is a big one, I will avoid the sensitive areas around my nose and chin. The potency of this product can be a lot. From regular use I’ve found it’s sometimes a bit too much for me. I’ve made a real point of targeting my skincare to the areas of my face where it’ll best serve me, and it’s been a great strategy so far. It gives me greater control, and allows me to continue to use high-efficacy products such as this one. If you’ve had your eye on this but also have sensitive skin, I’d recommend trying to get your hands on a sample or travel-size first, to see how you go.

Perhaps the biggest sign that this has been a huge winner for me? I used up every. single. drop. And now I’m hunting out my travel size to tide me over; I’m still yet to have a chance to pick up a replacement. Consider me influenced. Though if my experience is anything to go by, this is one of those skincare products that really does live up to the hype.

If you’d like to try it out for yourself, you can find Sunday Riley Good Genes locally in Australia via Mecca. Alternatively I’ve linked international based stockists below! xx