This high potency, purified grade lactic acid exfoliates dead skin cells, to instantly clarify and smooth your skin.
This 5% lactic acid formulation has Tasmanian pepperberry which is known to calm and soothe after exfoliation.
Sunday Riley Good Genes serum is a star skincare product that many flock to for its transformative abilities. The serum contains lactic acid, an AHA with larger molecules that doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply and works for sensitive skin types. Good Genes targets dull skin, exfoliates, minimizes wrinkles, fades dark spots and overall improves the skin tone. It’s a dream but what price would you pay for a serum like this?
Our perfect dupe for Good Genes is The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5%+ HA 2% serum. Good Genes contains 5% lactic acid and so does TO’s formula. This product helps to achieve very similar results as Good Genes and significantly improves the quality of your skin tone. But the best part? The cost of The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid serum is about the tax you would pay for Good Genes.
Sunday Riley Good Genes Review
This high potency, purified grade lactic acid exfoliates dead skin cells, to instantly clarify and smooth your skin.
Sunday Riley Good Genes is loved by many because it has the power to transform the appearance of your skin tone and even give overnight results. Sunday Riley Good Genes uses lactic acid to help fade dark spots, exfoliate dead skin, minimize wrinkles and improve your overall skin tone. Lactic acid is an AHA like glycolic acid but it has a bigger molecule. The larger molecule size allows it to not penetrate the skin as deeply, focusing only on the top layer.
Lactic acid also attracts water molecules allowing the skin to feel more hydrated. Both of these factors make it a fantastic option for sensitive skin types. What makes Good Genes special is that it has a low pH making it a stronger, potent formulation. Yet the lactic acid makes it sensitive skin-friendly so you really get the best of both worlds with this serum!
If you’re looking for a miracle type of product that will transform your skin, this is that kind of product. It’s on the more expensive side but it’s effective and with recommended use only at a few times a week, a bottle should last a while.
Sunday Riley Good Genes Dupes
Sunday Riley Good Genes is unique in that it contains lactic acid. Lactic acid is an AHA with a larger molecule making it good for sensitive skin types. But, lactic acid isn’t as commonly found in products as fellow AHA glycolic acid is. Luckily, lactic acid is not the only way to chemically exfoliate the skin, especially for sensitive skin types.
All AHAs will have similar effects depending on their percentage in the formula. It’s all about finding the right one that works for your skin type and the one that you like. If you don’t like serums, you can find toners with acids that help to deliver the same results and vice versa.
1. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% with HA 2%
This 5% lactic acid formulation has Tasmanian pepperberry which is known to calm and soothe after exfoliation.
This dupe is a great match for Good Genes formula wise. Both formulations have 5% lactic acid and work to target dullness, fine lines and hydrate the skin. The texture of the two serums is different but you cannot beat the price of The Ordinary. If you’re looking to try out lactic acid and want long-term results, The Ordinary’s version is a great entry point.
Pros:
- Super affordable. One bottle from the Ordinary costs around the tax you would pay for Good Genes.
- Paraben-free, gluten-free, vegan and cruelty-free.
- This serum contains hyularonic acid for added hydration.
- Also comes in a 10% formulation if you want something a little stronger.
Cons:
- Watery, liquid texture vs. Good Genes milky, cream texture.
- Some reviewers said they didn’t notice any difference in their skin.
- Offers long term results while Good Genes may be more instant.
Where to buy it: Amazon
2. The INKEY List Lactic Acid Serum
A gentle lactic acid exfoliator that helps your skin appear brighter and more even looking.
This serum is formulated with 10% lactic acid and it’s paired with low molecular hyaluronic acid. Unlike Good Genes, it has a lightweight, liquid texture. If you’re looking to brighten the skin, fade dark spots and improve your complexion, this is a great product. The InkeyList makes really affordable, quality products and this one is no different.
Pros:
- Paraben, phthalate and sulfate free.
- Cruelty-free.
- Affordable.
- Effective and pretty gentle on the skin for a 10% formula.
- Reviewers noticed brighter, smoother looking skin!
Cons:
- Reviewers complain about the bottle applicator.
- This serum is stronger. 10% Lactic Acid vs Good Gene’s 5%.
- The packaging is cheap plastic.
Where to buy it: Amazon
3. Pixi Glow Tonic with Aloe Vera And Ginseng
Pixi Glow Tonic is a concentrated facial toner that deeply cleans your pores by eliminating excess oil and impurities.
Pixi Glow Tonic contains glycolic acid which is an AHA like Lactic Acid. The difference is glycolic acid has smaller molecules and penetrates the skin deeper while lactic acid is a larger molecule. This toner contains 5% AHA and it’s exceptional for clearing pores, fading dark spots and minimizing wrinkles. While it’s not a serum it still does a good job at improving your overall skin tone.
Pros:
- Affordable.
- This toner is easy to fit into your routine for nightly use.
- Alcohol and paraben-free.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- This product is a toner not a serum like Good Genes.
- Contains glycolic acid not lactic acid.
Where to buy it: Amazon
4. Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Hydrating Night Serum
This 3-in-1 night serum resurfaces, hydrates and clarifies your dull skin for a healthy natural glow.
This serum contains a blend of AHAs including Lactic Acid as well as BHAs. Personally, this is a really amazing serum and it’s results are on par with Good Genes. It’s not the most affordable dupe but it’s more affordable than Good Genes. If you want a serum that’s going to be an efficient miracle worker for your skin, this is it.
Pros:
- This serum is highly effective.
- Contains lactic acid as well as BHAs.
- This serum yields similar results to Good Genes.
- High quality formula and ingredients.
- Free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates.
- This serum has more rapid results.
Cons:
- This serum is very strong so if you’re new to acids it may be too intense. Aim for a few times a week and build it up.
- This isn’t the most affordable dupe.
Where to buy it: Amazon
5. Bliss Renew & Smooth Glycolic and PHA Night Serum
This gentle resurfacing night serum contains a unique six-acid blend of powerful acids to dissolve dead skin cells for super smooth skin overnight.
This Bliss serum is affordable, easy to get your hands on and contains a blend of AHAs and PHAs. This serum promotes cell turnover unveiling a smoother, brighter complexion and it’s still gentle enough for nightly use. This serum is a good substitute for Good Genes and they have a similar texture.
Pros:
- Helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, unveiling a brighter, smoother complexion.
- Free of parabens and phthalates.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- This has the same milky texture as Good Genes.
- PHAs still make it suitable for sensitive skin.
Cons:
- Doesn’t contain lactic acid.
- May be too gentle to see noticeable results if your skin is used to acids.
Where to buy it: Amazon
6. Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum
Nature and science unite to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration and wrinkles in this peptide and alpha hydroxy acid serum.
This serum contains a blend of the AHAs — glycolic and lactic acid. So, it’ll help to smooth wrinkles, fade discoloration and dark spots as well as brightening the skin tone. Just like Good Genes! This serum receives excellent reviews and it’s a great option for dry and sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Vegan, cruelty-free formula.
- Contains lactic acid like Good Genes.
- Affordable.
- Gentle and hydrating.
Cons:
- Some reviewers comment that the product expires quickly.
Where to buy it: Amazon
Final Thoughts
Our overall favorite dupe for Sunday Riley Good Genes is The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%. Formula wise, these two contain the same amount of lactic acid, 5% and they help to chemically exfoliate the skin while adding hydration. At the end of the day you cannot beat the price of The Ordinary. It’s a great serum if you’re looking for slow, steady and long-term results.
Lactic acid and it’s larger molecule size makes it a fantastic option for sensitive skin types and even daily use. When deciding what serum to buy, know if you’re starting out and want long term results, you don’t have to spend tons. But if you’re looking for more rapid results, look for a low pH lactic acid, a mix or acids or glycolic acid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to start seeing results?
Always wait around a month to see results from your new serum skincare. Some products show results more rapidly and that’s always exciting because then you know it’s working! But some products take longer so know just because something takes longer doesn’t mean it’s not working.
Is there anything I should know before incorporating an acid into my routine?
When using an acid, it’s best to use it at night because it makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Whether you use it daily or every few a week, always aim for night time use. Another thing to remember is since it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, you must always wear sunscreen on your face! Aim for SPF 50 and even on days when you’re home all day, you can still get sun damage from the windows and your screens. SPF is so important so don’t skip on that step.
How do I know if I should use AHAs or BHAs?
Both are similar but it depends on skin type and what you’re looking for. Personally, I like to use a serum with both a few times a week. If you have dry, sensitive skin and don’t deal with acne AHAs, because they add hydration into the skin and help to improve your complexion. Lactic acid especially!
If you suffer from acne or have oily skin, BHAs are oil-soluble and work to target clogged pores and can help minimize acne. If you get breakouts sometimes and want to improve your skin tone, go for a serum with both.