Sunday Riley Good Genes Review: Is It Worth The Money?Honestly Jamie

Because I wanted to see if this product really is worth the hype (or not)…

So I’m pretty late to the party on Sunday Riley, and I have to start by saying I AM SORRY. The hype? Yep, it’s real. I knew that Sunday Riley Good Genes had a cult following, so it’s not super surprising that I became instantly obsessed. Still, I had to see the results for myself.

What Makes Sunday Riley Good Genes So Special?

What exactly makes this serum so special, you ask? It’s an all-in-one lactic acid treatment, a high-potency AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) formula that’s powered by sensitive skin-friendly purified grade lactic acid. This serum works to exfoliate dead skin cells, clarify, smooth, and re-texturize your skin, making it perfect for all skin types—even sensitive skin.

When I saw the bold claim, I admit I legit rolled my eyes: “Good Genes is clinically proven to plump the look of fine lines and wrinkles in as few as three minutes.”

OK, SURE.

As someone who has worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years, I tend to have a skeptical outlook on claims like that… you know, the ones that seem totally made up. But let me tell you, they are NOT KIDDING.

In a clinical study:

100% of women said their skin looked and felt significantly smoother and more radiant, with visibly reduced lines, dark spots, and age spots after application.
100% of women also said this was the most effective skin-plumping product they have ever used and would absolutely recommend it to a friend.

These are seriously impressive results, especially when they back up the three-minute claim with clinical data.

My Experience with Good Genes

The first time I tested this high-potency serum, I was slightly nervous because my skin is considered “sensitive” (I have mild rosacea). The brand suggests that sensitive skin users apply Good Genes as a mask—leaving it on for 15 minutes before rinsing. I waited the 15 minutes, half expecting a harsh reaction, but my skin was totally fine. In fact, it looked smooth and glowy after just three minutes! The claim is LEGIT.

Why I’m a Sunday Riley Good Genes Convert…

There are so many reasons why I’m now a loyal fan of Good Genes:

Lactic Acid and Purified Ingredients
Good Genes is powered by unneutralized, purified-grade lactic acid combined with other high-quality ingredients like surgical-grade filtered water and prickly pear extract. Lactic acid molecules are larger, meaning they don’t penetrate too deeply, making it ideal for exfoliating sensitive skin by gently lifting dead skin cells without irritation. This formula allows sensitive skin types to still benefit from AHA exfoliation without harsh reactions.

It Works in as Little as Three Minutes
As mentioned, this is what makes Good Genes such a great go-to when your skin is looking dull or a bit ruddy. Instant glow-up in three minutes.

DIY Your Own Facial
Sunday Riley suggests mixing Good Genes with their Ceramic Slip Cleanser to create a “flash facial.” Just mix equal parts, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse. This combo is perfect for an at-home facial treatment when you need a little extra glow.

Day or Night Use
Unlike retinol and some other AHAs, you can use Good Genes during the day or night. Of course, if you use it in the morning, don’t forget to apply SPF over it to protect your skin. Personally, I love to use it at night right before my moisturizer, but remember not to mix it with too many other active ingredients. Good Genes is an exfoliator, so if you’re using it, skip retinol or vitamin C that night.

Unclogs Pores and Smoothes Skin
After using Good Genes, I noticed that my makeup went on flawlessly. This serum truly makes your skin smoother, which means you might even find yourself reaching for less foundation. It’s incredible for refining skin texture and minimizing the appearance of pores, dark spots, and age spots.

Addresses Both Aging and Textural Concerns
If you’re struggling with both fine lines and pigmentation issues, this good genes all-in-one lactic acid treatment could be the holy grail. It targets wrinkles, age spots, and dark spots, while also improving the overall texture and radiance of your skin.

After trying it myself, I can confirm that Sunday Riley Good Genes is well worth the investment. The combination of lactic acid, prickly pear, and purified grade ingredients makes it a powerhouse in any skincare routine. Whether you’re aiming to tackle dead skin cells, brighten age spots, or smooth out texture, this is one treatment that delivers fast results without harsh side effects.

Have you guys tried Good Genes? Tell me your thoughts below in the comments! I’m all in.