Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment Serum 1.0 oz — Exfoliating, Brightening

Designed as an all-in-one corrective serum, Sunday Riley Good Genes uses purified, high-potency lactic acid paired with botanical brighteners to dissolve dead skin cells and help reduce the visible appearance of dark spots, discoloration, and fine lines. The lightweight formula blends exfoliation with soothing and hydrating extracts so it can be used as part of a targeted evening or weekly routine to boost radiance without heavy residue.

How quickly will I see brighter, smoother skin?

Many users report immediate improvement in surface clarity and skin texture after the first application as lactic acid loosens and removes dull, pore-clogging cells. More noticeable reductions in dark spots and uneven tone typically develop with consistent use over weeks.

• Instant surface radiance as exfoliation reveals fresher skin
• Visible softening of fine lines after short-term use
• Improved discoloration and dark spots with regular application over several weeks

How should I use Good Genes in my skincare routine?

Apply a thin layer to cleansed, dry skin—usually in the evening—to allow lactic acid to work without interference from oils or sunscreen. Start slowly if you’re new to chemical exfoliants, then increase frequency as tolerated; always follow with SPF during daytime hours.

• Use after cleansing and before heavier creams or oils
• Begin with 1–3 times per week, then increase as skin adjusts
• Follow daytime use with broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect renewed skin

What key ingredients deliver results and how do they help?

Good Genes centers on a purified, high-potency lactic acid to provide controlled exfoliation while botanical extracts soothe and brighten. Licorice extract targets visible hyperpigmentation, while lemongrass and plant extracts contribute to an overall radiant appearance.

• Purified lactic acid: loosens dead skin cells and clarifies texture
• Licorice root extract: supports a brighter, more even tone
• Soothing botanicals (aloe, cactus, prickly pear): calm and hydrate

Is Good Genes suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

The formula combines potent exfoliation with calming and moisturizing extracts to minimize irritation, but tolerance varies. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, patch-test first and introduce the product gradually while monitoring for redness or excessive dryness.

• Contains calming aloe and hydrating squalane to reduce potential irritation
• Non-comedogenic ingredients help minimize pore-clogging
• Patch testing and incremental use recommended for sensitive skin

Who this is for: Good Genes is made for anyone seeking a targeted exfoliating treatment to improve surface texture, brighten uneven tone, and reduce the visible look of fine lines and dark spots. It’s ideal for users comfortable with acid exfoliation who want a concentrated, fast-acting serum that pairs easily with other skincare steps; beginners should introduce it slowly and protect freshly revealed skin with sunscreen.

• Size: 1.0 oz (30 mL)
• Free from parabens, sulfates, gluten, soy, phthalates and added fragrance
• Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly formula

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS: Botanical Blend [Water/Eau/Aqua, Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract, Cypripedium Pubescens Extract, Opuntia Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (Yeast) Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate], Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Lactic Acid, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Disiloxane, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Phytate, Citral, Geraniol, Limonene.