What compares to sunday riley good genes?

Last updated: April 17, 2023

Sunday Riley Good Genes is a great product that has become the holy grail in many people’s skincare routines.

It’s a multitasking serum that gives both instant and long-term results.

Good Genes has a number of star ingredients which get to work on a multitude of skin issues.

It tackles things like dark spots, uneven skin tone, dullness and the look of fine lines.

Sunday Riley’s Good Genes is an amazing product that makes a noticeable difference to most people’s skin.

However the price point is what makes people start searching for a Sunday Riley Good Genes dupe.

Sunday Riley Good Genes retails for $85 USD (or £70 / €80) for the 30ml / 1 fl oz bottle.

You can buy a 15ml bottle for $43 or a larger 50ml version for $122.

There’s even a supersize 100ml tube for $205 which works out cheaper per oz/ml but is of course quite an outlay.

If the Good Genes treatment is out of your beauty budget, don’t worry.

You can get some good Sunday Riley Good Genes dupes and alternatives for a lot less money.

Scroll down to see the best Sunday Riley Good Genes dupes and alternatives to get a brighter complexion for a fraction of the price.

Note that the version of Sunday Riley Good Genes that you buy is different if you live in the EU or the UK.

The original Good Genes is the Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment which is still sold outside of Europe.

If you are in the UK or the EU then you can buy the Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment which has different ingredients (due to EU regulations).

However both versions have been carefully formulated to give the same result.

These Sunday Riley Good Genes dupes focus on dupes for either product.

Sunday Riley’s Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment is so popular because of its key ingredients.

They work together to create a powerful chemical exfoliant which is still gentle enough to be used on the most sensitive skin.

Good Genes has several soothing ingredients which benefit all skin types and contribute towards an instantly radiant complexion.

The ingredient list of Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment contains the following standout components:

The overall effect of these ingredients in Good Genes, and the reason people love this product so much, is brighter skin with a smoother texture, less acne, and less clogged pores.

Fans claim Good Genes gives them a glow like no other that you can see happening overnight.

The Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment that’s sold in the UK and the EU contains glycolic acid instead of purified lactic acid.

However it also contains potassium lactate which is a derivative of lactic acid.

Glycolic acid is a smaller molecule which penetrates deeper into the skin layers than lactic acid but works in the same way to exfoliate the skin.

The Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment also contains squalane, lemongrass and prickly pear extract.

The two different versions are designed to do exactly the same thing as each other.

The blend of ingredients in Good Genes is quite hard to find a dupe for as they are fairly unique.

However, if you are looking for a good Sunday Riley Good Genes dupe to save some money these are the best options to get similar results.

This is one of the most affordable alternatives to Sunday Riley’s Good Genes.

The percentage of lactic acid in The Ordinary’s serum is the same as Good Genes but the pH is higher, meaning it’s not quite as abrasive as Good Genes.

This is where Sunday Riley’s soothing ingredients come in to offset this acidic effect.

The Ordinary’s lactic acid serum contains Tasmanian pepperberry which soothes any irritation you may get from the lactic acid.

The Ordinary product also contains sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid.

If this is too gentle for you, The Ordinary also has a Lactic Acid 10% + HA serum which is a stronger exfoliant.

The best part is that the price of The Ordinary products is ultra affordable.

This product contains a blend of AHAs and BHAs including lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, salicylic acid and tartaric acid.

The combination of these different molecule sizes works together on blocked pores and uneven texture, giving you smoother and clearer skin.

To counteract any irritation you may get from using these acids, this Paula’s Choice product has several soothing and hydrating ingredients.

These include allantoin, ceramide NG, licorice root extract, adenosine, green tea and oat extract.

It’s more affordable than the Sunday Riley products and a great alternative to Good Genes.

Paula’s Choice also have a great dupe for SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum.

Although the price of this Sunday Riley Good Genes dupe is only slight lower than the real thing, it’s definitely worth mentioning.

This is because many people say they actually get better results from Honeymoon Glow than they do from Good Genes.

That is a reduction in the ageing effects of sun damage like dark spots and fine lines, and a bright and glowy look to the overall skin tone.

Honeymoon Glow’s ingredients include a cocktail of acids which are lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid and other fruit acids.

It brings the glow with a combination of grape seed oil, honey extract, hyaluronic acid, safflower seed oil, and a ton of other extracts which retain moisture and plump the skin.

Biossance’s serum is a well-loved product in its own right and not just as a less expensive alternative to Sunday Riley’s Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid product.

It has a 10 percent concentration of lactic acid, an amount which is said to increase collagen production.

This product also contains squalane to soothe and moisturize just like Good Genes, but it also contains extract of clover.

Clover amplifies the skin renewal process and this and the lactic acid work together to reveal fresh and brightened skin overnight.

It is still on the expensive side but is a fair bit cheaper than Sunday Riley.

This Sunday Riley Good Genes dupe gets great reviews.

Alongside the exfoliation you get from the acids in this serum, there is a whole host of brightening ingredients too that will give you that same Good Genes glow.

Mad Hippie’s product contains glycolic and lactic acids to work on skin texture and bumps.

It also has an anti-ageing blend of ingredients like apple stem extract and the peptide Matrixyl Synthe ‘6.

You also get hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide, antioxidant-rich white tea and goji berry plus Vitamin E, ceramide 3 and squalane.

All in all it contains a powerhouse of skin-friendly ingredients which provide gentle exfoliation and which gets to work on acne scars and fine lines.

This is much more affordable serum than Good Genes too.

This Sunday Riley Good Genes dupe is not dissimilar from The Ordinary’s serum.

It contains the same amount of lactic acid (10 percent) plus glycerin and hyaluronic acid to act as a hydrator and emollient.

This is very much a no-frills serum which gets to work on increasing cell turnover and removing dull skin cells.

It’s also really inexpensive and a great budget-friendly option for a lactic acid serum like Good Genes.

Pixi’s lightweight serum is another version of these lactic and glycolic acid treatments that has other great benefits aside from exfoliating dead skin cells.

This Sunday Riley Good Genes dupe also has salicylic acid which is great for clearing debris from pores and regulating oil production.

It has other ingredients in common with Good Genes like licorice root extract and aloe vera.

Clarity Concentrate is suitable for all skin including sensitive skin types.

It’s also a really great Good Genes dupe if you have acne or congested skin as it is great at unblocking pores and calming inflammation.

Sunday Riley Good Genes is one of the most hyped skincare products of recent years, but it comes with a very high price tag.

It has a fairly unique combination of ingredients so it’s almost impossible to find a perfect dupe for Good Genes.

The best option is to try a different product like any of these Sunday Riley Good Genes dupes to see how they work for you.

Each one gets amazing reviews and the ingredients are very similar so they will work just the same way as Good Genes does in your skin care routine.

More of the best skincare dupes:

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream dupes

First, though, an investigative look at exactly how the Good Genes serum works its magic. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D. says a lot of it has to do with the lactic acid in the formula. “Many other chemical exfoliants and AHAs can be too strong and irritating, but this serum works for any and all skin types,” she tells Bustle. She adds that it’s even gentle enough to use daily to tackle fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Along with removing dead skin cells, lactic acid also helps to increase cell turnover to deliver an overall boost of radiance, Zubritsky explains.

Lactic acid isn’t even the only skin brightener within the treatment. “The product also has licorice and lemongrass which further help to brighten the skin and improve tone and texture,” says Zubritsky. New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, M.D. adds that licorice extract has anti-inflammatory effects, which boost the formula’s appeal. “[That means] it can help soothe the occasional sting you feel with AHAs,” she explains. What’s more, Bowe notes that the Good Genes treatment contains phenoxyethanol, “a preservative that I find to be especially well tolerated even for the most sensitive skin,” she says.

It’s also worth noting, as the derms explain, that lactic acid is a milder alpha-hydroxy acid — but milder can also mean less powerful or slower acting. If your skin isn’t so sensitive, you may be well served by an exfoliating serum with mightier ingredients. “While lactic acid is a nice AHA, it doesn’t hold a candle to an 8-10% concentration of glycolic acid when it comes to smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles,” Bowe says. “That’s because glycolic acid is a smaller molecule, so it penetrates more deeply into the skin and can stimulate collagen production if used consistently over time. No other AHA can do that.”

So, if you’re in the market for an exfoliating serum that packs a glow-inducing punch, scroll on for six derm-recommended alternatives to the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment. All are under $62 — and one is just $7.

We at Bustle only include products that have been independently selected by our editors. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Board-certified Minneapolis-based dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu, M.D. recommends this serum as a worthy Good Genes alternative, noting its affordability and combination of 10% lactic acid and hyaluronic acid — the latter of which is a humectant that pulls moisture from the air or from deeper within your skin. It’s gentle, but it still helps tackle dullness, signs of aging, and dark spots, all for under $15.

Liu also likes this serum for its robust blends of AHAs, which include lactic, glycolic, and malic acid. She also points to the elixir’s soothing ingredients that balance the exfoliation, like oat extract and green tea, but recommends that those with sensitive skin use caution as it’s so chock-full of exfoliants.

Dr. Elyse Love, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, likes this resurfacing serum for its use of 10% vegan lactic acid and squalane, aka two of the star ingredients found in Good Genes. It’s meant to tackle the appearance of pores and soften skin’s texture while hydrating. The formula also features clover, a botanical that’s been known to calm the skin. Overall, Liu says this product’s texture and results are very similar to the cult fave from Sunday Riley.

This one comes recommended by Zubritsky. “It gives you the same results as the Good Genes serum with the added brightening bonus of glycolic acid,” she says. It combines lactic acid, peptides, antioxidants, and ceramides to help hydrate the skin while tackling discoloration and wrinkles. For sensitive skin types, Zubritsky advises to use no more than once or twice a week.

Bowe suggests this serum if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of pores, smooth your skin’s texture, and boost your overall radiance. It boasts an AHA complex, a lipo-hydroxy acid (which is well tolerated and gently exfoliates), and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump as it sloughs off dead skin cell buildup.

Zubritsky suggests this product from The Ordinary, citing its affordability and similarity to the Good Genes treatment. As far as AHAs go, it contains only lactic acid, making it great for those with sensitive skin. “While this does not have extra brightening ingredients like licorice or lemongrass, it makes up for it in the hydration department with the addition of hyaluronic acid and Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity,” she explains.

Studies referenced:

Ciganovic, P. (2019). Glycerolic Licorice Extracts as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Extraction Optimization, Chemical Characterization, and Biological Activity. Antioxidants. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826613/

Han, X. (2017). Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect in pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblasts. Biochim Open. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801909/

Lipovac, M. (2011). Effect of Red Clover Isoflavones over Skin, Appendages, and Mucosal Status in Postmenopausal Women. Obstet Gynecol Int. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22135679/

Sharad, J. (2013). Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3875240/

Tang, S.C. (2018). Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017965/

Zeichner, J. (2016). The Use of Lipohydroxy Acid in Skin Care and Acne Treatment. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5300717/

Experts:

Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Whitney Bowe, M.D., NYC-based board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Jenny Liu, M.D., Minneapolis-based dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota

Elyse Love, M.D., NYC-based board-certified dermatologist

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 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 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.

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.

Where to buy it: Amazon

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.

Where to buy it: Amazon

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.

Where to buy it: Amazon

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.

Where to buy it: Amazon

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.

Where to buy it: Amazon

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.

Where to buy it: Amazon

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.

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.

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.

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!

But with Good Genes’ price of $85 for one ounce at Sephora (and $122 for one-point-seven ounces – uhhhh), QUILL has taken it upon itself to find the best dupes for this Sunday Riley gem. We’ve even found some that excluded lactic acid, should your skin be a lil tooooo sensitive for an AHA. Read on for our fav 13!

We’re starting off strong (and ridiculously affordable) with The Ordinary, because it would be wrong not to include their Lactic Acid 10% and HA 2% Exfoliating Serum.

Packed with – you guessed it – Lactic Acid, this Good Genes dupe exfoliates to the max, sloughing away dead skin cells and revealing a softer, brighter complexion.

Tasmanian pepperberry comes in to battle irritation post-exfoliation, giving you the treatment and the after-care all in one.

BUY NOW – $8

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Lactic acid? Not enough for Paula’s Choice, which combines this acid with its fellow AHAs: glycolic, malic, and tartaric acid. The result is total exfoliation. Like, you might as well be wearing new skin, because that top, dead layer? It’ll be gone.

But don’t be worried about feeling raw – Paula was kind enough to involve allantoin, oat extract, and licorice extract to soothe post-acid-wash. Throw in chamomile, grape seed extract, and green tea to protect and firm, and you have Sunday Riley x1000.

BUY NOW – $39

Peach & Lily choose the best ingredients for their products – each one is chosen carefully for maximum and complementary effects.

Lactic acid – 10%, specifically – is paired with 12 botanical extracts for a full-blown exfoliation and rejuvenation. The key offerings: red algae, which helps with firmness; black ginseng extract, which renews and rejuvenates; and a prebiotic and probiotic complex that balances the ‘biome and stops the burn.

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We haven’t talked about it much, but kojic acid is kind of a big deal when it comes to dealing with hyperpigmentation. Combine it with acids like lactic, glycolic, and azelaic, all of which slough dead cells and dirt from the ‘dermis, and you have a glowing complex.

Don’t freak out when you feel a slight tingle – that’s just the toner working its magic and lifting those dark spots up and away.

BUY NOW – $17.99

If you can’t have a gin and tonic at 8 am while applying skincare, you might as well use a tonic that will give you a tipsy flush.

BYBI uses lactic acid to strip away the shitty stuff and bring your radiant cells to the surface, while reishi (which Lexiss wrote about in-depth!) and shiitake mushrooms give your skin a brightened, dark-spot reduced canvas.

That dewy, post-workout-glow-minus-the-salty-sweat flush comes from Melissa floral water, so you have a soothed and smooth base.

BUY NOW – $17

Yeah, you’ve heard of citric acid and glycolic acid five billion times over. So, Sacheu decided to switch things up on ya and keep you on your toes – and your skin alert.

Instead of the usual AHAs, find lactic acid paired with malic acid and tranexamic acid, working together to brighten skin tone and lighten any dark spots. This is thanks to lactic acid’s gentle exfoliation, malic acid’s AHA and BHA properties, and tranexamic acid’s ability to prevent darkening and fight discoloration over time.

Hyaluronic acid sneaks in to keep things hydrated, locking in moisture so the acids don’t leave you dry.

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Indie Lee’s Brightening Cream, like Youth To The People’s option, also lacks lactic acid, replacing it with citric acid instead for that lit-up look.

The glow is amped up by ingredients like strawberry leaf extract and centella asiatica, both of which contain major amounts of antioxidants to hype your skin and protect it from environmental stressors.

At the same time, sodium hyaluronate and squalane arrive to keep hydration in, so you’re not sacrificing moisture for magnificence.

BUY NOW – $42

Prickly pear extract reveals itself in this Sunday Riley dupe, just like in the OG Good Genes.

Instead of lactic acid, find the other skin-rejuvenating AHA, citric acid, here to take on any dark spots and uneven skin tones.

You’ll feel ultra-hydrated and nourished with the combo of aloe, sodium hyaluronate, and glycerin, while hibiscus flower acids work with the prickly pear to give refreshed texture.

Finally, Tamarind Polysaccharides – aka sugar molecules – work to aid elasticity and fight signs of aging.

BUY NOW – $45

Bringing back the lactic acid, Freck makes the ingredient the star of the show in their toner.

Dance away from discoloration and embrace evenness thanks to the AHA, which works with kelp extract to provide antioxidants. The result: a protective barrier that also offers brilliant brightness.

Cactus flower extract is included to calm and keep away any redness, so your glow won’t be impacted by skin irritation.

BUY NOW – $28

Do you have a sacred dupe for Sunday Riley’s Good Genes? Drop it in the comments!

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment is a cult-favorite skincare treatment that has been covered in beauty blogs countless times in the last few years. I admit that I, too, love this product, but I don’t love the price.

So is there a Sunday Riley Good Genes dupe, or an affordable lactic acid treatment out there comparable to Good Genes, or are we all destined to spend countless dollars replenishing Good Genes more times than we’d prefer?

There actually are some fantastic Good Genes dupes available that won’t break the bank!

When not testing new products, I use Sunday Riley Good Genes religiously, usually every other day.

Even though the manufacturer has reduced the price of Good Genes since I first wrote this post in 2019, it is still pricey. Thus, the need for a good dupe!

Since I love lactic acid for my skin, I continue to search for additional comparable lactic acid products available at drugstore prices, and I’m excited to share that I’ve added a few new contenders as a Good Genes skincare dupe.

I found four Sunday Riley Good Genes dupes, most at very cheap prices. But first, let’s discuss why we want to use a lactic acid serum like Good Genes in the first place.

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Before getting into the dupes, let’s discuss lactic acid. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works as an exfoliant on the surface of your skin.

While synthetically produced for products today, lactic acid was naturally derived from dairy products like sour milk. No wonder there are tales that Cleopatra bathed in milk!

Luckily lactic acid treatments are much easier for us to use on our skin today.

The lactic acid molecule is larger than other AHAs (i.e., glycolic acid), so it doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply.

Lactic acid may be a good introduction to AHAs if you never used them before or may be beneficial if you have a sensitive or dry skin type.

Lactic acid targets fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tone, discoloration and may even help acne.

It is generally recommended to not mix AHAs such as lactic acid other potent actives like other AHAs, vitamin C or retinol.

Skincare Routine Note: I use lactic acid treatments every other night. I’ll use retinol one night and then lactic acid the next and so on. Currently, I save vitamin C for mornings due to its fantastic antioxidant properties.

It is important to note that lactic acid and other AHAs make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen while using AHAs and for seven days after.

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It helps to reduce the dead skin cells and excess sebum that can cause blackheads, breakouts, and acne. It has been proven to plump fine lines in as little as 3 minutes. It really works that fast!

The result is brighter smoother glowing skin.

In addition to lactic acid, the serum contains licorice which has brightening qualities that improve luminosity and radiance.

Lemongrass works an astringent that supports a toned skin. It also imparts a fresh clean citrus scent.

Arnica soothes the skin and prickly pear extract is a rare desert cactus that calms irritation that can come along with chemical exfoliation.

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When I first tried this Sunday Riley lactic acid treatment, it irritated my skin.

But instead of quickly washing my face like usual when I encounter a product that my skin does not like, I pushed through, and to my surprise, after a few minutes, the irritation went away.

I am SO glad that I gave it a chance because I woke up the next morning and my skin was never so smooth. Even a few minutes after applying it my skin appeared plumper!

Fine lines and hyperpigmentation have become concerns for me, and this product went to work on both. No other product has given me such immediate results.

This is due in part to the lactic acid, which worked to provide a gentle exfoliation by sloughing away dead skin cells and plumping my skin, making it appear more radiant.

I find that personally, my skin tolerates lactic acid better than stronger AHAs like glycolic acid.

I continue to see great results with this product, especially when I wake up in the morning after using it at night.

Some days I wonder why my skin looks better, and then I remember, oh right, I used Good Genes! The only drawback for me is the price. It is expensive, even if I use it every other night.

NOTE: If your skin is sensitive and Good Genes and it is too strong to leave on overnight, you can use it as a mask. Simply apply 1 to 3 pumps to dry skin and rinse after 15 minutes.

Always patch test any new skin care product on your skin before using it for the first time to avoid a negative initial reaction.

Related Post: AHA vs BHA Skincare Exfoliants: What is the Difference?

So the search began for an inexpensive dupe or even somewhat comparable affordable lactic acid-based product.

Luckily, there have been some very reasonably priced lactic acid treatments that have hit the market recently.

Since my skin has been loving Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment for such a long time, I wanted to try some options to see if they were viable alternatives.

If you consider the cost to be an important factor in your decision to purchase a lactic acid product, well, let me tell you, The Ordinary and The Inkey List’s products have you covered.

You can purchase them at rock-bottom drugstore prices!

Related Post: These Creme de la Mer Dupes Will Save You Money

The serum comes in a glass bottle with a dropper that dispenses the liquid formula.

It’s quite runny, so it’s important to dispense the product into the palm of your hand and apply it with your fingers gently onto your face.

Otherwise, it could get messy and run off your face and down your neck, although your neck could certainly benefit from this treatment.

I found that the product did not irritate my face and dried pretty quickly. In the morning, my skin was smoother and more refined.

I noticed that I did not get the immediate plumping that Good Genes provided, but I kept reminding myself that for the price it did a great job.

For more on this serum, see my The Ordinary Lactic Acid Review post.

If the 10% concentration is too strong for your skin, you can try the 5% concentration: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA.

TIP: Some people use this lactic acid serum to help keratosis pilaris, those annoying bumps often found on the back of your arms. I am looking forward to giving it a try. At this price, I can afford it!

Related Post: How to Build A Skincare Routine with The Ordinary Products

It has a running texture, and the plastic squeeze tube became a bit messy upon application.

Unfortunately, it was difficult to control the product, as it would run down the side of the bottle. I understand that due to the price, some concessions must be made, and the packaging is an example of this.

The Inkey List recommends this dupe for Good Genes serum if you have dry or more sensitive skin. I have somewhat sensitive skin, and this product did not irritate my skin at all.

It felt like the hyaluronic acid kept my skin from feeling too tight or dry and provided a nice hit of hydration.

I appreciate the clear instructions on the bottle, which indicate that it should be applied first under other serums and moisturizers.

I applied other Inkey List serums that I was testing on top of this treatment, and it didn’t pill at all.

Just like The Ordinary, my skin appeared smoother and exfoliated the next morning.

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This Good Genes dupe is supercharged with 16 actives including alpha hydroxy acids, apple stem cells, and gigawhite. If you are wondering what in the world gigawhite is, I wondered the same thing! Read on…

The alpha hydroxy acids present in the formula include glycolic acid and lactic acid.

We all know the wonderful benefits of lactic acid as noted in the other products in this post, but what about glycolic acid? How does it differ from lactic acid?

Glycolic acid has one of the smallest-sized molecules of all alpha hydroxy acids. This means that it can penetrate pores deeply to exfoliate away dead skin cells, oil, and other impurities.

A side effect of it being so potent is that it can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin.

Glycolic acid is present in higher amounts than lactic acid in this serum (9% glycolic acid vs 1% lactic acid), so glycolic acid is definitely doing more of the exfoliating work in this serum.

Glycolic acid also improves the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration, and age spots. (I luckily am able to use this serum with minimal irritation.).

But there’s more! It also contains sodium hyaluronate, the salt of hyaluronic acid, which has been shown to penetrate better than hyaluronic acid. It hydrates and plumps the skin.

Apple Stem Cells help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Matrixyl Synthe ‘6, an advanced peptide, helps to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the visible signs of aging.

Gigawhite is a blend of 6 organically grown alpine plants that reduces the look of discoloration.

White tea and goji berry offer antioxidant protection and a ceramide protects the skin barrier and helps skin retain moisture.

This is a pretty impressive ingredient list for such an affordable serum. It brightens, clarifies, and exfoliates just as well or even better The Ordinary and The Inkey List Lactic Acid Serums.

This is not surprising due to the addition of glycolic acid and a more complex formula. I think it is a solid contender for a Good Genes dupe.

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This lactic acid serum contains a vegan blend of 10% lactic acid and 12 natural extracts to resurface and repair the skin.

A 10% concentration of lactic acid works its magic in this active botanical serum to exfoliate the skin, reduce the look of dark spots, improve the visible signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines and boost moisture in the skin.

Here are some of the natural actives that combine with lactic acid to improve the effectiveness of the serum.

This Good Genes dupe smooths fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin texture, radiance, and skin tone.

The lightweight serum is non-sticky and quickly absorbs into the skin. Say goodbye to dull skin, as it leaves brighter, plumper, softer and smoother.

This vegan and cruelty-free lactic acid serum is fragrance-free, although you may notice a slight scent from the botanicals. Ideal for dry, normal, combination, and oily skin types.

While it’s a little pricier than the other dupes, it’s a very effective lactic acid formula.

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I found both The Ordinary and The Inkey List’s lactic acid treatments very impressive for their low prices. My skin likes lactic acid, and it is one of the only AHAs that does not really irritate my skin.

All of these serums are solid alternatives to Good Genes that will brighten, smooth, and exfoliate your skin.

Due to their affordable prices, I would repurchase all of these skin care dupes. I love the potent age-fighting ingredients in Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum and the clean botanicals in Peach & Lily.

If I had to choose between The Inkey List and The Ordinary serums, I slightly favor The Ordinary since the packaging allows for a better, if not perfect, application of the product.

The one thing that you get from Good Genes that I haven’t been able to replicate is that immediate plumping appearance that is not present with any other products that I’ve tried.

Even though I will continue to use these dupes, I will also reluctantly repurchase Sunday Riley Good Genes, that to me, is worth every penny.