Sunday Riley Good Genes Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Honest review · Updated November 2026 · Tested by Qatch. Qatch earns a commission on purchases through our links. Every opinion is our own.

Quick Answer: is Sunday Riley Good Genes worth it? Yes, as a treatment you use when you need it.

Real talk - the first time I tried this I “broke out” and was pissed. I had (and still have) pretty clear skin, so when I saw pimples on parts of my skin that never had pimples, I dismissed this product. When I mentioned it to my friend who is a derm, she asked if I was sure it wasn’t just purging - and I had no idea what that meant.

So I gave it another shot, and within 12 hours the tiny “pimples” disappeared and my skin looked even better. Now, I rarely have that purging effect since I use this somewhat routinely in my skincare, but I wanted to note this in case others have quickly dismissed this before giving it the proper attention it deserves!!

Good Genes is a lactic acid treatment, from $50 for the 0.5 oz. I use it sparingly, the night before something big, and it gives my skin the look of having just had a facial. Use code QATCH15 for 15% off Sunday Riley.

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Good Genes is Sunday Riley's cult lactic acid treatment. Lactic acid is an exfoliating acid, so it works on the surface of your skin to make it look smoother and brighter. It's the product a lot of people know Sunday Riley for.

There are two versions, and they're easy to mix up. The one I use, and the one this review is about, is the Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment. There's also a Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment ($85).

Code: QATCH15 for 15% off at Sunday Riley.

The honest take: my reserve for when I really need help.

I've used Good Genes on and off for years. When I was younger, I liked it but didn't love it, probably because I didn't really need it yet.

I bought it again recently and brought it into my "gotta look hot tomorrow" night-before routine. It gives my skin the look of having just had a facial, without the facial. My skin looks and feels a little smoother, and it just radiates.

1.     The night before something big, after cleansing, I apply a thin layer of Good Genes to dry skin.

2.     I keep everything else that night simple. Good Genes is an exfoliating acid, so I don't layer it with other strong actives like my AI retinoid serum on the same night.

3.     I follow with my C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream ($65), which is my nightly moisturizer.

4.     The next morning, sunscreen. Exfoliating acids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

If you're new to it, start slowly, once or twice a week, and see how your skin reacts. The full routine with all four of my Sunday Riley products is in my Sunday Riley review.

I use the lactic acid version, so that's the one I can speak to firsthand. In general, lactic acid is considered the gentler of the two, which is why it's the one most people start with. Glycolic acid is a smaller molecule and tends to feel stronger.

If you've never used an exfoliating acid before, or your skin gets dry in winter, I'd start with the lactic acid Good Genes.

For me, yes, because I don't use it every night. The 0.5 oz ($50) is the easiest way in, and since I use it sparingly, it lasts. The bigger sizes are $122 for 1.7 oz and $205 for 3.4 oz. The 1 oz ($85) is sold out right now.

Use code QATCH15 for 15% off at Sunday Riley.

→Shop Good Genes with code QATCH15 for 15% off

Good Genes is for you if you want your skin to look smoother and more radiant for a specific moment, or if your skin looks dull and you want a treatment you can count on. It's not for you if you want a gentle everyday product, or if your skin is very sensitive to acids.

Good Genes is my night-before secret. I don't need it every day, but when I want my skin to look like I just had a facial, this is what I use. Start with the 0.5 oz, use it sparingly, and use QATCH15 for 15% off.

Want to see the other three Sunday Riley products I use? Read my full Sunday Riley review.

Yes, as a treatment you use when you need it. Good Genes (from $50) makes my skin look smoother and more radiant, like I just had a facial. I use it sparingly, the night before an event, so a 0.5 oz lasts. Use code QATCH15 for 15% off at Sunday Riley.

I use Good Genes (from $50) sparingly, mostly the night before something big. If you're new to it, start once or twice a week and see how your skin reacts, since it's an exfoliating lactic acid. Use code QATCH15 for 15% off at Sunday Riley.

The lactic acid Good Genes (from $50) is the one most people start with, because lactic acid is generally considered gentler. The glycolic acid version ($85) tends to feel stronger. If your skin gets dry or you're new to acids, start with lactic. Use code QATCH15 for 15% off.

I don't use Good Genes on the same night as my AI retinoid serum ($85), because both are strong actives and layering them can irritate your skin. I alternate nights instead. Use sunscreen the next morning. Use code QATCH15 for 15% off at Sunday Riley.

Yes. Use code QATCH15 for 15% off at Sunday Riley, including Good Genes, which starts at $50 for the 0.5 oz. It's an exclusive Qatch code from our partnership with the brand. See my full Sunday Riley review for the other products I use it on.

Text BEAUTY to 30422 and we'll send you our beauty picks and the code, or read my full Sunday Riley review, where I review the C.E.O. Vitamin C cream, B3 Nice, Good Genes and AI. Use code QATCH15 for 15% off at Sunday Riley.

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