Lactic acid is one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids in skin care, and for good reason. Much milder than many other AHAs, this acid is derived from kefir and is known for its surface exfoliating properties
removing dead skin cells while reducing the appearance of fine lines and discoloration. As a lactic acid newbie, I tested one of the most popular products on the market, not to mention a favorite from Byrdie HQ: Sunday Riley’s
Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment.
I used it every day for two weeks and noticed a change in my skin’s texture, radiance and moisture levels, as well as an improvement in dark spots and fine lines. Is this exfoliating, plumping serum treatment winning over people?
Please read carefully to find out.
About my skin: Normal to oily with slight fine lines. My skin conditions vary from season to season, with my skin fluctuating between normal and oily in the summer and more prone to clogged pores and blemishes—especially now
that I wear a mask every time I leave the house.
I also struggle with texture and find that my skin is rarely smooth, whether it’s dry, oily or somewhere in between. I also suffered significant sun damage from years of tanning at the beach as a teenager, which showed up in the
form of small freckle-like dark spots on my cheeks.
I generally shy away from acids because I’ve had severe reactions to stronger ingredients in the past and have never used lactic acid treatments consistently before. Given my current skin condition, and the fact that I’m
starting to notice fine lines appearing around my eyes (hello, I’m 30!)
Good Genes seemed like the perfect choice for me to try a daily AHA for the first time. Since this product can be used both during the day and at night, I decided to incorporate it into my evening routine.
After spritzing Maison Jacynthe Rose Petal Water on clean skin, I apply Good Genes to my face and neck and let it absorb, then apply a more powerful nighttime moisturizer, Haoma’s Recovery Night Cream. Because the product is
gentle enough for daily use, I used it every night during the two-week test period.
Ingredients: Lactic acid and plant ingredients work together to refine skin. Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment is based on natural lactic acid, which works to remove pore-clogging dead skin cells from the skin’s
surface, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots
leaving skin fresh and radiant. Lactic acid is also known to kill acne-causing bacteria, promote cell turnover, and help skin retain moisture. 1 Additionally, licorice and lemongrass can fade dark spots and other skin
discolorations
2 while aloe vera like prickly pear extract, arnica and so on can soothe skin and reduce redness. Lactic acid is the second ingredient listed, while prickly pear extract and aloe vera, which are part of the brand’s botanical
extract blend (including other extracts and water) are listed as the first ingredient, indicating that they are both present in effective concentrations. It’s worth noting that arnica, lemongrass, and licorice are listed as
ingredients 14, 16, and 17 respectively, but they are not the final ingredients in the formula. This product is considered clean by Birdie’s standards. While it does contain some PEG, the brand’s lab assistant confirmed to
Byrdie that all of the PEG used has been cleaned of contaminants and contaminants. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
Feel: Light, fast absorbing. Good Genes is a white milky serum that blends into the skin quickly after application. It’s lightweight yet hydrating, leaving skin feeling smooth, plump, and hydrated without leaving a lot of
residue.
Although I choose to use it as a night cream, it’s a great makeup base due to its instant texture-enhancing effect. Aroma: citrus fruity and floral. Sunday Riley uses no artificial flavors in its products, but the natural
botanicals in the Good Genes formula give the product a delightful citrus-floral scent.
Drying and Irritation: LA is much milder than other acids. Compared to some other acids on the market, lactic acid is one of the milder options available.
Because its molecules are relatively large, it doesn’t penetrate deep into the skin and is more of a surface exfoliation and polishing treatment with a tightening effect. Plus, it doesn’t affect your skin’s pH.
I didn’t experience any irritation or dryness while using this product – quite the opposite, other than being more sensitive to the sun. Sensitivity: Be careful with sun exposure and other acids
While lactic acid is a milder acid, it is still an AHA acid, which means it can increase your sensitivity to the sun and make you more susceptible to sunburn. 3 When using this product and for a week after use, it is best to
limit use and avoid sun exposure, and make sure to always apply (and reapply) SPF.
However, it’s best to avoid the sun as much as possible, because after a day at the beach, even after constantly using SPF, I got a mild sunburn – something I don’t normally experience.
You should also avoid mixing lactic acid with other acids and exfoliants (such as other AHAs or benzoyl peroxide) as well as retinol; this may cause redness or dryness. If you have particularly sensitive skin, the brand
recommends using Good Genes as a 15-minute mask instead of a leave-in treatment.
Results: Skin becomes instantly firmer and hydrated, with improved radiance and texture over time After using Good Genes for the first time, my skin felt firmer, softer, and more hydrated after the product was completely
absorbed. While I can feel the results more than I see them, overall I’m left with a dewy, more radiant glow.
The brand promises the product will instantly plump fine lines and wrinkles in just three minutes. Looking up close, I noticed a slight difference in the faint lines under my eyes, but not enough for others to notice or for my
phone camera to capture.Still a clear advantage!
After using this product as a nighttime treatment, I wake up every morning with smooth, radiant skin. I haven’t noticed any significant improvement in my sun spots or fine lines in two weeks, but I love the exfoliation of this
product and will continue to use it. If it fades my sun spots and faded lines over time, that’s an added bonus! Value: You get what you pay for Earlier this year, Sunday Riley cut the price of Good Genes by 20%, from $105 to $85
an ounce.
While $85 isn’t cheap, and there are certainly plenty of affordable lactic acid products on the market, Sunday Riley prides itself on using clean, high-quality ingredients and eco-friendly formulas backed by science. In my
opinion, you get what you pay for. Similar products: competitive The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% ($6.50): There are many Good Genes knockoffs on the market at various price points, but the most popular is The Ordinary’s
Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Serum Ordinary, a liquid with gentle exfoliating properties Serum with keratin effects. Both products contain skin-soothing ingredients that help combat acid-related redness and irritation. (Good Genes
uses prickly pear extract, arnica, and aloe vera, while The Ordinary uses a derivative of the Tasmanian pepper plant.)
The Ordinary provides extra moisture through hyaluronic acid, while The Good Genes is formulated with licorice and lemongrass, Brightens the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. While I haven’t personally tested The
Ordinary’s serums, both products have rave reviews. If you’re new to acids and hesitant to buy an entry-level product, The Ordinary’s serum is much cheaper (we’re talking $6.50 an ounce), so it might be a better choice for you.
If you’re looking for a stronger drink, The Ordinary offers a 10% lactic acid version that’s only 20 cents more expensive.
