[REVIEW] Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment (Before and After)

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[1]🧬Ingredients Breakdown [2]Instructions [3]Results VS. Claims [4]Before&After [5]Verdict

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• Price : US$ 85 or US$ 122

• Texture: Very lightweight cream

• What you get: 1 fl.oz./30ml or 1.5 fl.oz./50ml

• Cruelty-free: Yes

• Instagram: @sundayriley

+INGREDIENTS

Ingredients of the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment: (Botanical Blend) [ 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 (Preservative)], Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride (Emollient), Squalane, Lactic Acid, PPG-12/​Smdi Copolymer (Emollient), Propanediol (Solvent + Moisturizer/Humectant), Butylene Glycol (Moisturizer/Humectant+ Solvent+ Viscosity Controlling), Stearic Acid (Emollient + Viscosity Controlling), Dimethicone (Emollient), ♦️Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenyl Trimethicone (Emollient, Disiloxane (Skin Conditioning), Ceteareth-20 (Emulsifying + Surfactant/Cleansing), Glyceryl Stearate (Emollient + Emulsifying), PEG-100 Stearate (Surfactant/Cleansing + Emulsifying), Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate (Skin Conditioning + Soothing), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, ♦️Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Potassium Hydroxide (Buffering), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Controlling + Emulsion Stabilising), Caprylyl Glycol (Moisturizer/Humectant + Emollient + Deodorant), Chlorphenesin (Preservative + Antimicrobial/Antibacterial), Sodium Phytate (Chelating)

🧬In-Depth Details Of Interesting Ingredients:

Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract: 🔴[Not enough research] Potentially Moisturizing 

Cypripedium Pubescens Extract: 🔴[Not enough research] Potentially might work as a muscle relaxant/sedative, but there is almost no research whatsoever to back this up.

Opuntia Vulgaris Leaf Extract: From what I could gather, Opuntia Vulgaris is another name for Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract:🔴[Not enough research] Antioxidative + Moisturizing. According to Mibellebiochemistry, a manufacturer of this ingredient, it has Soothing and Hydrating properties and may help protect skin cells against UV light. These claims are only linked to the manufacturer, and no independent study/research/clinical trials have been made with this ingredient, which would validate these claims.

Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract: 🔴[Not enough research] Potentially Anti-inflammatory + Potentially Antioxidative and Antibacterial

Arnica Montana Flower Extract: Anti-inflammatory + Antimicrobial + Antioxidative 

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: Treats burns (Inhibits thromboxane, which causes a restriction in blood supply to affected skin tissues) + Moisturizer (mucopolysaccharides (water-binding) along with amino acids and zinc) + Wound Healing (Stimulates Collagen production pathways)+ Anti-inflammation (Magnesium lactate in the gel prevents Histamine production).

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (Yeast) Extract: Contains Beta Glucan: Protects against irritation and environmental stress (the molecules link together to form a barrier on the surface of your skin) + Antibacterial (stimulate white blood cells to attack pathogens) + Hydrating (acts as a humectant (chemical structure attracts and traps water molecules)) + Anti-aging (Boosts collagen production). ‘‘According to manufacturer info coupled with the Mexican cactus, prickly pear (found in this product_ it also helps to reduce neurosensory irritation that might occur from potent retinol or AHA products.’’

Squalane: Naturally produced by the body (production slows dramatically after age 30), repairs, deeply moisturizes, and has anti-aging benefits.

Lactic Acid: A form of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), which is a class of acid that reduces cell adhesion in the top layer of the skin (decrease cellular bond between corneocytes), which leads to an exfoliating effect. AHAs have also been shown to increase the production of mucopolysaccharides and collagen in the skin. [Anti-Acne + Anti-Aging + Brightening + Antioxidative]

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract: Prevents hyperpigmentation (Inhibits Melanin forming activity of Tyrosinase)

♦️Controversial Ingredients:

Cetearyl Alcohol: emollient, viscosity controlling, emulsifying, surfactant/cleansing, emulsion stabilizing [Non-drying alcohol]

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil: Serve as a natural fragrance, Lemongrass oil might have anti-inflammatory potential, but there isn’t enough research on essential oils in general when it comes to topical skin application to really conclude anything. Some types of skins easily get irritated by essential oils. Others don’t react in any way. If you’re interested, I’d recommend reading this blog post [Are Essential Oils in Skin Care Harmful or Helpful?] by The Klog for more information.

+A lot of people assimilate alcohol and fragrances in skincare to dehydration and irritation. I would recommend that you watch this video: "Is Alcohol Safe in Skincare Products?" (by Liah Yoo, who worked at Korea's largest beauty company, AmorePacific, and now also has her own brand: KraveBeauty) and consult the links provided in the infobox which refer to published scientific studies and articles. The main point is: yes, alcohol and fragrance can be very stripping and irritating to the skin, but it all depends on how they are used and combined in the final formulation and of their ratio, the reactions they have with other ingredients, etc…

+HOW TO USE THE Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

For all skin types:
Apply 1-2 pumps to clean, dry skin, day or night, as a leave-on treatment.

For Sensitive skin types:
Use as a mask. Apply 1-2 pumps to clean, dry skin, and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry.

+what does the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment do?

Claims taken from the Sunday Riley product page.

1.Deeply exfoliates the dull surface of the skin for instant glow and radiance: The exfoliating agent in this formulation is Lactic Acid, an AHA that reduces cell adhesion in the top layer of the skin. Lactic Acid has a lot of research to back up its many claims (see the in-depth ingredient above for more information). Still, one thing to keep in mind is that its effectiveness depends on its concentration and the way it is incorporated into a formula. The Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment uses 5% lactic acid. This concentration has been shown to increase epidermal (outermost layer of the skin) firmness and thickness and increase skin smoothness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles [Source]. However, it does not affect the dermis (innermost layer). So while you will have noticeable results, the inner structure of your skin and your living cells won’t be affected, this is fine if you have young skin, but if you have more mature skin, you should look into products with higher concentrations of Lactic Acid. As for my actual results, there was nothing ‘instant’ about using this treatment. Lactic Acid is a big molecule, which makes it gentle on the skin, but this also means it will take a while for you to notice any results. But the exfoliating effects were definitely potent as this product eventually got rid of all of my acne, gave me smoother skin, and regulated my skin in a way that made me not break out even during my period. As for the glow and radiance, your skin will glow when you put this serum on since it’s dewy, and there are some nice hydrators and moisturizers, but the real glow comes about two weeks later when the exfoliating process has taken its course. All in all, this claim checks out, and I’m very satisfied with it.

2.Clarity and smoothness are restored: As I mentioned above, this did smooth out my skin quite effectively, but it had the opposite effect on my forehead. My forehead skin is sensitive, and while it usually is smooth and I don't get pimples there, it kind of broke out in a sea of tiny bumps after using this serum on it. It wasn't anything major, and the texture went away a couple of days after I stopped using the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment there, but it is worth noting. I'm pretty sure that what caused that reaction was the presence of Lemongrass Oil. While this isn't the worst essential oil to use in a product, it's present in high concentration here, and I could even smell it, although I have a terrible sense of smell. The smell even made my eyes water, so make sure not to apply this treatment near your eye area. So for clarity and smoothness, yes, but if you have sensitive skin, forget about this one.

3.Visibly brightens the appearance of dark spots and discolorations: Yes! Just look at the before and After pictures. However, the SOME BY MI Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum is more effective and costs a fraction of the price (13.8$).

4.Instantly plumps the look of fine lines and wrinkles in 3 minutes. Clinically proven to immediately and significantly plump fine lines and boost radiance in just 3 minutes: That was the claim where I saw no effects. The formulation contains nice hydrators and moisturizers, and lactic acid is a molecule that binds to large amounts of water, so it's great for dry skin types. Still, I saw no difference in the depth or noticeability of my fine lines. Some products are so hydrating that they immediately plump them up after application. Others penetrate deep enough to change your skin from the inside, which leaves you with diminished fine lines after extensive use. The Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment did neither.

Sunday Riley as a brand is quite problematic, so it does pain me to admit that this Lactic Acid Treatment is quite good. I’ve used many different exfoliating products, and there’s always the main issue of them either being too powerful and drying or too gentle and nothing-doing. This treatment falls in perfectly where the results are quick and noticeable, as well as semi-long lasting (I’ve stopped using it for a couple of weeks, and my skin is still smooth and acne-free). This product is also hydrating and moisturizing enough for you to use it without the need to follow up with additional hydration - unless you have very dry skin. Another thing is that although this is expensive, a little does go a long way.

When it comes to recommendations, I think people with oily skin will really like it, as it penetrates quickly and isn’t tacky. I also noticed that it helped with clearing out some of the blackheads on my nose - which you probably have if your T-zone is oily. Mature skin types with fines lines and wrinkles won’t really benefit from this as much since it’s not as deeply penetrating. If you’re willing to pay that much, you might as well try out the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum (92$) which is more potent. 

Normal skin types will probably like the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment. But for people with sensitive skins, this isn’t for you. If you still insist on trying it out, maybe ask for a sample and patch-test it for a couple of days beforehand, or only use it as a mask treatment once a week. And finally, for people with acne-prone skin, I’m on the fence here because, on the one hand, you would benefit the most from this treatment, but on the other hand, the presence of Lemongrass oil could trigger further breakouts.

‘‘When it comes down to it, fragrances have the potential to irritate or sensitize any skin. Yes, even if your skin is normal, and your skin barrier is chilling, doing its thing. Perfume can make your barrier worse and worse, little by little, without you noticing any real difference, as fragrant chemical compounds can directly interact with the proteins on your skin and cause oxidative damage. Other compounds do not have this ability but can oxidize with air or sunlight and become oxidative species on your skin and damaging it.’’ As I mentioned above, essential oils in specific aren’t really well researched. Some of them are soothing, while others can burn your skin. Lemongrass doesn’t seem like the devil, but it could be lol. My conclusion? Better be safe than sorry. Check this post out instead: [10] Anti-Acne products that actually work + A Skincare routine.

+For anyone looking for a more ‘‘affordable’’ dupe, check out the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner (34$ for 150ml).

+benefits:

1. Hydrating

2. Smooths out skin and removes the texture

3. Regulates skin and gets rid of breakouts

4. Lightens hyperpigmentation

5. Absorbed easily

6. A little goes a long way

-CONS:

1. Presence of fragrant compound which can lead to irritation and sensitization

2. Price/quality ratio is inappropriate, there are exfoliators with half the price that give the same results. But if you want to be boujee I get it (because same).

   
   
   🧬🧬🧬Score: 2.9/5 ——— I really liked this product and would have given it a much higher score, but the presence of Lemongrass oil in a high enough concentration to make my eyes water is a no for me. If you’re reading this, Sunday Riley, reformulate this treatment without the essential oil, and I’ll give you a 3.5 sis.

+AMAZON

+Sephora: US$ 85 or US$ 122

+Yesstyle: If you use my code ‘‘DEWILDE’’ you can get up to 5% off on any YesStyle purchase at checkout