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Best Similar Sunday Riley Good Genes: Top 10 Dupes for Radiant Skin (2024)

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best similar sunday riley good genesNo wonder, with Sunday Riley Good Genes running for as much as $122 for 1 oz. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the top Sunday Riley Good Genes dupes, which give you that glowing, radiant skin at, well, not an arm and leg price: 10 budget-friendly alternatives that really achieve very similar results.

These dupes use lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and hydration.

You’ll learn how to work these products into your skincare routine, avoid overexfoliation, and give them that extra oomph needed for a beaming complexion.

Key Takeaways

  • Lactic acid is the secret sauce for glowing skin, but you don’t need to break the piggy bank with Sunday Riley Good Genes. There are plenty of wallet-friendly dupes that’ll give you that million-dollar glow without the eye-watering price tag.
  • Slow and steady wins the race when incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine. Start with a lower concentration and use it a couple of times a week. Your skin will thank you for not going from zero to sixty overnight!
  • Sunscreen is your new BFF when using lactic acid products. Think of it as a force field protecting your newly radiant skin from those pesky UV rays. No one wants to glow like a lobster, right?
  • Mix and match your lactic acid products with other skincare goodies for maximum effect. It’s like creating your own personal skincare cocktail – just remember to patch test first, unless you fancy looking like a science experiment gone wrong!

Dupe for Sunday Riley Good Genes

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to Sunday Riley Good Genes, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA is a popular choice. This budget-friendly option offers a similar exfoliating effect with its high concentration of lactic acid, helping to improve skin texture and radiance.

1. Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% Ha

The Ordinary Exfoliating Lactic AcidView On Amazon
You’ll love The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% + HA as a budget-friendly dupe for Sunday Riley Good Genes. This powerhouse serum packs a punch with its high concentration of lactic acid, delivering similar exfoliating benefits at a fraction of the cost.

It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free from common irritants like oils, alcohol, and fragrance. The addition of Tasmanian Pepperberry helps soothe any potential irritation from exfoliation.

With regular use, you’ll notice smoother, brighter skin and a more even complexion. Plus, it’s gentle enough for most skin types, making it a versatile addition to your skincare routine.

Best For: Those looking for a budget-friendly and effective exfoliating serum.

Pros
  • High concentration of lactic acid for effective exfoliation
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and free from common irritants
  • Contains Tasmanian Pepperberry to soothe potential irritation
Cons
  • May cause slight irritation in sensitive skin
  • Not recommended for use on broken or inflamed skin
  • May not be effective enough for very dry or mature skin

Alternatives to Sunday Riley Good Genes

Alternatives to Sunday Riley Good Genes
Looking for alternatives to Sunday Riley Good Genes? You’re in luck! There are several effective options that can give your skin that coveted radiance without breaking the bank. These Sunday Riley dupes harness the power of lactic acid and other skin-loving ingredients to deliver similar results. Here are some top contenders:

  • The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
  • Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum
  • Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum
  • Garden of Wisdom Lactic Acid 8% Exfo Pads
  • DHC Renewing AHA Cream

These alternatives offer comparable exfoliation routines and skin-brightening effects. Many contain additional skin soothers like licorice root extract to calm and nourish your complexion. By incorporating these Sunday Riley alternatives into your skincare regimen, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that sought-after glow without the hefty price tag. Remember, consistency is key when using lactic acid products!

Benefits of Lactic Acid in Skincare

Benefits of Lactic Acid in Skincare
Lactic acid offers two key benefits for your skin: gentle exfoliation and enhanced hydration. It sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal a brighter complexion, while also attracting moisture to keep your skin plump and radiant.

Exfoliation and Radiance

When it comes to exfoliation and radiance, lactic acid is truly a powerhouse. It clears the skin of dead skin cells more gently than its harsher cousin, glycolic acid, and will give way to that radiant glow from within.

While suitable for most skin types, be wary of frequency so you don’t tip over into the risks of overexfoliation. Start with a lower concentration and raise the amount gradually for best results.

Hydration and Gentle Exfoliation

What you’ll love more than anything is how lactic acid moisturizes your skin as it exfoliates. Unlike the harsher AHAs, it’s gentle enough for folks with sensitive skin.

Lactic acid promotes hydration on the skin because it can attract water molecules to hydrate and keep the skin looking plump and radiant. It’s like a good, refreshing drink for your face while exfoliating those dead cells.

Being this a dual action, that makes it the superstar of skincare, delivering that rejuvenative glow without stripping your skin dry.

Good Genes and Lactic Acid Pricing

Good Genes and Lactic Acid Pricing
Now that you understand the benefits of lactic acid, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: pricing. Sunday Riley’s Good Genes isn’t exactly pocket-friendly at $105 per ounce. But don’t let that discourage you! There are plenty of lactic acid alternatives that won’t break the bank.

When comparing prices, consider the lactic acid percentage and other ingredients. Good Genes contains 5% lactic acid, while some dupes offer up to 10%. Keep in mind that higher percentages aren’t always better, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Also, factor in fragrance sensitivity when choosing alternatives. Some budget-friendly options might contain perfumes that irritate your skin.

Using Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

Using Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine
Now that you’ve found a budget-friendly alternative to Good Genes, let’s talk about incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine.

Start by using it once or twice a week, gradually increasing frequency as your skin adapts. For dry or sensitive skin, opt for a lower lactic acid concentration (5-8%) to reap the benefits without irritation.

Apply your lactic acid product after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing. Remember, a little goes a long way – you don’t need to slather it on like your favorite moisturizer.

If you’re using other active ingredients, such as retinol, alternate nights to avoid overwhelming your skin. For an extra boost, try layering your lactic acid product under a hydrating mask once a week.

Always finish with sunscreen during the day, as lactic acid can increase sun sensitivity.

Your path to radiant skin starts now!

Avoiding Overexfoliation With Lactic Acid

Avoiding Overexfoliation With Lactic Acid
While lactic acid can do wonders for your skin, overexfoliation must be avoided at all costs. Start with a lower concentration—say, 5%—and increase it to 10% as your skin adjusts. Be aware of your skin’s sensitivity and hydration levels. If you find redness, irritation, or excessive dryness, back off on the frequency of use.

The pH level of your lactic acid product is important, too—between 3.5 and 4.5 for effective action without sabotaging your skin barrier. Always remember that those with milk allergies need to be rather careful about applying lactic acid.

UV protection is a must when using AHAs on skin tones of all kinds, particularly darker ones, at all times. Apply SPF 30+ daily to protect from skin cancer and hyperpigmentation.

Get the balance between exfoliating and protecting just right, and your skin will love you for it.

Scent of Sunday Riley Good Genes

Scent of Sunday Riley Good Genes
While lactic acid’s benefits are clear, you might be wondering about the scent of Sunday Riley Good Genes. Unlike some skincare products with overpowering fragrances, Good Genes has a subtle, clean aroma. It’s not artificially scented, which is great news for those with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivities. The natural scent comes from its ingredients, including lemongrass and licorice.

This mild fragrance won’t interfere with your other skincare products or linger throughout the day. Remember, fragrance-free doesn’t mean your product will be completely odorless.

The light scent of Good Genes actually adds to the luxurious experience of using this serum. As you apply it, you’ll feel like you’re treating yourself to a spa-like experience at home, all while reaping the benefits of lactic acid exfoliation, hydration, and reducing the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Enhancing the Effects of Lactic Acid

Enhancing the Effects of Lactic Acid
Want to get the most out of lactic acid in skincare? You can certainly be empowered to enable this gentle exfoliant to really work its magic and bring out the radiant glow you want. Apply these simple steps to take advantage of its ultimate potential.

Pair lactic acid with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid for plump, dewy skin.

Layer a nourishing facial oil over your lactic acid product to seal in moisture.

Gentle physical exfoliant once a week to enhance the effects of smoothing via lactic acid.

• Add antioxidants such as vitamin C to enhance lactic acid’s brightening effect.

Start by cleansing your face thoroughly to remove any barriers. Apply your lactic acid product, whether it’s Sunday Riley Good Genes or an affordable dupe, on slightly damp skin to enhance absorption. Follow up with a hydrating serum and moisturizer to lock in the benefits. Remember, consistency is key – use lactic acid regularly to see long-lasting results in your glowing skincare routine.

Importance of Sunscreen When Using Lactic Acid

Importance of Sunscreen When Using Lactic Acid
When you’re using lactic acid, sunscreen becomes your skin’s best friend. This powerhouse ingredient can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, potentially leading to redness, irritation, and even sun damage. Don’t let that scare you off, though!

The key is to protect your newly radiant skin by applying a broad-spectrum SPF every morning. Think of it as a shield for your skin barrier, which might be a bit more vulnerable after exfoliation.

It’s the perfect way to lock in those rave review-worthy results and keep your skin glowing for all the right reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the ordinary lactic acid a dupe for Good Genes?

While The Ordinary Lactic Acid isn’t an exact dupe, it’s a great alternative. You’ll get similar exfoliating benefits at a fraction of the cost. However, Good Genes offers additional soothing ingredients that The Ordinary’s product doesn’t include.

What to use after Good Genes?

Picture your skin glowing like a sunrise. After Good Genes, nourish it with a gentle moisturizer. You’ll lock in hydration and amplify the serum’s effects. For daytime, don’t forget SPF to protect your newly radiant complexion.

What is the scent of Good Genes?

When using Good Genes, it gives a light, citrus scent. It’s refreshing but not overpowering at all. This would be due to the added lemongrass extract in it, making your skincare experience nice and gentle without irritating sensitive noses; it’s light and pleasant.

How many times a week should I use Sunday Riley good genes?

A little goes a long way" with Sunday Riley Good Genes. You should use it 2-3 times a week initially, gradually increasing to daily use if your skin tolerates it well. Monitor your skin’s response and adjust accordingly.

Can Good Genes alternatives be used during pregnancy?

You should consult your doctor before using Good Genes alternatives during pregnancy. Many AHAs and retinoids aren’t recommended. Safer options might include gentle lactic acid products or vitamin C serums, but always get professional medical advice first.

How do Good Genes dupes perform on acne-prone skin?

Coincidentally, you’re not alone in this quest! Good Genes dupes can work wonders on acne-prone skin. They’ll exfoliate gently, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. Just remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so patch test first for best results.

Are there any vegan alternatives to Good Genes?

You’ll find several vegan options to replace Good Genes. Try The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10%, Farmacy’s Honeymoon Glow AHA, or Biossance’s Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid. These plant-based alternatives offer similar exfoliating and brightening benefits for your skin.

Do Good Genes alternatives work well under makeup?

You’ll find many Good Genes alternatives work well under makeup. They’re typically lightweight and absorb quickly. For best results, apply your alternative serum, let it sink in for a few minutes, then follow with your usual makeup routine.

Can Good Genes dupes be mixed with other serums?

By Jove, you can layer Good Genes dupes up with other serums. Only be careful with powerful ingredients like vitamin C or retinol. Layer strategically with similar formulas while considering texture. Patch-test new combinations to make sure they’re compatible with your skin.

Conclusion

Who knew that glowing skin could come with such a hefty price tag? Fortunately, the best similar Sunday Riley Good Genes dupes offer comparable results without breaking the bank.

By incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine, you’ll enjoy gentle exfoliation and hydration.

Remember to start slowly, protect your skin with sunscreen, and watch for signs of overexfoliation.

With these budget-friendly alternatives, you’re on your way to achieving that radiant complexion you’ve always wanted. So go ahead, give your skin (and wallet) a treat!

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.