I Finally Found an Exfoliating Serum That Doesn't Irritate My Sensitive Skin

By Angela Elias
PS Photography | Angela Elias
PS Photography | Angela Elias
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I have sensitive skin with mild rosacea that tends to flare up if I even look at an exfoliant, retinol, or chemical sunscreen. I mostly stick to using a gentle cleanser, moisturizing barrier balm, and mineral-based face sunscreen, but at 42, I need a product that can occasionally play offense against the typical mature-skin culprits (wrinkles and dark spots, I'm looking at you). The last aesthetician I saw recommended I try a serum that has lactic acid, which is a milder alpha-hydroxy acid that targets the skin issues that creep up as we age. After poring over countless product descriptions and reviews, I decided to try the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Exfoliating Face Treatment Serum ($43-$122).

About the Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum

  • It's a lactic-acid treatment that exfoliates the skin's surface, helping to achieve clearer skin that glows.
  • It's ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
  • It also helps to plump up fine lines and wrinkles and shed dead skin cells that tend to clog pores and cause unwanted skin texture.
  • The addition of licorice helps to brighten skin and lighten age spots, dark spots, and discoloration caused by sun damage.
  • It's free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, soy, fragrance, and gluten.

What I Like About the Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum

Unlike other harsh chemical exfoliants, this one doesn't make my skin burn or itch. After applying it, I can feel a subtle tingling for the first minute or so before the sensation completely fades away. It has a clean, citrus smell that's refreshing without being overpowering. Best of all, it delivers results pretty quickly. After using it a few times a week for two weeks, my skin looked clearer and dewier than it's looked in years. The dark spots on my cheeks lightened and the redness caused by sun damage under my nose is fading. Even my husband commented on how clear my skin looks. I've started wearing less foundation and even skipping concealer most days, which I used to rely on for hiding sun and age spots.

How to Use the Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum

You can apply one to three pumps of the product on clean, dry skin. If you have sensitive skin like me, it's recommended to leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off. If you don't have sensitive skin, you can just leave it. While it's suggested as a morning or evening product, I've only used it as part of my nighttime skin routine.

What to Consider About the Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum

After successfully using it for the first time as a 15-minute mask before rinsing it off, I decided to try it as a leave-on treatment the second time. While my skin didn't have a strong reaction, it felt slightly irritated. If you're easing into this type of product and have sensitive skin, I wouldn't hesitate to go the 15-minute route, especially since the product is still so effective as a rinse-off mask.

Where Is the Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum Available?

The Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum is available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon.

Rating: ★★★★★

Angela Elias (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviews everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curates can't-miss sales, and creates "best of" shopping roundups. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.