Sunday Riley’s Good Genes is one of those products that seems to have achieved near-mythical status. It’s praised by celebrities, dermatologists, facialists and beauty editors for its ability to smooth, brighten and refine skin — often overnight. With a powerhouse formula built around exfoliating acids (either lactic acid or glycolic acid, depending on region), Good Genes promises fresher, clearer and more radiant skin with consistent use.
But there’s one thing that stops many shoppers in their tracks: the price tag. Good Genes is undeniably premium, and while the formula performs beautifully, it’s not always accessible to every budget. Fortunately, the skincare world has evolved. Today, several high-performing dupes capture the essence of Good Genes: the glow, the smoothness, the refinement — without the luxury cost.
Below, we break down why Good Genes is so popular, what you should look for in an effective dupe, and the best alternatives that offer real results.
Why Good Genes Is Cult-Level
Good Genes earns its reputation from its multi-action formula. It doesn’t just exfoliate; it resurfaces skin in a way that feels gentle yet transformative.
Here’s why beauty lovers swear by it:
It uses powerful exfoliating acids.
The star ingredient varies: some versions use lactic acid (a gentler AHA ideal for dry/sensitive skin), while others use glycolic acid (a stronger AHA with deeper exfoliation). Both increase cell turnover, reduce dullness and improve texture.
It brightens and revitalizes.
Good Genes often includes licorice, lemongrass and botanical extracts to boost radiance and even out tone.
It smooths texture fast.
Many users report that after one or two uses, their skin looks plumper, smoother and more refined.
It layers well in routines.
Unlike harsh peels, Good Genes is formulated to be used regularly — sometimes even daily — without excessive irritation.
But the luxury formula comes at a luxury price. A great dupe should mimic the same smoothing, brightening and glow-giving effects, ideally using similar exfoliating acids.
What to Look for in a Good Genes Dupe
Not all exfoliating acids are created equal. To find a true dupe, keep these factors in mind:
1. The acid type (lactic or glycolic).
If you love Good Genes for its lactic acid gentleness, choose a lactic-based dupe. If you want something stronger, glycolic dupes work well.
2. A balanced formula.
The best alternatives pair exfoliating acids with calming, hydrating ingredients like aloe, glycerin, squalane or botanicals to prevent irritation.
3. Texture and performance.
Good Genes feels like a serum-cream hybrid — lightweight, silky and easy to layer. A dupe should feel equally comfortable on the skin.
4. Brightening support.
Look for licorice root, niacinamide or plant extracts that help even tone and boost glow.
5. Real results.
A good dupe should leave your skin visibly smoother and brighter within a week or two.
With that in mind, here are the top-performing alternatives.
The Best Dupes for Sunday Riley Good Genes
1. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
This is one of the most recommended Good Genes dupes in skincare forums, and for good reason. It uses lactic acid, the same hero ingredient in many Good Genes formulas, making it one of the closest functional matches. The Ordinary’s version includes hyaluronic acid for hydration and a Tasmanian pepperberry extract to soothe irritation.
The texture is lightweight and absorbent, and with consistent use, it delivers smoother texture, less congestion and a brighter overall complexion. Best of all, it costs a tiny fraction of Good Genes — making it ideal for beginners or budget-conscious skincare fans.
2. The Inkey List Lactic Acid Serum
Another standout lactic acid product, The Inkey List offers a gentle but effective exfoliant formulated to improve dullness and uneven texture. It’s slightly more hydrating than The Ordinary’s version thanks to humectants, and it sits beautifully under moisturizers or even makeup.
If your skin is sensitive or prone to irritation, this is a fantastic Good Genes alternative. It focuses on the same benefits — brightness, radiance and smoother texture — but with a very gentle profile.
3. Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
If you prefer the glycolic-based Good Genes (sold in some regions), then Ren’s Ready Steady Glow is a strong contender. It uses a blend of AHAs, including lactic acid, alongside willow bark extract to refine pores and boost clarity.
The texture is watery and refreshing, meaning it absorbs instantly. It’s great for people dealing with dullness, textural unevenness, or congestion. With consistent use, skin looks clearer and more even — very much in line with the Good Genes experience.
4. Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum
For those wanting a slightly more intensive dupe, Farmacy’s Honeymoon Glow offers a cocktail of lactic, glycolic and other AHAs, paired with honey and propolis for soothing nourishment. It’s not identical to Good Genes, but it produces similar results: glowing, smoother, radiant skin overnight.
It’s ideal for those with normal to combination skin who want stronger exfoliation while still avoiding harsh peels.
5. Pixi Glow Tonic (5% Glycolic Acid)
For iconic glow at a gentle strength, Pixi Glow Tonic remains a major favorite. While it’s a toner rather than a serum, its glycolic-based formula helps improve radiance, reduce dullness and refine texture — the cornerstone benefits of Good Genes.
Its inclusion of aloe vera helps counterbalance irritation, making it a great introduction to chemical exfoliants for beginners.
6. Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment
This budget-friendly serum blends AHAs and BHAs (including glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid) to target a broader range of skin concerns: texture, dullness, breakouts and congestion.
The texture is lightweight and layerable, and the results — smoother skin by morning — make it an impressive alternative to Good Genes for less than a quarter of the price.
How to Use a Dupe Effectively
No matter which dupe you choose, proper usage ensures glowing results without irritation:
• Start 2–3 times a week, especially if you’re new to acids.
• Use at night to prevent UV sensitivity.
• Always apply SPF the next morning — AHAs increase sun sensitivity.
• Pair with hydrating products like hyaluronic acid or a nourishing moisturizer.
• Avoid mixing with strong retinoids at the same time.
With the right routine, these dupes can deliver Good-Genes-level glow at a fraction of the investment.
Final Thoughts
Sunday Riley Good Genes delivers gorgeous, glass-skin radiance — but you absolutely don’t need a luxury budget to achieve similar results. Whether you prefer the gentleness of lactic acid, the resurfacing power of glycolic acid, or a blend of both, today’s alternatives offer powerful exfoliation and brightening support with impressive affordability.
From The Ordinary to Farmacy to Pixi, each dupe on this list captures some of Good Genes’ signature benefits: smoother texture, enhanced glow, and more even complexion.
Great skin doesn’t have to be expensive — it just needs the right ingredients.
