When something works—like, really works—customers love taking to the Internet to gush about their amazing results. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, for example, has a massive cult following—despite its $154 price tag. It boasts thousands of 5-star reviews online and it's also a favourite among members of the the Skincare Addiction subreddit.
So, what exactly does it do?
"Instant results every time" and "magic in a bottle" are just some of the phrases customers use to describe this multitasking product. Sunday Riley advertises Good Genes as a solution for dullness, uneven texture, dark spots, as well as fine lines and wrinkles, and customers swear these aren't empty promises. They say the product works—and fast.
"I saw immediate results, and I do mean immediate," writes one enthusiastic reviewer. "I have deep lines above my nose between my eyes from squinting...and they almost disappeared within the first 10 minutes of using this."
"Within five uses my skin looked phenomenal," shares another fan of the product. "I have two fine lines on my face and [after] using this they completely disappeared."
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What makes Good Genes such a potent wrinkle fighter?
"This product has great ingredients," says Debra Jaliman, MD, a Manhattan-based dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "The 5 percent lactic acid plumps the skin, making fine lines look less visible. It also gently exfoliates to reveal smoother and more glowing skin." Dr. Jaliman also notes that the licorice extract may help diminish the appearance of dark spots and age spots. "It’s great for brightening the skin and diminishing hyperpigmentation," Dr. Jaliman says.
These ingredients offer lasting results: "Once you start to see results, you should continue using the product. Results should last as long as the product is used continuously," Dr. Jailman says.
What's more, Good Genes is free of three controversial skincare ingredients: parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Parabens and phthalates have been shown to mimic hormones in the body, while sulfates are a proven irritant to sensitive skin. The product does feature synthetic ingredients (so calling it "natural" would be a stretch), but it also makes great use of natural extracts from blue agave, cactus, prickly pear, and the aforementioned licorice root.
How to use Sunday Riley Good Genes
For best results, Dr. Jailman recommends using the product on freshly washed skin before bed or before applying your makeup: "This product has a lighter texture. You can use it as a serum."
One thing to keep in mind: People with skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea may find Good Genes irritating, Dr. Jailman cautions. Sound like you? Play it safe and speak with your dermatology before using the product.
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This article originally appeared on Prevention US.
