Famed for their transformative skincare products packed with efficacious actives, both Sunday Riley and The Ordinary are more than worthy of occupying some shelf space in your bathroom.
Come with us as we compare their best-selling serums side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you and your skincare routine. Enjoy!
Sunday Riley Good Genes vs The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
AHAs such as Lactic Acid work to boost the skin's renewal process and improve skin texture through gentle exfoliation. With the right strength, Lactic Acid can treat acne, psoriasis, eczema, and other moderate skin conditions without sensitizing the skin (thanks to its larger molecular size it doesn't penetrate as deeply as other AHAs). The result is brighter, softer, smoother, glowing skin.
Two of the most popular Lactic Acid serums are The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA and Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment.
2024 update: Sunday Riley has had a packaging update since we originally published this article! While it seems to de-emphasize the presence of Lemongrass, we can assure you it's still in there. In fact, the formula seems to be unchanged.
Both serums contain Lactic Acid (obviously), but that's just about where the similarities end. Seriously.
While The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA serum has a Lactic Acid concentration of 10%, Sunday Riley's Good Genes has a Lactic Acid concentration of 5%. This may very well be a big plus in favor of The Ordinary if you're seeking a max-potency Lactic Acid serum, although, if you are, you might be better served with a stronger peel such as The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2%.
Sunday Riley's Good Genes serum has far more than one string to its bow. To be more specific, it is gloriously fortified and balanced with a blend of rare botanicals: Licorice (naturally brightens), Lemongrass (astringent for a toned complexion), Arnica (soothes the skin), Prickly Pear Extract (soothes the skin), and Aloe (soothes and moisturizes). Combined, this super-concentrated serum visibly brightens the appearance of discoloration, and instantly plumps the look of fine lines and wrinkles in a matter of minutes.
Relatively underwhelmingly, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA Serum only contains Tasmanian Pepperberry to help reduce irritation. The disparity in ingredients is perfectly understandable considering their price points, though, with Sunday Riley's Good Genes clocking in at well over 5 times the price of The Ordinary's per fluid ounce.
The texture of the Sunday Riley Good Genes serum is far more akin to a lightweight lotion than an actual serum, it feels suitably luxurious each and every application. The Ordinary's is more watery, and comes with a pipette dropper for application, making it feel more like a medical treatment.
All in all, as much as it may be touted elsewhere, they really aren't dupes. Sunday Riley's Good Genes Serum is an investment in the truest of senses, yielding far better benefits over the long term with consistent usage. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA delivers more potent exfoliation with a more purse-friendly price, sure, but exfoliation alone won't yield the same clarified, fresher, smoother, younger-looking complexion that the Good Genes Serum promises.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum 1.0oz
Deeply exfoliates the dull surface of the skin for instant glow and radiance.
Pros
Luxurious botanical blend formula
Cons
Over 5 times the price
What makes it special? Multi-tasking, targeted lactic acid treatment rapidly exfoliates and boosts naturally youthful radiance, while visibly reducing the look of lines, wrinkles and dark spots. High potency, purified grade lactic acid exfoliates dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, to instantly clarify and reveal smoother, clearer skin. Together with skin brightening licorice, this super-concentrated treatment visually reduces the look of dark spots and discoloration caused by exposure to the sun, for naturally brighter, even-toned skin.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid 2%
A high-strength lactic acid superficial peeling formulation.
Pros
- Higher potency lactic acid
Cons
- Limited additional beneficial ingredients
What makes it special? This 10% formulation offers mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation.
Calum Torrington is the founder of FEMMENORDIC. He has worked as a beauty editor since 2020 and employs his analytical background in mathematics to thoroughly scrutinize complex INCI lists. Now, he helps over 1 million people per year to find the best beauty products.
