Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment for skin with dark spots
Lactic Acid
Licorice Root
Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract
Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
High
- HighNormal Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for skin with dark spots; a few products fit it even better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers highly effective exfoliation for your normal skin, as lactic acid in moderate concentrations smooths texture and addresses pigmentation concerns. Aloe barbadensis leaf extract further supports hydration, ensuring comfortable desquamation regulation.
- The presence of yeast extract and arnica montana flower extract provides additional soothing and antioxidant benefits, complementing the primary exfoliating action.
- This formula is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.
How to apply
- Use your exfoliant PM once a week to start, moving up to twice a week if your skin likes it. Always apply SPF during the day while using this product.
- Apply this exfoliant step right after your cleanser and toner, and before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and let it dry. Avoid rubbing your face hard.
- Apply the product on clean, completely dry skin to make sure it works best for your pigmentation goals.
- Remember to avoid the delicate eye area and do a quick patch test before using it for the first time.
People Say
★4.7Overall rating based on 6.8k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this lactic acid treatment is highly praised for its ability to quickly exfoliate and retexturize skin, resulting in a noticeable glow and smoother skin texture. Users with dullness, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines report significant improvements in skin clarity and plumpness. Many find it gentle enough for sensitive or acne-prone skin, though the high price point is a frequent concern.
Highlights
Instant radiance Mostly Mentioned
- “woke up glowing”
- “instant radiance”
- “skin looks brighter overnight”
- “got that fresh look back”
Smoothes texture Mostly Mentioned
- “baby soft skin”
- “texture is gone”
- “smoothest my face has felt”
- “got rid of bumps”
High price point Mostly Mentioned
- “very expensive”
- “hurts my wallet”
- “wish it was cheaper”
- “luxury splurge”
Plumps fine lines Often Mentioned
- “lines look filled in”
- “plumps my skin”
- “wrinkles less visible”
- “youthful bounce”
Gentle exfoliation Sometimes Noted
- “no stinging”
- “great for sensitive skin”
- “didn't dry me out”
- “gentle but powerful”
Distinctive scent Sometimes Noted
- “smells like furniture polish”
- “strong lemongrass scent”
- “smell is off-putting”
- “sour milk odor”
Mild tingling Rarely Noted
- “tingles a bit”
- “slight burning sensation”
- “spicy on active acne”
- “stings for a minute”
Sources: lovi.care, dermstore.com, ulta.com, sephora.com, spacenk.com, amazon.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment a great fit for skin with dark spots?
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment is a great fit because the lactic acid in it smooths out your skin texture and helps fade dark spots. At the same time, ingredients like aloe vera keep your skin hydrated and comfortable while it works.
Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for skin with dark spots?
Lactic acid makes this exfoliant a great fit for skin with dark spots because it smooths texture and addresses pigmentation concerns. Licorice root, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, yeast extract, and arnica montana flower extract further support the formula by providing soothing and hydrating benefits.
What does Lactic Acid do for skin with dark spots?
Lactic acid helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone. It works by gently removing dead surface skin and helping with pigment concerns.
International Journal of Dermatology, 2020Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2010
What does Licorice Root Extract do for skin with dark spots?
Licorice root extract helps fade dark spots and uneven areas by slowing down the pigment production in your skin. It also calms redness and protects against sun-induced darkening while keeping skin comfortable and safe with regular use.
Pigment Cell Research, 1998Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2025
Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?
This exfoliant treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Lovi routines start exfoliating steps once a week, and you can carefully use them more often if your skin tolerates them well and shows good results.
Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?
Using this exfoliant with retinol may easily cause irritation because both ingredients are strong, so it is best to use them on different nights or alternate evenings. When you do use both, apply the exfoliant first on clean skin, wait for it to absorb, and follow with your retinol and moisturizer.
How often should I use this exfoliant?
Start by using this exfoliant once a week in the evening, and if your skin handles it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. This gentle approach helps your skin adjust to the lactic acid while lowering the likelihood of irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?
This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on skin with dark spots because it is free of heavy, pore-clogging ingredients. However, it may cause mild purging or tingling when you first start using it as it sweeps away dead surface cells to brighten your skin.
Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
What the research says
Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.
Cutis, 2004Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025Opuntia ficus-indica extract and its isorhamnetin-glucosyl-rhamnoside suppressed nitric oxide, COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 production in vitro and inhibited croton oil-induced ear edema in vivo.
BioMed Research International, 2015Opuntia ficus-indica extract activated AHR-NRF2 signaling, inhibited reactive oxygen species generation, and upregulated filaggrin and loricrin expression in human keratinocytes.
Journal of Medicinal Food, 2015Pre-treating normal human keratinocytes with an Opuntia ficus-indica cladode water extract protected against UVA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by inhibiting free radicals, lipid peroxidation, and GSH depletion.
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2017Gels containing 1% Arnica montana L. flower extract successfully enhanced the volume of the lips and face with a reduction of wrinkles in humans.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2023Topical application of Arnica montana ointment reduced the inflammatory response and oxidative damage in mice exposed to UVB radiation compared to untreated UVB-exposed skin.
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2020The protocol combining microcurrent with topical Arnica montana reduces inflammation, increases myofibroblast proliferation, and decreases macrophage presence in rats with skin lesions compared to controls.
International Journal of Experimental Pathology, 2023
Ingredients
Water, Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract, Cypripedium Pubescens Extract, Opuntia Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Yeast Extract, Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Lactic Acid, Ppg-12 Smdi Copolymer, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Disiloxane, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil Lemongrass Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Phytate
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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