My, is Sunday Riley having a bad year.
The brand quickly gained a cult following for making products that mix powerful, science-backed actives with natural extracts to give you the best of both worlds.
Then came the fake review scandal. The product reformulations. Messing with cult faves is never a good idea, even when the law demands it (Good Genes was reformulated to comply with new EU regulations). And don’t get me started on the Ceramic Slip Cleanser. Is there a more hated product on the internet? *sighs*
Is Sunday Riley still worth the splurge? Yes and no. Like every other brand, it’s hit and miss. Here are the hits, the best Sunday Riley skincare products:
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil ($36-$72.00)
I’m not a big fan of single oil products. I mean, why settle for one oil when a bunch works better? Sunday Riley must think the same. Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil contains a bunch of non-fragrant oils with moisturizing and antioxidant properties to fight wrinkles and dryness at the same time. The only catch? It takes a while to sink in and doesn’t play well under makeup. Use it at night oil.
P.S. Oils are for dry skin. If yours is oily, you do NOT need this.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Nordstrom, Revolve and Sephora
Related: The Complete Guide To Facial Oils
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum ($85.00)
You’ve probably heard that Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum contains a whopping 6.5% retinoids. Truth bomb: it’s NOT as impressive as it sounds. 5% of that is hydroxypinacolone retinoate (what The Ordinary calls Granactive Retinoid). Brands swear it’s more powerful than retinol… but I have yet to see proof of it. 0.5% is an algae said to act like retinol. The remaining 1% is an encapsulated retinol BLEND – not retinol alone. Retinol is the real deal, the form of retinoid scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles and boost collagen – and there’s not much of it here. Still, retinol works even at incredibly small concentrations, so if you’re just starting your retinol journey, this is a good option. It’s also packed with moisturising ingredients to counteract its drying effect.
P.S. If you’ve already graduated to higher doses of retinol (1%>) or are using retinal (retinaldehyde), it doesn’t make sense to switch to this.
Available at: Cult Beauty and Sephora
Related: What’s The Best Form Of Retinoid For You?
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Glycolic/Lactic Acid Treatment ($105.00)
The original Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment used lactic acid. It’s a gentle exfoliating acid that dissolves the glue that holds skin cells together, so they can slough off and reveal the brighter, more even-toned skin underneath. Lactic acid is so gentle, even sensitive skin can use it. That’s why we were all gutted when the EU told Sunday Riley to reformulate it with glycolic acid. It’s a harsher exfoliant, so not everyone can tolerate it. I now recommend it only to dry skin that’s not overly sensitive or prone to redness.
P.S. You can still find the original version in the US. 😉
Available at: Anthropologie, Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Free People and Sephora
Related: Glycolic Acid VS Lactic Acid: Which One Is Right For You?
Ceramic Slip Cleanser ($35.00)
I know, I know. A lot of you hate the new formula. I totally get it: Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser used to be a heavy duty, foaming cleanser for oily skin. Now it’s more of a gentle, milky cleanser for dry skin. The old fans will leave in droves. But I like this new version more. It’s gentle and not as drying as the original. FYI, harsh cleansers only lead to more oiliness and acne in the long run. The real con? It doesn’t remove heavy makeup well.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Revolve, Sephora and SpaceNK
Related: Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser Full Review
Thanks for this!! I was quite drawn to Good Genes, might give it a go if i can find the original formula. I’m really keen on hearing your thoughts on the brand, Glowrecipe though! I’ve tried a few of their products and like it but not sure how it compares to other brands. Will be interesting to see that.
Thivya, glad you enjoyed this. Glowrecipe coming soon!