Affordable Alternatives To Sunday Riley's Good Genes Serum

While some of us are born with good genes and can thank our families for our glowing skin, some have to spend a little money to get the same results. If only we could bottle up those traits and use them to achieve a glowing complexion! We can, however, get our hands on Sunday Riley's Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, which can give us unbeatable radiance in three minutes. 

This OG of lactic acid serums is a multitasker. New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner told "Today" that this is "a great product for people with aging or dull skin because it can improve radiance and brighten the complexion." Dr. Zeichner added that this cult-favorite product has anti-inflammatory licorice root extract and potent antioxidant prickly pear extract to promote younger-looking skin.

There's no doubt Sunday Riley makes fantastic products, and what makes Good Genes so special is lactic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Dermatologist Cristina Psomadakis told Elle, "This is a class of skin exfoliators that help to increase skin cell turnover by loosening the protein bonds that tie them to the skin's surface." It's gentler than sister AHA glycolic acid, and boasts an array of skin benefits from firming to moisturizing. This magical lactic acid serum delivers what it promises — but isn't cheap, at $85 for a 1-ounce bottle. If you aren't ready to spend the big bucks on this, here are some affordable dupes that are just as good.

The INKEY List is another brand that's equally transparent about its ingredients and is so affordable. The INKEY List Lactic Acid Serum comes highly recommended by Minneapolis-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu, M.D., who considers it an affordable alternative to Sunday Riley's Good Genes, with the added benefits of hyaluronic acid that helps your skin to retain moisture (via Bustle).

If you have dry, sensitive skin, this gentle exfoliating serum with 10% lactic acid removes dead skin cells, leaving you with a smoother and brighter complexion with fewer lines. This is your go-to if you struggle with dull skin and uneven texture. Use this vegan serum only at night, though, as it could make your skin sensitive to the sun, like all exfoliating ingredients.

A reviewer on INKEY List's website said, "it improved my skin's texture without being too aggressive. My pores feel clean after using it, a few drops go a long way!"

K-Beauty brand Peach & Lily is known for its cult-favorite Glass Skin Resurfacing Serum, and it looks like their newer lactic acid serum might claim a permanent spot in our vanities after seeing how it can instantly transform our skin.

Peach & Lily Power Cocktail Lactic Acid Repair Serum beautifully blends the benefits of 10% lactic acid, red algae, and ginseng in one powerful serum. Peach & Lily's founder Alicia Yoon told Byrdie, "Red algae is great at helping to fill in fine lines and wrinkles from the inside out, and it helps firm up skin." Yoon added that ginseng is a popular ingredient in Korea for its skin-rejuvenating properties. Together with lactic acid, this is one cocktail our skin has been thirsty for.

A super-impressed reviewer on Ulta said, "I was using a much more expensive lactic acid serum from Sunday Riley. I decided to try this one, and I am SOOOOOOO glad I did!!! This one is just as effective and costs less, which is a HUGE bonus right now with how crazy inflation has gotten."