These Are the 16 Sunday Riley Products Definitely Worth Trying

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

What We Like

• Boosts radiance
  
• Gentle formula
  
• Can leave on overnight
  

What We Don't Like

• Increases sun sensitivity
  

If we absolutely, positively had to recommend just one Sunday Riley product, it would likely be this often buzzed about treatment. The Byrdie team is fully obsessed; it's the winner of the best chemical exfoliator award in the 2019 Byrdie Skincare Awards.

The star of the show is, no surprise, purified lactic acid. It gently yet effectively exfoliates to even out and smooth your complexion and is coupled with other plant-based ingredients. New York City dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman says that combo of lactic acid, along with the brightening and soothing ingredients, make it a great product for combating fine lines and wrinkles, diminishing the look of dark spots, plumping the skin, and even getting rid of redness. (FYI, that lactic acid does give this a, let’s call it distinct, sour milk scent, but it’s a small price to pay for how well it works.) If your skin is sensitive, use it as a mask and rinse off after three minutes—it works that fast. Otherwise, leave it on overnight and prepare to be amazed when you look in the mirror come morning.

Price at time of publish: $85

Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Purified lactic acid, licorice, lemongrass, arnica, prickly pear extract | Size: 1 oz. or 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment

What We Like

• Can leave on overnight
  
• Potent formula
  
• Boosts radiance
  

What We Don't Like

• Not ideal for sensitive skin
  

Look carefully, because the packaging and the name of this and the above product are nearly identical. The brand first launched this variant back in 2018; it too is an overnight exfoliant, though slightly more potent, both with a higher concentration of acid and a stronger acid at that. It includes glycolic acid, and it promises to decongest skin, reverse sun damage, and boost your overall complexion. (Though yes, this can come with an increased likelihood of side effects, so this formula is best for those with oily or non-easily irritated skin.)

Price at time of publish: $85

Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, potassium lactate | Size: 1 fl. oz. or 1.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser

What We Like

• Doesn't strip skin
  
• Creamy texture
  
• A little goes a long way
  

What We Don't Like

• Some may prefer something with more lather
  

This strikes the best face wash balance, cleansing without ever over-drying your skin. Its formula includes plant-based, ultra-gentle soaps, French clay, and rice oil esters, so the mask acts like a magnet to pull out dirt, oil, and other unwanted gunk while maintaining moisture, leaving your complexion balanced. While they call it a foaming cleanser, we find it veers more toward the creamy side of the spectrum, though never leaves behind a residue. Also nice: A little bit goes a long way, so one tube lasts quite a while.

Price at time of publish: $35

Active Ingredients: Green clay, bentonite, white kaolin, rice esters, olive esters | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Cleanses, unclogs pores, hydrates | Size: 5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening + Depuffing Eye Cream for Dark Circles

What We Like

• Quick results
  
• Pump bottle
  
• Smells good
  

What We Don't Like

• Doesn't layer well under makeup
  

No matter whether you’re trying to combat the effects of a late-night, an early morning, or the dreaded combo of both, reach for their Auto Correct Eye Cream. It includes caffeine and ginseng root, and it promises to take down puffiness almost instantly—try our trick and keep it in the fridge to further up the ante—while antioxidants and hydrating ingredients moisturize and smooth out the look of crow’s feet over time.

Price at time of publish: $65

Active Ingredients: Caffeine, Brazillian ginseng root extract, acmella oleracea extract, watermelon rind extract, lutein | Benefits: Reduces puffiness, lifts, boosts radiance, reduces dark circles, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, hydrates | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley A+High-Dose Retinoid Serum

What We Like

• Pump bottle
  
• Potent formula
  
• Fragrance-free
  

What We Don't Like

• Can be irritating at first
  

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

What We Like

• Potent formula
  
• Absorbs quickly
  
• Smells good
  

What We Don't Like

• Can feel tacky
  

Breaking news: Not all forms of Vitamin C are created equal. This rich serum uses a powerful form known as THD ascorbate; it’s stable and oil-soluble, quickly soaking into the skin so that it can reap the benefits, namely boosting radiance (Dr. Jaliman says it works well to combat both discolorations from sun damage and leftover acne marks), line-smoothing, and antioxidant protection. Consider it the best base layer to apply under sunscreen daily. The intense orangey scent is also a nice pick-me-up on sleepy mornings.

Price at time of publish: $85

Benefits: Boosts radiance, fades dark spots, firms, plumps | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 2 pumps | Size: 1 fl. oz. or 1.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

What We Like

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  
• Hydrating
  
• Absorbs quickly
  

What We Don't Like

• Seeing results may take some time
  

Infused with blue tansy essential oils, this retinol oil does, in fact, go on blue, though blends in clear when rubbed in. It combines a retinoid complex, blue tansy, and German chamomile essential oil and promises to knock out fine lines and plump skin while combat sensitivity and redness. “It’s very hydrating, so I’d recommend this for someone with mature skin or for those with normal to dry skin,” says Dr. Jaliman, who is a fan. You may notice some positive changes the next day, though for best results give it a good four weeks.

Price at time of publish: $55

Active Ingredients: Trans-retinol, blue tansy oil, german chamomile oil, cape chamomile oil, avocado seed oil, chia seed oil | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Apply as needed | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. or 1.18 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream

What We Like

• Lightweight
  
• Fades hyperpigmentation
  
• Cooling feeling
  

What We Don't Like

• Unhygienic container
  

Sure, this does the job of a good moisturizer, using two types of hyaluronic acid to attract water to the skin (and the oil-free, bouncy gel texture that’s innately cooling and refreshing is nice, too). But it doesn’t stop there. It's infused with both papaya extracts and alpha-arbutin, so it also goes to town targeting unwanted spots and hyperpigmentation. And how pretty is the pastel turquoise hue?

Active Ingredients: Highly Purified Alpha-arbutin, papain (papaya enzymes), 2 forms of hyaluronic acid, tamarind extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. or 1.7 fl. oz. | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil

What We Like

• Unclogs pores
  
• Fades hyperpigmentation
  
• Can also use on scalp
  

What We Don't Like

• Strong smell
  

We know, we know, oil and acne treatment sound like an oxymoronic pairing, but trust us, it’s not. This treatment is formulated with salicylic acid, milk thistle, cucumber seed oil, tea tree oil, and licorice, and it promises to decongest pores, hydrate skin, and fade any leftover acne marks.

Price at time of publish: $40

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, black cumin seed oil, licorice root, hexylresorcinol | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Apply as needed | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. or 1.18 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream

What We Like

• Strengthens skin barrier
  
• Rich, creamy texture
  
• Great for winter
  

What We Don't Like

• Unhygienic container
  

Like a big ol’ glass of water for thirsty skin, this is a choice hydrator for anyone whose complexion skews on the dry side. It works two ways, first pulling in moisture, then locking it in, thanks to ceramides that keep your skin barrier strong and healthy. The results? Plumped skin that’s as soft as a baby’s booty. Rich and creamy, it’s a great pick to use in the dead of winter or pre-bedtime.

Price at time of publish: $65

Active Ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin F, coconut, beet root extract, red algae extract, pomegranate sterols | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination | Size: 1.7 oz. | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream

What We Like

• Great for sensitive skin
  
• Provides antioxidant protection
  
• Boosts radiance
  

What We Don't Like

• Doesn't wear well under makeup
  

If you love the C.E.O serum, you’ll appreciate that this heavy-hitting hydrator has that same potent version of vitamin C. But here it comes in a lower concentration, making it a good pick if your skin is slightly more sensitive. Unless your complexion is very dry, save this for bedtime use; it’s definitely heavy and can be a bit too much under makeup.

Price at time of publish: $22

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C THD ascorbate, exopolysaccharides, lime pearl, bisabolol | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, mature, oily, sensitive | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. or 1.7 fl. oz. | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Clean Rinse Cleansing Balm

What We Like

• Removes tough makeup
  
• Smells good
  
• Boosts radiance
  

What We Don't Like

• Some may not like the gritty texture
  

For those whose skin is ultra-dry, or for those who wear a lot of makeup and are too lazy to use a separate makeup remover (insert hand-raising emoji here), this is a great choice. Thick and luscious, the base is made of cocoa and moringa butter and uses sugar-based cleansers to help cleanse the skin. The vanilla and orange scent coupled with the luxe texture will make you feel like you’re in a spa, transforming run-of-the-mill face washing into the ultimate self-care moment.

Price at time of publish: $50

Active Ingredients: Moringa butter, cocoa butter, sugar-based cleansers, blue tansy oil, german chamomile, tangerine essential oil, sweet orange essential oil | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, sensitive | Size: 3.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask

What We Like

• Great spot treatment
  
• Works quickly
  
• Potent formula
  

What We Don't Like

• Strong smell
  

Dealing with a galaxy-sized pimple? Dab on this mask, packed with 10% sulfur to dry up blemishes, plus anti-inflammatory niacinamide to reduce redness and anti-bacterial tea tree oil, among other ingredients. (Plus, the green hue makes for great Insta’ masking content.) It contains sulfur, so fair warning, it is going to be smelly, but the benefits are worth it.

Price at time of publish: $20

Benefits: Clears acne, prevents future breakouts, boosts radiance, unclogs pores, calms redness | Active Ingredients: Sulfur, niacinamide, zinc PCA, tea tree oil, manuka oil, bentonite | Skin Type: Acne-prone, combination, dry, balanced, oily | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence

What We Like

• Lightweight
  
• A little goes a long way
  
• Layers well under other products
  

What We Don't Like

• Results aren't drastic
  

While many of the products in the line are focused on the texture of the skin, this serum focuses on elasticity instead. Its formula includes peptides, probiotics, and a green tea-derived antioxidant—one of the most potent ones out there.

Price at time of publish: $48

Active Ingredients: Firming peptides, ceramides, fermented honey, chlorella, kelp, sea water, pink yeast filtrate, EGCG | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Benefits: Resurfaces, balances, firms, hydrates | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum

What We Like

• Potent formula
  
• Smells good
  
• Quick results
  

What We Don't Like

• Not ideal for sensitive skin
  

Let’s not forget that your scalp is skin, too, and as such deserves equal time and attention. Enter this treatment, unlike any we’ve ever seen. An AHA/BHA combo (glycolic and salicylic acids, to be exact) deeply exfoliates the scalp, removing excess oil, product build-up, and other grime. Leave it on for anywhere from three to 30 minutes before washing hair as usual, up to a few times per week.

Price at time of publish: $48

Benefits: Exfoliates, dissolves buildup, promotes healthy hair growth, rebalances, hydrates | Hair Type: All | Dosage: Create small sections and apply as needed | Size: 4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Body Scrub

What We Like

• Doesn't strip skin
  
• Helps with KP
  
• Smells good
  

What We Don't Like

• Can stain shower
  

The brand’s only product meant for your body, this scrub combines both mechanical and chemical exfoliants, namely exfoliating powders plus salicylic acid and lactic acid. It's also formulated with charcoal, coconut water, and avocado oil, and it promises to be effective without over-drying the skin. It is especially ideal for combatting KP, or so-called chicken skin, on the backs of your arms.

Price at time of publish: $38

Type: Physical and chemical hybrid | Active Ingredients: Activated charcoal, salicylic acid, biodegradable wax, niacinamide, zinc PCA, coconut water, manuka branch and leaf oil, jojoba seed oil | Size: 7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes