Sunday Riley Good Genes vs Drunk Elephant Babyfacial: Which Luxury Exfoliant?

Two luxury exfoliants that do different jobs

Sunday Riley Good Genes and the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial are both premium resurfacing treatments with devoted followings and near-identical ratings, but they are not really used the same way.

How each one works

Good Genes is a leave-on lactic acid treatment. Lactic acid is an AHA that exfoliates while also being relatively hydrating, so Good Genes can be worked in more frequently and tends to suit drier or more sensitive skin looking for gradual smoothing and glow. The Babyfacial is a rinse-off mask delivering a high 25% AHA and 2% BHA blend in one short, intensive session. It is designed as a weekly reset that visibly refines texture and brightness fast, but it is far too strong to use daily.

Strength and tolerance

Think of Good Genes as the gentle regular and the Babyfacial as the occasional deep exfoliation. People with resilient, congested or dull skin often love the dramatic after-glow of the Babyfacial; those with reactive or dehydrated skin usually get on better with the lower-key, more hydrating Good Genes. Both demand diligent daily sunscreen afterward, since freshly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to UV.

Price and value

The Babyfacial is the more affordable of the two and, as a once-weekly treatment, a single tube lasts a long time. Good Genes costs more and, used more often, gets used up faster, though its versatility is part of the appeal.

The verdict

This one is a genuine tie because they solve different problems. Choose Drunk Elephant Babyfacial for a potent weekly resurfacing reset at a friendlier price; choose Sunday Riley Good Genes for a gentler, more frequent lactic-acid glow that sensitive skin tolerates. Many enthusiasts eventually keep one of each for different nights.