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Most women who really know skincare know about Sunday Riley’s Good Genes.
The lactic acid serum is considered a skincare classic at this point, one that many (including myself) would insist is worth the spend.
Most derms will tell you that exfoliating with a chemical exfoliant, like Good Genes, offers far more benefits than relying on a physical exfoliator alone. It dissolves dead skin cells, boosts collagen production and reduces uneven pigmentation, making your face glowy and soft.
For more than a decade, the serum, with its blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), had been my recommendation to folks battling splotchy, tired skin, even though I’ve always gagged at its $122 price tag. But recently, I’ve been tangoing (metaphorically speaking) with another viral sensation: medicube’s Exosome Shot Zero 2,000 PPM Spicule Facial Serum, a $19 product.
Honestly, it has me rethinking my whole devotion to Good Genes.
medicube Exosome Shot Zero 2,000 PPM Spicule Facial Serum
AmazonAlso a chemical exfoliant, medicube’s Exosome Shot Zero 2,000 PPM Spicule Facial Serum features a mix of AHAs, beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs).
Real talk — I had never heard of a PHA before, but apparently, it’s considered a next generation of exfoliating acid. Along with improving the look of skin, it has antioxidant and humectant properties, and can be used with other actives, such as retinol.
What makes medicube’s special is that the serum has spicules, which are micro-sized, needle-shaped sponges. You can’t see them (but you can definitely feel them), and they’re infused with the brand’s patented exfoliating formula, designed to minimize the look of pores, fine lines and energize skin.
I didn’t know any of this, of course, when I opened medicube’s blue bottle at my desk and applied some of the serum to the back of my left hand. All I knew was that I was a fan of the brand and wanted to try more of its stuff.
Here’s the part where I might lose you on this serum — it burned. Those little (insert expletive) needle-shaped sponges hurt like a you-know-what. And this is coming from someone who’s been Brazillianed, tattooed and professionally lasered.
For a moment, I thought I had an allergic reaction happening, but after I applied some lotion and the feeling subsided, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Not only did the back of my left hand look brighter, but it was porpoise smooth.
“Feel this,” I demanded of our streaming reporter — once she had consented to touching my left hand, of course. “Now feel this,” I said, giving her my right hand for comparison. She agreed, the left hand was different — softer, like it hadn’t helped wash a dish in its entire life.
I spent the next hour asking coworkers to touch my hands. Their verdict was unanimous — medicube’s Exosome Shot Zero 2,000 PPM Spicule Facial Serum worked.
As soon as I got home and washed my face, I slathered the serum on — pain be damned.
Honestly, it wasn’t that bad, and I’m now thinking that’s because my hand skin is thinner than my facial skin, or I’ve just built a tolerance from years of using Good Genes and the occasional use of The Ordinary’s Peeling Solution.
The serum tingled for sure, but that was gone in less than a minute, and after I applied some marula oil, my exfoliated skin and I were ready to go to bed. The next morning, my face looked plumper (remember, PHAs work as a humectant) and luminous. It was like I had a facial while I slept.
I never thought I’d find anything that would be better than Good Genes. I wasn’t even looking for something better, but medicube’s Exosome Shot Zero 2,000 PPM Spicule Facial Serum completely won me over.
Along with being way more budget-friendly, it’s given me instantly smoother and glowing skin, which is basically all I’m ever after from this type of product.
Holly J ColeyI guess that’s the lesson for all of us — keep trying new things, because you never know when you’ll stumble on something that totally rocks your world — or medicine cabinet.
Is Good Genes still an amazing product? 100%, and you can always do what I did, which is get it in its smallest bottle and use it sparingly so it really lasts. However, if you’re sick of skipping coffee runs or that concert just so you can afford your skincare habit, medicube’s Exosome Shot Zero 2,000 PPM Spicule Facial Serum is a must-try. Its triple blend of acids and innovative skincare technology has literally given me glass skin results — which I honestly believed was just beauty girl folklore until now.
More Lactid Acids
For those who prefer a physical exfoliant, Dr. Melaxin’s Peel Shot uses white rice ampoule to gently buffer away dead skin cells, while also boasting a combo of BHAs and AHAs for chemical exfoliation.
Good for all skin types, this liquid exfoliant is gentle, controls oils and reduces the look of pores with its Salicylic Acid.
Skip the chemical peel. This peeling solution from The Ordinary exfoliates multiple layers of skin, while brightening dark spots.
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