Wish everyday was Sunday? We do too, which is why at Cult Beauty we’re such big fans of Sunday Riley. Fusing scientific technology with potent, botanical extracts, this brand has been clearing complexions since 2009.
Paying homage to the American powerhouse, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to Sunday Riley so you can learn more about its hardworking serums, facial oils, moisturisers and more. Uncover everything from what Good Genes does for your skin to what percentage of vitamin c is in the brand’s signature serum and everything in between.
WHO FOUNDED SUNDAY RILEY
Discovered by Sunday Riley in 2009, the eponymous brand was born from the founder’s desire to be involved in people’s ‘self love and self care' journeys. Looking to create effective skin care that wasn’t irritating, Sunday developed her ‘Green Technology’ concept — the idea that her formulas should have potent, science-backed actives that are balanced with botanicals. The result? Products that are efficacious but aren’t going to cause skin stress. After developing the brand’s bestselling Good Genes Serum, she took her idea to Barney’s department store, and the rest as they say is history.
CULT CONSCIOUS APPROVED
A core value for Sunday Riley is its ability to meld good-for-skin ingredients with planet positive initiatives. Which is why we’re proud to say that Sunday Riley is a member of our Cult Conscious- scheme. Not only is it Leaping Bunny and PETA Cruelty-Free approved, but it has also been awarded a B- Corp Proof Point from our third-party verifier Provenance – meaning that Sunday Riley has keeps its core values at the heart of its business by being assessed for its social and environmental performances, charitable donations, employee benefits, supply chain and input materials.
SUNDAY RILEY’S MOST POPULAR COLLECTIONS
Whether you’re looking to bring lustre back to dull skin, fight fine lines or add a dose of brightness to your complexion, Sunday Riley has three cult-classic must-haves we’re going to take a deep dive into...
GOOD GENES
A potent exfoliator, the Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment has won awards for a reason (latest being the Beauty Authority 2021 Winner). Absorbing better into skin, thanks to the tiny glycolic acid molecules, the formula breaks apart pore-clogging debris and gently buffs away dead, dulling cells to reveal radiance results. What’s more, with the addition of Lactic Acid and prickly pear extract, it reduces irritation, brightens and clarifies.
How to effectively use Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment?
As a hardworking, non-stripping multi-tasker, the Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment is safe to use daily as a toner or as a mask before an event (we’re talking wedding, party, date...). We suggest saturating a cotton pad and gently wiping across the face, neck and decolletage.
CEO
Featuring a facial oil, moisturiser and serum, the CEO collection works overtime to tackle discolouration, dehydration and pigmentation.
Featuring 15% vitamin C in a potent THD Ascorbate variation, the CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum is both highly stable and oil soluble. Boosting a formula that is quickly absorbed to deliver plumping, brightening and line-softening results, this super serum hydrates, reduces skin sensitivity and helps to reinforce your moisture barrier.
Providing antioxidant support to nourish dehydrated skin, the CEO Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream is the BFF for a depleted complexion. Infused with 5% vitamin C, this moisturiser protects during the day and repairs come the night. Enriched with lipid-soluble, advanced vitamin C (which is more stable and less irritating than other vitamin C derivatives) it tackles beauty bugbears quickly and effectively.
With its blend of advanced Vitamin C (THD Ascorbate), turmeric and evening primrose oil, the CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Oil recharges radiance. Created with an innovative form of vitamin C, this dew-drenching concoction is carried by superfood oils to reach the skin exactly where you need it to impart the brightest, most hydrated glow yet.
How to effectively use the CEO collection?
Both the CEO Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream and the CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Oil can be used morning and evening to lock in moisture.
Use your CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum in the evening. However, if you want a boost of vitamin C, mix two-three drops with the CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Oil and apply together.
UFO AND LUNA
Still not sure which Sunday Riley oil is right for you? Fear not we’re getting up close and personal with the bestselling UFO and Luna range so you can choose.
Infused with salicylic acid, the green tinted UFO Ultra Clarifying Facial Oil is the gentle exfoliating elixir that battles blackheads, brightens and helps with post-acne pigmentation. Infused with antibacterial tea tree, hexylresorcinol, liquorice and black cumin seed oil, it keeps spot-causing bacteria at bay. But that’s not all, with the addition of camomile and neroli it soothes and calms the look of complexions keep your skin clear and content.
On the other hand, the Luna Sleeping Night Oil, is a retinol treatment packed with the brand’s signature advanced Trans-retinoic acid ester complex. This brilliantly blue elixir helps to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while correcting signs of damage caused by sun, time and everyday exposure to pollutants. Ideal for dry, dehydrated, and mature skin types, it works hard to reverse the day's damage and neutralise free radicals, so you wake to a smooth, plumped and luminous-looking complexion.
MORE FROM SUNDAY RILEY
But that’s not all Sunday Riley has to offer. This beauty brand also features potent essences, a high-dose retinol and a supercharged niacinamide infused serum to just name a few...
