Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment Versus Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances, oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment 32 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment 32 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Tuna Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCypripedium Pubescens Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAgave Tequilana Leaf Extract
AstringentArnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Disiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Masking
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sodium Phytate
Water, Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract, Cypripedium Pubescens Extract, Opuntia Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Lactic Acid, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Disiloxane, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Phytate
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingMorus Nigra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Extract
AntimicrobialCastanea Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder
Abrasive
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Salvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Coriandrum Sativum Oil
Masking
Citrus Grandis
Cholesterol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Isohexadecane
EmollientPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Pantethine
EmollientMethyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
PEG-8
HumectantEthyl 2,2-Dimethylhydrocinnamal
Masking
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Cleansing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Sodium Glycinate
Skin ConditioningNordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Antioxidant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Iron Oxides
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Lactate, Morus Nigra Root Extract, Yeast Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Caffeine, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coriandrum Sativum Oil, Citrus Grandis, Cholesterol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane, Polyethylene, Isopentyldiol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 20, Pantethine, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polysorbate 80, PEG-8, Ethyl 2,2-Dimethylhydrocinnamal, Phospholipids, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sodium Glycinate, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool, Iron Oxides, Mica, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconePhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment 32 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment 32 ingredients
Clears my sensitive skin of dead cells without irritation.
Clears my skin
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
I've been using Idealist since it first came out in 2000, and have loved it ever since. They've discontinued just this year, and I'm now desperate for any stock left, or for EL to bring it back...
I loved this stuff so much until they changed it to a plastic bottle cuz it also felt like they changed the formulation a bit at the same time. And then now of course it’s gone. Still dream of what that first formulation did for me 🥹
