Have you experienced the difference between a sample and the actual product? - Sunday Riley Good Genes

[KillahTomato]

Just wanted to throw this question here. 

I picked up a sample of Sunday Riley Good Genes while ago, which is in one of those small plastic container you get at Sephora. It was full enough to last for about a week and I was using it every single night.

In the past, I've had an experience of over exfoliating my skin with it and I really didn't like the tingling-burning sensations. But this time, I didn't feel anything at all but my skin looked visibly better next morning, so I thought my skin became somewhat tolerant to Lactic Acid better than the last time I tried this product (which was over a year ago). So, I finally went ahead purchasing a brand-new 30ml bottle.  

And... it burns! Even using it as a spot treatment on my adult acne around my chin, I definitely feel a lot more than just a tingling sensation. 

Could it be because the brand-new bottle is literally new & fresh, and well sealed so it's actually properly potent? I was wondering if the sample I've been using was older so it was weaker strength. 

Now I know Good Genes does delivers the result, so I'm going to continue but I'll have to adjust my routine to (re)-work the way up. 

Btw, a lot of people complain about the smell of Good Genes. It smells like a yogurt to me but I see nobody says that. Strange... anyways, I have no problem with that. 

I was just curious to know if anyone had the similar or the same experience. I'd like to hear your thoughts! 

[someonesomewher]

I tried the GG 7-day challenge and loved what it did for my skin.  I also noticed tingling when I used the samples.  The biggest thing with the samples was the SMELL!!  I could barely stand putting it on.  After the challenge, I left a review saying I didn't think I'd spend so much on something that smelled so bad, despite what it did for my skin. (I don't really have problem skin - just some bumps on my forehead that I've tried to get rid of forever.)

I recently purchased the trial size GG and Ceramic Slip cleanser.  I dreaded putting on the GG that first night, but to my surprise, the GG in the plastic bottle didn't smell bad at all!  It had a (kind of strong) lemongrass scent, but not the acrid nose-burning smell that the samples did.  I also didn't notice any burning.  And after a few days, it's done wonders for my forehead bumps.  It's made my skin so soft, radiant, and even that I barely have to put on makeup at all!  

So yeah, I'd definitely say there was a difference for me.  I'm much more likely to purchase the larger GG bottle.  All the Sunday Riley samples I've gotten so far have made my skin look fantastic.

[SoraDixie]

I think your theory is a good one. Another possibility (less likely) is that the bottle is older or was exposed to heat and maybe some of the soothing ingredients have lost their efficacy. I used a Fresh lotus preserve face mask that I got in my play box and I LOVED it. I almost bought the full size. But then I used the mask again and it burned the crap out of my face; I couldn't keep it on for more than a minute. My theory is that it was exposed to air and some good ingredients just broke down. 

[itscarin]

@KillahTomato - When I first tried GG I had that tingly burning sensation.  Then my skin stopped tingling.  Now my face doesn't tingle at all from using it.  When I first bought it I was using it every night.  I saw an aesthetician w ho told me to try only using it 2x a week.  Now I am using it 1-2x a week.  Still no tingly face business, but I also don't feel like I am seeing the same results I did when I had the tingly sensation.  I guess I've officially reached addict status and can't recreate that first time high.  LOL 

[Kim888]

@KillahTomato I haven't had that exact experience but I did experience significantly different smells between the sample and full size. The sample size smelled heavily  of vinegar while I agree the full size smells more fresh. I had asked over in question thread ( I think - or it may have been the skin care thread it was a while ago) and people had suggested that it may have been because the full size was fresher so that's deff a possibility 

[6come6]

Hi @KillahTomato ~ I am glad to know that you are having a positive experience with GG as it is such an amazing product! I haven’t had the same experience with a GG sample but did with another Sephora sample. It was with a Vit C serum. I noticed that the color of the sample was orangey, so when I bought the actually product I thought there was something wrong with the product I bought. Turns out, Vit C changes color overtime, so mine was as fresh as newly squeezed juice... haha! My guess is that the product you bought is perfectly fine. Perhaps the sample you were given came from a bottle that may have been there for a bit. In any case, I use GG maybe three time a week and still experience a brief tingling sensation. I don’t mind it because the results are exactly what I want each time! Best wishes⭐️

[KillahTomato]

Thank you very much for your comment! Yes, the sample came from the open bottle that was sitting at the counter for a while. I didn't think the potency could change, but it makes sense cause the sample bottle at a store is constantly getting used so more air exposure! 

I'm gonna try to go down to 2-3 times a week schedule to see if my skin can build up the tolerance soon 🙂