I finally found something better than Sunday Rileys Good Genes and its cheap

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 product 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.Also 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...