Good Molecules Review

A team of beauty industry veterans at Beautylish founded skincare brand Good Molecules with the goal to provide effective skincare products at a fair price. By working directly with labs, Good Molecules offers products that target skin issues like acne, redness, and hyperpigmentation without the traditional retail markup. In fact, some Good Molecules skincare products start at just $6 (similar to the popular skincare brand The Ordinary).

Our Good Molecules review will give you all the details on the brand’s best selling products. We’ll discuss the key ingredients in Good Molecules products, including how they work and whether or not there’s any research to back up these ingredients. We’ll also share some Good Molecules reviews so that you can get a better idea of what customers really think of these products.

What’s Inside Good Molecules Skincare?

Here’s a closer look at the active ingredients commonly used in Good Molecules skincare products. Vitamin C, retinol, and peptides make up the core ingredients for the Good Molecules skincare line. These ingredients should all be part of your skincare routine.

Vitamin C
We’ve been hearing for years that Vitamin C is the best anti-aging ingredient. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.

It’s in Good Molecules Vitamin C Booster Powder.

But our favorite Vitamin C serum is Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum. It contains 3 distinct types of Vitamin C that work together to help fight free radical damage. We recommend using it every morning.

Peptides
As you age, your body’s production of collagen and elastin slows down. These two proteins are responsible for your skin’s structural support. As a result, the skin loses it’s natural plumpness and smoothness. 

While collagen is necessary for maintaining youthful-looking skin, the collagen protein is too large to absorb into the skin topically. That’s why applying skin care products that contain collagen won’t provide the anti-aging benefits you’re looking for.

This is where peptides come into action. Peptides are the building blocks of protein, and they are easily absorbed into the deeper layers of skin due to their smaller size. 

Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum contains copper tripeptides, acetyl hexapeptide-8, and acetyl octapeptide-3. These peptides reinforce the look of firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

We recommend Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 plant-based peptides to promote plumper and smoother-looking skin. 

Retinol
Retinol is the go-to anti-aging ingredient recommended by dermatologists and skin experts. While retinol provides many benefits to the skin, it’s also known to cause side effects like skin dryness and irritation. 

It’s in Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream. 

Use retinoids at night. We recommend this retinoid oil serum. It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides similar benefits with less irritation.

Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a multi-tasking ingredient that you’ll find in the brand’s most popular products, including Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum, Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner, Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum, and more. 

Niacinamide is the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin) that provides many benefits to the skin. For instance, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling.

Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate is the key ingredient in Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum, but you’ll also find this ingredient in several other Good Molecules products. Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that is able to hold more water than any other natural substance—up to 1,000 times its weight in water! This is why using products with either hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate can help to improve skin hydration. 

Licorice Root Extract

You’ll find licorice root extract is the Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner and a few other Good Molecules products. The active components in licorice extract are glabridin and glycyrrhiza glabra.

Glabridin works by inhibiting the production of melanin. After repeated application, the outer layer of the darker skin is replaced by lighter skin. Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, therefore, it can soothe the skin and provide protection against environmental free radicals. 

According to a publication in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, “Licorice extract improves hyperpigmentation by dispersing the melanin, inhibition of melanin biosynthesis, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity thereby decreasing free radical production.”

What Are The Top 10 Best Good Molecules Skincare Products?

Good Molecules offers a variety of traditional skin care products, like serums and facial oils, as well as unique products like hydrogel eye patches and exfoliating powders. Curious about which Good Molecules products are worth trying out? Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 best Good Molecules skincare products.

Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum

• Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum is one of the brand’s most popular products
• This lightweight facial serum is said to improve the appearance of age spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage
• Key ingredients include glycerin, niacinamide, and cetyl tranexamate mesylate
• Fragrance free

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner

• An alcohol-free toner is said to promote bright, even skin and less visible pores
• Key ingredients include glycerin, niacinamide, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, betaine, arbutin, and licorice root extract
• Fragrance free

Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

• A lightweight water-based serum that is said to help refine skin tone and texture for a brighter, healthier-looking complexion
• Can be layered under your other skin care products and/or makeup, making it ideal for daily use
• Key ingredients include 10% niacinamide, glycerin, and betaine
• Fragrance free

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

• A lightweight water-based serum that is said to replenish your skin’s moisture content, promoting smoother, more supple skin after just one use

• Key ingredients include glycerin and sodium hyaluronate
• Fragrance free

Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel

• A soothing eye gel that is said to revitalize and energize tired, puffy eyes, thereby promoting brighter, more radiant skin

• Key ingredients include glycerin, yerba mate extract, panthenol, and caffeine
• Yerba mate is a natural source of antioxidants and polyphenols that fight free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin
• Fragrance free

Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patche

• Caffeine-infused hydrogel eye patches that are said to brighten, hydrate, and reduce puffiness around the eyes in just 10 minutes

• Key ingredients include glycerin, niacinamide, caffeine, acetyl tetrapeptide-5, sodium hyaluronate, and licorice root extract
• Fragrance free

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment

• A leave-on exfoliating treatment that is said to help resurface and renew, smoothing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores to reveal visibly radiant skin
• Contains a 10% blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid)

• Fragrance free

Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder

• An exfoliating powder containing both physical and chemical exfoliants
• Mixing the powder with water creates a creamy foam that can be used up to four times per week in order to reveal smoother, brighter skin
• The physical exfoliants are rice powder and silk powder. These granular powders dissolve when mixed with water to create a much more gentle physical exfoliation compared to grains or microbeads
• The chemical exfoliants are pineapple, kiwi, and papaya extracts. These work by creating an enzymatic reaction to gently break down dead skin cells on the skin’s surface layer

• Fragrance free

Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum

• A brightening serum that is said to promote a healthy, youthful complexion without irritation

• Key ingredients include arbutin, licorice root extract, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate
• Fragrance free

Good Molecules Vitamin C Booster Powder

• A vitamin C powder that mixes into serums, creams, and moisturizers to promote a bright, firm, and smooth complexion

• Only contains one ingredient: 100% pure L-ascorbic acid
• Ascorbic acid targets dark spots, uneven tone, and signs of aging
• Unlike vitamin C serums formulated with water, this pure vitamin C powder won’t oxidize—it activates on contact with your serum or moisturizer
• Fragrance free

Where to Buy Good Molecules Products?

Good Molecules skincare products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as third party retailers such as Beautylish and Amazon. They also have a featured retailer called Nuestro Secreto, which is located in Mexico City, Mexico.

What is The Good Molecules Return Policy?

Good Molecules offers a 60-day Satisfaction Guarantee, meaning they will give you a full refund if you are less than satisfied within 60 days of receiving your order.

Is Good Molecules Cruelty Free?

Yes, Good Molecules is cruelty free.

Good Molecules Reviews

Good Molecules reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive, with the products receiving mostly four and five star ratings. One of the brand’s most popular products — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum — has earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars after more than 500 customer reviews.

Most reviews share how the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum really does help to fade dark spots. For example, one Good Molecules review says, “I’ve spent so much money on serums for dark spots and honestly none ever work on my skin but this one in the first week of using it I saw results I have old dark spots that are finally disappearing. I fully recommend this serum.”

And another 5-star Good Molecules review for the Discoloration Correcting Serum shares, “I’ve barely started using this and my skin feels lighter and more clear, I will definitely keep purchasing more products.”

While there aren’t many negative reviews for the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum, it’s still a good idea to look over the 1-star reviews to see why customers were unhappy with this product. Most of the negative reviews are from customers who saw no results from this serum.

For example, one Good Molecules review says, “I’ve been using the product since I received them, but no drastic changes. I will admit that my skin’s texture changed and I feel as if I have a rash on my face and my forehead is dry like the desert.”

There are several other reviews from customers who experienced adverse reactions to this serum. For example, one Good Molecules review for the Discoloration Correcting Serum says, “I really wanted to love this serum and tried it multiple times, but each time I used it my skin developed small pimples all over and made my face bright red! Definitely not buying again, did not work for me.”

Our Verdict

Overall, we think that Good Molecules skincare products are formulated well, and we appreciate that the brand offers these products at an affordable price point.

Pros

• Affordable
• Products are formulated with evidence-based ingredients
• Products are fragrance free
• Good Molecules is cruelty free

Cons

• Some Good Molecules reviews mention that the products caused adverse reactions, like acne and rashes

What Are Some Alternatives to Good Molecules?

If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin. 

References:
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1; 4(3): 253–258
J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan-Mar; 6(1): 4–11