Good Molecules Review: I Tried 17 Products, Here Are My Honest Thoughts

I’ve been hearing great things about Good Molecules skincare over the past few months. The colorful packaging is so uplifting, and the very affordable pricing is a big plus. So I was thrilled when the brand sent me some products to try.

Spoiler: I liked the products so much that I ordered more.

So today, I will share my experience with Good Molecules products in this Good Molecules review.

This Good Molecules skincare review post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information. Good Molecules gifted me some products. These products are marked as “(gifted)”.

Good Molecules Review: Cleanser, Toner, Serums, Moisturizer, and More

Quick Take: Is Good Molecules Worth It?

Is Good Molecules a good brand, and are the products worth it? In my experience, Good Molecules is an excellent skincare brand and worth trying.

I really had no idea what to expect from Good Molecules skincare products, but I can say that I am very impressed after trying a wide selection of their products.

In my experience, Good Molecules products are not only inexpensive but also work.

Here are some pros and cons to consider before purchasing:

PROS	CONS
✅  Inclusion of Active Ingredients: Products contain active ingredients for targeted skincare concerns.	❌ Limited Retail Availability: Products are only available at specific retailers.
✅  Effectiveness in Addressing Skin Concerns: Products target a variety of skin concerns like signs of aging, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and dark circles.	❌ Product Size and Pricing: Some products (cleansing balm and face oils) come in a small size for the price.
✅  Transparency in Ingredient Listing: The brand provides detailed information on ingredient concentrations.	❌ Potentially Irritating: Some products may not work for sensitive skin.
✅  Affordable Pricing: Good Molecules skincare products are notably low priced, offering substantial cost savings compared to other skincare brands.

I tried multiple Good Molecules products for this Good Molecules review. They generously sent me some, and then I purchased the rest. Of course, my opinions are always my own.

My main skin concerns for my combination skin focus on the signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and dark circles.

Read more about Good Molecules and how they compare to The Ordinary products in my Good Molecules vs The Ordinary post.

Solid at room temperature, its smooth texture melts and turns into an oil when it comes in contact with your skin. It emulsifies and turns milky once water is added.

The cleanser easily removes makeup, dirt, and oil and leaves your face feeling clean but not tight or dry.

The balm is formulated to remove waterproof makeup without leaving residue or a film behind.

While the balm should not irritate your eyes, Good Molecules always recommends patch testing for this and every new product that you try.

This cleansing balm is the perfect product to remove makeup, sunscreen, and oil accumulated after a long day. It’s the ideal first step oil-based cleanse of a two-step double cleanse.

Good Molecules has another cleanser that I have not tried, which would be the perfect water-based cleanser for step two of a double cleanse: Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel.

Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm is fragrance-free in this version 1.1, which sensitive skin types should appreciate.

It comes in a cute tin, and a small scoop is included.

Although this is not Good Molecules’ most inexpensive product, it is an effective cleansing balm and does a great job of removing makeup and sunscreen.

Would I repurchase? Probably not, since I have another favorite cleansing balm that is slightly more affordable ounce for ounce.

This toner is slightly thicker than a typical watery toner, thanks to the effective active ingredients in the formula.

This niacinamide toner is filled with brightening actives in addition to multi-benefit niacinamide, including:

• Antioxidant and vitamin C derivative 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid brighten your skin.
• Additional brighteners include arbutin and licorice root extract.
• Sodium hyaluronate attracts moisture.
• Glycerin and saccharomyces ferment filtrate soothe and moisturize.
• Astragalus membranaceous root extract offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Toner has always been a bland step of my skincare routine because I felt like the only thing it did was balance my skin’s pH in preparation for the next step of my skincare routine. This toner is different.

I don’t know if I’ve ever tried a toner that has this many actives in it. Yet, it doesn’t feel heavy or sticky.

This is one of my favorite products from Good Molecules.

It has been my go-to toner every night. I think it would be beneficial for those who experience post-acne scarring, redness, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.

It helps replenish your skin’s moisture and provides hydration that lasts while making it look smoother and plumper.

This fragrance-free Good Molecules’ version 1.1 serum is formulated at a pH of 5.59. It contains three different types of hyaluronic acid that have different molecular weights.

This allows the serum to work on multiple layers of your skin for enhanced hydration.

Since it is so lightweight, I like to add a few drops of this serum to other Good Molecules serums to amp up the hydration factor. You should apply it before heavier serums, oils, creams, and moisturizers.

It’s non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.

The serum sinks in quickly and doesn’t interfere with other skincare and makeup products.

Although this doesn’t feel like the most hydrating hyaluronic acid serum that I’ve ever tried, it has a great texture and skin feel. It isn’t sticky or tacky. Plus, it’s so cheap!

This lightweight serum offers brightening benefits and can also help prevent inflammation from turning into hyperpigmentation and discoloration.

Why is this Good Molecules product formulated with cetyl tranexamate mesylate (a tranexamic acid derivative) instead of tranexamic acid, a popular brightening ingredient? The structure of each ingredient is different.

Tranexamic acid doesn’t penetrate the skin barrier, while cetyl tranexamate mesylate can pass through the skin barrier since it is similar in composition to skin lipids.

Cetyl tranexamate mesylate can provide a steady release of its active compounds to prevent and improve skin discoloration.

This lightweight serum sinks in quickly and works well when used after Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid.

I have yet to see specific brightening results with this serum after using it for a few weeks, but the secret is patience when it comes to this product and other brightening products.

It may take several weeks to see results.

NOTE: Good Molecules does not recommend using this serum with direct acids and Vitamin C.

Related Post: Best Tranexamic Acid Serums

It’s also helpful for acne and breakouts and for those who have clogged pores. While this serum contains a few other skin-soothing ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E, niacinamide is the star of the show.

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, offers many benefits for the skin in addition to brightening benefits. It regulates oil production, which is helpful for oily skin types.

Niacinamide also has anti-aging benefits and can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• This study in the British Journal of Dermatology determined that niacinamide can decrease transepidermal water loss and increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in the top layer of the skin.
• This study in the International Journal of Dermatology showed the anti-inflammatory benefits of niacinamide can benefit those with acne similar to acne treatment clindamycin.

The serum is lightweight and layers well, especially over hyaluronic acid.

You can use this both morning and night. I like to use it during the day to control oil production and in the evening when using retinoids.

I definitely notice a difference in oiliness during the day when using this serum and appreciate the anti-aging benefits as well.

Niacinamide and Vitamin C

Good Molecules notes that niacinamide should not be used with products containing ascorbic acid, otherwise known as vitamin C. Using niacinamide and vitamin C together is a highly debated topic.

Some sources say it’s okay to use these two ingredients together since the research (done in the 1960s) showed a decrease in the effectiveness of both ingredients/skin irritation occurred only when tested at very high temperatures.

• Glycolic acid and lactic acid are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin’s surface by sweeping away dead skin cells.
• Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into pores to unclog them, helping to reduce blemishes.

The result is smoother skin with a more even skin tone and improved clarity.

Glycolic acid is the smallest of alpha-hydroxy acids, so it penetrates better than other AHAs, but those with sensitive skin may find glycolic acid irritating.

If you have sensitive skin, Good Molecules recommends starting at once a week until your tolerance level increases.

Otherwise, Good Molecules recommends using this no more than three nights a week.

I’ve always been sensitive to glycolic acid, so I prepared myself for irritation. While this did cause some irritation upon application, it only lasted a few minutes.

After every application, I wake up with brighter, smoother skin with improved clarity.

NOTE: Good Molecules does not recommend using this serum with other direct acids, retinol, or vitamin C.

Related Post: CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment Review

• Niacinamide is included in this formula to help brighten, soothe, and protect your eye area.
• Caffeine, an antioxidant, improves microcirculation.
• Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, a four amino acid peptide, is included in the formula to help reduce eye bags.
• Astragalus membranaceous root extract and camellia sinensis leaf extract provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Aloe vera soothes
• Sodium hyaluronate hydrates your skin.

The jar comes with 30 sets for a total of 60 under-eye patches. Apply the patches for 10-15 minutes.

A spatula is included to remove the patches.

If you really wanted to, I imagine that you could apply them to other areas of your face, such as the laugh lines around your mouth, for a hydrating and plumping effect.

The gels themselves are thin and flexible and are soaked with a good amount of product. They stick easily to your under-eye area without sliding down your face, which is a big plus.

As a result, you can actually move around without them falling off your face.

While you can use these patches morning or evening, they really seem to help puffiness under my eyes when applied in the morning before skincare and makeup.

They are very cooling upon application and leave my eye area soft and smooth.

Related Post: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution Review

This 100% vegan gel also contains three kinds of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump fine lines. Caffeine & acetyl tetrapeptide-5 work to depuff and reduce fluid accumulation.

I usually prefer a creamy eye cream, as eye gels often aren’t hydrating enough under my eyes.

This eye gel feels very hydrating compared to other eye gels that I’ve used in the past. I really like the thick texture.

While you can also apply this at night under eye cream, I like to use it in the AM as it leaves my eye area smooth and plump.

It also helps with redness around the inner corners of my eyes and wears well under makeup.

You can’t beat that price for this excellent formula.

If you don’t like the feel or the occlusive properties of silicone but want the smooth texture it creates, this moisturizer is a lovely alternative and a 2-in-1 product.

This Good Molecules cream is formulated with macadamia seed oil, shea butter, and a naturally derived silicone alternative to leave skin plumped, smooth, and ready for makeup.

Thanks to essential fatty acids from olive oil, it’s very smoothing and nourishing.

I am pretty picky when it comes to daytime moisturizers because I need a hydrating moisturizer but not too dewy, or else my face will become too greasy after several hours.

This lightweight moisturizer leaves a beautiful finish and helps to keep makeup in place.

NOTE: The rebrand of the moisturizer changes not only the name from Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer to Lightweight Daily Moisturizer but also the size. You now get 3.4 oz instead of 1.7 oz for the SAME PRICE!

Related Post: Milk Hydro Grip Primer: Drugstore Alternatives

Camellia oil, also known as tea seed oil, hydrates and protects against free radical damage with anti-aging polyphenols and potent antioxidants.

Sea buckthorn oil contains fatty acids to support the skin barrier and soothing vitamin E.

Good Molecules notes that high-quality sea buckthorn oil has a natural pigment, so it can leave a temporary yellow pigment on your skin. As a result, they recommend using this oil at night only.

This lightweight, non-comedogenic oil blend is a beautiful golden color and sinks into the skin easily without the slightest greasy feeling.

Although it only comes in a small 0.44 oz bottle, it is rich, so you only need a few drops.

I use it on top of a moisturizer in the evenings when my skin is feeling extra dry. I don’t notice any skin discoloration, though.

I’ve really enjoyed using this during the cold winter months to lock in moisture, and it’s a great choice for dry skin.

Related Post: The Inkey List vs The Ordinary: Anti-Aging Skincare on a Budget

• Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal brighter and smoother skin. It can also increase collagen production, which helps to improve skin firmness and elasticity.
• The toner also contains galactomyces ferment filtrate, also known as pitera. It comes from fermented yeast and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that nourish the skin and support a healthy skin moisture barrier.
• Salicylic acid gets deep into pores to clear away excess sebum (oil). Multi-benefit niacinamide brightens the skin, improves skin tone and texture, and supports a healthy skin barrier.
• Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid hydrate and plump the skin.
• Aloe soothes the skin.

The toner is formulated at an acidic pH of 4.2 and is fragrance-free. After applying with a cotton pad, I can feel my face tingle for a few seconds.

This goes away pretty quickly, though. I can see improved clarity in the morning after using this toner. Using it every other day is working well for my skin.

This is one of the only glycolic acid toners that my skin can tolerate, so I love the 3.5% concentration.

I also love that you get all the benefits of a glycolic acid treatment plus niacinamide and hydrating ingredients.

While I still love Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner, this is a great option to use a few times a week for gentle chemical exfoliation.

NOTE: When using glycolic acid or other AHAs, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and for a week after.

It targets fine lines, wrinkles, breakouts, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and decreased skin elasticity for firmer-looking skin while hydrating the skin and minimizing irritation and dryness.

Good Molecules Retinol Percentage

This fragrance-free retinol cream contains 0.1% retinol, a low concentration of retinol that won’t irritate your skin as much as higher 0.5% or 1% concentrations.

This retinol treatment also contains 0.3% bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that has been shown to improve photoaging in the skin like retinol does but without the irritation and unwanted side effects that often come along with retinol.

The cream also contains grapeseed oil, allantoin, and acmella oleracea extract to calm and nourish the skin. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free!

Since I have somewhat sensitive skin, retinol is tricky for me.

I have to be careful how often I use it and stick to low concentrations. This cream is ideal for retinol beginners, as it really is GENTLE on the skin.

This retinol cream is an easy winner for me. It has a creamy, non-sticky texture that sinks into the skin quickly. It’s so gentle that I can use it a few days in a row without any excessive dryness.

After using it in my nighttime skincare routine, I wake to tightened, smoother skin with improved clarity. And for the cheap price, this is a no-brainer.

NOTE: Avoid using this treatment with other potent actives like vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs/BHAs (chemical exfoliants), or physical exfoliants.

While using retinol and retinoids and for a week after, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher during the day.

The pH-balanced soap bar detoxifies the skin while removing dirt, oil, and other impurities from your face and body.

It is formulated with salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps to unclog pores and treat acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Salicylic acid is also an anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.

The Clarify & Cleanse Bar also contains moisturizing glycerin and grape seed oil, an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin.

I LOVE to use this bar soap in the shower, as I can use it on my face, chest, and arms, knowing that it is helping keep my skin clear. It has a milky lather that leaves my skin soft and smooth.

Good Molecules Clarify & Cleanse Bar would be a great option for those with acne-prone or oily skin types.

The bar soap is affordable, gentle, and effective at cleansing the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

It’s also free of sulfates and parabens and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

While mineral sunscreens tend to leave a white cast on the skin, this sunscreen, which contains 13.3% zinc oxide (a non-nano zinc oxide), is formulated to blend seamlessly into the skin, leaving a minimal white cast.

The sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays and is designed to be lightweight and non-greasy on the skin. It’s reef-safe, but it is not water-resistant.

• The sunscreen also contains 2% grapeseed oil, a lightweight oil that is rich in skin-protective antioxidants and moisturizing fatty acids.
• A 0.75% concentration of tocopherol, otherwise known as vitamin E, helps protect the skin from free radical damage thanks to its antioxidant protection.
• Astrocaryum tucuma seed butter (0.5%) is filled with fatty acids and helps moisturize the skin.

The formula is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores and cause acne or breakouts, so it is suitable for acne-prone skin.

I apply this sunscreen as the last step in my morning skincare routine before makeup. This sunscreen has a somewhat liquid texture that absorbs quickly without any greasiness or stickiness on my skin.

It blends well with my skincare products and doesn’t interfere with my makeup. The natural finish doesn’t leave a white cast on my fair complexion.

This physical sunscreen ticks all the boxes of what I look for in a mineral sunscreen. As a bonus, it’s incredibly affordable, like all Good Molecules products.

Plus, I love the transparency when it comes to ingredients and concentrations (see the ingredient list on the box in the image above).

This sunscreen will definitely be a repurchase for me.

Like best-selling Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum, this body moisturizer contains active ingredients to fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone.

The treatment contains 2% TeraCeutic TXVector (cetyl tranexamate mesylate), a melanin (pigment) inhibitor that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration on the skin.

Per the manufacturer, it reduces redness in two weeks and fades dark spots in four weeks.

Cetyl tranexamate mesylate is a derivative of tranexamic acid, a brightening ingredient.

Cetyl tranexamate mesylate penetrates the skin barrier better than tranexamic acid. This allows for more targeted and effective discoloration correction on the body.

• A 2% concentration of niacinamide also helps to reduce discoloration while protecting the skin barrier.
• Capryloyl salicylic acid (LHA) is an active ingredient that exfoliates your skin and lifts away dead skin cells for smoother skin on your body.
• Aspergillus and saccharomyces ferments soothe, moisturize, and brighten your complexion.
• Jojoba seed oil and arginine moisturize your skin.

I’ve been using this Discoloration Correcting Body Treatment as a spot treatment to reduce sun spots and discoloration on my chest and arms.

I wouldn’t use it all over my body due to the rich, almost ointment-like texture.

But after using this body moisturizer for a few weeks, my skin looks smoother, brighter, and more even-toned. I think it’s a good alternative to hydroquinone for skin brightening, as the results are promising so far.

The fragrance-free water-based serum contains a blend of peptides and copper tripeptides to smooth, hydrate, and brighten your skin:

• Copper peptides work to improve skin firmness.
• Acetyl hexapeptide-8 and acetyl octapeptide-3 reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines caused by repeated facial expressions.
• Sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, helps to hydrate and plump your skin.
• Glycerin and the amino acid glycine moisturize your skin.

The serum has a lightweight, non-sticky texture that absorbs quickly into my skin without leaving any residue. It layers well under my moisturizer and makeup, too.

After a few weeks of use, I have noticed an improvement in my skin’s texture and radiance. My skin feels plump and hydrated.

All in all, I think this is an affordable addition to my anti-aging skincare routine.

It’s packed with potent ingredients that target wrinkles, fine lines, and skin firmness and is gentle on my skin, unlike some other anti-aging actives (i.e. retinol).

100% Chilean Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil is sourced from hand-picked rose hips in Southern Chile.

The oil is packed with replenishing fatty acids that moisturize your skin and antioxidant-rich vitamins A and C.

It helps to hydrate dry, parched skin while brightening dull skin and improving skin elasticity.

While other rosehip oils feel heavier on my skin, I like that this lightweight, non-greasy oil absorbs quickly into my skin.

After using this rosehip oil at night, I wake to soft, smooth, and glowing skin.

The bottle is small at only 0.44 oz, but I only need a few drops for my entire face, so it lasts a long time.

Good Molecules vs The Ordinary

	Good Molecules	The Ordinary
Formulas:	Products often contain a hero ingredient along with multiple additional active ingredients.	Typically focuses on one or two key ingredients per product.
Ingredient Transparency:	Discloses exact percentages of ingredients in many products.	Transparent about ingredients, but may not always specify exact percentages of all ingredients.
Accessibility:	Widely available but may have less retail presence compared to The Ordinary.	Widely available.
Product Texture:	Formulated to offer a sensory experience with smoother, more refined textures.	Some formulas don’t have the most elegant texture and feel sticky or heavy on your skin.
Price:	Low prices but not as low as The Ordinary.	In general, prices are lower than Good Molecules.

Due to a few factors, Good Molecules is often compared to The Ordinary, another affordable skincare brand that offers similar skincare products:

Pricing & Formulas

The Ordinary has some of the least expensive skincare products across the board. Good Molecules does, too, although not as low as The Ordinary.

Please keep in mind that The Ordinary often concentrates on one hero ingredient, while Good Molecules formulates some of their products with a hero ingredient plus multiple additional actives to enhance their formulas.

Transparency in ingredients is very important to both Good Molecules and The Ordinary. Good Molecules takes it a step further and discloses the exact percentages of ingredients in many of their products.

I think that Good Molecules and The Ordinary complement each other.

While they have some similar products, like those formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, in general, Good Molecules offers more complex formulas than The Ordinary, while The Ordinary’s catalog of products is much more extensive.

About Good Molecules

Beauty industry veterans at the online retailer Beautylish created Good Molecules to offer effective skincare products at fair and reasonable prices.

Good Molecules products are formulated with ingredients backed by science and research, plus they are safe for you and the planet.

The Good Molecules team works with top labs to address various skincare concerns such as acne, the signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and redness.

The best part is that the products don’t have the traditional skincare retail markup. This means that you can try multiple Good Molecules products for the price of one luxury skincare product.

Good Molecules follows in the footsteps of other affordable skincare brands like The Ordinary and The Inkey List, both brands that offer targeted skincare products at very low prices.

A standout characteristic of these products is the transparency in the formulas.

By transparency, I mean that some Good Molecules products offer a Nothing to Hide Ingredient List, which discloses the percentages of ingredients in the products in a table from highest concentration to lowest concentration.

This is very rare in the beauty and skincare world, so this transparency is a strength.

NOTE: Good Molecules LISTENS to their customers! They have updated several products and note what version the product is on their website.

Some of the product packaging even notes the ingredient changes that were made with the current version.

I know of few other skincare companies that quickly reformulate multiple products based on customer feedback.

Good Molecules Affordable Skincare: The Bottom Line

Good Molecules products are worth checking out if you enjoy other low-priced skincare brands like The Ordinary and The Inkey List.

I absolutely love the transparency of ingredient percentages on select products, as well.

The best Good Molecules products?

Some of my favorites include Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner and Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer (renamed Lightweight Daily Moisturizer), and Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream.

Thanks for reading!