The ‘TOXIC’ CEO Who Can’t Stop Lying - Sunday Riley’s Fake Skincare Brand - Behind The Beauty

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Sunday Riley: Fake Reviews, a Toxic Workplace, & Lies from the Founder
Sunday Riley built her indie skincare brand into a global luxury giant with a cult-like following, boasting award-winning products and celebrity fans. But behind the success lies a controversial tale of fake reviews, questionable business practices, and an unsettling work culture. In today’s video, we dive deep into Sunday Riley’s rise and fall-from her unique approach to skincare with “green technology” to the fallout from her company’s deceitful tactics.
From fake 5-star reviews to an unsettling corporate culture, we unravel the controversies surrounding Sunday Riley and explore whether the brand’s positive qualities are enough to counterbalance the damaging scandals.
💬 **Let us know your thoughts**: Have you used Sunday Riley products? Do the controversies change your view of the brand? Drop a comment below!

[@JamesWelsh]

A lot of people taking this one personally 😅 I try to leabe my personal opinions out of these videos and just share facts BUT Here’s what I have to say; 1) if a product works for your skin, keep using it. Not everyone cares about what goes on behind the scenes and for some, it’s a privilege to be able to be picky with your skincare 2) These videos, whilst hopefully informative (and factual) are made to entertain. Through my ‘When Beauty Turns Ugly’ etc series, I’ve found that you will be hard pressed to find a single brand that, in some way, hasn’t broken the law, isn’t ‘toxic’ to their workers in some way, or has some form of problematic past. It’s up to you as a consumer to choose what you deem as forgivable to you. No judgement here

[@TheSqueet]

I love these videos and learning what goes on behind the scenes. And I love hearing your opinions! Thank you for putting out wonderful, entertaining, informative and honest content, James. Wouldn’t want it any other way!

[@CLGUWS3746]

I totally disagree with you. Principles are more important. The public should not support people that lie and cheat.

[@xLostInTheCrowdx]

It's okay, James. You may not judge, but I certainly will 😊❤😂 Valuable insights as always

[@JamesWelsh]

@@CLGUWS3746I personally agree. But there are also brands who I don’t personally support that are very affordable, easily accessible for those who can’t afford pricier products. In that case, I wouldn’t judge someone for buying what they can afford and what they can easily buy

[@picklethepepper]

@@JamesWelsh babe you're good. Everyone is entitled to any opinion. I think Sunday herself is poopoo but she does have a few great products. Either way, you are allowed to your opinion just as I am to mine! 💕

[@blurrydog1]

so unfortunate that the brand did not receive a punishment or fine for the fake reviews. they literally broke the law.

[@JamesWelsh]

Yeah I think brands like this need to be used as an example to others who do the same thing

[@kylaxo12345]

They were fined for the fake reviews.

[@teri2466]

​@@kylaxo12345 No they weren't. This is from the ftc commissioners who dissented. "The FTC is doubling down on its no-money, no-fault settlement with Sunday Riley, who was charged with egregious fake review fraud. This weak settlement is a serious setback for the Commission’s credibility as a watchdog over digital markets." This was Trump's FTC, btw.

[@uraddiictOnx3]

@@kylaxo12345a slap on the wrist lol

[@beetothebop123]

​@@uraddiictOnx3exactly. The fines are cheap enough that they just calculate them into their business costs, it's not a deterrent at ALL.

[@RaelNikolaidis]

Why couldn’t she just say-” I went out and found the best team of cosmetic chemists available and I worked alongside them to help formulate these products. I was intimately involved in the process . My team are geniuses that deserve high praise because they invented the best skincare ever!”. That would be self promoting and objectively truthful, if hyperbolic . You DON’T actually have to lie. Truth is generally better. People always find out. ❤

[@christiana783]

Same goes for the fake reviews. The products I've tried in the past are actually really nice and would've gotten good reviews regardless. It's such a weird choice to go to these extremes trying to dupe people when you have a genuinely good product.

[@JamesWelsh]

Exactly! The strangest part about this whole thing to me is…people LOVE their products! There’s literally no need to lie because they already had such a strong following!

[@crystalmarie2448]

​@@JamesWelshno literally they're great products 😅 just be normal

[@socialliz6805]

Texan here. The University of Texas chemistry department is 7th best in the country, which means it's definitely one of the best in the world. (Thanks to the oil and gas industry!) Riley didn't just imply she has any chemistry degree; she implied that she graduated from a top program. I'm surprised she was able to keep up the charade as long as she did.

[@PoppyL99]

​@socialliz6805 omg hi another Texan ❤ I went to school in the UT system and im surprised someone didn't notice she wasn't actually a grad. There's this big Texas Exes culture for Alumni it's like a point of pride, shirts/bumper stickers, alumni dinners, mentorship opportunities. If she had been an alumna then she more than likely would've been involved in that stuff used it to post on social media lol

[@exocutionn]

“Green technologies” so… biochemistry???

[@JamesWelsh]

😂😂😂

[@Kalidreamine]

as someone with a degree in green technologies…. 😂

[@ritzee13]

That's it I want my biochem degree changed to green technology.

[@hz1929]

this comment killed me 💀💀💀

[@annemarson4144]

My 76-year-old retired chemistry teacher dad will be so thrilled to learn he has a masters in Green Technologies!

[@adafihj6439]

I love these brand breakdowns. Especially when I don't know much about these specific brands

[@thisizshortlycherifa7810]

Lmao

[@JamesWelsh]

Glad you like them 🥹💜

[@PiXie232]

Me too:) This is my favorite series James does ❤

[@12345Elenia]

Please make more of these, I absolutely love them! They’re a great breakdown of brands/drama I wouldn’t otherwise be familiar with :)

[@ragnegjengedal7803]

What's so bad about saying "I got talented and knowledgeable scientists to make my vision come true" instead of implying all those credentials? Very Elon Musk.

[@zairasosa7172]

I just want to say I absolutely love this series and style of videos. As consumers we have the right to know about the brands we are supporting with our money. I don’t have the time or energy to do a deep dive into every brand I consider buying a product from. I really appreciate you doing the work so we don’t have to. 🖤

[@agiles6483]

Fascinating story. I have not used any of these products because I don’t feel it necessary to spend so much to get effective products.

[@jasmine8747]

I think some viewers are reacting the wrong way. The video is simply telling a story about the CEO and company's shit and NOT about if the products are bad or not. SO if anyone likes their products, great. But not the point of the video. The review scandal is nuts, esp with how detailed the instructions to their employees were. I was surprised to hear about this because I heard good things about their products from people who actually used it and it seemed like they didn't need to do this. I absolutely love your videos, especially these because they're so informative. I appreciate the thorough research! Thank you and keep it up. In James we trust!

[@Jess-737]

I got the point right away . I actually really like their UFO serum, but will be using other brands instead because the level of deceipt their company went through is just too much for me.

[@rayeller86]

I am so sad to hear this video. Sunday Riley has two products that are holy grails for my skin that other brands just couldn't compete with. And given the price point on their products, it's a massive splurge towards such a shite company

[@katieb3616]

It was crazy that happened when back then, the products were already holy grail for so many people including myself. You can rip good genes out of my cold dead hands!

[@yassercastillo2607]

K beauty does it for me, no need to spend all that money...

[@iammango08]

💯💯💯

[@glitterkitty1979]

Couldn't agree more!! ❤

[@JamesWelsh]

Agreed!

[@venteuse]

K and J beauty are it for me. Heimish and Hado Labo are amazing and last for ages. You absolutely get your money's worth!

[@yassercastillo2607]

@@venteuse and they feel lux too

[@leelat.6231]

Her company edited my comments on a neutral review. It ended up being gibberish by the time they changed what I wrote. Making fake reviews is one things making fake reviews with real people’s names is super shady.

[@Crystal0139]

Wow!! That’s crazy 🤦‍♀️😒

[@laurenwasinger9436]

How does that work? Was it on their site or somewhere else? I’m super curious how this works

[@leelat.6231]

@@laurenwasinger9436 it was on Sephora. I don’t know what they did but they totally changed what I had said. I 100% believe that Sephora collaborated with them in making changes.

[@XOAFRODITEXO]

sephora switzerland was selling sunday riley and let me tell you as a swiss person they were never getting recognition because of the extreme high prices…if us swiss think this is expensive it is too expensive

[@vanilla7349]

Yeah central Europe here and while I got to try quite a bit of the CEO vit C serum... It's nice, yes, but it's literally just a vit C serum. There's no way I would ever buy it for that price 😅

[@CowGirlKat8691]

Haven't tried or purchased any of her products but love these videos that go to the meat of the product's creator & the beliefs of the company . . . 🤠

[@JamesWelsh]

Thank you!

[@zeewooie]

Consumers are now greatly interested in the ethics of a company before purchasing anything. Sunday Riley’s practices clearly show that lying to their customers is not off the table, I believe no amount of charitable work is going to offset that. Especially considering the slap on the wrist they got from the FDA.

[@tracey0820]

Loved the deep dive. Basically, just a classic case of “fake it till you make it”. As long as the products work and people enjoy them, then good for them. I’m sure Sunday Riley is just the only brand that got *CAUGHT* faking reviews.

[@ritzee13]

I have a biochem degree and I still couldn't formulate a product, as we are mostly taught theory and work in research labs. You would need a masters level degree or a bachelors focusing on cosmetic formulation. Some companies even require a phd for certain formulation and packaging decisions.

[@laurenembleton716]

I really applaud you for your hard work researching and presenting info on these brands :) it's so informative and yet you break it down so its easily digestable, thankyou!

[@JamesWelsh]

Thank you! I have a lot of help with these videos 😅💜

[@laguvids]

Agreed

[@jojomarch]

I love the Skincare Scoundrels series. Not the deceased sole named formulator....spooky

[@JamesWelsh]

Spooky right?!?

[@celarts5752]

Ima be real, being confirmed "cruelty-free by PETA" literally means nothing, that association has such an awful reputation that anything they say they approve of should be taken with a massive grain of salt

[@pan0ramian]

Yeah, PETA literally runs pro-kill shelters and would rather kill the dogs and cats in their care than give them a forever home because “animals shouldn’t be pets” or some bullshit. So anything PETA claims, I’m automatically assuming it’s fake and disingenuous.

[@CharlieHorse4363]

Exactly especially when they’ve been proven to promote the very cruelty they claim to try to destroy over and over 🥴💀 I hate PETA so much because of how manipulative and hypocritical they are. There’s so many other organizations that actually help animals I wish people would donate to but PETA gets all the public eye and money

[@maryarmstrong2231]

I have stopped purchasing products that are from brands that are not loudly and prochoice. None of their wonderful philanthropic work on behalf of women won’t help if our basic rights to bodily autonomy are in jeopardy. Especially being from Texas (as I am) home of some of the most dangerous laws regarding women’s healthcare services. This plus their crappy track record on transparency and of course the fake reviews…hard HARD pass.

[@dqverify6797]

Which laws here are “dangerous?” I live in TX and haven’t heard of there being dangers. And the great thing is that we have a say in our state’s laws, so we can write to our state legislators and tell them what we want, and/or push to get the issue on our state ballots. I’m not trying to put you down at all when I say that I prefer to focus on that rather than trying to insist on companies making meaningless statements.

[@mktruett]

So interesting bc the products themselves are good! Why muddy the water with shady marketing?

[@JamesWelsh]

Right?! They didn’t need all those fake reviews

[@sociologinja]

They did it bc success would not come soon enough

[@mrswhite645]

​@@sociologinjafor whom?

[@delia_watercolors]

I have autoimmune disease and then got cancer and needed transplant. Their water cream (now discontinued. Came in blue tub with white lid) was so wonderful for my skin especially during autoimmune flare ups and then during cancer treatment when my skin was very very delicate and peeling. It sucks that the CEO is a lying narcissist. That product really did work. I've since moved on to Kiehl's.

[@Karma20XX]

I don't trust reviews anymore. There are too many fake ones, and real negative ones get deleted.

[@scifihippie]

Why are companies like this? Ugh. I have two holy grail skincare products from Sunday Riley and this makes me sad.

[@teletubbiestunetwister9570]

I used to love these products. They do work. But so do a lot of others. So after the lying was revealed, I stopped using them. She's not getting my money.

[@carolynp552]

Exact same!

[@nyangret]

the coincidence that i just used the luna night oil for the first time in a while and i lie down in bed to see THIS 😭😭

[@JamesWelsh]

😂😂 I genuinely hope you like the product!

[@nyangret]

@@JamesWelsh sadly i dont really notice too much difference using it its just an “oil” to me, the eye cream though is different story and caroline hirons can back me up on it (i do think its overpriced though i havent found a dupe thats just as effective)

[@strawberryinsomnia9188]

@@nyangret there are some expensive products that just aren’t dupe-able, honestly-keeping a core lineup of affordable products is always a good idea but there are definitely some very pricey but irreplaceable products out there!

[@suntaitai]

Good Genes is a very good product. You can use Luna oil with Good Genes. I layer. Your skin will glow.

[@Kelliee_yt]

I literally used the Luna oil a couple nights ago for the first time and I stupidly believed I was going to wake up to at least some diffrence but no I was sorely mistaken, I wasn't expecting miracles overnight but there wasn't any change no glow etc. Going to use the whole bottle though so I've plenty of months to try it out.

[@Livxmarshx]

I just adore these behind the beauty videos, so interesting! We all massively appreciate the effort and hard work you put in for your content, James!🫶🏽

[@CarriedAwayWithDolls]

I wouldn't he surprised her whole back story is fabricated as well.

[@lyndatewell4604]

Gotta tell you, I’ve never seen the big deal about Sunday Riley products. I have the Good Genes serum from an advent calendar, but I haven’t purchased any SR products otherwise. I’ll be sure to steer clear of them, based on your very thorough review, James. Thank you for that. ❤

[@Hannah-zw9ow]

I got good genes in a boxycharm and I didn’t like it. I felt like it didn’t do anything and I prefer the farmacy AHA serum (forgot what it’s called) for resurfacing and brightening.

[@ifeyhome]

Lol..he's NOT reviewing the products in this video. Btw he thinks her products are great

[@lyndatewell4604]

@@ifeyhome I don't see the big deal about them. I tried it, and thought it was just okay. And I realize it's not a product review - I don't choose to support brands who are dishonest and do shady things.

[@lindseystein9676]

I’m not at all surprised about the faked reviews. If tried several of their products and the only one that showed good results was the good genes lactic acid. It’s a solid product, but not at all worth the price, even when there are sephora sales in my opinion. I have the same results with my $7 bottle of 5% lactic acid from the ordinary.

[@melissapekarek3283]

Same. I credit a bottle of Good Genes years ago showing me how much better my skin does on lactic acid versus the others. But the price point isn't worth it with other very effective LA products available. I've chosen samples of the other SR products and the smell and texture was awful, IMO. There's no way I could pay that much for a product I gagged using.

[@picklethepepper]

​@@melissapekarek3283 I find that good genes is better than any lactic acid treatment I've used. I think it is the licorice tbh. I've noticed anytime I use licorice in my skincare, it does so well for my skin. It's expensive but I wait for 50% off sales which to me, makes it worth it.

[@BlueM-o2b]

​@melissapekarek3283 Worse, they reformulated Good Genes to eliminate the manure scent, and it's weaker. You don't reformulate your top product unless it's causing harm. It made me suspicious Sunday Riley was purchased by a conglomerate, which usually cuts the luxury ingredients and ups the fillers (even natural but less expensive). Like Kate Somerville going to Unilever in 2015. In the case of Sunday Riley, the product change was sometime before the COVID start, if I recall correctly. Sunday Riley still appear to be independently owned, but I don't know why they would reformulate a top product except to cut costs or bland it down. Makes their products seem cheaper.

[@callofthedeepofficial]

Thanks for this! Good genes is my holy grail, and a dupe is much much appreciated! Thank you 💚✨

[@Espritlumiere]

​@@callofthedeepofficial there are many affordable LA products out there, TO's probably being the most popular. I personally love the 5% LA for my sensitive skin 😊

[@shanalouise]

Love the overview of the brands as a whole from start to controversy to downfall. Fingers crossed I never see one on the brand I’m using. That will be a dark day and a real discovery of where my moral compass is. As someone with picky skin who has been dealing with acne and visually clogged pores for 49 years; finding skincare that helps rather than hinders has been a journey. It seems once I find something that works, it either stops working is disconnected.

[@Jess-737]

Same moral dilemma here. The Sunday Riley UFO oil worked SO well for my decades long acne problem. But I stopped buying from them after these multiple revelations. I can’t support a brand that encourages fake empathetic review from people pretending to be acne sufferers.

[@loisorr8294]

ABSOLUTELY LOVEEEEEEEE these videos 🥰😍 I do love Sunday Riley too so I'll be interested to see a deep dive behind the brand & whether it changes my opinion on it ❣️ Happy Sunday James x

[@JamesWelsh]

Hope you enjoyed it! I mean….their products are iconic for a reason

[@dizzieblonde2010]

I haven't ever purchased anything from this brand and definitely won't now. Thanks, James!

[@chicka638]

Good Genes is really a good product. I did notice a visible difference in my skin, with a beautiful glow, all scandal aside.

[@grat2010]

I've never used this brand, just was never curious about it. And now I doubt I will ever will - that's such dodgy behavior by the owner and company. Another informative and entertaining video by you. Thank you!

[@Vicky-lg5wg]

haven’t even watched the entirety of the video and i’ve got to say i’m absolutely shocked to hear how they went about fake reviews! i have acne, i have very sensitive skin but at the same time it’s very prone to clogging so in the last years i have been heavily relying on product reviews and comments from "skinfluencers" like yourself, and also reviews on online shop websites. terrifying, that they'd risk their credibilty like this

[@crysv2797]

I LOVE Sunday Riley items, its a shame the owner had to give the company a bad name and do something as stupid and pointless as bad reviews. Definitely will think twice on giving them more money.

[@efraysur]

At work unexpectedly on Sunday, so this is great to have to watch!

[@KoreanCardiff]

I was only thinking about the fake reviews the other day and thought everyone’s forgotten about it!

[@Robin-ladybug]

I’m sad about this because two of these products are my holy grails and d one has completely changed my skin. I didn’t know any of the behind the scenes

[@JamesWelsh]

You should use whatever works for your skin honestly.

[@SaraAshley116]

What are the two?

[@268anita]

@@JamesWelshyeah, by the time they find replacements, you’ll have a video ready for the shady behavior of that brand!😅

[@Robin-ladybug]

@@SaraAshley116 The one that changed my skin is the CEO brightening serum with vitamin C. I had a lot of discoloration from acne and it really evened out my skin tone. I never really thought I’d ever have even looking skin because I have dealt with acne up to my late 20s. Of course I can’t say 100 percent this was it, but it was the one thing that I started using and never stopped. I wish I had taken photos of the before of my skin if I had known there would be such a difference but I just bought it on a whim. The other one I really like is the CEO glow oil. I use that one at night and the other during the day. The oil just is a little odd smelling but I’ve grown to really like it actually.

[@Robin-ladybug]

@@JamesWelshyou’re right. But I don’t love supporting brands that are shady in their practices.

[@JClover2]

Would never buy a product from someone with such shady business practices. Who knows what else she lies about.

[@Eddyeden11]

This is so strange to me because I've found Sunday Riley products to be really effective. Edit to add that it is strange that she went over the top trying to sell her brand. The products are so effective they didn't need false marketing.

[@GoodnessGraciousTV]

If James ever comes for Paula, I’m cooked

[@hazeldavis3176]

Right!? Nononooo😅

[@flygirl5633]

Tried a few of their products (United Airline used to give out Sunday Riley hand cream and lip balm in business class), not at all impressed. For that kind of prices, I would rather go with products such as Skinceuticals that are backed by clinical evidence.

[@cherrycoke3254]

Their vitamin C and a retinoid from the doctor is all you need to have amazing skin! They do have the absolute best vitamin c and it’s worth the $.

[@berenicemartinez9238]

I remember getting a a sample and loving it and buying it… loved it and still do just not the price….

[@dinasilva9263]

James is an amazing storyteller, i love these videos❤

[@glitterkitty1979]

His voice is so soothing

[@JamesWelsh]

Thank you 🥹

[@tatjanaarandelovic9555]

This is a very good product breakdown, James! It's strange- all these years I have been thinking of buying one Sunday Riley product. But in the very end there was something that stopped me. I don't know why. I hadn't even heard about the controversies! So now I won't buy any but as you said-no judgement there- people who are using Sunday Riley products and like them should continue using them xxx

[@NotesOfSky]

I have never ever heard of this Brand but tbh just for the Fact that they "drilled" their employees to post fake reviews is for me enough to never ever buy anything from them...also the CEO keeps laying about things so how on earth would you be able to Trust that company? especially since its Skin care...? Once again a really good video! Loved it

[@catnip4587]

I think a lot of companies hire people or urge their employees to write fake reviews. Thy just haven’t been called out yet

[@ifeyhome]

You're missing out. The products are the best & VERY effective

[@Jlrc13]

Tried a large number of the SR line earlier this year and wasn’t that impressed especially for the price. Couldn’t see any difference on my before and after pictures. No impact at all on fine lines. And so many products are heavily scented…not for me.

[@ironglaciers1988]

Something about them rubbed me the wrong way and they seemed so overpriced. Good thing I never bought from them.

[@jaseycones]

I'm almost done with my bottle of CEO, and as an actual, degree wielding chemist don't feel comfortable supporting someone like that. So, thanks for making this video!

[@Phantom124356]

oh man the fake glass door company reviews take me back. a number of years ago a jewelry store I worked at (that had dreams of going public) would (allegedly) make their head office staff and managers write positive glass door reviews to counter all the bad ones people who left would give, it's definitely a tactic shady company's use.

[@ghostlykasp]

Just so you know I absolutely adore this series, please keep it going! I love watching it and then re-listening to it in the background to fall asleep!

[@ThereGoesTokyo1989]

Your skin is looking so amazing lately 💖 i mean duh its your area of expertise lol but i mean the glow and texture are on another level. Loved the video 😊

[@JamesWelsh]

Thank you so much! Glad you liked it! 💜

[@alexdergacheff8135]

I just fell in love with the cleanser ceramic slip though :'( it's so good applied to dry face, slowly adding water and keep massaging.

[@picklethepepper]

The old ceramic slip was way better. It's still good but it's not nearly as good as it was 10 years ago. They reformulated it. But in the end, if you like a product keep using it. I still use good genes and ceo serum while knowing all the bad about her. I would rather have amazing skin than to boycott because she's questionable as a person.

[@JamesWelsh]

Keep using it if you love it!

[@jenniferbloom6701]

Hi James I just wanted to pop here and compliment the transition you're going through (compared to a couple of months ago) Not my business to know your reasons and methods but I have noticed you look more energetic and your complexion looks STUNNING Stay healthy and I hope you're happy with the change All the best X

[@ChrystalVanDusseldorp]

Glad this brand is out of my price range. Sounds like a nightmare. 😄 💜🖤💜🖤

[@melp8175]

Wow! What would make a person , who was so popular, lie so much ?? Strange woman , no thanks to my pocketbook ! Thanks James!!!!!

[@94solveig]

I'm happy i never gave them my money. I really wanted to try the UFO serum(oil?) back when salicylic acid was harder to come by in an none drying formula, but happy I never did. Great video James, I'm loving this series

[@pattyrobberson4152]

I have tried several products from Sunday Riley, through Ipsy, but was never impressed with a single one for what the price was.

[@Espritlumiere]

Same here lol

[@starsof1889]

@JamesWelsh - love these videos. I can see your dedication to reality and facts. I appreciate you painting the full picture of a brand/a person. No one is all good or all evil, and you thoughtfully present the 360 view. In a time when bias is so blatant and obvious, you manage to present a historical account with the utmost integrity. I just want to thank you for all of the work you put into these kinds of videos. They have really set you apart in the skin/beauty KZbin space.

[@blacklotusxxxxxx]

Lol. Sunday Riley celebrities be like, 'my skincare must be 'clean' as I fly around the earth in private jets!' Let's help the earth, guys!!!!! Save to reefs! 😂😂😂😂

[@amymarxer6559]

“Credibility is key.” Riiiiiiight…. I laughed out loud when I read that part. Have never used Sunday Riley for no particular reason, but now I never will. I love this format, James! 💜

[@sheilahbuettner8452]

Love the Behind the Beauty series! Very enjoyable and informative. Well done and thoughtfully presented. Thank you!

[@ihsissmedeiros4482]

Oh this one pissed me off, especially because I'm working my butt off for my very own chemistry degree. Also it's absurd that they did not had to pay a single fine for the fake reviews wtf.

[@judymcdougall]

Love these great back stories. Thank you James ❤

[@JamesWelsh]

Glad you like them!

[@shannahandley7434]

I tried several products from this line. They were all included in my Boxycharm and Ipsy subscription boxes. I was always excited to get them because the price of one product was the cost of the box itself. The CEO oil smells absolutely horrendous, but I did like the good genes serum 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️For the record I would never actually buy the products, and I definitely will NOT now. Thank you James for your review of this brand. I love both of your channels. Your brother and you are absolute GEMS!

[@PiXie232]

This was very enlightening to say the least! I honestly had no idea about any of this.. but I'm not surprised tbh.. it seems like so many companies pull this kind of crap in some way or another, it's just that some are better at hiding it than others- especially when it comes to marketing scandals like fake reviews etc. I've only tried the Luna Night oil that I got in an advent calendar and I used it twice and hated it. It's been almost 2 years and I still have the little bottle and it's basically full.. I thought maybe I'd come around lol.. Great video as always James:)❤

[@carleyco]

Have you ever tried the brand Éminence?? I was recommended it by my medical esthetician, and their Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant is a product that is on its own level! It is the only product I’ve ever tried to help the mila under my eyes I have had for my whole life, and the micro blackheads on my lip line I’ve also always had but are too small for extractions, and it made my skin the most soft and smooth I’ve ever felt. I’m a k beauty lover and believer, but this stuff is amazing! I’d be so curious of your thoughts on it!

[@Espritlumiere]

What's a medical esthetician? I've never heard that term

[@carleyco]

​@@Espritlumiere I'm not completely sure that is her official title, but she is an esthetician and she works at a Med Spa, which they only do medical-level skincare and injectables, like Botox. She did my HydraFacial! I think they are normal estheticians that work at Med spas and have additional and advanced training, but I don't think they have actual, traditional medical training :)

[@missrockandrolla]

‘Timelines! Receipts!’ 😂 Very reminiscent of Heather in RHOSLC 😅

[@Kasatrea]

Don't mind me, just commenting for the algorithm

[@glitterkitty1979]

Just interacting with your algorithm comment to further boost the video 😉😘

[@JamesWelsh]

💜💜💜💜

[@TheQueenOfTrash]

I used to have some of her products. I used to have really bad acne and was desperate to get rid of it and nothing seemed to work. I stumbled across this brand and tried it, but it made my acne so much worse. I finally went to an allergist, and turned out I'm allergic to a bunch of the ingredients, and to add insult to injury, most of my acne was actually eczema due to me having an allergic reaction... For all my sensitive skin people, I use Dove, Cetaphil, and Native, and I haven't had a severe breakout since.

[@samisparkleheart]

I understand the eczema struggles. Eucerin, La Roche Posay Lipikar, and K beauty brands do right by me 😊 I'm breastfeeding now & made my own breastmilk soap and that turned out to be very gentle and effective for me too.

[@strawberryinsomnia9188]

Skin1004’s centella line is perfect for sensitive skin! Cetaphil, Cerave, Pyunkang Yul, Beauty of Joseon, and La Roche Posay do not work well for my dry, sensitive skin (everything was too heavy) and I had pretty much given up on skincare until I got a sample of the Skin1004 line.

[@LadyS4]

With reactive and sensitive skin, Good Genes and Juno oil worked great for me many years ago. After product reformulation for Good Genes, I shifted into Biologique Recherche products and never looked back. SR product quality seemed to change after large scale distribution, which happens to a lot of companies. Their focus on misleading reviews is off putting, especially with their price point.

[@mirzar8695]

Im a criminologist we had these cases before in fraudulent markets. Fake reviews is actually legit market manipulation youre risking consumer safety regardless if your product works; you make your market in a very questionable position for this.

[@TaylerBootz]

I have very sensitive skin. I think I looked at SR skincare years ago, saw lavender in the ingredients, and never touched the brand. I've even thrown out those super small samples.

[@alxndria1]

The products I’ve tried from Sunday Riley are all a bit too oily for my taste, not to mention there are so many more affordable, effective products out there.

[@TheRonnieaj]

Same here, which is interesting because I have really dry skin and typically don’t mind oily products. But SR just felt like it sat on my skin. I have 3, and I hate wasting money, so I basically use them when I’m staying in the house.

[@dannielleburrus6117]

I love the Behind the Beauty series! I knew about the fake reviews but I didn't know about all these other scandals.

[@laineydubie]

Thank you for sharing this information. I've tried a few SR products over the years and they never worked for me so I didn't repurchase. Luckily I bought most of them on sale! My dermotologist has always told me that you don't have to spend a lot on good skincare to get good quality. I have found this to be very true!

[@polinatalmeltzer450]

That’s so disturbing! 😳 I remember reading through those very reviews and thinking: I can’t afford it, that’s so unfair, I want these results!! Then I watched dr. Dray’s video (and other respectable dermatologists who also work with skincare formulas)where she analyzed the formula and concluded that there’s nothing special and there are lots of even better and affordable options from known brands like Neutrogena, who make long-term research, and also from Korean ones where their traditional and newly discovered ingredients mixed together with the same actives provide even better results for people with sensitive skin. So then I understood, that SR is bs-ing the house. But this is next level!! Thank you for covering such important issues!!

[@stefaniem7856]

It's such a bummer because Good Genes is just the best. I have not found anything that comes close for my skin and as a licensed Esthetician I can tell you I've tried a lot, even working to pinpoint which ingredient specifically my skin responds so well to in their formula. That being said, I am also cursed with a moral compass and have not bought a new bottle in 3 years because I just can't stand behind shady business practices.

[@deekay872]

Good genes is one of a few nonprescription products that ive seen real change to my skin that hasnt been replicated by other otc products. Will continue to purchase 😢

[@Missfoxtooyou]

I like the Luna oil and Good Genes, had great results with the products. However, I’m at a point in my life where I refuse to pay a high price tag for the products.

[@najah7781]

back in the mid-late 2010's, you could NOT watch beauty-tubers without hearing about the Luna oil. EVERYBODY and their mom used it. Luna oil, that Oskia cleanser, Sarah Chapman serum...

[@zoewhite7705]

Yep. And Good Genes, the original one.

[@domwalker7601]

I really don’t give a toss about their charitable activities…it’s not their core business & they probably offset their taxable income. Mind you, with upper management’s lack of integrity, I’m sceptical about their claims.

[@traceyhamilton1570]

I'm sure her products are wonderful, but they are way to expensive. Most cosmetics products are water based (the first product listed), so I don't feel her prices are fair. Plus I don't like companies that mistreat there employees.

[@tovahjohnson8550]

The FTC not forcing Sunday Riley to admit guilt and/or pay fines is crazy. It’s also crazy that Sephora didn’t pull the brand. Idk, I feel like if there’s a full blown investigation that proves a brand is posting fake reviews/engaging in illegal activity on their site, that would prompt Sephora to remove the brand.

[@keananSheps916]

“What the F@&k does that mean” 🤣🤣🤣

[@glammums2609]

James this is very well done. Mikayla lies to her audience & puts out fake reviews daily I can’t help but wonder what the difference is here? I think Mikayla putting out her fake skincare & makeup reviews are just as damaging if not more as her following is larger. This dishonesty in the industry needs to stop & brands need to stop supporting the fake! Xx

[@Kalidreamine]

That’s crazy. What a coincidence! My brother is going to UT Austin now for biochemistry and I have a degree in biochemistry myself. So weird that she had to fake her credentials potentially but was also seemingly not sure whether to commit to the bit or not.

[@amungarino]

This is NUTS and so terrible I had no idea! Was gonna buy the eye cream but I don’t wanna put any money in this women’s pocket now😵‍💫

[@laurenb6156]

This was so detailed and interesting! Bizarre business practices especially since so many people love the products. Good Genes is one of the most effective yet non irritating products I have ever used. Fun deep dive!❤

[@_milkysoup]

As a person who’s done three rounds of accutane 16:03 was TRIGGERING 😭

[@kitthekat1612]

This is beyond disappointing as someone who's got sensitive skin and used Luna Oil every night for years and loves it after trying a vew different gentle retinols. It takes away from any real good the products do or genuine positive reviews there were. I layer Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Mask over my eyes, but guess it's time to move to a stronger retinol overall! Been eyeing Good Molecules retinol and discoloration correctors...

[@cherrycoke3254]

Try prescription strength and layer over moisturizer. So much better!

[@generallyclaire]

Really enjoying the formatting of these videos!! 10/10 James🙂‍↕️

[@catnip4587]

Sunday Riley is personally presenting her products on Home Shopping and QVC in America. I do like the Good Genes product.

[@Healprincess]

I love Sunday Riley, all of their products so far have been amazing for me. To be fair, most businesses I have worked for also ask to write fake reviews so that seems to be the game in retail sadly. Regardless, love your videos James, thank you for the research you do! 🎉

[@oliverdarque69]

Just wanted to say that the Juno facial oil is freaking amazinggg!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Thanks for this series. I heard about the fake reviews and the “genius” of the founder before I was aware of the brand. I have no interest in trying anything from this brand.

[@nataliewood2012]

I love these deep dives. I use Good Genes because I saw it made an improvement in my sister's skin. So I bought it and sure enough my skin texture. I had never seen any reviews or other videos, I usually go by word of mother from family and close friends.

[@primareina]

Just wow! As a SR user, I had no idea!! No wonder how I scored some of their best-selling products at half off last year!!😅 As for you James, I must say I’m really impressed with your investigative storytelling! I sat down with all ears during the whole video as if watching a thriller episode 😂 👏🏻

[@ST33F]

Thankfully we have James so we can make a educated decision what we want to use, or spend our money on..❤

[@polyroly]

unrelated but James you’re looking SO snatched lately