sunday riley

Launched in 2009 by founder and cosmetic formulator Sunday Riley, the Houston-based brand was created to fill a market gap for what Riley termed “green technology.” The brand's central philosophy is built on developing high-performance products that pair science-backed, active ingredients with soothing, balancing botanicals to deliver visible, fast results without irritation. This approach is evident in its lineup of concentrated serums, oils, and treatments, including the cult-favorite Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment and Luna Sleeping Night Oil. The brand champions a “Yes” philosophy, focusing on positive transformation and efficacy, which has helped it cultivate a loyal following. Despite its success, the brand faced a significant ethical challenge, settling with the FTC in 2019 over allegations that employees were instructed to post fake positive reviews on retail websites. Since then, Sunday Riley has emphasized transparency and its commitment to ethical practices, achieving B Corporation certification. It is also double-certified as cruelty-free by PETA and Leaping Bunny and pursues sustainability initiatives like carbon neutrality and a zero-waste oil production process.