Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Good Light Review: Is This the Most Inclusive Skincare Brand on the Market?

Credit: Courtesy of Good Light

When David Yi launched Very Good Light in 2016, he aimed to efficiently create an inclusive community surrounding skincare and beauty. Breaking boundaries through transparent conversations, beauty reviews, and grooming tips, the unique site quickly became known in the industry. Naturally, the next step for Very Good Light founder Yi was undoubtedly to launch his very own line of inclusive skincare products. This past March, Yi, along with his Very Good Light Co-Founder Michael Engert, launched Good Light, a skincare line created as a response to the outdated binary divide in the beauty and grooming industry. Not to be confused with genderless  by being gender-inclusive, the brand aims to accurately represent people of all walks of life. 

Ingredients

The trio of products offered by the company includes a Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser, Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion, and We Come in Peace Probiotic Serum. Each product is carefully formulated to be clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably produced, seamlessly incorporating ingredients like carrot seed oil, seaweed (for maximum hydrating properties), and snow mushroom and ceramides (to gently nourish the skin). Every essential component added into the line is intentional with only sustainably sourced ingredients. Yi is also taking steps to reduce the brand’s carbon footprint wherever possible because it’s not only better for you but for the world.

Related Guides

Recommended Videos

Design

Credit: Courtesy of Good Light

Design is typically the first thing that catches your eye when spotting a unique product on a shelf or unboxing, for reasons that are apparent. Good Light doesn’t disappoint with an attractive minimal design that I feel coincides with the brand’s ethos, “Completely transparent with nothing to withhold.” The We Come in Peace Probiotic Serum features the world’s first patented no metal, 100% recyclable pump, a unique design feature noted in the press release. The sustainable packaging the products arrived in was made of fully recyclable soy-printed paper — overall reflecting Good Light’s longstanding commitment to mindful packaging that minimizes waste.

Effectiveness

Credit: Courtesy of Good Light

Typically when trying out new products, I require a few days to sight defined results. However, when it came to the Good Light trioI invariably witnessed instantaneous results while I was still in the process of promptly going through each step. The gel-to-foam cleanser noticeably rids skin of all impurities in one go (that‘s right, no need for a double cleanse). I naturally have a little above-average oily skin; as soon as I gently applied the toner, I instantly saw the niacinamide go to work. It mattified my oily spots while still producing a natural rosy glow. The serum provided the lesser “wow” factor, but notably, still, a fantastic everyday serum to soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.

Value

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Good Light product line is sold as a set in its metamorphosis skincare version ($64) or separately — the Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser ($18), the Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion ($22), and the We Come In Peace Probiotics Serum ($24). Justly compared to similar skincare trios, the Good Light set is attractively priced on the mid-accessible end. We at The Manual would reasonably consider this the steal of the century considering its effectiveness and eco-conscious properties.

Ty Gaskins
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ty Gaskins is a Writer, Stylist, and Public Relations Professional based in New York City. Originally from Virginia Beach…
Product Review: Finally, an Easy-To-Use Skincare Line for Men of Color
Ceylon Skincare Review

For more of the best in skincare and haircare for men, check out our 2020 Grooming Awards on July 8.

When it comes to grooming options for men of color, there's still plenty to be desired. After all, we have specific skincare concerns like hyperpigmentation (aka dark spots) caused by acne scarring and sun exposure. That's why Ceylon entered the market in 2017. The Black-owned brand relies on a three-step skincare routine featuring a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer that are made for men who have higher levels of melanin in their skin.

Read more
Electric shaver vs. razor: Which is better for your face?
An answer to the age old question of which shave method is better
Bald man shaving face over sink

Whether you are the kind of guy who likes to rock the clean shaven look while you conquer Wall Street in a suit, or you are the kind of guy that likes to sport the long and thick mane of a beard while you work outdoors, you have to shave your face. Shaving all over or simply shaping your beard means you are involved in the age-old question of electric shaver vs razor. Of course, which you choose has a lot to do with your lifestyle.

Just like trying to decide what the best shoes are for you, or electing to dive into what the best suits are for you, it all comes down to the kind of lifestyle you lead. If you are an outdoorsman, you have very specific needs for your shave routine. It needs to be fast and portable. If you are a man with a love of luxury, then you may love to take your time with a solid routine. That may even be the kind of self-care you need to center yourself in the morning.

Read more
Dr. Squatch just launched their first-ever body wash — here’s what it’s like
Dr. Squatch might be famous for their bar soaps, but their new shower gel is perfect for anyone who prefers a body wash.
A collection of Dr. Squatch shower gels

Most guys probably already know the brand Dr. Squatch. If you go to the men’s aisle you’ll see their deodorants, face washes, and most notably, their bar soaps, which are famous for having tie-ins with big franchises like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the MCU. Surprisingly, one thing Dr. Squatch didn’t have until now is a shower gel. Their new body wash collection launched on September 13 and comes in four scents: Coconut Castaway, Fresh Falls, Pine Tar, and Wood Barrel Bourbon.

The Manual was able to try out one of their shower gels before its launch, and after showering with their wood barrel bourbon body wash for over a week now, here are my thoughts.

Read more