IT’S TRUE: the world doesn’t need another celebrity skincare range. (Honestly had no idea there were so many.) But to be fair, this one doesn’t necessarily count, as it was started by an influencer, Marie von Behrens-Felipe, who you may know as @mvb. (First discussed here.) Of course, would never have heard about it if it hadn’t been for a celebrity: Pamela Anderson.
Behrens-Felipe launched Sonsie at the beginning of June last year, and at the end of January this year, the brand announced a partnership with Anderson, who has joined as co-founder and owner. The brand describes itself as minimalist, clean, vegan, and cruelty-free, and founded on the belief that balanced living enhances beauty, inside and out. It promises to simplify your routine with effective, ethically sourced, clinically proven ingredients, and products that are carefully curated for quality. Products designed to enhance what you already have, and promote a healthy outer appearance connected to inner well-being. Sonsie aligns itself with the slow skincare movement (hadn’t known there was such a thing), emphasising quality over complexity.
The brand promotes a simple, stress-free solution to skincare—with ethical packaging—and includes a Multi Moisture Mask, Super Serum, and Basic Balm—all vegan, and without sulfates, parabens, and silicones.
I ordered the Bundle Kit (£126), so that I could try all three products in the range.
First of all, let’s get this out of the way: the packaging is beautiful. Superficial? Maybe, but important somehow. Shipping seemed a little slow, but my order was travelling from Brooklyn to London, so that’s understandable. (Had somehow thought the range was based in Germany, for some reason.) As mentioned previously, the Sonsie Bundle I ordered contained the Sonsie Super Serum, Multi Moisture Mask, and Basic Balm. Below is an indepth review of each item.
Super Serum
Let’s start with the Sonsie Super Serum. It’s very lightweight in texture, almost watery in consistency. It appears to be unscented and glides easily on the skin. I’m not sure I saw the dewy, bright glow promised by the brand (perhaps with continued use), but would agree that it’s okay for sensitive skin, as I was just at the tail end of a terrible allergic reaction when I began using this serum. This product contains 4% niacinamide, with mountain pepper extract to calm skin by reducing inflammation and redness. I didn’t find it overly hydrating, but that could be because my skin has been unusually dry this winter. I did find the dropper dispenser, which normally works well with face oils, to be a bit messy with this serum, perhaps due to its viscosity. It’s a nice product, but not much different from what’s already out there. Most likely wouldn’t order the Super Serum again, but of course, that might change if I see different results on my skin over time.
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Squalane, Bisabolol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Sodium PCA, Urea, Trehalose, Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Triacetin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Phytate, Cellulose Gum, Algin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Methylpropanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Farnesol
Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a multifunctional ingredient known for its brightening, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bisabolol: Bisabolol is a soothing agent derived from chamomile with anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties.
Squalane: Squalane is a moisturizing ingredient that helps to replenish the skin’s natural lipid barrier, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Sodium Hyaluronate: Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, providing hydration and plumping effects.
Tocopherol: Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E with antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil: Passiflora edulis seed oil, also known as passionfruit seed oil, is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, providing nourishment and hydration to the skin.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: Shea butter is a rich moisturizer that contains vitamins and fatty acids, known for its emollient and skin-conditioning properties.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract: This extract may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall skin health.
Basic Balm
Was most looking forward to trying the Basic Balm (£23), being somewhat of a connoisseur, having tried many, many different types and brands over the years. The Sonsie lip balm was perhaps the most disappointing of the three products ordered. The texture was nice and not too sticky, and there was a very subtle citrusy scent. It felt initially hydrating, but didn’t seem to last long, meaning that I needed to reapply quite frequently. By comparison, my current favourite lip balm, Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, lasts much longer. (As an aside, neither one of these products uses petrolatum, which is a good thing, as it’s an ingredient you should avoid if possible, due to health and environmental concerns. So no more Blistex and Carmex.)
Would I buy the Basic Balm again? Probably not. But that’s not necessarily due to the product, but more due to having read an article recently about lip balm addiction and its impact, and now considering gradually discontinuing my use of all lip balms. While they provide temporary hydration, believe my lips may be better long-term without relying on these products. Hope to slowly wean myself off lip balms altogether, and transition my lips to a healthier natural state.
Squalane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuss (Sunflower) Seed Wax (Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera), Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dextrin Palmitate, Dextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate, Tocopherol, Fragrance (Parfum): Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool
Squalane: Typically sourced from olives or sugarcane, squalane is a vegan ingredient.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene: This is a synthetic ingredient and doesn’t inherently pose issues for vegans.
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil: Castor oil is plant-derived and is generally considered vegan.
Helianthus Annuss (Sunflower) Seed Wax: Sunflower seed wax is plant-derived and suitable for vegans.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil: This is a processed form of castor oil, and its vegan status depends on the sourcing and processing methods.
Dextrin Palmitate, Dextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate: These are synthetic compounds and do not inherently pose issues for vegans.
Tocopherol: Tocopherol is typically derived from vegetable oils and is considered vegan.
Fragrance (Parfum): This can vary in terms of sourcing and may include both synthetic and natural ingredients. It’s important to confirm with the manufacturer whether the fragrance is vegan-friendly.
Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool: These are aromatic compounds commonly found in fragrances. They can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources, so it’s essential to verify their vegan status.
Multi Moisture Mask
The final product in this review is the Multi Moisture Mask (£51). The texture is thick and rich and it feels really lovely to apply on the skin. It feels very hydrating and might be one of the best moisturisers I’ve tried in a long time. Active ingredients include 12% glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and prickly pear, which is filled with antioxidants. I’m not sure if it plumped my skin and softened any fine lines, but it’s definitely a nice product. My only complaint would be that when I used it as a Daytime Mask—with instructions to distribute the product evenly across clean skin, wait 20 minutes and then rub the excess into skin—the result for me was that the product began pilling.
Would I buy this product again? Out of the three, this might be the item in the Sonsie Bundle that I might, although the high price for purchasing here in the UK makes me hesitant. At £51 plus shipping, this moisturiser seems a little overpriced, especially compared to what it costs in the US—converted to dollars, it costs $64 here, while American customers pay $48. A year ago, I might have readily swiped my credit card without hesitation for a high-priced skincare item, like the Augustinus Bader on my vanity—which will definitely not be repurchased. However, I’ve recently gained a greater awareness about how the beauty industry promotes a culture of excessive consumerism and fuels overconsumption that is detrimental to the environment. As a result, I’ve become much more selective and intentional when purchasing skincare products.
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil Phytosterol Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glyceryl Oleate, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Bisabolol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Phytate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Farnesol
Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple.
Squalane: Squalane is a moisturizing ingredient that helps to replenish the skin’s lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss and improving skin texture.
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil Phytosterol Esters: This ingredient is derived from Abyssinian oil and is rich in phytosterols, which have moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: Shea butter is a rich emollient that nourishes and hydrates the skin, helping to soothe dryness and improve skin elasticity.
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract: Imperata cylindrica root extract is known for its hydrating properties, helping to regulate the skin’s moisture levels and maintain hydration over time.
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract: This extract, derived from prickly pear cactus, is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, helping to protect the skin from environmental damage and provide anti-aging benefits.
Bisabolol: Bisabolol is a soothing agent derived from chamomile with anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm and soothe irritated skin.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, providing intense hydration and plumping effects.
CONCLUSION
Sonsie’s new skincare range shows promise as an eco-conscious option. The brand’s commitment to using vegan ingredients is good, though verifying the plant-based sources of key ingredients like glycerin and squalane would be more assuring. Of course, given Pamela Anderson’s credentials, it’s probably okay.
While the brand’s product descriptions convey environmental awareness, substantiating their sustainability claims requires a deeper analysis. The inclusion of botanical oils and extracts suggests conscientious sourcing, as plant-derived ingredients are often more sustainable than animal-derived or synthetic alternatives. However, without transparency into Sonsie’s exact cultivation methods, ingredient sourcing practices, and manufacturing processes, it is difficult to thoroughly evaluate the products’ overall impact.
Sonsie’’s efforts to formulate with botanicals and natural extracts is a positive step, but more insights into their supply chain and operations would illuminate the company’s environmental stewardship. With additional details on their sourcing and sustainability initiatives, the brand could potentially solidify their status as an eco-friendly skincare brand. Of course, most of us are not holding the products we use to such a rigorous standard, but it is something to think about. For now, their plant-based formulations are promising.