What's In My Jar
Sonage Skincare High Impact Vitamin C Serum
Sonage Skincare

Sonage Skincare High Impact Vitamin C Serum

Efficacy25/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Sodium hyaluronate + 3 more
Works
What the product description says
“In addition, it contains vitamin E (great for hyperpigmentation) and hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin to hold onto hydration.”
Source: Sonage

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: carthamus tinctorius seed oil.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4–6%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%
PhospholipidsKey activeEffect: MediumEmollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product~0.55–1.3%
Carthamus tinctorius seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~0.4–0.9%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.85–1.25%
Evens skin tone
Ascorbic acid ~1.1–1.7%
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“Professionals recommend this lightweight texture of antioxidants and hyaluronic for hydrated even skin tone.”
Source: Sonage

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~1.1–1.7%
Anti-aging
Ascorbic acid ~1.1–1.7%
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“High Impact Vitamin C Face Serum contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, an advanced and stable form of vitamin C, which helps reduce signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, sun damaged, and acne-prone skin!”
Source: Sonage

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~1.8–2.6%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~1.1–1.6%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.85–1.25%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~1.1–1.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Citrus unshiu peel extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~1.1–1.7%est.
Citrus unshiu peel extract—High~0.45–1%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Lonicera caprifolium flower extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Lonicera japonica flower extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Curcuma longa root extractA plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritantHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
Citrus grandis fruit extract—High~0.05–0.25%est.
Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~3.2–4.7%est.
Sodium ascorbyl phosphateA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin CMedium~1.8–2.6%est.
Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~1.1–1.6%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Light It Up Vitamin C Serum 15%
Nacomi Light It Up Vitamin C Serum 15%
Higher efficacy · 100/10083% match
20% Vitamin C Serum
Petunia Skincare 20% Vitamin C Serum
CheaperHigher efficacy · 41/10079% match
$16.09
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4–6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Potassium cetyl phosphate~3.2–4.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate
Sodium olivate~2.8–4.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sodium olivate
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~1.8–2.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C

More about Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
Sodium hyaluronate~1.4–2.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Ascorbyl palmitate~1.1–1.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate
Ascorbic acid~1.1–1.7%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid
Tocopherol~0.85–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Phospholipids~0.55–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product

More about Phospholipids
Citrus unshiu peel extract~0.45–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus unshiu peel extract
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~0.4–0.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Lonicera caprifolium flower extract~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating

More about Lonicera caprifolium flower extract
Lonicera japonica flower extract~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating

More about Lonicera japonica flower extract
Curcuma longa root extract~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant

More about Curcuma longa root extract
Citrus grandis fruit extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus grandis fruit extract
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Xanthan gum~0.01–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Citric acid~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Sodium olivate, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Sodium hyaluronate, Ascorbyl palmitate, Ascorbic acid, Tocopherol, Phospholipids, Citrus unshiu peel extract, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Lonicera caprifolium flower extract, Lonicera japonica flower extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Citrus grandis fruit extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan gum, Citric acid

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/8 06:18 GMT
$34.00
Buy
Sonage
Price unavailable
Check
Sonage
Price unavailable
Check

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Sonage SkincareHigh Impact Vitamin C SerumYOUR PRODUCTNacomiLight It Up Vitamin C Serum 15%Petunia Skincare20% Vitamin C SerumSkinCeuticalsC E Ferulic with 15% L-ascorbic acid
Match—83%79%77%
Price$34.00—$16.09−$17.91$147.49+$113.49
Shared key ingredients—3 of 62 of 64 of 6
Key difference—Ascorbyl GlucosideCassia Angustifolia Seed PolysaccharideFerulic Acid
Irritancy High Low High Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
  • matches yours
  • differs
  • cheaper

More alternatives: Biobare Vitamin C, B, E & Ferulic SerumSR Skincare Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E - SR Skincare

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Product summary

"Sonage - High Impact Vitamin C Serum" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this product it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (1.00% - 1.50%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
  • Humectants (hyaluronic acid 1.10% - 1.70%, sodium hyaluronate 1.40% - 2.10% and glycerin 4.10% - 6.10%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 32.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Sodium ascorbyl phosphate shows in vitro and in vivo efficacy in the prevention and treatment of acne vulgarisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Sodium ascorbyl phosphate in topical microemulsionssciencedirect.com
  4. 4
    Final report of the safety assessment of L-Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate as used in cosmeticseuropepmc.org
  5. 5
    Regulation of collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts by the sodium and magnesium salts of ascorbyl-2-phosphatekarger.com
  6. 6
    Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatmentonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Sonage Skincare High Impact Vitamin C Serum
Sonage SkincareHigh Impact Vitamin C Serum
Buy at SonageCheck price$34.00as of 11/8 06:18 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at SonageCheck price$34.00as of 11/8 06:18 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.