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About Philosophy Skincare
Philosophy is a skincare and cosmetics company that fuses dermatological science and natural ingredients into products to effectively transform skin.
The company doesn’t just care about aiding skin-deep problems. Philosophy’s goal is to help add grace and gratitude into each day. Some of their products feature thought-provoking phrases for you to reflect upon while you use them.
With an impressive 385k followers on Instagram, celebrities, including Oprah, have personally endorsed Philosophy. Their robust collection includes many award-winning products that have earned titles from QVC Beauty, TotalBeauty, and Allure, among others.
This Philosophy skin care review will take a close look at the brand and its bestsellers. We’ll provide everything you need to know about customer reviews, promotions, shopping locations, and more so that you can decide if their effective and inspirational products are right for you.
Overview of Philosophy
On a life-changing hike on Arizona’s Camelback Mountain, Cristina Carlino found that she truly experienced beauty for the first time. She felt gratitude and simplicity when immersed in the breathtaking panoramic views.
Carlino used that inspiration to launch Philosophy in 1996. In partnership with scientists and dermatologists, she set out to develop a line of innovative skincare products that were equally as enchanting and healing as the Camelback Mountain.
Each Philosophy product is an experience. Featuring indulgent scents, sensory textures, and good-for-you ingredients, the company is passionate about helping improve customers’ wellbeing. Not to mention, transforming users’ skin.
Over the years, the company has expanded to offer a variety of innovative products. For example, they now offer a small but mighty Philosophy cosmetics line.
Their name comes from their philanthropic missions. According to Philosophy’s website, they “inspire beautiful days with effortless scents, poetic words and [their] philanthropic initiative in support of mental health.”
Indeed, the company has donated more than $5 million in the last seven years to initiatives that support mental health. A portion of their website is dedicated to raising awareness of such issues. Plus, their packaging includes words of wisdom meant to inspire you.
Philosophy has earned an overwhelmingly positive customer response which, although slightly dampened by controversial formula changes, has turned them into a powerhouse brand.
In the words of Coty, Inc, Philosophy’s parent company, the brand “consistently earns top beauty industry awards [and] is one of the beauty industry’s most prestigious brands.” Coty Inc. paid a reported $1 billion to add Philosophy to their portfolio in 2010.
Now that you know more about the brand and what they stand for, this Philosophy skin care review will go over some pros and cons.
Pros
- Wide variety of body, hair, face, and fragrance products
- Many products have won prestigious awards
- Formulated for dry, oily, and sensitive skin
- Lines of different products with cohesive scents
- Long-lasting fragrances
- Offers frequent savings and promotions
- Auto-delivery program with customizable frequency
- 60-day return window
- More than 100k customer reviews with an average 4.5/5 stars rating
- Customers report that a little bit of product goes a long way
Cons
- They do not cover return shipping
- Does not ship to APO or FPO addresses
- Expensive when compared to some brands
- Some customers report overpowering scents and disappointing reformulations
Philosophy Perfume Review
Philosophy’s ability to capture iconic fresh scents has resulted in a number of bestselling, awarded-winning, cult-favorite perfumes. This Philosophy skin care review will cover five of their top fragrances, providing you with the details that matter.
Philosophy Eau de Toilette Amazing Grace Review
Philosophy’s Amazing Grace Perfume is a real fan-favorite. In 2018, it won TotalBeauty’s Reader’s Choice Award and QVC’s Customer Choice Award. If that weren’t enough, 90% of users recommend this perfume on the brand’s website.
This gentle fragrance encourages you to “embrace your beauty and express your femininity.” Its key notes are bergamot and delicate muguet blossoms, which result in a delightfully feminine bouquet-like aroma.
Philosophy also offers a complete line of products in this scent, including lotion, shower gel, and more. So, you won’t have to worry about competing fragrances.
This bestseller is available for $24 (0.5oz), $52 (2oz), and $74 (4oz). You can also choose to pay in four interest-free instalments with Afterpay.
Philosophy Eau de Parfum Amazing Grace Review
For those that love the iconic fragrance but want something that lasts even longer, Philosophy launched the Amazing Grace Eau de Parfum just for you.
This classic scent is elegant and floral, reminding us of Hollywood’s Golden Age. It’s the little black dress of perfumes: feminine and iconic.
This long-lasting oil concentrate will linger all day long, so you don’t need to worry about reapplying when you’re on the go.
The Amazing Grace Eau de Parfum is available for $62 (2oz). Or, choose to pay in installments with Afterpay.
Philosophy Eau de Toilette Living Grace Spray Review
Scents are often seen as a natural way to improve your mood. In recent years, essential oils that promote energy, relaxation, or sleep have exploded in popularity.
Perfumes have been seen as a way to evoke a reaction by those you come into contact with: some perfumes are advertised as sexy, feminine, or powerful. But what can perfumes do for the woman who is wearing them?
A vibrant perfume, the Living Grace Eau de Toilette is ethereal, alive, and formulated to center your mood.
Providing a boost of energy and inspiration, Philosophy channeled vibrant fresh neroli, gracious lily of the valley, and grounded warm musk to create a scent that is meant for the woman wearing it.
Each product comes with a philosophy, and this fragrance states that “our tomorrows belong only to this day. the lesson we learn is to passionately express our daily moments with living grace and gratitude.” Hopefully, this perfume will inspire you to do just that.
This perfume is designed for day and night. It is currently on sale for $38 (2oz, from $48). Or, make installment payments with Afterpay. If you fall in love with the ethereal aromas, try pairing it with the Living Grace Philosophy lotion.
Philosophy Eau de Toilette Pure Grace Review
Maybe you enjoy the simpler things in life. Perhaps stepping out of the shower and feeling fresh, clean, and pure is something that brings a smile to your face. If that sounds like you, you’ll love the Philosophy Pure Grace scent.
This fragrance promises to make you feel shower-fresh with a gentle touch, so it’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up when a shower just isn’t an option.
It features notes of crisp soap and water to truly embody the simpler things in life.
The Pure Grace Eau de Toilette retails for 0.5 oz for $24 (0.5oz), $52 (2oz), and $74 (4oz).
If you aren’t the kind of woman who enjoys wearing the same fragrance every day, that’s okay! The company offers other options, such as the Philosophy Falling in Love perfume, for days that you want to change it up.
Philosophy At Home and On the Go Amazing Grace Review
Today, women are busier than ever. While a quick spray of perfume before heading out the door for an hour or two was the norm 30 years ago, nowadays we are sometimes out of the house for 8 hours or more. To keep your perfume fresh all day, you’ll need to touch it up.
Amazing Grace At Home and On the Go comes with two bottles of their bestselling fragrance:
- 2oz perfume: display on your vanity and spray before leaving your home
- 0.5oz travel size: throw in your purse and spray for on-the-go touch ups
Like the original, it is a feminine scent that lifts you up and compliments your classic beauty no matter where you are. Homebodies and jetsetters alike will find notes of welcoming bergamot, soft heart blossoms, and clean muguet in this airy and long-lasting companion.
93% of reviewers on the Philosophy website recommend this dynamic duo. You can purchase it for $69 or in four interest-free instalments of $17 through Afterpay.
Philosophy Body Wash Review
Philosophy’s one-of-a-kind fragrances are loved by many, which is why the company incorporates their scents into a wide variety of Philosophy beauty products. Most of their body washes are multitaskers, meaning they’re formulated to wash your hair, skin, and sometimes to shave!
Once you find a scent that brings you joy, you can purchase a collection of products in the same scent for a cohesive routine. If you aren’t sure where to start, this Philosophy skin care review has got you covered. Next are the need-to-know details about their bestselling body washes.
Philosophy Amazing Grace Shower Gel Review
Gone are the days of ineffective all-in-one products that might leave you feeling clean, but do nothing to nourish your hair and body. Philosophy does things differently. The Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath, & Shower Gel leaves your skin and hair soft and clean.
This award-winning multitasker features their iconic fragrance of bergamot, clean muguet blossoms, and musk. The feminine aromatics and thought-provoking philosophy provided on the bottle ensures that it nourishes your soul while it nourishes your body.
This bestseller comes in three sizes at three price points: $22 (16oz), $28 (24oz), and $35 (32oz). As always, you can use Afterpay to make the purchase in four interest-free instalments.
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Body Wash Review
Philosophy supports living a simple life full of gratitude. For many of us, unwanted clutter stresses us out, even subconsciously. This Purity Made Simple Body multitasker takes the place of three products.
With its thought-provoking bottle, you’ll feel good about decluttering your shower and encouraging a relaxing environment.
This Philosophy cleanser gently rids your face and body of impurities. It is formulated to leave silky-smooth and conditioned skin without stripping or drying you out.
It is also perfect for shaving, since its hydration properties lock in moisture and keep your skin supple and smooth.
If you fall in love with this product, the brand offers a Philosophy face wash version of Purity, too. The Purity Made Simple Body is available for $28 (16oz) or $42 (32oz), or in four interest-free installments.
Philosophy Living Grace Shower Gel Review
We can all incorporate a little more grace and gratitude into our lives. Philosophy wants to encourage that positive mindset and inspire you to feel better about yourself and the world around you.
Their Living Grace line was formulated to help in the way that they know how, by nourishing your body and your mind.
The Living Grace Shower Gel cleanses and conditions your skin and hair. Its key notes include fresh neroli for an uplifted spirit, lily of the valley to indulge your senses, and warm musk to ground you.
Whether or not you believe scents have the power to deeply impact your mood, the Living Grace fragrance is a decadent fan-favorite. It is available for $28 (16oz).
Philosophy Hands of Hope Hand and Cuticle Cream Review
According to their website, “hands of hope are the hands that help, heal, protect and comfort. use your hands to give hope, and you will have hope to hold.”
The Hands of Hope encourages you to take care of your hands so that you can use them for good.
You can apply this cream whenever you need a dose of moisture. The non-greasy formula won’t leave behind any residue—it will simply melt into your skin. With regular use, you’ll notice soft and smooth skin.
Its key ingredients include hydration superhero shea butter, along with a blend of natural oils to restore your hands with moisture that’ll last.
The full-size cream is available for $20 (4oz), but they also offer a travel size to take with you on the go for $10 (1oz). As always, you can buy it in four interest-free instalments with Afterpay.
Philosophy Skincare Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Is Philosophy skin care good? To answer the question, we searched the web for insightful customer testimonials. Across their website, Sephora, and Influenster, there are more than 105k reviews!
Across each retailer, users echo the same sentiment that has made philosophy a powerhouse brand: rich textures, clear results, and delicate scents.
On the brand’s website, the Purity Made Simple Facial Cleanser is their top-selling product. With over 8k ratings, it was awarded 4.7/5 stars. Many users report that it is their favorite cleanser of all time because it heals breakouts, freshens skin, and is gentle enough for ultra-sensitive skin.
Overall, 97% of users would recommend this product. One customer with sensitive skin was skeptical at first, but now loves the formula: “I was given this face wash in a gift set and was very skeptical because I have very sensitive skin… My skin feels and looks great! I haven’t had any issues with drying like I did with other face washes and absolutely no issues with my rosacea.”
On Influenster, Philosophy’s bestsellers are well-loved by reviewers and have collectively been rated thousands of times:
- Renewed Hope In A Jar: over 900 ratings and an average of 4.5/5 stars
- Purity Made Simple One-Step Paraben Free Facial Cleanser: almost 9k ratings and an average of 4.7/5 stars
- Microdelivery Daily Exfoliating Face Wash: over 3,000 ratings and an average of 4.7/5 stars
- Amazing Grace Perfume: over 2,700 ratings and an average of 4.6/5 stars
- Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer: over 600 ratings and an average of 4.7/5 stars
- Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel: over 1,500 ratings and an average of 4.7/5 stars
In particular, users are happy about the well-curated scents of products, how long each scent lasts, and how many compliments they receive after using their products.
Positive philosophy skin care reviews continue on Sephora. Here, their bestsellers have been rated thousands of times, with an average score of roughly 4.1/5 stars.
One customer expresses how many users feel about the Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion. It has a delightful scent and sinks into the skin without leaving an annoying residue behind:
“10/10 best lotion I’ve ever come across. Leaves your skin literally glowing and so soft. Absorbs fast and not tacky whatsoever unlike most other hydrating lotions. I also adore the scent and wish it lasted longer.”
Plus, this product has been favorited by more than 33k Sephora users!
We did find some negative Philosophy skin care reviews. On the brand’s website, some users report that formulations have changed in recent years, which has resulted in less effective products that don’t smell as good as they used to. Similarly, some customers are unhappy with the price:
“Amazing Grace has changed. I too will stop buying especially since this product is so expensive to begin with. People always complimented me on how nice I smelled. In the last 3 months I have gotten no complaints.”
The company maintains that their products have not undergone any drastic reformulations, and the only time they make a change is when beauty regulations change. Fortunately, only a very small percentage of customers report this problem. The vast majority of reviewers seem to love Philosophy’s products.
Is Philosophy Worth It?
Is Philosophy skin care worth the money? Customer reviews alone tell us that Philosophy is worth it. Their 100k customer reviews with an average of 4.5/5 stars show that their products are adored by many.
Their luxury products do come with higher price points. Many users report that their products are worth the cost, but the price is something to be considered.
This fact doesn’t seem to deter shoppers: products as different as Philosophy Snow Angel and Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar are often sold out.
We love that the brand encourages people to incorporate more grace and gratitude into their daily lives. The burst of thought-provoking inspiration on each bottle reminds us to be mindful, even when washing our hair.
Plus, the company is passionate about bringing awareness to mental health. Though their prices may be high, they have donated millions of dollars to important initiatives.
Everything considered, this Philosophy skin care review determines that the brand is worth the buy.
Philosophy Promotions & Discounts
Philosophy offers customers regular discounts. Right now, the promo code “FRIEND” gets you 30% off all of their products! This offer is available in addition to all of their regular deals:
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- Sign up for texts and get 20% off your first purchase
- Sign up for emails and get 15% off your first purchase
- Philosophers Rewards: add samples to each order and collect points
- The Philosophy Outlet: a catalog of rotating final sale items
Where to Buy Philosophy
You can shop products directly from their website at Philosophy.com. Other options include Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta, among other retailers.
FAQ
Are Philosophy products made in USA?
Philosophy is a USA brand owned by multinational beauty company Coty Inc. Their products are also manufactured in the USA. Their ingredients are sourced globally.
Is Philosophy skin care clean?
This Philosophy skin care review found that it is not a clean brand. On their website, Philosophy writes that “only a handful of our original products still contain paraben-based preservatives. we are actively seeking non-paraben, effective alternatives for these products.” They also lack Sephora’s “clean” verification badge.
Where does Philosophy ship from?
The official Philosophy store ships from the US and only to the US. Other retailers are available for international purchases.
What is Philosophy’s Shipping Policy?
The Philosophy website offers a thorough rundown of their shipping policies. As they only sell and ship to the US, their return categories are the Continental US, PO boxes, Alaska and Hawaii, and US Territories. They do not ship to APO or FPO addresses, nor PO boxes in US Territories.
All orders take 1 to 2 days to process, and they cannot be cancelled or changed once this step begins. In the Continental US, orders should arrive within 5-7 business days with $6 standard ground shipping, within 3-5 business days with $10 express shipping, and in 1-3 business days with $17 rush shipping.
What is Philosophy’s Return Policy?
If you aren’t a fan of your Philosophy makeup or skincare product, the company offers returns for products purchased directly from Philosophy.com with some guidelines:
- ‘Final sale’ items cannot be returned
- Any gift, promotional, or free items that came with your order must also be returned
- Products must be returned within 60 days of purchase
- Customers must pay for return shipping
- The original shipping and handling charges are non-refundable
- Philosophy does not offer exchanges or credits
Additionally, if you can’t find your original packing slip, Philosophy asks that you provide them with your full name, billing address, phone number, email address, order number, and reason for the return.
How to Contact Philosophy
If you have any questions after reading this Philosophy skin care review, you can reach their team via:
- Phone: 1-800-568-3151 (Monday through Friday, 8am to 8pm ET)
- Contact form: available at Philosophy.com/ContactUs
We know how important your skins health is, so check out these other brands we recommend for natural skincare.
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