Every year Oprah Winfrey releases her list of “favorite things” which can turn formerly under-the-radar products into megawatt stars. In 2010 Winfrey declared that Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar was her favorite moisturizer.
She wrote, ““Every time I massage in a dab of this moisturizer, I feel like I’m giving my face a drink of water. It exfoliates, it hydrates, it keeps hope alive.” That endorsement was a turning point for Philosophy, which continues to be a best-selling skincare brand. Here’s a closer look at what Philosophy sells, and is it worth a try?
OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS
| Rank | Brand | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrot & Stick | Review | |||||
| 2 | Formulyst | Review | |||||
| 3 | Skinceuticals | Review | |||||
| - | Philosophy Skincare |
What Is Philosophy?
Philosophy was started by Cristina Carlino. She had previously worked as a facialist and created Bio-medic Clinical Care, a skincare line sold at dermatologist’s office. She launched Philosophy in 1996, after inspiration struck her in the Arizona desert.
As the company explains, when Carlino was hiking Camelback Mountain, a rainbow appeared and “moved her to create Philosophy, a personal wellbeing company that emphasizes gratitude with simplicity and balance at its core. On that day, the fruit of her experience presented her with the ultimate gift: a feeling that we are all connected to something bigger, and to each other.”
The first Philosophy product was Purity Made Simple, a facial cleanser that is still being sold today. Since its debut, Carlino grew Philosophy into a department store and home-shopping network favorite, with a line of moisturizers, fragrance and body products with creative names, such as “complete me” sunscreen and an enzyme scrub that was called “deeply superficial.”; a wrinkle cream is “help me.”
The company was bought by The Carlyle Group in 2007, and then acquired by Coty in 2010.
What is the Philosophy of Philosophy?
According to the company, “we want to inspire beautiful skin as well as beautiful days with products that consistently deliver visible results.” Philosophy also states that “our skincare harnesses the power of science and nature with dermatological science for clinically proven, instantly visible results.” The company also supports mental health and wellbeing through its Hope & Grace initiative, and states on its website that 1% of Philosophy product sales support community-based mental health efforts.
What Does Philosophy Sell?
Philosophy sells skincare products, fragrance and body washes and lotions. Here’s a breakdown.
Philosophy’s moisturizer line is centered around Hope in a Jar as well as Miracle Worker. The original Hope in a Jar is still available, and updated versions of it include Renewed Hope in a Jar. This formula is a lightweight moisturizer with a whipped texture. The cream gently exfoliates skin with alpha hydroxy acids and contains hyaluronic acid.
Ultimate Miracle Worker is an anti-aging cream containing SPF 30 and is formulated with retinol to help soften the look of fine lines. Take a Deep Breath is an oil free gel cream.
Philosophy is also known for its masks and peels. The Microdelivery Resurfacing Peel is a two step system, and begins with vitamin C resurfacing crystals that are applied like a mask. This is followed by a lactic/salicylic acid activating gel. The key ingredients in Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Face Mask- are white kaolin clay, salicylic acid and natural exfoliants. It helps give the face a deep clean.
One of Philosophy’s first products, Purity Made Simple face wash, is still available today. This award winning cleanser gives skin a deep clean and also leaves it feeling soft with a blend of 12 essential oils. It can also remove makeup. The Microdelivery gives skin a deep clean and an exfoliation, and is designed to be used daily. The key ingredients are orange peel extract and sunflower seed oil.
Philosophy is also known for its scented hand and body lotions, as well as shower gels.
Hands of Hope cream comes in grapefruit, lemon custard and fig and pomegranate scents. Amazing Grace body lotion is also offered in a few different variations, including Pure Grace Nude Rose and Amazing Grace Magnolia.
How Much Do Philosophy Products Cost?
Philosophy products are priced at a mid-range level, with most items under $40. The exception is the moisturizers. The Anti-Wrinkle Miracle is $64 for a two ounce jar and an eight ounce Hope in a Jar is $119. The Overnight Renewed Hope in a Jar is $49. The Purity Made Simple cleanser sells for $24, and Amazing Grace fragrance is $22.
Is Philosophy Cruelty Free?
The company states on its website, “Philosophy is fully committed to using alternatives to animal testing to ensure the safety of our products. Please be assured that we do not perform, nor do we ever commission any third parties on our behalf to perform, animal testing on our products or ingredients except when required by law.”
What Ingredients Are in Philosophy Skincare?
Philosophy products are formulated with a mix of commonly recognized skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and retinol, as well as more exotic ones.
Philosophy products feel and smell good, as they are luxury products. They are not cosmeceutical grade. In most formulas, fragrance is used heavily. These products are not ideal for users looking for sensitive skin types.
The Purity Made Simple face wash is made with 12 essential oils, including sandalwood, rosewood and carrot; The Amazing Grace body lotion contains moisturizing shea butter and olive oil. Vitamins E and C are found in Hope in a Tube eye and lip cream as well as the Microdelivery Resurfacing Peel. The Nature in a Jar collection contains agave and prickly pear extract.
Philosophy has been cleaning its active and remove a number of ingredients from formulating, including exclude parabens, phenoxyethanol, BHT, phthalates among others.
Where Can I Buy Philosophy Products?
Philosophy products are sold on its website as well as department stores including Macy’s and Lord & taylor. They are also sold on QVC, Sephora and Ulta.
What do others think?
When deciding if a product may work for you, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin may react differently to the same product. It’s always helpful to start with reviews when deciding if a product is worth a try.
Philosophy has been around for a long time and it’s hard to beat an Oprah endorsement. Philosophy and Oprah have so much mutual love that in 2010 Philosophy released Hope in a Jar with a special packaging featuring a baby picture of Oprah.
The brand has received plenty of awards and editorial coverage. Philosophy says that Purity Made Simple is America’s number one face wash. The cleanser has scooped up an Allure Best of Beauty awards for 10 years, and is also a QVC Customer Choice Beauty winner, in 2016. The MicroDelivery Resurfacing Peel won an Allure best of beauty 2014, as well as a QVC customer choice beauty awards 2018. Allure has also given Best of Beauty Awards to the Hands of Hope cream.
British Good Housekeeping tested out the Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Night Serum Cream in 2018. Their verdict? GH gave it a 76/100 score, noting “Testers found this cream effective in terms of performance and packaging”.
What do real customers think of Philosophy?
On The Derm Review (see below), comments were mostly positive. One reviewer mentioned: “Great product, awful customer service, i spoke with one of their representative today and he literally told me to keep quite coz he is not done talking, never allowed me to explain or ask questions, was so loud and rude on the phone. Instead of sending me the 5 peace gift with a gift bag, i revived twice the bag only not the gifts. As much as i love the products customer am literally walking away from this product for customer service. Done with philosophy.”
Our Verdict
Philosophy products are uplifting and have a good story. Their formulations are European style products that have high concentrations of fragrance. We recommend skipping their facial care products and looking for professional grade products. We do love their bath products.
Pros
- Excellent smelling products products for body
- Cleaner formulations since 2022
Cons
- These products feel great on application but they are full of texture enhancers and perfume. Skip for face.
What Are Some Alternatives to Philosophy?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin.
Betty Original review: Jan 30, 2022.
Great product, awful customer service, i spoke with one of their representative today and he literally told me to keep quite coz he is not done talking, never allowed me to explain or ask questions, was so loud and rude on the phone. Instead of sending me the 5 peace gift with a gift bag, i revived twice the bag only not the gifts. As much as i love the products customer am literally walking away from this product for customer service. Done with philosophy.