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Philosophy Skin Care Review

SKIN CARE REVIEWS

01.19.23DISCLAIMER
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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?

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.  We recommend the Day & Night Routine.

 

OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS

RankBrandLink
1Carrot & Stick Review
2FormulystReview
3SkinceuticalsReview
-Philosophy Skincare

 

OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS

1

Carrot & Stick

Carrot & Stick takes a tough love approach to skincare. What does this mean? It perfectly balances the power of plants with innovative science, offering the best of both worlds. Read More
2

Formulyst

The philosophy of Formulyst is long-term and effective skincare, rather than covering up any imperfections. The comprehensive line of products tackles everything from wrinkles to dark spots and dry skin. While some brands rely on unnecessary fillers and scents, Formulyst focuses on ingredients that help create results, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Read More
  • Tara Original review: Apr 22, 2024. Reply

    It’s a little
    late but COTY Inc bought Philosophy and they changed the ingredients. people begged for it to be put back to original and they refused. I enjoy the all in one Soaps. It is a lot of fragrance but I feel it’s more for luxury not everyday. Unless you want to wash your hair with it everyday.

  • Betty Original review: Jan 30, 2022. Reply

    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.

  • Nancy Rowlinson Original review: May 10, 2021. Reply

    I bought a four pack of Philosophy creams, and was sad to see they all contain talc, which I have learned, can be full of asbestos. They can give you cancer. No one wants to respond to my question, ” is testing done on the talc in these products? ” I have tried four times, with no response. If anyone can answer my question, or send any info. to me by the email above, I would be grateful.

  • Hanna Original review: Aug 31, 2016. Reply

    My face has improved heaps! I can noticed my skin more radiant, smooth and fresh. Love the a Mirco Vit C peel, see a deference right away. The overnight peel has helped heaps with my lines/pores decreasing. The triple acid brightening peel sure does brighten. Highly recommend these products!

  • Claudia Original review: Oct 21, 2014. Reply

    What has happened to the fragrance of amazing grace? Where can I get the original fragrance?

    • Your Review
    User Rating: 4.0 (2 votes)
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    Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel Review

    The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel was designed to deliver all of the results that you’d expect from the esthetician’s office, right at home, with zero downtime. Traditional chemical peels can take up to two weeks to heal properly, making them incredibly inconvenient procedures. The Philosophy Brightening Peel uses some of the same ingredients you’d expect to find in traditional peels to sweep away dead skin cells and even out skin tone and texture. The formula utilizes two Alpha Hydroxy Acids including mandelic and glycolic acids. Mandelic is an incredibly gentle chemical exfoliant due to it’s molecule size, while glycolic is much more potent and aggressive. The Triple-Acid Brightening Peel comes with 12 individually wrapped peel pads for weekly use, making this an incredibly convenient, travel friendly chemical peel.

    INGREDIENTS

    Philosophy Take a Deep Breath

    Philosophy Take a Deep Breath is a specialty skin care within the Philosophy brand, and offers several products, including a face moisturizer, eye cream, and a sunblock. As the name of the line implies, the items in this brand aim to deliver more oxygen to the skin. It’s an interesting approach, and a step away from the more traditional ideas about exfoliation and moisturization. However, as some Philosophy Take a Deep Breath reviews suggest, the products may not be the right fit for everyone. For example, the formulations seem to avoid well-known ingredients like retinol or hydroquinone. Therefore, consumers may benefit from trying Philosophy Take a Deep Breath samples first, to ensure that the items are indeed right for their skin care goals. 

    Philosophy Uplifting Miracle Worker

    The Philosophy Uplifting Miracle Worker product line was developed with the goal of lifting and firming the skin. Currently, this brand only offers three distinct products (a moisturizer, an eye cream, and a booster), which can be combined together into a skin care routine. Before purchasing Philosophy Uplifting Miracle Worker products, however, it’s important to ensure that these items are the right choice for you. After all, there are multiple reasons for aging skin, and it’s important for your skin care routine to heal current skin damage and neutralizing other damaging factors (like UV radiation, extreme weather, or harsh makeup and face cleansers). To better understand how these products work, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and Philosophy Uplifting Miracle Worker reviews.

    Philosophy Clear Days Ahead

    Consumers struggling with adult or teenage acne may come across a product line called Philosophy Clear Days Ahead. This brand from the Philosophy skin care company was created specifically for acne sufferers, with creams and cleansers that are formulated to kill acne-causing bacteria and cleanse pores. As there are many anti-acne products on the market, the consumer is advised to carefully research Philosophy Clear Days Ahead and to speak with their dermatologist before use. After all, acne can be caused by a variety of underlying issues that must be carefully addressed to ensure an optimal skin care routine. Reading Philosophy Clear Days Ahead reviews can also help the shrewd consumer arrive at the right purchasing decision.

    Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder

    Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder may be an interesting option for consumers looking to harness the power of vitamin C for skin care. This product is a specialized powder that is offered by the international skin care company, Philosophy. The idea behind Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder revolves around giving the customer more options when using vitamin C. There are many skin creams out there with this nutrient, and some companies have developed entire lines with vitamin C as the cornerstone ingredient. However, Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder is designed to be more of a supplementary product, almost like a vitamin that’s taken in topical form.
    INGREDIENTS

    Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

    phiWhen struggling with rough skin texture and hyperpigmentation, exfoliating cleansers like Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash may be a viable solution to remove some of the damage. Such cleansers are becoming more common in the skin care industry, as they combine cleansing and exfoliation in one step. Though it’s an interesting concept, such combinations have led some skin care experts to wonder if Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash is truly effective. On the one hand, this cleanser is supposed to clear out buildup of sebum from pores, while at the same time targeting damaged skin cells near the surface. Is this a good idea, or does it create a “jack of all trades, master of none” skin care product. To better gauge the effectiveness of Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash and the possible effects on your skin, let’s dig deeper into how this cleanser works and the ingredients it contains.
    INGREDIENTS

    Philosophy No Reason to Hide

    Philosophy No Reason to Hide: Product Overview Philosophy No Reason to Hide is a line of products offered by the Philosophy skin care company, which claims these items can reduce blotchiness and large pores, and improve the overall appearance of skin. Currently, there are only two items in this line; a facial serum and a moisturizer with SPF 20 sun protection. As you research both of these products to figure out which, if any, is right for your skin, you may choose to utilize Philosophy No Reason to Hide reviews on the manufacturer’s website as part of your research. However, for a truly comprehensive understanding you may wish to seek Philosophy No Reason to Hide from websites unaffiliated with the company, and to speak with your skin care professional. This is especially important because both of the products in this line have a large number of synthetic ingredients which may pose a danger to your skin, especially if your skin is sensitive.

    How Philosophy No Reason to Hide Works

    The two products in the Philosophy No Reason to Hide line are a light weight treatment serum and a sun protection facial moisturizer. The manufacturer suggests that both items were formulated to improve consumers’ overall skin health, reduce skin blotchiness and remove imperfections.
    INGREDIENTS

    Philosophy Help Me Works

    How Philosophy Help Me Works Philosophy Help Me is an anti aging cream developed by Philosophy, a skin care brand launched in 1996 by Cristina Carlino. This night cream was formulated to stimulate skin regeneration through the inclusion of retinol, a vitamin A derivative. According to the manufacturer, Philosophy Help Me has the potential to get rid of wrinkles, fine lines and shrink pores. Further, the company suggests that their product is less irritating than other retinol creams, because it was designed to release the active ingredient into the skin gradually, thereby reducing the possibility of irritation and negative reaction by the skin. However, because retinol can potentially cause problems for your skin – especially for those with sensitive skin – it behooves the consumer to read unbiased Philosophy Help Me reviews from third party sources, and to consult a skin care expert.

    Ingredients in Philosophy Help Me

    The main ingredient in Philosophy Help Me is retinol, which is a common vitamin A derivative often included in many anti aging facial creams. Retinol is used in skin care because it can improve the efficiency with which dead skin cells are expelled from the body. This keeps the pores cleaner, to reduce breakouts, and removes damaged cells faster, which may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, retinol is not the only ingredient formulated into Philosophy Help Me.
    INGREDIENTS

    Philosophy Hope in a Jar

    Philosophy Hope in a Jar Philosophy is a U.S.-based skin care company that was founded in 1996 by Cristina Carlino and carries a number of different skin and beauty products, such as Philosophy Hope in a Jar, a moisturizer that’s designed to be suitable for a number of different skin types. The company claims that this cream may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while it works to restore tone and balance to the skin. Philosophy Hope in a Jar can be purchased online at Philosophy’s main website, and at department stores and other locations across the United States. This product uses alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate skin and remove dead skin cells to reveal new, healthy skin underneath. However, since AHAs can be irritating, you should work closely with your dermatologist to ensure that you are not at risk for skin irritation and temporary discoloration. Philosophy Hope in a Jar is moderately expensive, costing around $40 for 2 ounces, so it’s important that you consider whether the ingredients in this product are the best choice for your skin before you make your purchase.

    Philosophy Hope in a Jar Ingredients

    The active ingredients in Philosophy Hope in a Jar are lactic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, and rice bran oil. The lactic acid is the AHA that helps to slough away dead skin cells, while vitamin A acts as a retinoid to increase cell turnover and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, according to the company’s claims. This product is not all natural, but it does contain a number of ingredients that are fruit and botanically-based, such as citric acid and lavender oil. Cetyl and stearyl alcohol act as emollients so that Philosophy Hope in a Jar spreads evenly across the skin. If you are concerned about how these ingredients might affect your skin, purchase your product from a spa or skin care professional that can help you an informed decision. You may also want to read Philosophy Hope in a Jar reviews on the company website, to see if those with your skin type have had adverse reactions to this product.
    INGREDIENTS

    Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar

    Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Review In the search to find a treatment for blotchy, rough skin, you may have come across Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar reviews, but are not sure what to make of them. The description of the product may sound interesting on the company website, and reviews may point to improvements in the appearance of some consumers' skin. But can Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar really make a difference in your skin? Can it really help your skin look younger? Answering these questions without the help of a dermatologist can be a difficult process, especially if all that you're relying upon are Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar reviews from other non professionals. However, to gain a deeper insight into how this product may affect your skin, you must first understand what problems you are trying to actually treat. Are you trying to get rid of red acne marks, scars, wrinkles, or sunspots? Or is there another issue you're unhappy about? After you determine the exact problem, you can then use the ingredients in Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar to see if this moisturizer can actually help you.

    How Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Works

    The main idea behind Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar is to speed up the skin's natural regeneration cycle, thereby minimizing wrinkles. Further, this process can have a positive effect on pores; by clearing out and shrinking them. This approach, however, is not new or unique to Philosophy Renewed Hope Moisturizer, and is used in many facial creams on the market today.
    INGREDIENTS

    Philosophy Microdelivery Peel

    If you want to minimize the appearance of fine lines and to smooth out the texture of your skin but cannot afford a professional facial peel, you may have already heard about Philosophy Microdelivery Peel through your online research. This product, which is produced and marketed by the Philosophy skin care company, is formulated to give you a professional-style facial peel at home, but at a more affordable price. The Philosophy Microdelivery Peel is a two-step system that is designed to treat a number of skin issues such as hyperpigmentation and skin that has aged prematurely from sun damage. However, the ingredients contained in this peel may irritate the skin, so it is best to understand how this product will affect your skin before you use it by trying out small portions. At $40 for just one ounce of product, the cost of Philosophy Microdelivery Peel can be prohibitive for small skin care budgets, although the product is not used on a daily basis.
    INGREDIENTS

    Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough

    Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough: an Overview If you've come across Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough reviews in your search for an anti aging serum, you may be left with a lot of questions. For example, why do some people react favorably to this product, while others express disappointment, with some even suggesting the serum may be responsible for development of hyperpigmentation? Further, will Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough work in your specific situation, and is it worth the money? To answer all these questions it's important to do extensive research about the ingredients formulated into this serum and to speak with your dermatologist. Remember, reading Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough reviews can be a helpful aspect of your research, but at the end of the day, they're simply…not enough.

    How Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Works

    The manufacturer suggests that Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough was formulated with a number of moisturizing and nourishing ingredients to give your skin a boost, beyond your daily skin care routine. Philosophy claims that, with regular use, this serum can improve the skin's complexion, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and even brighten skin, by helping the skin repair itself and stay healthy.
    INGREDIENTS

    Philosophy Miracle Worker

    Philosophy Miracle Worker is a skin care product line manufactured by Philosophy, a skin care company founded in 1996 by Cristina Carlino. The line includes a number of anti-aging moisturizing creams that can help replenish the skin's natural moisture barrier to nourish cells. Philosophy Miracle Worker products aim to fortify the skin through moisture and antioxidants, and tighten skin through exfoliation and the use of Philosophy retinoid pads. The company also markets a variety of foundation and skin brighteners to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration by treating age spots and acne scars. The products in this line can be purchased on the company website, which provides Philosophy Miracle Worker reviews and a store locator for those who don't want to wait for delivery.

    acne treatments is also an exfoliator that can get rid of acne scars, and can reduce future breakouts by dissolving sebum; the oil mixture that traps dirt and acne-causing bacteria.

    Philosophy Time in a Bottle

    Philosophy Time in a Bottle: Product Ingredients and Overview Great Philosophy Time in a Bottle reviews can be found all over the internet, including the company website; but before you purchase this anti aging serum, there’s a lot to learn about its ingredients to make sure this expensive product is right for you. The serum is marketed by the Philosophy skin care company, which is a U.S.-based manufacturer founded by Cristina Carlino in 1996. The idea behind the Philosophy Time in a Bottle anti-aging serum is to work by repairing the DNA in skin cells to reduce the signs of aging through regular application, as part of a skin care routine. The company also claims that the serum may help prevent the development of future wrinkles and can otherwise produce the appearance of healthy skin. This anti aging treatment is available online at manufacturer’s main website, at many online skin care retailers, and at some department stores across the United States. The cost of Philosophy Time in a Bottle ranges between $72-$74 for 1.3 ounces when purchased from the company website or from authorized dealers.

    About Philosophy Time in a Bottle Ingredients

    Philosophy Time in a Bottle is designed to heal and protect DNA in the skin cells that lie in the deeper layers of the skin. The manufacturer claims that the ingredients in this product help to tighten the skin from the inside, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, open pores, and discoloration caused by sun damage, as well as making the skin appear more evenly textured, firmer, and wrinkle-free. The active ingredients of Philosophy Time in a Bottle include the manufacturer’s patented DNA regeneration compound to help promote the skin’s natural renewal and protection processes.
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