• philosophy

philosophy

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Overview

philosophy has a rating of 2.02 stars from 28 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about philosophy most frequently mention customer service problems. philosophy ranks 238th among Bath & Body sites.

  • Service
    7
  • Value
    8
  • Shipping
    7
  • Returns
    5
  • Quality
    8
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 25%
Positive
1
Neutral
0
Negative
3
1
See all photos

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

No positive highlights yet

Critical highlights

  • Their customer service is completely unhelpful and uninformative.
How would you rate philosophy?
Top Positive Review

“Perfect texture.”

Nena R.
9/14/23

I bought the lemon custard and it is so rich and creamy. It actually smells like lemon custard. I'm very pleased with this one, so I can't wait to try another fragrance. It is so creamy and smells so delicious!

Top Critical Review

“Horrible”

Gloria C.
5/23/22

Stay away. They are thieves. They lie. Get this, they told me that a product needs to be shipped before I can cancel & get a refund. Fast forward a month later and they never gave me back the shipping money! Only a partial refund, for a overpriced product I tried to cancel an hour after. They hung up on me, never gave me full reasons, overall they drove me crazy. This is not about the money anymore, I just had to warn people about them.

Reviews (28)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (7)
Thumbnail of user gloriac562
1 review
4 helpful votes
May 23rd, 2022

Stay away. They are thieves. They lie. Get this, they told me that a product needs to be shipped before I can cancel & get a refund. Fast forward a month later and they never gave me back the shipping money! Only a partial refund, for a overpriced product I tried to cancel an hour after. They hung up on me, never gave me full reasons, overall they drove me crazy. This is not about the money anymore, I just had to warn people about them.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user chantelleb19
4 reviews
12 helpful votes
August 9th, 2023
Verified purchase

I placed my order well within the deadline (4 days) for Philosophy's latest BOGO promotion. Imagine my shock when I opened the "too small" box to discover only ONE of each product. This is a disgusting bait and switch. I am a long time customer and I am furious.

They no longer have a customer service phone number. Figures.

Tip for consumers:
I am a long time customer and this is unacceptable.

Products used:
Cheated out of my BOGO purchases.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user lauras1831
2 reviews
10 helpful votes
February 18th, 2021

I honestly have never had a company make me so angry! These people literally do not care if you are happy at all. They are completely unhelpful across the board, they refuse to respond if you have a problem with your order, they have outright lied to me, and then refused to make anything right. I attempted to leave a review for one of their products and because it was negative they refused to post it to their site! So that's why all the reviews are positive. Because they don't allow anything else. I truly wish I had done my research before involving myself with this company.

Tip for consumers:
My tip is: Do not use the Philosophy site, avoid at all costs and go with one of the hundreds of other skincare companies that are out there.

Products used:
none

Thumbnail of user laurettap8
1 review
2 helpful votes
December 7th, 2022
Verified purchase

It has been ten days and my purchase still has not shipped. Yet I cannot cancel, because it is "in process."
Horrible customer service.

Thumbnail of user darlenec396
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
December 24th, 2022

This product is of a much inferior quality than the store tester. The fragrance is much weaker, not nearly as long lasting. After complaining to the company, I was just told to return it to the store.

Thumbnail of user sandram3340
1 review
1 helpful vote
June 7th, 2023

Ordered May 10th have called 3 times to see why they have not shipped this morning wanted me to pay again for same thing! Awful service never again will I buy from them! So watch out for them they are not helpful at all!

Products used:
skin cleaner

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user darlac43
1 review
5 helpful votes
January 3rd, 2021

I ordered an Amazing Grace set directly from Philosophy that included a 4oz bottle of spray fragrance. The bottle was half empty when I received it. I sent an email to the Philosophy customer service link and waited a week for a response. They told me that I'd receive another email from CotyCares. The CotyCares email requested that I attach photos to their link - the link doesn't seem to work. I repeatedly attached photos and tried to submit. After more than 15 tries I finally got a message that looked like it might have worked however I've received no follow-up contact or replacement. I guess at some point Coty must have bought Philosophy. I won't buy anything directly from Philosophy anymore. In the future I'll buy my Amazing Grace from a retailer with customer service.

Tip for consumers:
Buy your Philosophy products from a retailer with customer service. Philosophy's customer service is non- existent.

Products used:
Fragrance

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user nancyz89
1 review
6 helpful votes
January 20th, 2020

I have been using many products from Amazing Grace line from Philosophy for many years. In August, my sister received a 40% off promotion from the company and purchased 2 large bottles of the body lotion. This Christmas she gave them to me as a gift. The fragrance was not the same. It was lighter, and had a chemical smell to it. I read several reviews and others complained about the same products and issue. When I called Philosophy's customer service I was told there was a 60 day return policy. When the representative wouldn't listen, I told her that they are losing a faithful 12 year customer, she replied "ok, have a nice day".

Thumbnail of user peggyg210
1 review
3 helpful votes
September 22nd, 2021

Ordered from them and my order was canceled. Tried twice and order was canceled. The first two times I used my boyfriends card... maybe that was it?
I emailed them to find out why and they never responded. After I called and couldn't get resolution, I then ordered using my own bank card and they still wouldn't approve my order. Absolutely ridiculous. They apparently aren't looking to sell their products.

Thumbnail of user julief604
1 review
5 helpful votes
November 8th, 2021

100% dissatisfied with customer service and products. I will not purchase anything else from this company, which is now part of Coty, again.

Tip for consumers:
Read the fine, fine, fine print.

Products used:
None.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user feliciaf9
2 reviews
5 helpful votes
April 27th, 2023

If you place and order and call immediately because there was a mistake in their auto fill information be prepared, they DO NOT MAKE CHANGES NOR ACCEPT CANCELATIONS ON A ORDER -IS THIS LEGAL?They do not give you an opportunity to put shipping info in or payment- the system automatically does it for you, so you are $#*!ed!

Thumbnail of user evat57
1 review
7 helpful votes
December 23rd, 2019

I called to inquire about my orders placed on 12/2/2019. Tanya, the representative, told me that my orders were canceled due to a break-down of communications with Paypal. It has been more than 3 weeks and I did not receive any notifications or ANYTHING ELSE about it, let alone any explanations about why my orders were canceled. These were Christmas gifts and I expected to receive them before Christmas. Now that I have to buy other gifts and when I called to inquire about this, I finally was told by Tanya that the orders were canceled. If I did not call, I don't know how long I had to wait until I find out they were canceled. I asked her politely is there any other way to recover them and she said with a tongue that made me feel unrespected that I can place another order, but I won't receive the same discounts I used when I placed my orders. I purchase from many other brands too, and ULTA, Sephora, etc. Literally this is the worst customer service experience ever! I won't buy philosophy products again, at least NOT from the official website because you didn't make things right at the beginning, and did not try to correct it when things went wrong.

Thumbnail of user skms
3 reviews
51 helpful votes
May 9th, 2020

I was a loyal customer since 2002 because of a couple specific products. I first purchased their products through QVC and have also purchased them from Ulta in addition to their website. I was part of their points program and had almost 7K "points" saved and they wiped them out from me because I hadn't purchased from THEIR website frequently enough. They didn't care about purchases made elsewhere and took my points away. I'm a single mom working in crisis management, I've been a little busy over the last few months and didn't place an order in the time they expected me to so they deleted all my saved points. I called, emailed, and IM'ed customer service multiple times to have my points reinstated and NEVER received any response. The woman I spoke with on the first call said she couldn't do anything and would refer to me to the department that could, but she LIED. I was never contacted by anyone. They didn't respond to a single email through their website or IM through Facebook. Nothing, nada, no support AT ALL. They are completely USELESS and I'm done with them. I will NEVER buy anything from these LIARS and corporate jerks ever again. They don't care about their customers or making a good product, they only care about making money.

Thumbnail of user tinalouisel
17 reviews
104 helpful votes
August 20th, 2018

I have many "Color Palettes" and even their original "Coloring Book" by this company. Their makeup brushes were amazing quality too! I've had these items for over a decade. Amazing quality!

But... they no longer produce these products, leaving me with only their skincare and body care lines, which I must confess seem a little too girlish for me now. Same with their fragrance line.

Although I like the philosophy behind their products, the packaging is simple with no unnecessary frills. I'm sorry that they discontinued their cosmetic line. Their color palettes were compact and easy enough to take everywhere whenever a touch-up was needed. The colors were natural looking and made with high quality ingredients.

I will return as a customer once they reinstate their cosmetic line. Otherwise, they don't get my vote for anything.

Thumbnail of user mariam957
1 review
4 helpful votes
December 20th, 2019

I ordered in Cyber Monday for my 81 yo mother she can't. I ordered through my account, she paid for it with her card Philosophy canceled the order. They NEVER sent an email or contacted us regarding this cancellation. Just canceled! So needless to say NO Christmas gift for me and there is no way for them to get it to me by Christmas if my mom gives them a verbal OK to charge her card. I get security systems but NO COMMUNICATION and just CANCEL the order! The only positive thing I can say is that Linda was great! Thanks for nothing Philosophy!

Thumbnail of user nicop7
61 reviews
129 helpful votes
April 11th, 2019

These products are expensive, but they're usually pretty good. They smell great, but they're not really worth the cost.

Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user bunnyo
2 reviews
4 helpful votes
December 3rd, 2019

I ordered two items on Cyber Monday for a total of $71 before the cyber19 40percent discount was applied. I used PayPal for this transaction.
I received four confirmations: two from Philosophy for two identical orders with different order numbers. Two confirmation emails from PayPal telling me the funds were sent.
I emailed PayPal to cancel one of the payments as the order was doubled in error. Can't do: must come from the seller.
I called Philosophy Tuesday morning. Got Caitlin, customer service rep.
She told me two (maybe 3) bits of information: 1. If there were two order numbers, then you placed two orders.
No, I didn't.
2. I can't cancel these orders. They are being sent. You needed to call within 5 minutes to cancel.
Well, I mailed customer service right away, I said. And I didn't place two orders, please cancel one. And where is the five-minute law written?
3. We didn't know if you wanted the discount.
Huh?
4. I will recall the products when they reach the warehouse. You will get an email that they are sent but ignore this. You will get a refund on PayPal.
Finally. Please send an email confirmation of this conversation.
6. Can't send you a phone call confirmation

I will never buy anything again from the Philosophy site again. And I love the products.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t

Products used:
I am not using these products any more

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user ginav30
1 review
3 helpful votes
February 8th, 2019

Usually order Philosophy Brand from QVC but was tired of paying the individual shipping fees that added up on the multiple products that I ordered. Went to the Philosophy Site and was amazed at the 15% discount offered for first time online purchasers, plus the offers of premium sample products for every $25.00 spent on the site. Plus orders $50.00 or more is free shipping. Filled out the forms for the offers and rec'd e-mail with discount code immediately - Used it on my order that totaled $64.70 and following instructions on the site -it would not allow me to order my two premium samples - just allowed me to choose from a sample packets that you would find that they give away free in Macy's. E-mailed Customer Service with all the information that they required and still waiting for a response. I can live without the premium samples - but I feel that it was an enticement to order their products and they failed to deliver.

Thumbnail of user sharonw401
1 review
4 helpful votes
September 25th, 2019

Purchased 2 big jugs of Purity and 2 big jugs of Amazing Grace Shower gel. Was using a small travel size of Purity when I purchased the Bogo of the big jugs. Then I started getting big bumps on my face from purity. Decided to return thev2 big jugs but was told I could not unless I also returned the shower gel! Well it was a bogo... but ( and this is my fault) I naturally assumed the Bogo was buy one shower gel get one free. Buy one Purity get one Free! But NOOOooooo if I wanted to return the Purity I had to return the whole order! I had just given away as a present one of the showergels so now I was STUCK with the 2 big jugs of Purity, which I will never use! My nieces will not use it but luckily one is going to see if any of her coworkers use it. I purchased Amazing Grace perfume and when I rec'd that and opened it... it literally had NO SMELL! I was going to return it but after shaking it, got a smell although it does. Not. Last! I am done with this terrible company and I make sure to tell everyone that know and run in to... my experience. I love the Amazing Grace shower gel but it's not worth supporting such an anti customer service company! If I could tell the president of philosophy what they could do to acquire and keep more customers, it would be to up substantially your customer service as a happy customer is a repeating customer with free advertising... and up the smell staying power on your products as that is why the few customers that do buy from you, buy! But no... they won't... they are a terrible company... and I so wanted to love them!

Thumbnail of user kiul
1 review
3 helpful votes
December 13th, 2017

First time user of this brand on the website. I purchased the item 16 hours ago but price dropped almost half. Called to cancel but get rejected. Tried price adjustment, rejected. Need to pay the shiping fee if want to return, but no store to go to for in person return. The lady claimed she is the supervisor after I requested to talk to the manager. Hang up the phone on me after I asked her full name and work ID. Tried another call, another claimed manager said they will put me in the black list if I dispute the transaction. No need to come back for their crappy product or service. Their first name are Cathlin and Michelle. They will be on my black list.

Thumbnail of user bobl62
5 reviews
40 helpful votes
December 2nd, 2015

Their customer service is completely unhelpful and uninformative. I had a problem with my order and they refused to even talk to me about it, let alone help. They have email contact, but they will reply with "call us at --". The point of having email contact is to not have to call.

Oh, and the emails they list don't actually work. You have to email their parent company, coty. I'm sure the products are fine (though clearly overpriced). Maybe some representatives are even helpful. The one I got was not. Their solution to my order issue was for me to go **** myself.

Thumbnail of user nenaragin61
1 review
0 helpful votes
September 14th, 2023

I bought the lemon custard and it is so rich and creamy. It actually smells like lemon custard. I'm very pleased with this one, so I can't wait to try another fragrance. It is so creamy and smells so delicious!

Tip for consumers:
No.

Products used:
Philosophy shower gel and shampoo.

Thumbnail of user kimt198
19 reviews
64 helpful votes
November 9th, 2018

Philosophy has some of the best body wash, shampoo around! They are sweet smelling but never over whelming, and the scent stays with you for a long time! It is not just the smell they leave your skin feeling so soft if your thinking of buying this but think the price is to high it is worth it all you need is a little and a bottle will last you a long time! You will not be disappointed!

Thumbnail of user clarar37
Clara R.
514 reviews
610 helpful votes
September 5th, 2018

There new sugar cake and pumpkin spiced body wash and lotion smells like fall heaven. I also didnt notice it at first but the body wash also has glitter in it and leaves your skin with a shimmer lol

Thumbnail of user loric28
7 reviews
5 helpful votes
September 28th, 2015

I have only just recently begun to shop here for skin care products and bath/body care. I was not disappointed. Easy to navigate, easy to shop and purchase great products. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for quality skin care!

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philosophy | skin care | fragrance | bath & body | gifts philosophy

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