Best of the Best from philosophy: 40% Off with Free Shipping
You will always find philosophy in my bathroom vanity.
Because I know I can count on them for consistent results that make my skin feel good. I love effective products that are straightforward, genuine multitaskers without the nasties or fragrances that often cause unnecessary irritation. Sounds like a far fetch, but philosophy ticks all these boxes.
When the brand was born in 1996, their purity made simple cleanser and hope in a jar moisturiser catapulted the skincare lineup to cult-favourite status, followed by a DIY at-home peel treatment. Fast forward almost two decades, and in 2023, Coty, philosophy’s mother company, announced the brand’s comeback with a renewed formulation principle based on dermatological wisdom and a stamp of approval from the Cruelty-Free International Leaping Bunny Programme.
purity made simple one-step facial cleanser
What it does:
A multi-tasker to remove makeup, cleanse and tone without compromising the skin’s barrier.
What it contains:
Meadowfoam seed oil – contains hydration glycerin and lipids to balance
How it feels:
If you only ever try one product from philosophy, make it their award-winning cleanser; I can’t keep track of how many bottles I’ve cycled through. Cleansing actives are blended into a moisturiser for a creamy, gel-like consistency that develops a gentle lather. But unlike traditional foaming cleansers, it leaves skin feeling clean and conditioned but still soft. While I wouldn’t rely on it to remove a full face of makeup, it’s more than adequate to remove sunscreen on a no-makeup day.
microdelivery vitamin c resurfacing peel kit
What it does:
Combines physical and chemical exfoliation to transform and renew dull skin and fine lines for a smoother, more radiant appearance.
What it contains:
Vitamin C – rejuvenates dull skin, fine lines and UV damage while preserving the skin’s barrier
Peptide resurfacing crystals – gently polish off dead skin cells while infusing skin with vitamin C and peptides
Activating gel – a potent blend of lactic and salicylic acid warms upon contact to gently open pores, renewing and refining the skin’s texture
How it feels:
I’m all for gentle peels that are accessible and easy to use, though admittedly more chemical than physical as of late. philosophy’s OG peel is two-step, combining the best of both worlds to deliver spa-like results at home.
When the two products are combined, there’s a subtle warmth and foaming, not uncomfortable nor too strong, which bodes well for my sensitive skin. I love the slight citrusy tinge, and the scrub texture resembles more fine sand than gritty crystals. While there’s not a lot of product, a little goes a long way. A weekly use already makes a considerable difference in texture and luminosity, ridding much of the blackheads and whiteheads and leaving my skin silky to the touch.
dose of wisdom bouncy skin reactivating serum
What it does:
Acts as a jumpstart for the skin, reactivating and restoring healthy bounce to deliver bouncy, plumped, and radiant skin.
What it contains:
Molecule-grafted vitamin C – provides optimal collagen support in a stable, potent and non-irritating form
Hyaluronic acid – supports the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid for lasting, in-depth hydration
philosophy’s patented vitality booster – naturally loaded with oxygen and renews skin’s vitality so it functions at its peak
How it feels:
The new dose of wisdom collection is spearheaded by the bouncy skin reactivating serum, and it just might be my favourite yet. As its name suggests, it’s targeted as a more advanced serum for rewinding your skin to its best state. It glides on silky and lightweight, absorbing quickly and leaving a bouncy, plump feeling throughout the day. I love using it as a day serum because I tend to only apply hyaluronic acid and vitamin C under makeup, and this already covers all my bases. Most importantly, it doesn’t pill. Ten out of ten.
hope in a jar smooth-glow multi-tasking moisturiser
What it does:
An all-in-one formula to deliver immediate and sustained results for hydration, texture and glow.
What it contains:
Enhanced hyaluronic acid – deeply hydrates skin and prevents future moisture loss
2% high-purity glycolic acid – promotes skin surface cell renewal
Exclusive radiance complex – pro-vitamin P and responsibly sourced, upcycled tangerine peel extract gives skin a healthy glow
How it feels:
philosophy’s iconic moisturiser returns in a cleaner, more superior formula that delivers all the goodness from the original formula and more. Its creaminess melts into the skin for a smooth, dewy finish sans the greasiness, reminding me of the Oronine H Ointment I grew up with. It’s actually slightly heavier than my combination skin is used to for Hong Kong’s dense summers, but it works superbly as a night cream or for colder climates.
There’s a good reason why their cult favourites are still going strong many years later. From cleansing to moisturising and at-home treatments, there’s no better time to refresh your skincare routine for a summer glow-up. I’ve linked all the mentioned products sourced from across the web as usual, but if you purchase from philosophy Hong Kong directly, you can use the code below:
For transparency, the post features press products kindly gifted but without obligation to share. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission when you click the links and make a purchase.
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