Philosophy Mini Profile & Animal Testing Policies

“What is ‘in’ Philosophy jars and bottles can give you better skin. What is ‘on’ Philosophy jars and bottles can inspire better days.”

Philosophy was founded in 1996 by Cristina Carlino to provide women everywhere access to leading skin care technologies. The products are created with only scientifically-proven, medically-accepted ingredients and technologies while carefully watched over by doctors and scientists. “Philosophy is a brand that approaches personal care from a skin care point of view, while celebrating the beauty of the human spirit. We believe in miracles and the beauty in everyone,” says the Philosophy website. Now sporting an extensive line of skin care, bath and body care, fragrance, sun care, lip care and color cosmetics, Philosophy has proven itself many times over.
Philosophy promises to bring to its customers products that inspire them to live a better life by being better to themselves. Each product tells a story. For example, their deliciously true-to-life food scented 3-in-1 shower gels all contain a recipe to create the actual edible item from which the product gets its scent. All products contain a brief inspirational message, often with a slight bit of humor, both describing the products and bringing a smile to one’s face. With carefully chosen packaging, “[Philosophy] use children’s pictures and lower case writing to remind us of the genuine curiosity, wisdom and joy that exists within the childhood consciousness in us all.” Cute, quirky, reminiscent of days gone by, and rooted in the joy of childhood, Philosophy’s branding seems to suit their goal of celebrating the inner child within us all.

Philosophy has never tested on animals. According to an email from the company, “Philosophy only works with vendors and suppliers that uphold our belief in no animal testing. None of our ingredients are presently tested on animals, nor have they been tested on animals since our business was founded in 1996.” They are not currently selling in the Chinese market and are therefore not bound by the potential of animal testing by the Chinese government. 
Of relevance to many would be Philosophy’s current parent company, Coty, Inc. Philosophy was acquired by Coty, Inc. in 2010, a company that, I believe until recently, was on PETA’s List of Companies That DO Test on Animals and seems to be controversial to the cruelty-free world. However, Coty, Inc. no longer appears on the List of Companies That DO Test, but it is also not on the List of Companies That DO NOT Test. According to an email from Coty, Inc., “Coty Incdoes not perform, nor do we ever commission any third parties on our behalf to perform, testing of our products or ingredients on animals.” Other brands, like OPI, that have been acquired by Coty, Inc. DO appear on PETA’s cruelty-free list so I am unsure why Philosophy does not appear on this list. Why can it be so difficult to navigate all these animal testing policies and the parent company’s policies…assuming you can even find the parent company? Urrrggh!!! 
Philosophy products are available practically everywhere that sells beauty and cosmetic items.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Philosophy in any way, nor have I been compensated for this post.