Data protection
1. Data protection at a glance
General information
The following information provides a simple overview of what happens to your personal data when you visit this website. Personal data is any data that can be used to personally identify you. Detailed information on data protection can be found in our privacy policy, which is linked below.
Data collection on this website
Who is responsible for data collection on this website?
Data processing on this website is carried out by the website operator. Their contact details can be found in the legal notice of this website.
How do we collect your data?
Your data is collected, firstly, because you provide it to us. This could include, for example, data that you enter into a contact form.
Other data is automatically collected by our IT systems when you visit the website. This is primarily technical data (e.g., internet browser, operating system, or time of page access). This data is collected automatically as soon as you enter this website.
What do we use your data for?
Some of the data is collected to ensure the website functions correctly.
Other data may be used to analyze your user behavior.
What rights do you have regarding your data?
You have the right to obtain information free of charge at any time regarding the origin, recipients, and purpose of your stored personal data. You also have the right to request the correction or deletion of this data. For this purpose, as well as for any further questions regarding data protection, you can contact us at any time at the address provided in the legal notice. Furthermore, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority.
Furthermore, you have the right, under certain circumstances, to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data. Details can be found in the privacy policy under "Right to restriction of processing".
Analytics tools and third-party tools
When you visit this website, your browsing behavior may be statistically analyzed. This is done primarily using cookies and so-called analytics programs. The analysis of your browsing behavior is generally anonymous; your browsing behavior cannot be traced back to you. You can object to this analysis or prevent it by not using certain tools.
Detailed information about these tools and your options to object can be found in the following privacy policy.
2. General information and mandatory disclosures
Data protection
The operators of this website take the protection of your personal data very seriously. We treat your personal data confidentially and in accordance with the statutory data protection regulations and this privacy policy.
When you use this website, various personal data are collected. Personal data is data that can be used to identify you personally. This privacy policy explains what data we collect and what we use it for. It also explains how and for what purpose this is done.
Please note that data transmission over the internet (e.g., when communicating via email) can have security vulnerabilities. Complete protection of data against access by third parties is not possible.
Note regarding the responsible body
This website is operated jointly by two entities. These two entities are:
Philosophy Brands GmbH
In der Aue 4
69118 Heidelberg
Telephone: +49 (0) 6221/6566420
E-mail: info@philosophy-brands.de
V.SUN GmbH
PO Box 120550
69067 Heidelberg
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 6221/6566460
E-mail: info@v-sun.de
The responsible entity is the natural or legal person who, alone or jointly with others, decides on the purposes and means of processing personal data (e.g. names, email addresses, etc.).
Responsibility is structured so that Philosophy Brands GmbH handles day-to-day operations and interactions with data subjects, while the purposes of data processing are determined jointly. For data subject requests under the GDPR, please contact Philosophy Brands GmbH.
Legally required data protection officer
We have appointed a data protection officer for Philosophy Brands.
OK Legal IT GmbH
Kaistr 4a
40221 Düsseldorf
Email: privacy@philosophy-brands.com
Revocation of your consent to data processing
Many data processing operations are only possible with your explicit consent. You can revoke your consent at any time. An informal notification by email to us is sufficient for this purpose.
The lawfulness of the data processing carried out until the revocation remains unaffected by the revocation.
Right to object to data collection in special cases and to Direct marketing (Art. 21 GDPR)
If data processing is based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) of the GDPR, you have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning you; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions. The specific legal basis for each processing operation can be found in this privacy policy. If you object, we will no longer process your personal data unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms or the processing serves the purpose of establishing, exercising or defending legal claims (objection pursuant to Art. 21 para. 1 GDPR).
If your personal data is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of your personal data for such marketing; this also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing. If you object, your personal data will subsequently no longer be processed for direct marketing purposes (objection pursuant to Article 21(2) GDPR).
Right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority
In the event of violations of the GDPR, data subjects have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of their habitual residence, their place of work, or the place of the alleged infringement. This right to lodge a complaint is without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy.
Right to data portability
You have the right to receive the data that we process automatically based on your consent or in fulfillment of a contract, either for yourself or for a third party, in a commonly used, machine-readable format. If you request the direct transfer of the data to another controller, this will only be done if technically feasible.
SSL or TLS encryption
This site uses SSL or TLS encryption for security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential content, such as orders or inquiries that you send to us as the site operator.
You can recognize an encrypted connection by the fact that the browser's address bar changes from "http://" to "https://" and by the padlock icon in your browser's address bar. When SSL or TLS encryption is enabled, the data you transmit to us cannot be intercepted by third parties.
Encrypted payment transactions on this website
If, after concluding a paid contract, you are obligated to provide us with your payment details (e.g., account number for direct debit), this data is required for payment processing.
Payments via common payment methods (Visa/MasterCard, direct debit) are processed exclusively via an encrypted SSL or TLS connection. You can recognize an encrypted connection by the fact that the browser's address bar changes from "http://" to "https://" and by the padlock symbol in your browser's address bar.
With encrypted communication, your payment details that you transmit to us cannot be read by third parties.
Information, deletion and correction
Under applicable law, you have the right to request information, free of charge, about your stored personal data, its origin and recipients, and the purpose of data processing, as well as the right to rectification or erasure of this data. For this purpose, and for any further questions regarding personal data, you can contact us at any time at the address provided in the legal notice.
Right to restriction of processing
You have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data. You can contact us at any time at the address provided in the legal notice. The right to restrict processing exists in the following cases:
If you dispute the accuracy of your personal data stored with us, we generally need time to verify this. For the duration of the verification process, you have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data.
If the processing of your personal data was/is unlawful, you can request the restriction of data processing instead of deletion.
If we no longer need your personal data, but you require it for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims, you have the right to request restriction of processing of your personal data instead of erasure.
If you have objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) GDPR, a balancing of interests between your interests and ours must be carried out. Until it is determined whose interests prevail, you have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data.
If you have restricted the processing of your personal data, this data – apart from being stored – may only be processed with your consent or for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the European Union or of a Member State.
Objection to advertising emails
The use of contact details published as part of the legal notice for sending unsolicited advertising and informational materials is hereby prohibited. The operators of these pages expressly reserve the right to take legal action in the event of unsolicited advertising, such as spam emails.
3. Hosting
External hosting
This website is hosted by an external service provider (host). Personal data collected on this website is stored on the host's servers. This may include, in particular, IP addresses, contact requests, metadata and communication data, contract data, contact information, names, website access data, and other data generated via a website.
The use of the hosting provider is for the purpose of fulfilling our contractual obligations to our potential and existing customers (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR) and in the interest of a secure, fast and efficient provision of our online service by a professional provider (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR).
Some of our content is hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS) (Amazon Web Services EMEA SARL, 38 avenue John F. Kennedy, L-1855, Luxembourg), including on servers in the USA. Therefore, your connection data is also processed in the USA. We have concluded a data processing agreement with AWS in accordance with Article 28 of the GDPR. AWS is certified under the EU-US Privacy Shield, which, according to the European Commission, ensures a level of protection comparable to European data protection standards (adequacy decision).
Our hosting provider will only process your data to the extent necessary to fulfill its contractual obligations and will follow our instructions regarding this data.
4. Data collection on this website
Cookies
These websites sometimes use so-called cookies. Cookies do not harm your computer and do not contain viruses. Cookies serve to make our website more user-friendly, effective, and secure. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer and saved by your browser.
Most of the cookies we use are so-called "session cookies." They are automatically deleted after your visit ends. Other cookies remain stored on your device until you delete them. These cookies allow us to recognize your browser on your next visit.
You can configure your browser to notify you when cookies are set and to allow cookies only in individual cases, to accept cookies in certain cases or to generally reject them, and to automatically delete cookies when you close your browser. Disabling cookies may limit the functionality of this website.
Cookies that are necessary for carrying out electronic communication processes or for providing certain functions you have requested (e.g., shopping cart function) are stored on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in storing cookies to ensure the technically flawless and optimized provision of its services.
If corresponding consent has been requested (e.g. consent to the storage of cookies), processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR; the consent can be revoked at any time.
Insofar as other cookies (e.g. cookies for analyzing your browsing behavior) are stored, these are dealt with separately in this privacy policy.
Server log files
The website provider automatically collects and stores information in so-called server log files, which your browser automatically transmits to us. This information includes:
Browser type and browser version
Operating system used
Referrer URL
Hostname of the accessing computer
Time of server request
IP address
This data will not be combined with other data sources.
This data is collected on the basis of Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the technically flawless presentation and optimization of its website – for this purpose, the server log files must be recorded.
Contact form
If you send us inquiries via the contact form, your information from the inquiry form, including the contact details you provided, will be stored by us for the purpose of processing the inquiry and in case of follow-up questions. We will not share this data without your consent.
The processing of this data is based on Article 6(1)(b) GDPR if your request is related to the performance of a contract or is necessary for taking steps prior to entering into a contract. In all other cases, the processing is based on our legitimate interest in the effective handling of inquiries addressed to us (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR) or on your consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR), if such consent has been obtained.
The data you enter in the contact form will remain with us until you request its deletion, revoke your consent to its storage, or the purpose for data storage no longer applies (e.g., after your inquiry has been processed). Mandatory legal provisions – in particular, retention periods – remain unaffected.
Inquiry via email, telephone
When you contact us by email, telephone (or fax), your inquiry, including all resulting personal data (name, inquiry), will be stored and processed by us for the purpose of handling your request. We will not share this data without your consent.
The processing of this data is based on Article 6(1)(b) GDPR if your request is related to the performance of a contract or is necessary for taking steps prior to entering into a contract. In all other cases, the processing is based on your consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR) and/or on our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR), as we have a legitimate interest in the efficient processing of inquiries addressed to us.
The data you send us via contact requests will remain with us until you request its deletion, revoke your consent to its storage, or the purpose for data storage no longer applies (e.g., after your request has been processed). Mandatory legal provisions – in particular, statutory retention periods – remain unaffected.
Registration on this website
You can register on this website to use additional features. We use the data you provide only for the purpose of providing the specific offer or service for which you registered. All required information requested during registration must be provided in full. Otherwise, we will reject your registration.
For important changes, such as changes to the scope of services or technically necessary changes, we will use the email address you provided during registration to inform you.
The data entered during registration is processed for the purpose of carrying out the user relationship established by the registration and, if applicable, for initiating further contracts (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR).
The data collected during registration will be stored by us for as long as you are registered on this website and will then be deleted. Statutory retention periods remain unaffected.
Processing of data (customer and contract data)
We collect, process, and use personal data only to the extent necessary for establishing, defining the content of, or amending the contractual relationship (master data). This is done on the basis of Article 6(1)(b) GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the performance of a contract or for taking steps prior to entering into a contract. We collect, process, and use personal data relating to the use of this website (usage data) only to the extent necessary to enable the user to access the service or for billing purposes.
The collected customer data will be deleted after completion of the order or termination of the business relationship. Statutory retention periods remain unaffected.
Data transfer during contract conclusion for online shops, retailers and shipping companies
We only transfer personal data to third parties if this is necessary for processing your order, for example, to the companies entrusted with delivering the goods or the bank responsible for processing payments. Your data will not be transferred beyond this scope unless you have expressly consented to it. Your data will not be shared with third parties without your explicit consent, for example, for advertising purposes.
The legal basis for data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures.
5. Analytics tools and advertising
Google Analytics
This website uses functions of the web analytics service Google Analytics. The provider is Google Ireland Limited (“Google”), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Google Analytics uses so-called "cookies." These are text files that are stored on your computer and enable an analysis of your use of the website. The information generated by the cookie about your use of this website is generally transmitted to and stored on a Google server in the USA.
The storage of Google Analytics cookies and the use of this analytics tool are based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in analyzing user behavior in order to optimize both its website and its advertising. If corresponding consent has been requested (e.g., consent to the storage of cookies), processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR; this consent can be revoked at any time.
IP anonymization
We have activated the IP anonymization function on this website. This means that your IP address will be shortened by Google within member states of the European Union or in other contracting states of the Agreement on the European Economic Area before being transmitted to the USA. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to a Google server in the USA and shortened there. On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to evaluate your use of the website, to compile reports on website activity, and to provide other services relating to website activity and internet usage to the website operator. The IP address transmitted by your browser as part of Google Analytics will not be merged with other Google data.
Browser Plugin
You can prevent the storage of cookies by adjusting your browser settings; however, please note that in this case you may not be able to fully utilize all the functions of this website. Furthermore, you can prevent Google from collecting and processing data generated by the cookie and related to your use of the website (including your IP address) by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de .
Storage duration
User- and event-level data stored by Google that is linked to cookies, user identifiers (e.g., User ID), or advertising IDs (e.g., DoubleClick cookies, Android advertising ID) is anonymized or deleted after 14 months. Details can be found at the following link: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/7667196?hl=de
6. Payment providers and resellers
Depending on the payment method selected, we will forward the payment data collected for processing the payment to the payment service provider commissioned with the payment. This data is shared solely for the purpose of payment processing.
The payment service providers used are:
- Credit cards : American Express, VISA, Mastercard
- PayPal : PayPal (Europe) S.à rl et Cie, SCA, Luxembourg
- Klarna : Klarna Bank AB, Sweden
- Maestro : Mastercard Europe SA
- Google Pay : Google Ireland Limited
- Apple Pay : Apple Distribution International Ltd.
- EPS : PSA Payment Services Austria GmbH
- Union Pay : China UnionPay Co., Ltd.
- Shop Pay : Shopify Payments / Stripe Payments Europe Ltd.
The legal basis is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR (performance of a contract) and – where necessary – Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interest in secure and efficient payment processing).
Further information on data processing can be obtained from the respective payment service providers.
PayPal
On this website, we offer payment via PayPal, among other options. The provider of this payment service is PayPal (Europe) S.à.rl et Cie, SCA, 22-24 Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg (hereinafter referred to as "PayPal").
If you select PayPal as your payment method, the payment details you enter will be transmitted to PayPal. The transmission of your data to PayPal is based on Article 6(1)(a) GDPR (consent) and Article 6(1)(b) GDPR (processing necessary for the performance of a contract). You have the right to withdraw your consent to data processing at any time. Such withdrawal will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
This privacy policy is current as of September 2025.