About Philips
Philips: Innovation in Personal Care Since 1891 Royal Philips has been at the forefront of consumer technology for over 130 years, evolving from lightbulb pioneer to the world's number one electric shaving brand. Today, British households rely on Philips for personal care essentials from electric shavers to Sonicare toothbrushes, combining Dutch engineering excellence with innovative technology. At Grocefully, we help you compare Philips prices across UK retailers, ensuring you find the best deals on these quality grooming and personal care products. From Lightbulbs to Global Technology Leader The Philips story begins in 1891 when Frederik Philips and his son Gerard founded Philips & Company in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Gerard, an engineer who had worked with the Anglo-American Brush Electric Light Corporation, focused on improving lightbulb longevity – a seemingly simple goal that would launch a technological empire. Gerard's younger brother Anton joined the firm, contributing the commercial expertise that enabled international expansion. The combination of Gerard's engineering innovation and Anton's business acumen proved transformative. By 1912, the company incorporated as NV Philips Gloeilampenfabrieken (Philips Incandescent Light Works). The formal structure supported continued growth as electrical technologies proliferated through the early twentieth century. Innovation became the company's defining characteristic. In 1927, Philips began producing radios, selling one million within five years. The 1963 introduction of the Compact Cassette revolutionised portable audio, whilst the 1980s brought the Compact Disc – developed jointly with Sony – fundamentally changing music consumption. Philips remained at technology's cutting edge across decades, contributing LaserVision Optical Discs and optical telecommunications systems alongside consumer products that touched everyday lives. In 1997, world headquarters relocated to Amsterdam, though the Benelux headquarters remained in historic Eindhoven. Royal recognition came in 1998, adding "Royal" to the company name. A Focused Modern Company The twenty-first century brought strategic transformation. Philips gradually divested consumer electronics divisions to concentrate on health technology and personal care. By 2008, television and stereo manufacturing had ended, with the Philips name licensed to other manufacturers for these categories. The 2016 spin-off of Philips Lighting into Signify separated the company's longest-running product line. In 2021, Philips sold its Domestic Appliances business to Hillhouse Investment, a Chinese private equity firm, for €3.7 billion. The new company (later rebranded Versuni) received rights to use the Philips brand for consumer electronics for 15 years. Today's Royal Philips NV focuses primarily on health technology and personal care. Core products include shavers, beauty appliances, mother and childcare products, Sonicare electric toothbrushes, and healthcare equipment. This transformation from broad consumer electronics to focused personal care and health technology reflects deliberate strategy rather than decline. Philips chose areas where its engineering excellence creates genuine differentiation. The Personal Care Range Modern Philips personal care products combine decades of engineering innovation with contemporary design and features. Electric Shavers Philips claims position as the world's number one electric shaving brand, reflecting consistent delivery of quality shaving experiences across price points. Series 1000 Entry-level shavers providing essential Philips technology at accessible prices. The S1142/00 features 27 self-sharpening PowerCut blades made from surgical-grade hypoallergenic steel. 4D Flex Heads adapt to facial contours, whilst waterproof construction enables wet or dry shaving. USB-A charging provides 8 hours of use from 40-minute charging – practical for travel and daily use. Series 3000 Mid-range excellence balancing performance and value. The S3144/00 upgrades to 5D Pivot & Flex Heads for improved contour adaptation, maintaining 27 PowerCut blades delivering 55,000 cutting actions per minute. Charging improves to 1 hour use from 60-minute charge, with 5-minute quick charge for emergency use. Pop-up trimmers enable detailing and edging beyond main shaving. Series 3000X The X3003/0 adds SkinProtect technology for particularly comfortable shaving. 4D Flex Heads and PowerCut blades maintain performance whilst additional features address skin sensitivity. Included nose and ear trimmer extends functionality beyond face shaving, providing comprehensive grooming in one package. Series 5000 Premium shaving with advanced SkinIQ technology. This system senses and adapts to hair density, improving both closeness and skin comfort. The 5898/25 cuts more hair per stroke, reducing passes required. Advanced features justify higher pricing for those prioritising shaving experience or managing particular grooming challenges. All Philips shavers include 2-year warranties, providing confidence in durability and manufacturer support. Sonicare Electric Toothbrushes Philips Sonicare represents premium electric toothbrush technology with sonic cleaning action removing significantly more plaque than manual brushing. The Sonicare 9000 Series features DiamondClean technology – diamond-shaped bristles designed for comprehensive cleaning and whitening. Smart pressure sensors protect gums whilst optimising cleaning effectiveness. Various series address different priorities and budgets, from essential electric brushing benefits to premium features like app connectivity and personalised coaching. Replacement brush heads maintain cleaning effectiveness over time, with genuine Philips heads ensuring compatibility and performance. Grooming and Beauty Beyond shavers and toothbrushes, Philips addresses broader personal care needs. OneBlade provides versatile styling capability – trimming, edging, and shaving in one device. This hybrid approach suits those wanting flexibility rather than dedicated tools for each function. Hair clippers and multi-groomers enable home haircuts and beard maintenance. Various attachment systems create versatility whilst quality blades deliver consistent results. For women, Philips offers epilators, lady shavers, and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices for hair removal. These products extend Philips engineering to female grooming requirements. Mother and childcare appliances address family needs from baby monitors to breast pumps, though these products typically appear in specialist rather than supermarket retail. Philips in UK Retailers Major UK retailers stock Philips personal care products, making quality grooming accessible during regular shopping. Tesco carries comprehensive Philips shaver ranges across their grooming section. Electric shavers, hair clippers, and multi-groomers feature alongside competitor brands, with Philips representing 15 products in their grooming marketplace. Product availability at Tesco includes Series 1000, 3000, 3000X, and 5000 shavers at various price points. Clubcard pricing may provide savings on selected items. Boots stocks extensive Philips personal care including Sonicare toothbrushes alongside grooming products. Their health and beauty focus aligns well with Philips' product range. Argos provides another accessible option for Philips personal care with catalogue and online ordering enabling convenient access. Amazon UK offers extensive selection with Prime delivery benefits, though price comparison across retailers before purchasing makes sense. Understanding Shaver Series Philips series numbering helps navigate options. Higher numbers generally indicate more advanced features and premium positioning. Series 1000 provides essential performance at entry prices – appropriate for first electric shavers or budget-conscious buyers wanting Philips quality basics. Series 3000 balances features and value for mainstream users – upgraded technology without premium pricing, suitable for most regular shavers. Series 5000 and above deliver premium features for those prioritising shaving experience or managing specific challenges like sensitive skin or dense beards. Technology Features Explained Understanding Philips terminology helps inform purchasing decisions. PowerCut Blades feature self-sharpening design maintaining cutting effectiveness over extended use. Surgical-grade hypoallergenic steel reduces skin irritation risk. 4D/5D Flex Heads describe how the cutting surface moves to follow facial contours. Higher numbers indicate more articulation for improved adaptation to face shape. SkinProtect and SkinIQ technologies address comfort alongside closeness, particularly benefiting those prone to irritation or with sensitive skin. Wet & Dry capability enables shaving with or without water, foam, or gel – flexibility for different preferences and situations. Quick Charge provides emergency power from brief charging, addressing forgotten overnight charging. Value and Investment Philips personal care products represent investment in quality rather than lowest-cost purchasing. Several factors justify consideration beyond initial price. Durability means quality shavers and toothbrushes serve for years rather than requiring frequent replacement. The initial investment spreads across extended use. Shaving experience matters for daily activities. Comfortable, effective shaving improves rather than merely tolerates morning routines. The same applies to oral care – effective electric brushing benefits dental health. Two-year warranties provide manufacturer support and confidence in purchase. Problems arising within warranty periods receive resolution. Genuine replacement parts (blades, brush heads) maintain performance over product lifetimes. Third-party alternatives may compromise results despite lower prices. Care and Maintenance Proper maintenance extends product life and maintains performance. Clean shavers regularly, following manufacturer guidance. Many Philips shavers feature cleaning modes or are waterproof for rinse cleaning. Periodic lubrication may benefit cutting heads. Replace brush heads as recommended – typically every three months for optimal cleaning effectiveness. Worn bristles reduce plaque removal efficiency. Store products appropriately between uses. Charging stands often provide convenient storage whilst maintaining charge levels. Environmental Considerations Durable products reduce waste compared to disposable alternatives. Quality electric shavers replace countless disposable razors over their lifetime. However, electronic products require appropriate disposal at end of life. UK recycling facilities accept electrical items – don't dispose in regular waste. Philips increasingly addresses sustainability through product design and manufacturing, reflecting corporate responsibility expectations. Conclusion From 1891 lightbulb beginnings to world-leading personal care technology, Philips has consistently delivered innovation that improves daily life. The brand's focus on shavers, Sonicare toothbrushes, and grooming products concentrates engineering excellence where it creates genuine value. Whether you're seeking your first electric shaver, upgrading grooming equipment, or investing in oral care, Philips offers options across price points backed by over a century of innovation heritage. Compare Philips prices across UK retailers through Grocefully and invest in personal care products that deliver daily satisfaction.