9 French Pharmacy Skin Care Must-Haves

If you only have room for a few French pharmacy skincare products in your suitcase, make them these: La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen, Bioderma Sensibio micellar water, Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, and Caudalie Vinoperfect serum. Below are nine essentials the locals swear by, why they earn their spot, and where to buy each one, whether you are strolling through Paris or shopping from your couch at home.

There’s nothing quite like a French pharmacy! Personally, I can spend hours in them looking at all the products. When I first moved to France, I had no idea how essential pharmacies were. On my first solo trip to the grocery store, I was honestly shocked to learn that if I wanted aspirin, I wasn’t going to get it there!

For that, and many other items I could normally find in an American grocery store, I had to go to the pharmacy! Very quickly realized how cool the pharmacies were in France. I highly recommend that on your next trip to France, you check one out.

There is practically one on every block in Paris. Some are quite old with beautiful facades, some are more modern, and others are simply utilitarian, serving the purpose they were created for. No matter which pharmacy you visit in Paris (or France), I wanted to share some items you might consider picking up and a few I would discourage you from buying.

French skincare products

The French are well-known for their unique fashion, their rich cultural experiences, and their quality products, be it cheese and wine, perfume, or beauty products. French pharmacies are stocked with the best skincare and beauty products, which have become part of locals' daily routines.

French women often begin their skincare routines at a young age by shadowing their mothers and grandmothers. (Read Clemence’s von Mueffling's book Ageless Beauty the French Way: Secrets from Three Generations of French Beauty Editors; it's fascinating!) It’s as easy as a quick trip to the nearest pharmacy to gather simple products. French pharmacies are well-equipped with readily available quality skincare for all types of skin.

When I lived in France, I took advantage of the access to a myriad of French skincare products. I mainly stuck with Vichy, Avène, and La Roche-Posay. All 3 of these brands create their products with volcanic, thermal, or mineral water from sources that carry their names.

These lines were not available in the US. Now they all are! I also researched whether buying in the US or France is cheaper. I had my friend in Nice visit a few pharmacies, and I checked the prices and compared them to Amazon. Here are the results and my recommendations.

Avène: Buy in France
Vichy: Buy in France
La Roche-Posay: Buy in France

I was honestly surprised by this. I was sure I could find them cheaper on Amazon, but alas, no.

If you can't hop on a plane to Paris, and let's face it, it is getting harder and harder to do, then look for sales at Walgreens and Ulta, who both carry Avène, La Roche-Posay, and Vichy. Target carries La Roche-Posay and Vichy. Ask your family for gift cards and use them to pick up these wonderful French skincare lines.

And you CAN buy them all on Amazon; I've got them in my shop!

But I think every trip to Paris should include a pit stop at a local pharmacy to stock up on a wide variety of skincare must-haves. For this post, my gal-pal in Paris, Mitalee, did some intensive research, including many beauty discussions with Parisians and expats alike over lots of glasses of wine. She rounded up 9 of the best French skincare products you can easily get at the pharmacy around the corner or even order online from the comfort of your home.

Why Is French Pharmacy Skincare So Good?

French pharmacies are held to a high standard, and the brands on their shelves reflect it. Many were founded by dermatologists or pharmacists and built around thermal spring water, plant oils, or mineral ingredients rather than heavy fragrance and packaging. Prices stay reasonable because these are everyday staples for French women, not luxury splurges, so you get clinical quality skincare at drugstore prices. That mix of gentle, effective formulas and honest value is exactly why travelers fill their bags at the pharmacy, and why so many of these products have earned a devoted following well beyond France.

Here is a quick look at all nine picks before we get into the details.

Product	Type	Best for	Where to buy
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+	Sunscreen	Daily sun protection	France (cheapest) or Amazon
Filorga Time-Filler Eyes 5-XP	Eye cream	Fine lines and dark circles	France or Amazon
Nuxe Rêve de Miel	Lip balm	Very dry lips	France or Amazon
Bioderma Sensibio H2O	Micellar water	Gentle makeup removal	France or Amazon
Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré	Moisturizer	Everyday hydration	France or Amazon
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse	Dry oil	Skin, hair, and body glow	France or Amazon
Cattier Green Clay Mask	Clay mask	Oily, congested skin	France or Amazon
Caudalie Vinoperfect	Brightening serum	Dark spots and even tone	France (big savings) or Amazon
Klorane Dry Shampoo	Dry shampoo	Volume and day two hair	France or Amazon

Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+

Sunscreen is probably the most important and the most underrated skincare must-have on this list. Wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin from harmful rays and keep it looking healthy year-round. La Roche-Posay is an award-winning French pharmacy brand established in 1975 that consistently works with dermatologists to create effective formulations with active ingredients.

La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+ has an ultra-resistant formula with very high SPF50+ protection, plus UVA protection (PPD 46) to help prevent dark spots from forming and darkening. The sunscreen is non-greasy and lightweight. For a pharmacy brand, it does seem on the more expensive side, but with benefits like sweat-, sand-, and water-resistance, it is one of the most coveted sunscreens for summer.

One more reason to buy it in France: the pharmacy price is usually well below what you pay in the US, and the French formula is a bit different from the American one.

Eye Cream: Filorga Time-Filler Eyes 5-XP

Filorga Time Filler Eyes 5-XP has a cult following, and it is well worth the hype. With a creamy, gel-like texture, this eye cream aims to improve wrinkles, eyelash volume, under-eye hollows, dark circles, and eyelids. Claimed to mimic Botox effects, it moisturizes the area around the eyes, fades dark circles, and supports healthy eyelash growth.

Lip Balm: Nuxe Rêve de Miel Honey Lip Balm

Unlike many other lip balms, Nuxe’s Rêve de Miel Honey lip balm has been a French favorite since 1994 and continues to live up to its hyped status. Thanks to its thick, mask-like texture, the balm lasts a long time and leaves lips feeling hydrated without constant reapplication.

It also combats dryness and aging lips. The only potential downside is that it contains silicone, which contributes to the soft, dense texture. The silicone can irritate sensitive skin and cause breakouts. 

Note from Andi: I buy 5 or 6 La Roche-Posay lip balms on every trip to France; this has been my go-to for decades!

Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensibio H20

Micellar water is a staple product in a makeup toolkit. It is a quintessential pharmacy product found all over France, and you can rarely go wrong with it. It draws out impurities and leaves the skin refreshed and clean.

The soft formula in Bioderma Sensibio H20 works wonders on all skin types and is an excellent makeup remover for heavy long-wear makeup. It also works well on waterproof makeup without irritation or deep rubbing. A big 500ml bottle costs just a few euros in a French pharmacy and lasts for months, which is why it sits in nearly every French bathroom.

Note from Andi: I also use Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water. Every morning and every evening!

Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré

French pharmacies come equipped with moisturizers for all skin types. Embryolisse is one of the most iconic and popular moisturizers on pharmacy shelves. Created by a Parisian dermatologist in the 1950s, this moisturizer has been used by makeup artists worldwide for its hydration without irritation.

The creme is multipurpose and can be used as a simple moisturizer, as a makeup base, as a mask to smooth and repair, and also as a shaving cream. It stays affordable in France, and a little goes a long way, so one tube seems to last forever.

Oil: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

Used since 1991, this multipurpose oil has been a favorite of Parisians for its subtle, summery scent and its highly absorbent texture. Made with 98.1% natural ingredients and seven different types of plant oils, the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil doesn’t leave behind a greasy texture.

It has a great hydrating, anti-aging, and softening effect, and can be used everywhere on the body, including your hair. It is free of preservatives and silicones. Its pleasant summery scent matches the season and gives skin a youthful, glowy appearance.

Clay Mask: Cattier Ready For Use Green Clay

If you’re looking for some indulgent creamy clay masks, look no further than Cattier! A mask that removes impurities and excess oil while softening and making the skin glow. With three types of clays sourced from all around France, the Cattier Clay Mask doesn’t contain ingredients that could irritate the skin.

One thing to keep in mind is not to let the mask dry out. Use a spray or mist water to keep the mask moist. Since the clay can be a bit drying, moisturize your skin after washing the mask off.

Serum: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

Caudalie Vinoperfect, now sold as the Brightening Dark Spot Serum and billed as a gentle vitamin C alternative, is one of the bestselling serums at French pharmacies. With its extra-gentle formula, it works on all kinds of dark spots (sun spots, post-acne marks, and aging spots) without irritation.

With a lightweight, oil-free texture, the serum is highly absorbent and has a lingering fruity scent. The serum adds a radiant effect to the skin and evens out the color. It is also one of the biggest bargains to bring home: around 42 euros in France versus roughly 82 dollars in the US.

Dry Shampoo: Klorane Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo has been a hairstylist favorite for quite some time, and their love for Klorane hasn't diminished over the years. Since 1971, Klorane has refreshed the scalp by creating volume and delivering the signature disheveled look hairstylists everywhere adore.

Thanks to its unchanged formula, it doesn’t leave any residue on the scalp, can extend the life of a blowout, and add fantastic texture to give you the cool ‘je ne sais quoi’ look.

What Not to Buy

Now that we've shared some great buys, here are a few things I don't recommend.

• Deodorant: it is way more expensive, and if you prefer sticks to sprays, I find that they are not as effective as our American versions.
• Hair spray: if you use a stiff hair spray as I do, it is impossible to find! All the hairspray I have bought in France is not strong enough for me.
• I know that we mentioned Klorane's dry shampoo, but in general, you don't need to buy shampoo, conditioner, or body wash in a pharmacy; you will pay more than you need to, as you can buy really good quality French brands in grocery stores.

Where to Buy French Pharmacy Skincare

Shopping in Paris

If you are in Paris, the famous stop is Citypharma at 26 Rue du Four in the 6th arrondissement, known for the lowest prices in the city and, fair warning, serious crowds. Go right when it opens to beat the lines, grab a basket, and do not expect a leisurely browse. Pharmacie Monge near Place Monge is a calmer alternative with English-speaking staff.

Prices at these discount pharmacies often run 30 to 50 percent below what you pay back home, and if you spend enough in a single shop on the same day, travelers from outside the EU can usually claim a VAT refund, so ask the pharmacy about their détaxe minimum and paperwork before you pay.

Buying at Home

Cannot hop on a plane? Nearly everything on this list ships to your door. You can find all nine picks on Amazon, and I have gathered my favorites in my shop. In US stores, Walgreens and Ulta both carry Avène, La Roche-Posay, and Vichy, while Target stocks La Roche-Posay and Vichy. Watch for sales, ask for gift cards, and keep in mind that a few items, especially the sunscreens, use a different formula in the US than the one sold in France.

Frequently Asked Questions

In general, pharmacists and their staff are very helpful. That said, if you go to one in a very touristy area, they can be overwhelmed and harried and may not spend as much time helping you as you'd like. However, if you go to a “regular” residential one (maybe in the neighborhood your rental apartment is) you will probably have a good experience! Always remember to start your request with a “bonjour.”

If you want to embrace your inner French girl, then trying some of these wonderful French skincare products that you can get at any French pharmacy is a good start. The French trust their local pharmacist as if they were an old family friend, and French skincare brands have a tradition of medicinal products utilizing ingredients found in nature. I encourage you to step inside a pharmacy the next time you visit Paris!

How about you? Do you have a French pharmacy find that you want to share? Do tell!

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