I’m a Beauty Editor, and These Are the French Skincare Products I Always Stock up on in Paris

I don’t believe in gatekeeping. As a beauty editor, I make a living sharing my favorite things with anyone who wants to listen. So, it makes sense that I’ve become a de facto recommender in my friend group. On more than one occasion, my friends have called me from the streets trader Joe’s Or Target To ask for my hot beauty takes and must-haves. And my most recent deep-dive? Of course, French pharmacy skin care. Truly – products may change, but promotions never go out of style.

Now that it’s time before summer, everyone is asking for travel information. Although I love giving restaurant and shopping recs in my favorite cities, my friends are often surprised when I tell them to go straight to local pharmacies. I got my tretinoin in Mexico City (do as I say, not as I do), and I bought a specific CeraVe oil cleanser Every time I’m in London. But nothing can beat French pharmacy skin care. Whenever I’m in Paris, I spend more time in French pharmacies than French bistros. Thanks to endless study and tips from my Parisian friends, I’ve come to know French pharmacy skincare like the back of my hand.

Featured image from the interview with us Sanne Vloet,

Why are we so obsessed with French beauty?

There is something very attractive about this idea french girl beauty. From minimalist skin-care routines to daring red lips and sophisticated hairstyles, I’m always on a mission to replicate the quintessential French girl spontaneity. My Parisian friends tell me that the key to french girl style There is curation. They find what they like and stick to it instead of constantly chasing trends. But it takes a while to develop those sacred grains. And with so many options to choose from, how do you know what’s right for you?

Everyone is always waxing poetic about the best face mists, serums, ointments and oils to be found in Paris. More than the fancy counters of huge boutiques like Le Bon Marché or Galeries Lafayette, French girls flock to local pharmacies to buy their favorite beauty products.

The Best French Pharmacy Skincare Products to Stock Up On

For beauty lovers, stepping into a French pharmacy is like Disneyland. Although some of the most ubiquitous brands have made it stateside, it’s rare to see all of their offerings at once. From popular Holy Grails to more obscure picks, I’ve tried more French pharmacy skin care products than I can count.

If you are planning a trip to France or are standing in the aisle of a French pharmacy as you read this, I suggest you visit several pharmacies and wander the aisles to discover new brands and products. . To help you navigate it all, I’m breaking down the best French pharmacy skincare essentials to stock up on.

Our Top Pick

1. overall best product: Nakse Huile Prodigieuse Multipurpose Dry Oil – $26 at Anthropologie
2. Best for Breakouts: Embryolis 3-in-1 Secret Paste – $24.25 at Beauty Bay
3. Best for Oily Skin: Embryolis Exfoliating Milk Powder – $24.25 at Beauty Bay
4. Best for dry skin: Avene Ciclafate+ Restorative Protective Cream – $12 at Avene USA
5. Best Face Mist: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray – $139 at Vanity Planet
6. Best micellar water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water – $12.99 at Target
7. Best over-the-counter retinol: A313 Retinol Pomade Vitamin A Night Moisturizer – $29.99 at Eisler Chemist

Why I like it: If I could use one product for the rest of my life, it would be this. The quintessential of French pharmacy skincare, this Nux body oil has earned its mainstream success. This dry oil absorbs quickly on the body, penetrating deep into the skin and – when applied to the hair – adding both shine and a sweet smell.

Insider Tip: In Paris, different shapes, scents and variations of this Naxe oil line the walls of pharmacies. I can’t pick a favorite so I get the original formula, plus the Shimmer and Rich Oil.

Main Ingredients: Macadamia Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract

Why I like it: everyone everywhere is always talking about it Embryolyse Latte-Crème Concentre, But don’t sleep on this multi-purpose paste. It is described as an anti-pimple, anti-shine mask and purifying cleanser. With a kaolin clay base, it’s a detoxifying holy grail that I love to apply to my face when I feel a breakout and use it as both a mask and cleanser.

Insider Tip: This paste is formulated for combination, oily skin or acne-prone skin. Proceed with caution if your skin is extremely sensitive.

Main Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract

Why I like it: When it comes to imaginative products for any skin concern Embryolis is the gift that keeps on giving. Think of this gently purifying powder as their answer Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant, Its base of rice, coconut and milk powder transforms into a foaming skin milk that gently exfoliates the skin and leaves it baby soft.

Insider Tip: Think of it as the French girl’s version of skin milk, Because of its silky, milky texture, it’s a great choice for layering under other products. Yes, even if your skin is oily.

Main Ingredients: Cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit extract, Oryza sativa (rice) starch

Why I like it: When my skin is dry, I stock up on whatever cica-based product I can find. From K-Beauty Cica Balm La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm (Another French beauty must-have), this is one of my favorite ingredients for irritation and dryness. This daily cream restores and protects. Plus, it takes advantage of a unique postbiotic to boost your microbiome.

Insider Tip: This cream also comes Spray For you to take on the go.

Main Ingredients: Avene Thermal Spring Water, Copper Sulphate and Zinc Sulphate

Why I like it: The springs of the French town of La Roche-Posay are famous for their healing powers. The water is full of natural minerals – like the powerful antioxidant selenium – that draw thousands of people to the therapeutic springs each year for transformative results. While some facial sprays are just scented water, this mist is literally bottled from the fountain of youth.

Insider Tip: Other French face mists that I love: avene eau thermal And Embryolyse’s Anti-Pollution EO Active,

Main Ingredients: Antioxidant-rich spring water (selenium, copper)

Why I like it: The cornerstone of the French beauty routine is micellar water. What can’t it do? It’s a cleanser, a makeup remover, and a hydrating toner. This pH-balancing micellar water is a classic for a reason.

Insider Tip: Use this as a first step double cleaning For deeply cleansed skin.

Main Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract

Why I like it: The hype is real: Retinol will change your life. Specifically this retinyl palmitate ointment, with a formula that rivals most over-the-counter retinoids. If protecting and producing collagen as you age is your goal, this Vitamin A Pomade delivers.

Insider Tip: Because retinol speeds up cell turnover, you’re effectively unclogging your pores with each application — great if reducing acne is your goal. And as always, apply SPF after your retinol!

Main Ingredients: Cera Microcrystalline, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT

More French Pharmacy Skincare Products to Consider

Although I consider French Pharmacy skin care products to be above the best, if you’re in the mood to shop, these are more favorites I like to recommend.

Biafine Emulsion Cream

There’s no doubt the French can make ointment sexy. Summer’s hottest skin care trend is building back up your skin barrier. While blocker products abound, everyone talks about Biafine’s magic-like results. Usually available only by prescription in the US, it is a thick ointment that dermatologists often prescribe to their patients for post-procedure treatment. Use it especially on dry skin or any scars for faster wound healing.

boiron homoeoplasmin

Slugging is so prevalent for a reason. It’s filling your skin with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to get that coveted glass skin. I’m tired of this French answer to Vaseline. It’s a thick emollient that also contains healing ingredients like calendula to soothe any irritations and wounds. Apply it to your lips before lipstick for the perfect, French girl red pout.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60

From French pharmacies to TikTok, this sunscreen is everyone’s favorite. The serum-like texture absorbs into the skin without leaving a white cast or pilling under makeup. SPF 60 never looked so good.

Caudalie Vinosun Protect Invisible High Protection Spray SPF 50

No surprise there, it’s a multi-purpose sunscreen that works on your face and body. I like it best as a body sunscreen, thanks to its moisturizing grapeseed oil base. Since it is a spray, it is convenient to apply and reapply.

Peppermint Coolcaps

Are you standing at the counter of a French pharmacy as we speak? Grab a few tubes of these miniature mints. They release a small amount of liquid into your mouth for instant freshness. Think of these as a better version of Listerine strips.