(Beauty Report Card)

The 10 French Pharmacy Skin Care Products I Buy Whenever I’m In Paris

Worth the hype.

May 4, 2024

Erin Lukas

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If your algorithm has you on #SkinTok, you’ve probably come across a French pharmacy skin care haul or two on your FYP. While there are a number of reasons to visit Paris, a trip to “la pharmacie” (as it’s known among Parisians), is quickly becoming justification for pulling the trigger and booking a flight. So what’s so special about pharmacies in France? Their beauty aisles, especially the skin care ones, are a treasure trove of affordable products for virtually every skin type and concern. Not only do these items deliver results, many feel luxurious to use. The caveat is the assortment can be overwhelming, not to mention difficult to decipher if you can’t read French. Luckily, I’ve found the best French pharmacy skin care products after buying and testing a number on various trips.

Whether I’m in Paris for work or for pleasure, I always find time to make a pilgrimage to City Pharma, perhaps the most famous and biggest pharmacy in the city. It’s always stocked to the brim with the most popular items and there are a number of sales associates in lab coats on standby to help you find the best remedy for your exact concern. That said, it can get touristy (and busy) so expect crowds if you go mid-day or on a weekend.

One of my recent City Pharma hauls. Courtesy of Erin Lukas

During your shopping excursion, you’re sure to discover entirely new brands and/or collections from your favorites that aren’t carried in the US. You’ll also find some prestige lines like Caudalie at a fraction of the price it goes for at Sephora. While some skin care favorites are only available in France, there are a handful of independent online retailers that ship to the US. The downsides are they’re often marked up more than you’d pay in France, can take awhile to ship, and you might have to pay duties and taxes when they arrive. However, if a trip isn’t in the cards or you’re desperate to get your hands on a restock on a holy grail, this shopping option is a solid solution.

Ahead, the 10 French pharmacy skin care finds I always stock up on when I’m in Paris. Best believe they’re worth the hype.

Embryolisse

Lait Crème Sensitive Moisturizer

$32

A cult-classic moisturizer that’s beloved by top makeup artists and beauty editors, this Embryolisse cream leaves skin smooth and radiant. I also love applying it before a flight because it prevents the stale airplane air from sucking the moisture out of my skin. While you can buy it in the US, the pharmacies in France often have it packaged with a bonus product for a special price. Consider it the perfect excuse to stock up.

Nuxe

Very Rose Hydrating Lip Balm

$16

Everyone raves about Nuxe’s body oil, but I’m a fan of their lip balms. The rose one has a slight pink tint and subtle scent that makes it a joy to apply. It also has a slight grittiness to it which provides gentle exfoliation for smooth, supple lips.

Talika

Reusable Eye Therapy Patches

$11

Talika’s reusable eye patches come in clutch after a long, mostly sleepless, red-eye flight. They’re infused with musquat rose, wheat germ, avocado oil, ceramides, and shea butter to soothe puffiness and brighten dark circles.

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60

$34

Due to the FDA’s limited approval of sunscreen filters in US, there is a whole wide world of SPFs to discover overseas. I always grab a bottle or two of La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVMune 400 when I’m in Paris. It’s by far the best chemical sunscreen I’ve used because it blocks ultra-long UV rays that other filters don’t, it blends seamlessly into my skin without leaving any greasy residue, and it doesn’t make me break out. While you can’t get it in the US, the version here is a solid substitute to hold you over until your next trip.

Caudalie

Instant Detox Mask

$42

While French pharmacies are great for discovering new skin care staples, you can also find the brands you love at a fraction of the price you pay in the states. One such example is Caudalie. While the entire line is stacked with cult-favorite products, the pore-clearing detox mask is a must-try. In just 10 minutes, it gets rid of congestion and excess oil to reveal clearer, brighter skin.

Biafine

Émulsion

$16

Designed to help speed up the healing of minor cuts, burns, and wounds, I use this cream after shaving or waxing to ease any tenderness and irritation. It also works wonders on sunburns or post-treatments like lasers or peels.

Watch any French pharmacy skin care haul on TikTok, and this over-the-counter prescription-strength retinoid is guaranteed to make an appearance. It contains retinyl palmitate, a retinol ester that’s considered gentle on the retinoid potency scale. That said, it’s still strong stuff and takes a bit of acclimation for your skin to rolerate it. That said, it does wonders for acne, fine lines, and uneven texture.

Ducray

Dexyane Med Soothing Repair Eczema Treatment Cream

$33

On a trip to Paris last year, I found myself with extremely dry, flaky skin around my eyes. Desperate for relief, I picked up this Ducray cream on a whim and it has since become a staple in my routine. As someone who experiences seasonal eczema, I use the cortisone-free product to treat itchy patches and it minimizes the symptoms of a flare-up.

La Roche-Posay

Physiological Deodorant 24H Roll-On

I’ve worn natural deodorant for years, but I’ll be the first to admit that many aluminum-free formulas don’t have much of a lifespan. However, this rollerball deo from La Roche-Posay has held up on 12 hour work days and SoulSurvior classes at SoulCycle. Bonus: It doesn’t stain or leave white marks on my shirts.

Boiron

Homéoplasmine Ointment

$32

$27

This multitasking ointment is like a supercharged version of Vaseline. It includes herbal healing and antiseptic ingredients, which make it great for healing irritated skin. Use it on the tip of your nose after getting over a cold or dry, cracked knuckles, or the lips.