Navigating the aisles of the French pharmacy involves identifying which French skincare products are truly worth it, along with their price comparisons (USA vs. FR). Many French brands are much cheaper in France since there are no import fees or duties the company must pay.
Whether you’re a skincare novice or a seasoned aficionado, you’ll want to come home with a bag of skincare goodies from the pharmacy. This blog aims to guide and help you determine which of the best French skincare products are best for you and your skin type. Explore the world of the best French skincare and discover the treasures waiting for you in the aisles of the French pharmacy.
Where to Buy the Best French Skincare – City Pharma
While you can go to any old pharmacy in France, there is a particular one you’ll want to seek out. CityPharma is a discount French pharmacy in Paris and it easily has the largest selection and discounts of products that I’ve seen. It is certain to have all the items listed in my 10 best French skincare products list below, and then a lot more than that. It is located in the 6th arrondissement in Paris, near the Saint Germain de Prés area.
Before going to CityPharma you’ll want to prepare a little bit. The pharmacy is huge compared to the other pharmacies in Paris, with most pharmacies acting as a small area to stop in, get your prescription, and maybe grab a few skincare items. While you technically can pick up a prescription at CityPharma, the objective of this pharmacy seems to be far off from serving as the neighborhood pharmacy. Below I’ve outlined a few tips before your visit to CityPharma:
Key Tips When Visiting CityPharma
- Arrive early + try to go on a weekday
- CityPharma is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am-9pm, Saturdays from 9am-9pm, and Sundays 12pm-8pm.
- CityPharma is popular for tourists and locals alike, so you can imagine how busy it gets. To avoid the crowds, go early in the morning and during a weekday when most people are working. This will most likely guarantee a smooth trip to CityPharma and less wait time.
- Come with a list (bonus: come with photos of the products you want)
- You should have a list of the products you want when visiting any pharmacy in France. The first time I visited a pharmacy in France with the intent of buying something, I walked out in about 15 minutes. It’s overwhelming and admittedly, you’re a little scared to ask for help because of a potential language barrier. (I will note that at CityPharma though, they almost always speak English).
- Names of products are also different in the U.S. than in France. Whenever I couldn’t find something, I found that simply showing a picture was best. The deeper you go into CityPharma, the less phone service you have, so coming prepared with screenshots is the way to go.
- Bring your passport
- Since I live in France, I’ve never done this at the pharmacy, but apparently, if you bring your passport and spend over a certain threshold, you’re eligible for a VAT refund. It doesn’t hurt to try and save even more money if you can!
10 of the Best French Skincare Products
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative
What is it? Brightening serum that combats the look of dark spots caused by sun, acne, or pregnancy, visibly evens skin tone and helps improve skin’s glow. For all skin types.
US Price $82 vs France price ~44€
This Caudalie cult-favorite product is nearly double the price in the U.S. at about $82 a bottle. Many use it as a replacement for their vitamin C serum, and I have many friends going on their third or even fourth bottle. This article in WhoWhatWear follows a staff member’s journey using the viral product, in which the writer claims she had seen an incredible difference in my skin tone and complexion once she started using the product.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir: Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist
What is it? A natural face mist to prep skin, immediately tighten pores & set makeup for dewy, glowing skin For all skin types.
US Price $49/100ml vs France price ~ 36€/100ml
Some of the best French skincare products come from Caudalie, and this face mist is no exception. It can prime, tone skin, and set makeup. The main ingredient is polyphenol-rich grape-seed extract, a popular ingredient present in many of Caudalie’s other products. Polyphenols protect skin against the oxidation and also act as a natural plumping agent to quickly boost skin’s hydration. I use this when I’m prepping my skin in the morning, usually right after I wash my face, though you can also use it mid-day for touchups in case you feel you need the extra moisture.
Nuxe Reve de Miel Honey Lip Oil
What is it? Iconic nourishing lip oil with Honey and Precious Oils nourishes, repairs, and protects dry and damaged lips from aggressions (cold, wind, etc.).
US Price $21/10ml vs France price ~ 16.50€/10ml
Devotees of the popular Nuxe Honey Lip Balm can continue to experience the restorative and moisturizing qualities of the Reve de Miel collection with its silky lip treatment that provides a glossy finish. Personally, I like using the lip balm as an intensive night treatment and the lip care throughout the day for an alluring shine.
If you’re on the lookout for the best French skincare, Nuxe’s Reve de Miel collection stands out, offering a delightful honey-infused lip oil that not only pampers your lips but also captures the essence of honey with subtly powdery floral notes and hints of vanilla.
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 For Dry Skin Irritations
What is it? Multi-purpose soothing cream hydrates cracked, chapped, chafed skin and dry skin irritations. Best for dry skin.
US Price $16/100ml vs France price ~ 17€/10ml
*** This is an easy product to get a discount on in France, especially online or if you go to pharmacies like CityPharma
When I didn’t understand how to properly use retinol, I accidentally ruined my skin barrier and ended up with very dry, flaky skin. I used the Cicaplast Balm B5 to heal my skin barrier, and it worked like a charm. Of all the products I’ve listed, this is probably my favorite product and one of the best French skincare products I’ve ever used. I’ve also used it for a variety of other things, like healing irritated skin (for the time I accidentally waxed off a layer of skin which left me with a very red patch on my face for weeks) and during the winter months when the weather is more dry and cold.
This stuff is amazing, and if you’re sifting through which best French skincare products are worth it, I highly recommend this product. I’ll warn you that the formula is quite thick, so it’s not something you use as an everyday moisturizer (unless you’re really in the business of healing your skin barrier). Now I use it in my skin cycling routine in the 2 “recovery days” after retinol nights.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Facial Wash for Oily Skin
What is it? This gentle facial wash with zinc pidolate effectively cleanses away dirt and oil while respecting skin’s pH balance. Cleanses and purifies skin without over drying. Best for oily skin.
US Price $17/200ml vs France price ~ 12€/200ml
The whole Effaclar line is aimed to treat oily skin, but this face wash is the one that has gotten me through two summers in France with the climbing heat. Pretty much any of the Effaclar cleansing products will promise you squeaky clean skin without drying out your face — a common complaint among facial cleansers for oily skin.
A313 Retinoid
What is it? A pharmaceutical-grade vitamin A ointment sold over-the-counter in France. It contains 0.12% of the mildest forms of vitamin A, called retinol esters. It can be used for fine lines and wrinkles. Works on all skin types.
US Price $18.43/50g vs France price ~ 11.50€/50g
This is another cult classic product that has been extensively covered in magazines and online reviews. This is used to treat fine lines and skin texture and can be a great product to introduce your skin to retinoids. Compared to other similar products in the family of retinols/retinoids, A313 is quite gentle.
To be honest, the reviews on this are 50/50, but I’m including it because for those it does work for, it seems to work really well. If you’re already using something like tretinoin (a prescription retinoid) and your skin can handle it, then no point in switching to A313 since tretinoin is stronger. Before you buy, I recommend educating yourself on retinols to get a better understanding if something as gentle as A313 is right for you. This blog comparing A313 and Tretinoin is a great start.
#7 Vichy Minéral 89
What is it? Vichy’s best-selling hyaluronic acid booster is formulated with Pure Hyaluronic Acid and 15 Mineral-Rich Vichy Volcanic Water to strengthen & repair your skin barrier. Works for all skin types, but best for dry skin.
US Price $30/50ml vs France price ~ 24€/50ml
If you’re in the market for a hyaluronic acid serum, Vichy Minéral 89 is one of the best French skincare products out there. Its star ingredient, hyaluronic acid (HA), naturally found in the skin, works to plump and hydrate by retaining water.
#8 Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate
What is it? A multi-functional moisturizer that includes a blend of essential ingredients from natural origin. Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it delivers nutrients to the skin, retains moisture and protects it from external aggressions. Works on all skin types.
US Price $29/75ml vs France price ~ 21.95€/75ml
This is another cult classic product that I use religiously as my everyday moisturizer. It’s light and won’t clog your pores, but still heavy enough that it’ll protect your skin for the day. During the winter months, I use it in tandem with La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast Balm B5, specifically using the Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate in the mornings and the Cicaplast Balm B5 at night.
A quick search on TikTok will pull up plenty of videos of makeup artists, influencers, and other beauty professionals promoting this cream, and for good reason! This stuff is silky, works on most skin types, and even works as a makeup base. This is another one of my favorites on this list and is among the best of what the best French skincare products have to offer.
#9 La Rosée Sérum Visage Repulpant
What is it? This plumping serum is composed of 5 nourishing organic plant oils: sweet almond, sesame, rosehip, apricot, and sunflower. This combination of oils penetrates deep into the epidermis to nourish and protect it from external aggressions. Best for normal to dry skin. Best for normal to dry sensitive skin.
Not sold in the US vs France price ~ 25€/30ml
La Rosée is a relatively new skincare brand created by two French pharmacists in 2015. The goal was affordable, eco-responsible, and 100% natural cosmetics, and in just a few years, La Rosée managed to establish itself as a leading cosmetics brand in French pharmacies.
If you like face oil, you’ll love this serum by La Rosée. My main qualm with face oils is that they tend to be very heavy and even sometimes sticky (hello Farmacy Honey Grail), but not this stuff. It’s light, but powerful, and works perfectly for skin recovery nights. I highly recommend buying La Rosée in France as they don’t have distributors in the U.S. so the shipping fees are expensive. Other favorites from this brand are their 3 in 1 mask, SOS Baume, and sunscreen stick (though I found the formula for this too oily — good for no makeup days though).
#10 Avène Solaire Very High Protection Sunscreen
What is it? An ultra-light fluid sunscreen for Best for normal to combination skin types. Fragrance-free.
US Price $26.50/40ml vs France price ~ 14€/40ml
Prioritize buying your SPF products abroad as European and Asian sunscreens boast stronger and smoother formulas than sunscreens found in the US. When it comes to French brands, everyone raves about La Roche Posay’s Anthelios Face Sunscreen, but I prefer this Avène sunscreen by far. There is no greasy finish and the sunscreen is enhanced with the calming benefits of Avène Thermal Spring Water. My skin becomes very oily during the summer so it’s hard finding a sunscreen that can work under makeup. This product absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves no white cast.
