10 Cult-Favorite French Pharmacy Products That Are Worth the Hype
French pharmacies are reaching a wider audience than ever thanks to TikTok trends (the #frenchpharmacy tag is approaching 43 million views on TikTok) and skincare influencers. Charlotte Palermino, co-founder and CEO of Dieux, racked up more than half a million views on her breakdown of the best French pharmacy products. Why are skincare products so great at French pharmacies? Per Palermino, “the most exciting things at a French pharmacy are lovely moisturizers at a good price, the sunscreens are the gold standard, and there are some delightful body products that you cannot find in the U.S.”
While some beauty favorites are only available in France, you don’t have to buy a ticket to Paris to experience the magic of French pharmacies. Below, 10 cult-favorite products you can buy online.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse multi-purpose dry oil
This French classic is a perfumed oil that can be used on your face, body, hair, and cuticles. The base is made of a blend of oils including sweet almond oil, camellia oil, hazelnut oil, and argan oil. The lightweight formula is non-greasy and leaves skin soft and moisturized with a light but lingering floral scent.
Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm
Struggling to keep your lips moisturized? This nourishing French lip balm works wonders on dry lips when used as an overnight lip mask. With ingredients like shea butter and lavender honey, it is especially helpful for locking in moisture in the winter months. The intensive balm can be used on your cuticles or as a base layer underneath drying lipsticks.
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre
This facial cream is a French cult classic with multiple usages. It’s recommended by makeup artists as a makeup primer, makeup remover, and moisturizing face cream. Those who use it say it works well for both dry and oily skin. Because the cream is thick, a little goes a long way. It can also be used at night as a face mask.
Boiron Homéoplasmine
Many of the best French pharmacy products can help trim down your packing list: Homéoplasmine is a popular multi-purpose ointment found in French pharmacies. The ointment is a cold-weather staple thanks to its rich, emollient nature. It can be used similarly to Vaseline to soothe irritated skin or chapped lips. It dries on matte, making it a good base for lipstick, too. Because of its mildly antiseptic properties, it’s also handy to help heal burns.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O micellar water
You may recognize this French brand at your local drugstore as it has become an extremely popular brand of micellar water in North America as well. The Sensibio H2O micellar water can be used to cleanse the skin. It’s also used as a gentle but efficient makeup remover that doesn’t leave your eyes stinging. The micellar water is unscented and mild, making it well-suited for those with sensitive skin.
Biafine Emulsion tube cream
Palermino recommends this French emulsion to help heal burns. While a tube of it is much cheaper to buy in France, the versatile ointment is especially handy to carry when traveling to treat curling iron burns, sunburns, small cuts, and even mosquito bites. With anti-inflammatory properties, it can also be used to soothe irritated skin, but should not be used every day as a moisturizer.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance serum
Formulated with Viniferine, an extract made from grapevine sap, this serum is a French favorite for lightening dark spots and acne scars and improving skin tone. The Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is non-photosensitive in contrast with products that include vitamin C (another ingredient for brightening the complexion), meaning you can apply it during your morning routine.
A313 Vitamin A pommade
While not as powerful as retinol, this over-the-counter vitamin A cream is an affordable topical treatment with similar benefits. The cream reduces fine lines and hyperpigmentation while increasing collagen production and cell turnover. Palermino recommends it to those who may not be able to tolerate the full strength of retinol, but still want some of the anti-aging benefits.
La Roche Posay Anthelios hydrating cream
The Anthelios Hydrating Cream is another Palermino-recommended product, as it has a beautiful formula. The SPF 30 sunscreen cream from La Roche-Posay has a non-greasy formula that dries down well. The hydrating components make it a pleasant sunscreen option for those with dry, sensitive skin.
