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Some love to bring back a keychain from their travels, others some cute clothes, but for many these days, we’re searching for the best French pharmacy products to take home.
And you, mon ami(e), are the latter. Chances are that if you are on TikTok and love France travel and skincare, you’ve likely stumbled upon videos depicting French pharmacy skincare hauls. Same.
As a skincare girlie who also visits France multiple times a year, I’ve got the list of the top French pharmacy products for you, many of which I currently have in my own bathroom.
Without further ado, let’s talk about the cult French pharmacy products that’ll up your skincare, makeup, and hair game.
Why a French Pharmacy?
If you’re not French, you may be wondering why you can spot such great French skincare brands at the pharmacy. I mean, pharmacies are for medications, right?
Well, yes. You can definitely still get your prescriptions at the pharmacy in France, but the pharmacies here also offer skincare items, vitamins, homeopathic remedies, first aid items, sanitary products, and even mom and baby products.
However, unlike the typical Rite-Aid and Walgreens pharmacies in the US, they do not sell things like food, cards, and alcohol. Yes, some US pharmacies have a beer and wine section.
Basically, when it comes to personal hygiene and health, it is at a pharmacy in France.
Best French Pharmacy Products
Whether you have dry skin, acne-prone skin, or just want a soft glow, these are the best French skincare products (and even some haircare items) that you can find at the pharmacy.
This list is organized by brand, as many items come from a handful of skincare and haircare brands.
Must Buy French Pharmacy Products From Caudalie
I am obsessed with Caudalie. With its beginnings in Bordeaux, this brand combined skincare with one of France’s most famous crops, grapes, to create amazing antioxidant-rich products that leave skin glowing.
I mean, when life gives you grapes…make wine and cult-classic-worthy skincare!
You get the idea. But I’ve been using this brand for a bit now, and the results speak for themselves.
Here are some tried and true Caudalie skincare products you’ll want to stock up on when you visit France.
1. Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative
This powerhouse in a bottle is 62 times more effective than Vitamin C, is oil-free, and really works. As someone who has both melasma and rosacea, it certainly helps.
Ever since I picked up a bottle of this in April, I have had almost zero melasma dark spots, even while traveling to sunny destinations like Puerto Rico and spending several hours outside hiking and running!
That alone gives this a gold star from me.
It also helps with redness from acne, and I get some redness from rosacea on my cheeks, which I’ve certainly seen a slight decrease in while using this product.
Overall, I can’t recommend it enough. So on my recent visit to France in September, I maybe picked up two large bottles.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
2. Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream With Niacinamide
This has started to get more attention recently as a great way to reduce dark circles. In fact, according to their website, 86% of people who used it twice a day for 2 months saw dark circles visibly brightened.
I do love the applicator which is rounded and cool. It feels nice and refreshing on the undereye skin and helps with puffiness in the morning.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
3. Beauty Elixir
This is a cult French pharmacy product for sure. This not only smells clean and fresh, but this hydrating mist helps enhance glow, tighten pores, and works as a great makeup setting spray.
It feels nice on the skin, and I’ve used it as a setting spray post-makeup application as well as a spray when I’m going out without much face makeup and just want a glowy look.
Plus, this is 100% natural, and vegan, and contains many antioxidants and refreshing essential oils.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
4. Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser
This face wash contains salicylic acid to help acne-prone skin. It also contains essential oils to help soothe. It is best used when combined with the Vinopure toner, salicylic serum, moisturizer, and targeted spot treatment.
If you’re acne-prone then this is a great soothing and refreshing gel cleanser to use.
I actually just got this on my recent visit to the French pharmacy as a gift for buying way too many Caudalie products. As someone who is allergic to benzoyl peroxide and was acne-riddled during my teenage years and early 20s, this would’ve been so helpful back then.
However, even in my 30s, the occasional pimple and breakout pops up. But since I’ve been using this, my breakouts are fewer than before! I’m halfway through the bottle and sad that I didn’t pick up more of it on my last visit.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
5. Vinopure Color Correcting Spot Solution with Salicylic Acid
Now I did pick this up on my recent visit to France, and I love using it. In fact, when I first got home I saw a pimple or two starting to rear their ugly heads on my face (thanks hormones)… I had a wedding to go to that weekend, so they had to go.
I applied it after washing my face before bed and woke up the next morning with one fewer pimple and one already fading. So that’s a win in my book.
I also love that the cream has green coloring so it immediately offsets redness from your pimple and can be worn under wakeup.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
6. Vinergetic C+ Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask
I’ve seen people snagging this at French pharmacies and loving it. This product claims to visibly tighten pores in as little as 10 minutes. It is meant to be used twice a week.
I haven’t been able to try this one yet, but as a lover of face masks, I’ll keep this on the list for my next visit.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
7. Vinopure Purifying Mask
I did pick this up during my best French pharmacy skincare products shopping spree. This is said to reduce imperfections in just 5 minutes. It is to be used twice a week and is good for combination skin.
I love that there is a green tint to the product, and look forward to using this often to help with redness from pimples and rosacea.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
8. Vinosun Protect SPF
People do rave about Caudalie’s sunscreen line. They offer both spray and cream in SPF 30 and 50.
I actually received a free sample of this when I purchased the Vinoperfect Serum back in April and loved how non-greasy it felt. It goes on my skin easily, is easy to rub in, and protects against UVA/UVB rays.
Also, as a person who is allergic/sensitive to so many different types of sunscreen, it is nice to have this around. It has antioxidants to help those with sensitive skin too.
As it doesn’t feel super heavy, it is great to lather on before the beach, before a hike, or just whenever you’re out in the sun.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it here!
Best Products at the French Pharmacy: NUXE
Another famous French pharmacy brand, NUXE, has gained its fame from its iconic Huile Prodigiuese face, hair, and body oil. But the brand has some other great finds as well.
9. NUXE Huile Prodigieuse
Okay, let’s start with this cult classic French skincare item. With 7 precious 100% botanical oils, this product is said to nourish and repair the face, hair, and body.
However, it goes on dry, meaning it won’t make your skin look oily and greasy afterward.
The dry oil claims to help diminish stretch marks, protect skin from pollution, and leave skin moisturized for 8 hours.
This is something you can add to your moisturizer for a soft glow on the skin, help condition your hair like a mask before you wash it, and help to leave hair soft and supple.
I have both the original Huile Prodigieuse and the shimming version. I actually prefer the shimming dry oil, especially as it looks amazing in the summer for a sun-kissed glow and adds a subtle shimmer to the skin for date night.
There are also other versions of Huile Prodigieuse like the pink Florale and the green Neroli with ente plums oil.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
10. Reve de Miel Gentle Face Cleanser
While I do love the shimmer oil above, I’m actually a huge fan of their Reve de Miel line. In fact, I’ve been a big fan of this face cleanser for years.
Once upon a time, I used to subscribe to BirchBox and a mini version of this came in one of the boxes. I immediately became obsessed with how easily it melted away my makeup and left my skin smelling good and feeling soft.
But… sadly, BirchBox stopped supplying it, and I had a difficult time finding it again.
Until I popped into a French pharmacy and saw it in the NUXE section. So, now I like to stock up on this. I use this to take off any makeup, including tinted moisturizer. While you can just use this as your face wash, I also tend to use my regular face wash after this to prevent breakouts due to my oily/combination skin.
I seriously always make sure that I have this on hand. It is quite literally my favorite way to remove makeup.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
11. Reve de Miel Honey Lip Oil
First of all, this is adorable. The top looks like a honey dipper. But this lip oil is super nourishing and gives lips a nice shine.
I’ve heard that it is even better than Dior’s lip oil. While I don’t have other lip oils to compare it to, I really enjoy this. I sometimes even like to put it over matte lipstick to give it a nice shine.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
12. Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm
I purchased this over a year ago at a French pharmacy, and it is pretty nice. While I don’t typically use it as a chapstick, I will put this on in the winter months as a lip mask before bed.
While people rave about this product online, I’ll be honest that Burt’s Bees chapstick is just as nourishing and I prefer that for everyday wear.
But, it does smell nice and it does leave lips nice and smooth.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
La Roche-Posay French Drugstore Skincare Products
La Roche-Posay is also part of the cult favorite French skincare products that many know and love. And thankfully, you can find this a lot easier in the US. In fact, I can even spot many of their products at Target!
However, prices are much cheaper in France. So here are some favorite French pharmacy beauty products from La Roche-Posay.
13. Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen For Face SPF 50
I absolutely love this stuff. As someone who actually doesn’t wear a ton of makeup daily, this is a favorite of mine. It goes on light and blends nicely, making skin soft, supple, and radiant.
Plus, it offers great protection against the sun and is even water-resistant for 40 minutes. And, being a person with sensitive skin, especially when it comes to sunscreens, this hasn’t irritated my face at all.
I will either wear it on its own on my face and neck or mix it in with foundation whenever I wear foundation.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
14. Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Great for anti-aging, this product has hyaluronic acid and leaves skin plump and replenished. It is also great for sensitive skin.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
15. Cicaplast Balm B5 For Dry Skin Irritations
This non-greasy cream is for hydrating dry, cracked, chafed, and chapped skin.
For those who live in cooler climates and have harsher winters, this is a great thing to have on hand. Plus, with B5 and shea butter, it’ll help soothe and moisturize skin fast.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
Klorane Top French Pharmacy Products
Yet another French beauty brand I was introduced to via BirchBox in 2016, I love their products. Here are the ones to add to your pharmacy list!
16. Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Their dry shampoo is fantastic! And the one with oat milk is a plant-based dry shampoo that helps take care of oil and dirt while leaving hair smelling fresh.
For those who are trying to wash their hair a little less but don’t want greasy hair, this is a must-buy French pharmacy product.
Plus, I recommend picking up a full-size and travel-size so you can take it on the road!
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
17. Smoothing and Soothing Eye Patches
I love a good face or eye mask, especially masks that you don’t have to wash off. As I travel a lot, hydrating face and eye masks are key.
While I bought this on a whim near the checkout at a French pharmacy back in April in France, I quickly became addicted. Not only do I reach for these during plane rides, but I also love them to help reduce under-eye puffiness when I don’t get the best night of sleep.
And, again, as someone who is on the road a lot, there are plenty of times when I’ll have these on while getting ready after a night of jetlag sleep and/or a night on the town.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
Other French Pharmacy Beauty Products With a Cult Following
Here are some other great items to pick up while at a French Pharmacy to bring home!
18. Avene Eau Thermal Spray
This has become quite popular as well, and I did buy some of it when I was visiting France during a heat wave and was desperate for a cooling mist spray.
But… I’ll be honest: it’s just water. Water and nitrogen to make it spray. So, while a full-size can is €6 or so, it doesn’t seem terribly worth it to me for water. Purchase yourself a mist spray bottle, fill it with water, and spritz your face.
It is cheaper and gives you the same amusement park water mister-feel as this does.
Okay, jokes aside, I don’t hate this product. It is fancy water that is canned, and it is refreshing on your skin on a hot day. But if you are already spending a lot on the other must-have French pharmacy products, I’d give this one a skip.
19. Bioderma Micellar Water
This is a great product to also easily remove makeup after a long day. Plus, it is good for those with sensitive skin.
It is also great to wipe your face down after a day wandering around a big city where there is pollution in the air…and most likely on your skin.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
20. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate
This is vitamin and antioxidant-rich, making it a great moisturizer for dry skin. It is a great face lotion that isn’t greasy and absorbs easily.
So before makeup, this is a great thing to reach for first.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
21. Ialuset Hyaluronic Acid Cream Anti Wrinkle
This French pharmacy product has hyaluronic acid to reduce skin wrinkles and lines. Plus this is great for hydrating dry skin and can be used overnight as a repair mask.
22. Hexomedine Transcutanee Topical Solution
Okay, many of the famous French pharmacy products can easily be found around the shop. For this one, you may need to ask the pharmacist directly.
When I picked this up back in April, it was behind the counter, but the pharmacist can easily help.
This is actually an antiseptic solution that you can use for cuts and scrapes, but it is also great for ingrown hairs, and, most famously, acne.
23. A313 Retinoid
This is another item that is also likely behind the counter, so don’t be alarmed if you can’t find it while perusing the local French pharmacy. This is a pharmaceutical-grade vitamin A (Retinoids) that helps plump up fine lines and leaves skin fresh.
The best part is this pharmaceutical-grade retinoid is actually a fraction of the cost of many treatments in the US.
As someone who used to drop close to $100 on Kiel’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum, this is honestly just as good. The product is thick but goes on nicely and doesn’t feel greasy. Plus, it doesn’t feel as dry on my skin. I’ll definitely be picking this up again on my next French pharmacy visit.
As an important note, if you’ve never used a retinoid, you’ll want to start slow, as it can dry out your skin if you aren’t used to it. You have to build up to using it nightly.
24. Boiron Homeoplasmine Ointment
What was once allegedly known as a nipple ointment for chapped and dry nipples from breastfeeding, is now known as a skin cure-all.
And it is great! I’ve used this for dry skin patches, especially in the winter, on skin cuts and irritations, etc. If I have a skin irritation, this is usually what I reach for now.
Can’t make it to France? Buy it on Amazon here!
25. Biafine
This is another cult-classic French pharmacy skincare product. Only, while there have been TikTok videos saying to put this on your face daily, please do not do that.
This isn’t meant for everyday skincare. This is used for burns, small skin wounds, and sunburns. But it is a French pharmacy secret emulsion to help treat burns and sunburns quickly!
This may also be an item you may have to ask the pharmacist for.
Where to Buy The Best French Pharmacy Products
Many of these French pharmacy products aren’t exclusive to France. In fact, I’ve listed many above that you can find on Amazon.
However, I will admit that the prices are far better in France. While items like the Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative are $119 online for the jumbo size, it can be found for only €56 in France at a French pharmacy.
So, if you can’t get to France any time soon, you can sometimes find these products online or sometimes at your local Target (such as the case with La Roche-Posay), but they are a fraction of the cost in France.
But, to be fair, it is still cheaper to buy it online than to book a plane ticket to France I suppose!
However, if you’re planning a trip to France, I would stock up on these to bring back home! Obviously, you’ll have to check your bag home, but it is worth it- especially if the airline includes a free checked bag. Just be sure to wrap everything up safely!
That is what I’ve done the last several visits to France and all my beauty products have made it home safely.
Now, when it comes to where to purchase these top French pharmacy products in France, you can get them at almost any pharmacy.
Just look for the green cross and Pharmacie sign. You’ll usually be able to find a lot of these in those stores.
But… to save even more money, you can head to CityPharma in Paris. This is where the pharmacy hauls on TikTok are from.
This large pharmacy is located at 26 Rue du Four, 75006, Paris, France.
Just a warning, though, it is usually packed with people getting their French skincare fix. So expect long lines unless you go as soon as it opens. Even then who knows?
But, you get more discounted prices there and it is easier to find the skincare products, especially as they are on the first floor.
However, if you don’t mind spending a few more euros, then you can avoid the crowds at almost any other pharmacy for the same products.
Well, there you have it! These are the 25 best French pharmacy products that you’re going to absolutely fall in love with! Which are your favorites? Which would you like to try? And did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!
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