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(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

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.

french pharmacy skin care products

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.

Lait Crème Sensitive Moisturizer

Very Rose Hydrating Lip Balm

Very Rose Hydrating Lip Balm

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.

Reusable Eye Therapy Patches

Reusable Eye Therapy Patches

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.

Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60

Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60

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.

Instant Detox Mask

Instant Detox Mask

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.

Émulsion

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.

Vitamin A Pomade

Vitamin A Pomade

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.

Dexyane Med Soothing Repair Eczema Treatment Cream

Dexyane Med Soothing Repair Eczema Treatment Cream

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.

Physiological Deodorant 24H Roll-On

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.

Homéoplasmine Ointment

Homéoplasmine Ointment

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.