Anyone who knows me knows that I have a love-hate relationship with France. Vintage shopping in the City of Lights normally takes all my money, but the French pharmacy scene is also a treasure trove of budget-friendly staples. If you’ve ever been privy to a good #EuroSummer Instagram dump, or have even gotten a peek into a beauty editor’s press trip to the romantic city, you’ll quickly realize that no one goes to this country without stocking up on skincare—and there's a good reason why.
“French beauty is rooted in a philosophy of simplicity, efficacy, and deep respect for the skin,” Julie Perret, brand director at Embryolisse, tells me. “What sets French pharmacy skincare apart is our commitment to science-backed formulations, high-quality ingredients—often sourced from nature—and a minimalist, preventative approach to care. We focus on strengthening and protecting the skin barrier, not overloading it." It’s this blend of dermatological precision and understated elegance that makes French skincare trusted around the world.
Given that I (sadly) don’t live in Europe and therefore don’t have regular access to their pharmacies, I’ve had to do some recon to get my hands on the French-girl-approved brands and products that the natives swear by, right here in the United States. If you’ve also been on the hunt for the beauty products that will allow you to cosplay as Jeanne Damas, keep scrolling to see what you’ll need to have on hand.
The Best French Pharmacy Beauty Products
- The Best French Pharmacy Beauty Product Overall: Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre Moisturizer
- The Best French Pharmacy Beauty Product For Acne-Prone Skin: Caudalie Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum
- The Best French Pharmacy Beauty Product for Exfoliation: Embryolisse Exfoliating Face Scrub Powder
- The Best Body Oil From the French Pharmacy: L’Occitaine Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil
Whether you love a full glam or only wear lip balm on a regular basis, everyone (and I do mean everyone) uses this cream. It leaves this skin feeling moisturized and glowy, perfect for applying foundation on top or letting your make-up-free face glimmer under the sun.
Size: 2.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Shea butter (nourishing and softening for the skin); Aloe vera (moisturizing and soothing); Beeswax (moisture retention)
What I Love: Works by itself or under makeup; Suitable for most skin types; Easy tube packaging.
What I Don’t: Scented
Review for MC: “While I don’t need to get on a seven-hour flight to get my hands on it, this Embryolisse moisturizer is easily my favorite pharmacy staple. It’s my go-to morning moisturizer, working perfectly under makeup and leaving my skin hydrated but not heavy.” — Samantha Holender, Sr. Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender testing the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré.
As someone with acne-prone skin, I don’t trust that many over-the-counter products to get the job done. Leave it to French skincare brand Caudalie to make the serum of my dreams. I incorporated this serum into my routine recently and it's kept my acne at bay ever since.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Natural salicylic acid (exfoliates blocked pores); Niacinamide (addresses hyperpigmentation)
What I Love: Saw results in two weeks; Compact bottle that I can travel with
What I Don’t: People with extremely sensitive skin need to ease into daily use
Review for MC: “I started testing this product in anticipation of this story, and it is genuinely one of the best decisions I have ever made for my skin. I’ve dealt with acne practically since puberty started, and I don’t think my skin has ever been this clear for this long. I always thought acne was simply always going to be a part of my skin journey, but for the first time in my life, I feel like I can have bump-free skin, which is the best feeling in the world.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Caudalie Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum.
Physical exfoliants can get a bad rep, but I believe in tailoring my skincare routine for my specific needs, and my skin thrives when I use a physical exfoliant once or twice a week. This one from Embryolisse comes out as a powder, but when I add water to it, it becomes this slightly gritty paste that makes my face feel phenomenal after washing it off.
Size: 1.41 oz
Key Ingredients: Micronized coconut shell (to physically exfoliate the skin); Micronized coconut pulp (firming)
What I Love: Physically exfoliates but doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped of moisture
What I Don’t: The spout can get clogged easily, so I have to bang it against the wall in the shower to clear it
Review for MC: “Physical exfoliants will always have a place in my routine, and this one from Embryolisse is the latest I’m gushing over. The exfoliating properties are gentle on the skin, so I don’t have to worry about feeling too dry after showering, and the packaging is small enough to travel with easily. I fully plan to take advantage of this on all my upcoming summer trips.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing the Embryolisse Exfoliating Face Scrub Powder.
I’m a gal with sensory issues, and I simply don’t like the feeling of lotions or oils on my body. That being said, this one from L'Occitane sinks into the skin quickly and leaves behind a subtle glow. The best part is the soft almond scent. I’ve become obsessed with this formula and already have another backup on standby. It’s that good.
Size: 3.3 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil (protects skin barrier); Vitamin E (antioxidant that helps to firm skin); Omega-9 (fatty acid that helps promote softness)
What I Love: Spray nozzle; Soft nutty fragrance
What I Don’t: The bottle gets slippery easily because it’s glass
Review for MC: “I’m so incredibly picky about my body oils, and that’s why I want to shout from the rooftops when I find one that I like. This formula from L'Occitane is lightweight, but doesn’t feel like it immediately disappears from the skin. Instead, it leaves behind this deeply nourishing shine that gives my skin a slight almond scent. I typically wear some scent to bed, and I love that this one pairs well with all the perfumes and body mists that I have on my nightstand.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing the L’Occitaine Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil.
Other French Pharmacy Beauty Products I Love
My biggest shortcut to feeling like a chic French woman is taking out a fancy lip balm. But not just any formula will do; we need to go to the greats, like Sisley Paris. The Phyto Lip balm comes in the most stunning gold tube and boasts ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, ensuring that my lips will be moisturized for hours after one application.
Size: 0.1 oz
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter (smoothing and anti-aging); Jojoba seed oil (retains moisture and stops transepidermal water loss)
What I Love: Chic gold packaging; Lightweight on the lips; Tinted versions available
What I Don’t: One of the most expensive lip balms in my collection
Review for MC: “It’s on the more luxe end of the spectrum, but the Sisley Paris Lip Balm is worth every penny. I know—you’re going to say all lip balms are the same. But I promise this one is just built differently. The texture is dreamy and the hydration actually sinks deep into my lips for lasting softness.” — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Once I found out that this is the foundation that was used on Zendaya while she shot Euphoria, I immediately had to try it. While the shade range could use some work, the color banana fits me incredibly well, and the formula adds a wash of sheer coverage, while keeping my skin looking dewy and fresh.
Size: 1 oz
Key Ingredients: Aloe (calms inflammation); Rosemary (antioxidant); Vanilla (helps repair skin barrier)
What I Love: Feels extremely lightweight on the skin; Leaves behind a dewy finish
What I Don’t: Jar packaging can feel unhygienic; Shade range needs work
Customer Review: “I have been buying this foundation for years. It’s my favorite so far and is great for my age of 59. It’s not heavy at all. People compliment my complexion when I wear it.” — Bluemercury
This cream has been raved about by skin-care enthusiasts, makeup artists, and editors alike, and when I finally got the chance to try it, I understood why. Not only can this formula be used as a moisturizer, but it can also act as a primer for makeup, a highlighter over a full face, and even a cuticle cream.
Size: 1.3 oz
Key Ingredients: Avène thermal spring water (soothes and calms skin); Water (hydration); Copper and Zinc Sulfate (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory)
What I Love: Easy-to-dispense tube packaging; Multipurpose formula
What I Don’t: When the product gets low, the tube starts to crack
Customer Review: “I love this cream for a variety of skincare issues. I have eczema, and this cream soothes outbreaks. It also works to heal burns and scrapes. I'll never be without a tube in my medicine chest.” — Dermstore
I bought this body oil on a trip to Portugal a few years ago and fell in love with Nuxe, a brand that is featured in practically every French pharmacy. The original formula is quick-absorbing, and this shimmer version follows suit. However, instead of a healthy sheen, this version delivers delicate sparkles that make you glimmer in the sun (or on a night out). It’s one of my most cherished products that I own.
Size: 1.6 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil (radiance and elasticity); Rosemary leaf oil (antioxidant and balances the skin)
What I Love: Spray dispenser; Fine shimmers that aren’t chunky
What I Don’t: This shimmer version can be hard to track down
Customer Review: “This oil is so nice and makes my skin glow! The smell of this product is gorgeous and makes me calm and relaxed, like in a spa. I will definitely buy this again!” — Target
I’ve been trying to get better at applying my hand creams because I wash said hands incessantly. I’ve gone through quite a few formulas that have left them feeling sticky and greasy (my personal nightmare), but this one from La Roche-Posay is the formula that got it right. It has long-lasting hydration thanks to ingredients like glycerin, but it doesn’t feel heavy or like I have a mask on my hands, which is my ideal texture.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (brightens dark spots); Glycerin (boosts hydration); La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water (hydration)
What I Love: Simple tube packaging; No greasy residue
What I Don’t: Small bottle
Customer Review: “My hands instantly feel better after using this hand cream. I work in healthcare and wash my hands a lot. I use this at work and at bedtime.” — Ulta
Speaking of preferred formulas, this is one of the best lightweight body moisturizers for sensitive skin that you can buy from a French pharmacy. It’s a gel texture that makes my skin glow, but unlike other similar formulas, it keeps my skin hydrated overnight, instead of evaporating immediately and making me somehow feel drier after a shower.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter (nourishing and softening for the skin); Sunflower oil (antioxidant and emollient); Lavender oil (reduces inflammation)
What I Love: Unique jelly formula; Provides deep hydration
What I Don’t: Jar packaging can get messy, which causes the lid to not close properly at times.
Customer Review: “Bio oil is an amazing product, and I have very dry skin, and put this on at night and sometimes a little in the day in addition to my moisturizer. A little goes a long way with this product.” — Ulta
It’s a pretty penny, but this is one of the best hyaluronic acids that money can buy. It’s gentle enough to be used day and night and can even be used regularly on sensitive skin, without any discomfort. It can even be used to transform foundation into a light skin tint, without breaking up the formula throughout the day. The luxe pump packaging is simply the icing on the cake of this gorgeous serum.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Micro hyaluronic acid (allows for deeper penetration of the hydration that this ingredient draws to the skin); Water (hydration); Glycerin (draws moisture to the skin)
What I Love: Hygienic pump packaging; Safe for sensitive skin or a compromised skin barrier
What I Don’t: Draws moisture to the skin
Customer Review: “I use a number of Sothys products as part of my daily regimen, however, this was purchased on a whim, and I absolutely love it. The serum is calming and hydrating, while still feeling light on your skin. I definitely recommend, especially if you have sensitive skin!”— Lovely Skin
I live for a good face mist, and this one from Yon-Ka is worth picking up. It’s alcohol-free, highly moisturizing, and safe for sensitive skin. I almost use it like a glow serum because the dew it leaves behind never fails to make my skin radiate.
Size: 6.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Water (hydration); Glycerin (draws moisture to the skin); Lavender oil (reduces inflammation)
What I Love: Spray bottle dispenser; Safe for sensitive skin
What I Don’t: Bottle can break easily, so don’t travel with the original packaging
Customer Review: “This toner has a great scent and soothes my face for my morning regimen. Excellent with face serum or after moisturizer application.” — Amazon
I love a good under-eye patch, especially as skin prep before I do my makeup, and this one from Talika needs to be on your “must-buy” list. It’s deeply hydrating and is perfect for those with dry skin. Still, even if you’re oily like me, rest assured that your concealer will glide on like butter after using these, and your makeup will be sitting pretty all day. (Hot tip: use the leftover serum in the packaging on your hands.)
Size: Two large under-eye masks
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera (moisturizing and soothing); Matricaria (addresses skin inflammation and irritation, and reduces skin redness)
What I Love: Easy to use; non-irritating to skin
What I Don’t: I wish I could get these in a value pack instead of having to get them in singles
Customer Review: “This is a great way to help with bags and wrinkles underneath your eyes. It gives you the moisture you need.” — Amazon
How to Build a French Skincare Routine
According to Perret, there are a few products that are non-negotiable when it comes to building a true French-beauty routine. “The daily essential products have to contribute to healthy and resilient skin,” she says. The following is a list of her must-haves:
- A gentle cleanser.
- A soothing and hydrating mist or thermal water to calm and prep the skin.
- A targeted serum, often with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide
- A high-quality moisturizer suited to your skin type.
Why Are French Pharmacies So Good?
There’s a special magic that fills the air in a French pharmacy, and Perret says it’s due to each retailer’s unique approach to educating consumers. “French pharmacies are trusted around the world because they combine dermatological expertise with accessibility,” Perret says. “They offer dermatologist-approved formulas and prioritize efficacy, tolerance, and safety."
French pharmacists are also highly trained (they have to study for a minimum of six years) and will advise customers on the most appropriate solutions for their skin. Their work combines medical credibility, product integrity, and approachability.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
For this story, I sourced editor favorites and tested over products available in a typical French pharmacy, but that are available to shop in the United States. I evaluated each formula based on qualifiers like ease of application and efficacy.
Meet the Experts
Julie Perret is the brand director at Embryolisse.
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