The 10 Best French Pharmacy Products of 2024
</span><br><br>Whenever Dr. David Kim, a dermatologist in New York City, is in France, he always makes sure to stock up on his favorite French beauty essentials, including some cult-favorite products like Biafine and Homeoplasmine. French pharmacies also have some of the best <a href=” target=”_blank”>anti-aging moisturizers</a> and <a href=” target=”_blank”>micellar waters</a>. If you’re planning a trip to the City of Love or want to discover top-quality formulas, keep reading for the best French pharmacy products. Each product was vetted by editors, experts, and beauty obsessives, and best of all, you can get shipped straight to your door in the States.<br></p>”/>
Talk to any French skincare lover, and there’s a good chance that one of the first products they mention will be Biafine. Biafine is a cream used for superficial skin wounds, like sunburns or small cuts. It works by adding tons of moisture to the skin—some people even use it for slugging.
Key ingredients: Trolamine, avocado oil
French Beauty Co.rating: 5/5
An ELLE editor says: “The first time I went to Paris, Biafine was the product I knew I needed to get. I’d heard so many good things about it, so my friend and I both got a tube while we were there, and now we’re hooked. Every time I’m abroad, I pick one up. I’ve used it for everything, from sunburns to slugging to even body lotion when my skin is particularly irritated. Let me tell you—it’s a cult favorite for a reason.” —Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Pros
- Prescription-strength retinoid
Cons
- Some dislike how heavy it is
Prescription-strength retinol that you can get over the counter? Sign us up. A313 is made with retinoids that help smooth skin, prevent breakouts, and even fade hyperpigmentation. In the world of French beauty, it’s a must.
Key ingredient: Vitamin A
French Pharmacy rating: 4.9/5
A French Pharmacy reviewer says: “The cream is on the thicker side, and yes, it is heavy, but if you put it on mixed with a moisturizer, and put an occlusive (to seal in the product) over, it stays on all night, does not rub off. Even after one night, I was very surprised with the results! The fine lines on my forehead appeared less deep, my texture is smoother all over. I’m very impressed! A little goes a long way. My skin was not irritated nor red.”
3
Best Daytime Moisturizer
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre
Pros
- Works well under makeup
Cons
- Might be too lightweight for drier months
Embryolisse is every makeup artist’s favorite moisturizer. It’s lightweight but incredibly hydrating, works well under makeup, and gives skin an ethereal glow, thanks to shea butter and soy proteins that hydrate and firm.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, soy protein
Dermstore rating: 4.4/5
An ELLE editor says: “I’ve gone through three tubes of this, and I normally never even finish one moisturizer. I love how well this moisturizer works under sunscreen and makeup. It’s also so easy to travel with.”—Katie Berohn
4
Best for Chapped Lips
Homeoplasmine Ointment
Pros
- Softens dry patches of skin
Cons
- Some find the texture too thick
Homeoplasmine is technically a nipple cream, but French women know it can be used for so much more. Thanks to nourishing and soothing ingredients like calendula and Bryonia flower, it works especially well as a lip mask or as a save for extremely dry skin.
Key ingredients: Calendula, bryonia flower
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
Our expert says: “Homeoplasmine is a product I buy whenever I run out. It’s a thick emollient like Vaseline but also has calming ingredients. ”—Dr. Kim
5
Best for Removing Makeup
Bioderma Sensibio – H2O Micellar Water
Pros
- Cleanses skin and removes dirt and oil
Cons
- Some find it doesn’t take off waterproof makeup
Micellar water is nothing new, but in Paris, Bioderma’s iteration reigns supreme. It removes makeup, cleanses skin, and even soothes irritation since it’s also infused with calming cucumber extract.
Key ingredients: Cucumber extract, micelles
Dermstore rating: 4.6/5
A Dermstore reviewer says: “This is by far the best micellar water I have ever used, it’s slightly more expensive than some of the other leading brands but it’s very much worth the money. It removes all makeup and is even ok to use under the eyes. I have recently seen that Bioderma has one specifically for the eyes so I will be trying that one too. Your face will feel clean and refreshed after use.”
6
Best Multi-Purpose Oil
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
Pros
- Moisturizes without making skin greasy
Cons
- Some dislike the scent
If you were to ask French women what their staple product is, they’d tell you that it’s this golden oil. It’s multi-use, so you can put it on your hair, face, or body, and it’s formulated with a blend of seven botanical oils, including argan, camellia, and hazelnut.
Key ingredients: argan oil, vitamin E, hazelnut oil
Amazon rating: 4.4/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “It is a dry oil and it absorbs quickly without leaving you feeling greasy or oily. The scent lingers for a while, but it is not overpowering. Very soft and subtle. I use this in the winter to moisturize my body, as a face oil and as an after shower treatment that gives a light pleasant scent to go to bed. In the summer I like it because it adds a very subtle sheen to the skin. I’ve also used it as a hair oil. Very pleased.”
7
Best Sunscreen
La Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 SPF 50+
Pros
- Sinks in easily
Cons
- Might not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin
It’s no secret that other countries just have better sunscreens than the U.S. This La Roche-Posay SPF is a lightweight, liquid formula infused with thermal spring water that soaks in instantly and doesn’t feel greasy at all.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, thermal spring water
French Pharmacy rating: 4.9/5
An ELLE editor says: “I was in the South of France and forgot sunscreen. I decided to buy this one from the pharmacy, and it quickly became my all-time favorite sunscreen. It blends so seamlessly, wears well under makeup, and makes skin dewy but not greasy.”—Katie Berohn
8
Best for Soothing
Avène Thermal Spring Water
Pros
- Spring water calms skin
Cons
- Some don’t like the spray nozzle
Thermal spring water is the key to cooling down on hot days and refreshing your makeup after it’s been on your face for a few hours. This Avène spring water is rich in postbiotic microflora to soothe and calm the skin.
Key ingredient: Thermal spring water
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
An ELLE editor says: “My favorite way to use this is by spraying my face right before I put on hyaluronic acid serum. The hyaluronic acid pulls water into the skin, and when I use this thermal water, it gives me the glowiest skin imaginable.” —Katie Berohn
9
Best for Setting Makeup
Caudalíe Beauty Elixir Face Mist
Pros
- Makes skin look dewy and glowy
Cons
- Pricey
Caudalié products are a French staple. This mist makes skin glow, tightens pores, and sets makeup. Plus, it’s made with hydrating green grapes, radiance-boosting rose essential oil, and cooling peppermint essential oil.
Key ingredient: Grapes, rose essential oil, peppermint essential oil
Amazon rating: 4.4/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using this product for quite some time now, and I must say, it’s become an indispensable part of my makeup routine. I typically apply it after completing my makeup, and let me tell you, the results are fantastic. This magical potion creates a dewy finish to my skin that not only enhances my makeup but also adds a subtle glow that lasts all day. It’s like a finishing touch that takes my look to the next level.”
10
Best for Scalp
Klorane Dry Shampoo Powder With Oat Milk
Pros
- Soothes and calms irritated scalps
Cons
- Some find it leaves a white cast
If you’ve ever been to France, you know that French women have mastered the art of done-but-undone hair. This dry shampoo is their secret weapon. The formula is comprised of oat milk, which is gentle and soothing—it’s basically skin care for the scalp.
Key ingredient: Oat milk
Amazon rating: 4.2/5
An ELLE editor says: “When I went to Paris for the first time, this was one of the products I stocked up on at the pharmacy. I picked up the aerosol version at the time; I loved it for its pleasant scent and ability to get the job done without feeling heavy or gunky on my strands or scalp. However, I didn’t love that one wrong move would lead to my face getting a hit or two of the dry shampoo. I’m relieved that they have this loose powder version, which feels so much easier to control.”—Carol Lee, associate beauty e-commerce editor
Meet the expert
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn interviewed a dermatologist and tested products to find the best French pharmacy products.
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Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her Master’s Degree at NYU’s Graduate Program of Magazine Journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life Magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan, a digital editorial internship at New York Magazine’s The Cut, a social good fellowship at Mashable, and has freelanced for HelloGiggles. _When she’s not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her endless search for the perfect shade of red nail polish, Katie can be found in a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York’s newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.
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