Those traveling to Paris often have a list of non-negotiables on their sightseeing lists. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées… but there’s another famous French landmark that you might not spot highlighted on your map, but is world-famous all the same – the French pharmacy! French pharmacies are internationally known for their highly-regulated products that focus on quality, long-lasting skin health. It’s easy to shop with peace of mind, knowing that gimmicky products are often regulated before they can even hit the shelves. And because of that fact, the French pharmacy is often a highlight on a trip to France. However, I’ve got good news for you! Some of the most popular French skin care brands can be bought right here in the United States. These are 8 brands you can shop online, or at your corner store – and which of their products are worth trying.
1. La Roche-Posay
la roche-posay
Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60
La Roche-Posay might very well be the most recognizable French skincare brand on this list! This brand has become very popular in the United States over the years – it’s one of the recommended brands by own dermatologist stateside.
A bit of history for you – the brand was founded in 1975, in the French town that serves as its namesake – La Roche-Posay. However, even as the brand celebrated its 50th year anniversary this year, legend has it that the origins of La-Roche Posay skincare can actually be traced all the way back to the 14th century when a knight stopped in the Vienne region town. There, his horse bathed in the spring water and its skin condition miraculously healed. In the centuries that followed, word would spread across France and beyond about the healing properties of the town’s water.
Now, back to 1975 – this is when French pharmacist René Levayer founded La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique. His goal was to produce everyday skincare with dermatological benefits. He accomplished his mission utilizing La Roche-Posay’s renowned thermal spring water, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repairing properties.
Their Most Popular Products
Alright, enough of a history lesson, let’s move on to La Roche Posay’s products! I can personally attest that I’ve tried and loved their sunscreen, moisturizer, and cleanser. I have combination, somewhat sensitive skin, and I’ve found that their products are gentle, effective, and don’t feel either greasy or drying. There’s a reason I purchase these products again and again!
But don’t just take my word for it… what do French women say about La Roche-Posay? They love it! French It girl (not to mention model, designer, and founder of Rouje) Jeanne Damas said in an article with Into the Gloss, “Oh, and every morning I put on a La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen—it’s the best. Every morning.” After all, French girls favor a simplistic beauty routine and prioritize their skin health above everything else.
2. L’Occitane
l’occitane
Shea Butter Hand Cream
Shortly after La Roche-Posay was founded in 1975, French brand L’Occitane was created in Provence by Olivier Baussan. The 23-year-old began by selling distilled rosemary essential oil to local markets. Before long, he was expanding production to include oils, soaps, and then creams.
Today, L’Occitane is loved by the French because it’s deeply rooted in the natural, Provençal lifestyle, using high-quality, plant-based ingredients and traditional methods. Many of their products feature classic regional ingredients like lavender, almond, and rose. Their shower oil, hand cream, and bubble bath are especially popular products!
This is another set of products that I use personally and can vouch for – they’re some of my favorites to gift because they feel like little luxuries, but are relatively affordable (especially in the smaller sizes). If you’re looking for gift ideas for the chic woman in your life, this is a great brand to shop!
If you’re scrolling this Instagram, you’ll probably spot more than one of your favorite French influencers (like Camille Pidoux) sharing why they love L’Occitane products and use them regularly.
3. Caudalie
caudalie
Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum
Continuing in chronological order here, Caudalie was founded in 1995 by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas in Bordeaux, France. The idea for Caudalie came from an encounter with a professor at a family vineyard, where they learned that grape seeds contain some of the most powerful antioxidants in the world. This fact would serve as the foundation for some of their first products! One of these initial products was their Beauty Elixirs, inspired by the Queen of Hungary’s elixir of youth.
Many of their key products are known for their anti-aging, firming properties. Their #1 best-selling product is the Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum. It’s created with a patented molecule called Viniferine, which is known for fading dark spots and restoring skin’s radiance.
Caudalie is popular with French women because of its use of high-quality, natural ingredients. And, of course, they love that the brand is founded in France! However, great news for the rest of us, Caudalie products are readily available in the United States as well.
4. Bioderma
bioderma
Sensibio Micellar Water
In 1977, Bioderma was founded by pharmacist and biologist Jean-Noël Thorel. He founded the brand based on the ideology that skin is an “ecosystem”, which should be taught to function well and in a healthy way, rather than just treated. In other words, focus on the root cause rather than the symptoms!
You probably recognize Bioderma for their makeup removers… but did you know the brand actually invented micellar water? This product revolutionalized taking your makeup off after a long day by combining cleanser with a toner in a single, no-rinse step. They’re also known for their dedication in creating products that are safe for sensitive skin.
Although French girls usually keep it pretty light when it comes to their makeup routine, they do always make sure to remove it in a healthy way at the end of the night! Enter micellar water, which allows them to do just that.
Bioderma might just be one of the most accessible brands on this list – you can shop them everywhere from Amazon to Target to Ulta and more.
5. Embryolisse
embryolisse
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Function Moisturizer
This next brand was originally prescribed by doctors before it became readily available to the public! In 1950, Embryolisse was founded by a Paris dermatologist. Their most well-known staple is Lait-Crème Concentré, which began as their signature product. Through word-of-mouth, it later gained a cult following in French pharmacies, as well as in the celebrity makeup artist circuit.
The Lait-Crème Concentré is well-loved for its skin-prepping abilities, and French women love the solid base that it provides for the rest of their skincare. For those with dry skin, this is the perfect product for you if you want to get that natural glow-from-within! Plus, it’s full of natural, good-for-you ingredients. If you’re looking for a new face lotion, give this one a try. It’s not just a trend, but a beauty secret that’s already been passed down from generation to generation.
6. NUXE
nuxe
Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
When it comes to French skin care brands that you can buy in the United States, NUXE is another gem that you might have heard of recently! This 1990s-founded brand has taken hold of social media in the last few years, especially when it comes to their signature product, their NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil.
Back in the 90s, Aliza Jabès purchased a small Parisian laboratory to develop natural beauty products. Her desire was motivated by a passion for plants, and the wish to create effective products with organic ingredients inspired by nature.
When it comes to their most popular multi-purpose product, the dry oil is a 3-in-one product for face, body and hair. It’s intended use is to provide long-lasting hydration for these three areas, all with one formula. If you’re dealing with dehydrated skin or hair, try incorporating this product into your skincare routine! And if you love NUXE’s oil, the Rêve de Miel lip balm is also well-loved by French girls for its repairing and nourishing qualities.
7. Vichy
vichy
Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum for Stronger Skin
Going all the way back to 1931, to central France, dermo-cosmetic brand Vichy was founded by Dr. Prosper Haller. He discovered the skin-strengthening properties of the mineral water from nine springs in the town of Vichy. Then, he partnered with Georges Guérin to create the first line of products for the brand. Their aim was to address various skin concerns like hydration, anti-aging, irritation, and sensitivity.
As for their most popular products, French women love the Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum for plumping and hydration – ideal for fine lines and wrinkles. The brand also offers an eye and lash version for targeted eye care, and a Mineral 89 Fortifying Recovery Cream to strengthen the skin barrier. The best part is, you don’t need a prescription to see results from these products! You can access some of the best French pharmacy products, like Vichy, with a trip to your local Ulta.
8. Avène
If you’ve been on the hunt for the best products for hydration with simple ingredients, you can’t do much better than the Thermal Spring Water from Avène! All the way back in the 1700s, it was discovered that the local spring water had healing properties in Avène. Then, in 1975, research began on how to help bring the water’s soothing benefits to the rest of the world.
As for the most popular product offered by the brand, it might very well be their Thermal Spring Water. It’s a simple skincare solution – an aerosol spray filled with a special water taken straight from the mountains in the South of France. Use it to add a dewy touch after applying your makeup, or to dampen your face before applying your skin oil!
Avène
Thermal Spring Water
French Skin Care Brands at Your Fingertips
No need to book a flight to France (unless you want to, of course) to shop these 8 famous French skin care brands. Most of them can be ordered directly to your door, or found at your local Sephora, Ulta or Target. Get the same quality products that French women love, without having to travel overseas for the same great results.
Ready for more on the effortless French beauty routine? Up Next: The French Girl Beauty Guide for Effortlessly Beautiful Skin
