Like many other beauty/skincare enthusiasts, I am a huge fan of the French pharmacy and all it has to offer. Some of these products have been my go-to staples for years, well before the French pharmacy craze took off, and others I've had the pleasure of discovering thanks to the ever-influential TikTok trend. One of my favourite ways to stock up on these items is during my visits to France, usually in Paris. While some tourists might prioritize trips to the Louvre or Notre Dame, I always include a visit to at least one pharmacy in my itinerary. Don’t get me wrong—I love visiting those iconic sites, too, but just as some people have a tradition of exploring local supermarkets on their travels (i do this too, so much fun!), I have to do the same with pharmacies.
For those of you who won’t be visiting Paris or other areas in France anytime soon, don’t worry. There are still ways to get your hands on these viral products. One of the most popular pharmacies, City Pharma, offers delivery to most European countries (Not too sure about North America or APAC) and often has fantastic prices. I recently placed an order, and here are some of the gems I have been using:
My French Pharmacy Haul:
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
This serum is renowned for its ability to brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots. I’ve been using it for a while now, and it's become a staple in my skincare routine. The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and glowy. Note: I would like to note that my skin is oily to normal skin and I am not acne prone.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
A cult favourite and for good reason. This micellar water is gentle yet effective, removing makeup and impurities without irritating the skin. I've been loyal to this product for years, and it never disappoints.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Oil
This luxurious dry oil adds a subtle shimmer to the skin and hair, making it perfect for a radiant, sun-kissed look even for me as a super pale woman. Its divine scent and multi-purpose use make it a must-have in my beauty routine for a night out.
Nuxe Sun Delicious Sun Spray SPF50
Protecting your skin from the sun is essential, and this sun spray makes it easy and pleasant. The high SPF offers excellent protection, and the lightweight, non-greasy formula feels comfortable on the skin.
Laluset Cream Tube
This hyaluronic acid cream is a hydration powerhouse. It’s perfect for plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. I’m excited to see the long-term benefits of incorporating this into my skincare routine. However, the main reason I got it is to pop it on my lips before my lip balm at night, as there has been evidence that hyaluronic acid may have a plumping effect on the lips.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
An absolute lifesaver for busy days or travel. This dry shampoo refreshes hair, adds volume (for all the fine-hair girlies like myself), and leaves it feeling clean without any chalky residue. The oat milk formula is gentle and soothing for the scalp.
Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches with Cornflower
Perfect for tired eyes, these patches reduce puffiness and dark circles while soothing the delicate under-eye area. They are a great addition to my skincare routine, especially after long flights or late nights.
Nuxe Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm
This honey-based lip balm is incredibly nourishing and repairing. It’s my go-to for keeping my lips soft and hydrated, especially during the colder months. I’m also pairing this with the Laluset cream and will see how this combo turns out.
A313 Vitamin A Pommade
This product is known for its potent retinol content, which helps with cell turnover, fine lines, and improving skin texture. It's a powerhouse in anti-aging skincare, and I have been using this for a few years now with really good results.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Florale
A floral twist on the classic Nuxe dry oil, this version offers the same benefits with a fresh, floral scent. It's perfect for those who love a lighter, more feminine fragrance and don’t need that shimmer. Also is beautiful in your hair too, really love the smell of this
Caudalie Smooth & Glow Oil Elixir
This luxurious oil elixir is designed to nourish, smooth, and enhance your skin’s natural glow. It's a versatile addition to my body care routine, providing an extra boost of hydration and a luminous finish when I want my skin to look good. Now, to really go all out I love to pair this with the Diptyque perfume, Philosyknos, which has a fig note too and these two products together are chef’s kiss.
Some of these products I am trying for the first time, so I can’t yet vouch for their long-term results, but I can tell you that my initial impressions are highly positive. The quality and effectiveness of French pharmacy products are impressive.
Why French Pharmacies?
French pharmacies are celebrated for their high-quality, scientifically-backed skincare products. Unlike many commercial products, French pharmacy items often focus on natural ingredients and minimalist formulas that deliver visible results.
Exploring French pharmacy finds, whether strolling through the charming streets of Paris or ordering from the comfort of your home is so much fun. These products have a unique blend of luxury and efficacy making them stand out in my opinion (I’ll save my love for Korean Skincare for another blog post). I hope you find some new favourites among these recommendations!
Happy skincare shopping, and until next time, au revoir!