The Best French Pharmacy Skincare
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No one does functional, fuss-free and skin barrier soothing skincare like French pharmacies. Across the country, shelves are stacked with dermatologist-approved brands, with clinical packaging, and staff armed with a wealth of knowledge on how to keep your skin in tip-top condition.
In times gone by, stocking up on French pharmacy skincare involved lugging a suitcase stuffed with cleansers and creams on the Eurostar, but now, we can enjoy access to some of the best in beauty at your local supermarket, and health and wellness retailers online and in-store.
Despite many of these brands being decades old, they continue to be reliable go-tos for sensitive skin types and budget-conscious shoppers, maintaining their relevance and efficacy despite new brands launching every year.
Unlike other skincare brands that deliberately cater to specific age groups, French pharmacy skincare is focused on necessity, addressing various skin concerns for everyone. Think creamy cleansers, makeup-removing micellar waters, soothing mists, hydrating serums and gentle moisturisers.
Below, you’ll find our handpicked selection of the best of French Pharmacy skincare that delivers hydration, comfort and a glowing complexion.
1. La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a French beauty powerhouse with a rich history that dates back 50 years. It’s beloved by beauty shoppers worldwide for its wide range of skin and body products that treat everything from rosacea to eczema, acne and ageing. Each range is developed with dermatologists, with formulas rigorously tested in clinical and consumer studies, and while it began being sold in pharmacies, it’s now a global beauty brand, accessible in over 60 countries.
La Roche-Posay - Rosaliac Make-Up Remover Gel - Lookfantastic - £17 - 195ml
A gentle, refreshing cleansing gel that soothes skin prone to rosacea, general redness and overall sensitivity. Use it as a single and double cleanse to wash off makeup, SPF, dirt and grime from the day. Apply to damp skin, massage in and rinse off.
To learn more or to purchase, please visit: https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/
2. Embryolisse
Embryolisse debuted on pharmacy shelves in 1950 with its iconic Lait-Crème moisturiser, and continues to be popular for its multi-use functionality and frequent appearance in the kits of professional makeup artists. Since its early days, it has expanded its product range to include toners, cleansers, serums, masks, eye creams and even bodycare.
Embryolisse - Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser - Lookfantastic - £21.99 - 75ml
The original multi-tasking cream, this doubles up as a primer, overnight moisturiser and makeup remover. It’s lightweight, non-greasy and fast-absorbing and found fame in the 90s backstage at fashion shows, quickly becoming a makeup artist staple.
To learn more or to purchase, please visit: https://embryolisse.co.uk/
3. Avène
This is the ultimate skincare brand for sensitive skin, which utilises the famous Thermal Spring Water from Avène, a commune in Southern France, across all its products. More than 150 clinical studies and 50 medical journals have published research demonstrating the calming, anti-irritating properties of the water. Since the brand launched in 1990, it has been creating some of beauty’s cult favourite products ever since, including its face mists, creams and SPFs.
Avène - Thermal Spring Water Spray for Sensitive Skin - Lookfantastic - £10 - 150ml
A calming face mist which soothes sunburn, inflammation, rosacea flare-ups and unexpected breakouts. Spritz liberally throughout the day for a refreshing, cooling pick-me-up, especially when it’s hot.
To learn more or to purchase, please visit: https://www.avene.co.uk/
4. Caudalie
Founded in 1995 by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, Caudlie’s range of luxurious skin, bodycare and fragrance is inspired by the antioxidant-rich grape seeds grown in the family vineyard. Today, you’ll see it on shop shelves all over the world, and still sold in pharmacies. Despite being nearly 30 years old, it continues to find viral success on social media, especially with its radiance-boosting serums, refreshing face mists and body oils.
Caudalie - Thé des Vignes Nourishing Body Lotion - Lookfantastic - £18 - 200ml
A beautifully scented body lotion that isn’t sticky or greasy and rubs into damp or dry skin in seconds. Ideal for dry skin, it’s scented with a beautiful blend of neroli, musk, jasmine and ginger.
To learn more or to purchase, please visit: https://uk.caudalie.com/
5. Bioderma
Born in 1977 thanks to French biologist and pharmacist Jean-Noël Thorel, Bioderma is most known for its iconic micellar water cleanser, which has been a must-have for makeup artists backstage at fashion shows for decades. However, it also sells an extensive line-up of suncream, gel, milk and oil cleansers, as well as bodycare, all specifically suited for sensitive skin types.
Bioderma - Atoderm Cleansing Oil - Lookfantastic - £12 - 200ml
A silky smooth cleansing oil that emulsifies when massaged into skin with wet hands. Hydrating and skin-softening, it’s made with normal to dry skin in mind.
To learn more or to purchase, please visit: https://www.bioderma.co.uk/
6. Vichy
Another skincare brand that is known for incorporating France’s famous thermal spring water in its products is Vichy. Founded by Dr Prosper Haller in 1931, it’s well-recognised as the go-to brand for hydration, anti-ageing and sensitive skin. It has since expanded into haircare with a line called Dercos, to treat conditions such as dandruff and excess scalp oiliness.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum - Lookfantastic - £28 - 50ml
One of the best hyaluronic acid-based serums on the market, this lightweight gel formula will keep skin plumped and smooth. Suitable for all skin types, apply twice a day to clean, dry skin and follow up with your moisturiser.
To learn more or to purchase, please visit: https://www.vichy.co.uk/
7. Nuxe
Nuxe is instantly synonymous with its square bottles, gold lids and shimmering oils since launching into the beauty scene in 1991. Focused on formulating with plant-based oils, its founder, Aliza Jabès, was initially inspired by her pharmacist father to combine her love of nature and the efficacy of quality skin and body products.
Nuxe - Huile Prodigieuse Multi Purpose Dry Oil - Lookfantastic - £22 - 50ml
A silky body oil that hydrates, adds a glowy finish and is truly multi-purpose. Apply it to the ends of your hair, all over the body or across your face for a supple and soft result. Scented with notes of orange blossom, rose, lily and vanilla, it smells delicious too.
To learn more or to purchase, please visit: https://uk.nuxe.com/
8. Institut Esthederm
The man behind Bioderma is also the brains behind Institut Esthederm, Jean-Noël Thorel. His mission was to create technologically advanced skincare products that interacted with the skin’s biology. It launched one of the earliest mineral sunscreens in 1980 and has gone on to unveil a suite of luxurious products made with clinically effective ingredients.
Institut Esthederm - Lift and Repair Anti-Fatigue Eye Patches - Lookfantastic - £69 - 3 x10ml
Hide tired eyes with these under-eye patches that depuff, soothe and brighten the delicate eye area. Apply to clean skin, leave on for five minutes and repeat two to three times a week.
To learn more or to purchase, please visit: https://www.esthederm.co.uk/
