Vive la France! The Best French Pharmacy Beauty Products Of All Time

Beloved by dermatologists, celebrities, and makeup artists alike, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser has remained a French pharmacy beauty mainstay since its inception in 1950. With a light, creamy texture, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème leaves your skin glowy but never greasy, with its ultra simple formula providing skin with hydration and moisture thanks to shea butter, soy protein, aloe vera, beeswax, and emollient oil. Touted as a multipurpose product, our favourite way to use the ever-versatile Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser is simply as a moisturiser or under makeup as a primer. 

The key ingredient infused throughout all Avène products, the Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water Spray is a French beauty must-have. Dispensed in a super-fine mist, it works to calm and soothe the skin, relieving sensitivity and irritation. We love using this to refresh the skin before and between applying serums or as a setting spray after makeup.

The micellar water that started the micellar water trend, you’ve no doubt already heard of (or tried) the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution; likely France’s worst-kept secret, its reign stretches far and wide with a bottle selling every six seconds across the globe. This gentle, fragrance-free formula makes for the ideal way to remove makeup (including even the most stubborn eye makeup) or as a first cleanse in a double cleanse routine. 

Although the refreshing Eau Thermale Spring Water is undoubtedly the most renowned product from French pharmacy brand Avène, the Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel is also worth checking out. Designed for oily, acne-prone skin, the Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel works to cleanse skin of impurities and moderate sebum production. Made with Avène’s signature thermal spring water, it gently purifies skin without causing irritation or dryness. 

Perfect for use on the face and body, the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Huile Lavante AP+ Cleansing Oil is a saviour for extremely dry, dehydrated skin (particularly during the cooler months). The lightly foaming, nourishing formula works to cleanse skin and restore the skin barrier, while the economic 400ml size makes it a steal in comparison to traditional oil cleansers on the market. 

We’ve waxed lyrical about the importance of wearing SPF daily before, so we shan’t do it again here. However, French sunscreens are a cut above the rest, utilising new, innovative filters in cosmetically elegant formulas that make sunscreen use a breeze. Lightweight and fragrance-free, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is suitable for sensitive skin as well as darker skin tones, providing protection without that dreaded white cast. 

A little less sexy than some of the other products on this list, but no less deserving of shelf space, Homeoplasmine is a cure-all product for dry skin and skin irritations. Made with soothing calendula and healing bryony, Homeoplasmine applies as a rich, thick balm, working to soothe various irritations and cracks in the skin (think dry, chapped lips). 

Born in a winery in Bordeaux, it’s natural that many Caudalie products spotlight green grapes as their hero ingredient. Inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary’s elixir of youth, the Caudalie Beauty Elixir has a subtle hydrating and plumping effect thanks to its humectant properties. Favoured by makeup artists it can be used before or between serums, after makeup as a setting spray, or throughout the day to refresh the skin. 

A multi-purpose dry oil, the Nuxe Huille De Prodigiuese is a French beauty staple, used on the hair, face, and body. Our favourite use is the former, with this botanical-based dry oil working to nourish and restore dry hair and prevent split ends and breakage. Plus, its delicate scent courtesy of orange blossom, vanilla, and magnolia is one you’ll want lingering on your locks and limbs.  

A savvy way to make your hair last a little longer till wash day, the Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo uses rice starch to absorb excess oil and oat milk to soothe and protect the hair. Plus, it adds a little extra volume and lift, making it perfect for those with fine or thin hair. 

A powerful pharmaceutical-grade retinoid, this French pharmacy skincare product sees 0.12% vitamin A suspended in polyethylene glycol and works to fight breakouts and decrease the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Despite its thick texture, it sinks into the skin quickly and works rapidly; only a tiny amount is required to see results. If it’s too strong, it can be sandwiched between a non-active moisturiser like the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser.

A true hidden gem that goes unmentioned on pretty much every wrap-up of the best French pharmacy beauty products. Technically it’s a supermarket find, but it’s well worth a mention. Fans of the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil will love the Le Petit Marseillais Crème de Douche Extra Douce Lait D’Amande; while it’s a fairly standard body wash, the smell of sweet almond milk is unmatched and instantly transports you to summer in the South of France. It can be found online for under $10AUD but if you’re lucky enough to be in France, stop by Carrefour where it’s a mere €2.15 (and often on sale for €1!).