Psst, Even Derms Can’t Get Enough of These 14 Incredibly Good French Pharmacy Staples
If you haven’t noticed yet, we’re obsessed with all things French skincare here at Who What Wear. Apparently, we’re not the only ones. Dermatologists can’t get enough either, and I have the proof. “The French pharmacy is always a must-see on any trip to France,” says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick. “Not only can you stock up on some of your favorite U.S. favorites for less, [but] there are some products exclusively available in France and some formulations that may vary slightly from the version that exists in the U.S., making it worth trying out.”
It never took much convincing for me when fellow beauty editors would mention that French skincare is superior. From a dermatologist’s standpoint, though, Garshick can confirm. “It prioritizes key ingredients without sacrificing the sensorial experience,” she shares. “In general, the French approach to skincare emphasizes gentle yet effective products and overall simple daily routines. French products deliver effective results while still ensuring that the formulation feels good when being applied to the skin.”
In the age of 12-step beauty routines, the French approach gives us a bit of peace. An uncomplicated way of caring for our skin that almost feels like a lost art. I asked dermatologists to share their all-time-favorite French beauty staples. From the cult-loved retinol cream they hoard to the sunscreen you can’t buy in the U.S., keep scrolling! They shared it all ahead.
Garshick loves this multitasking eye cream that helps to target dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. “It incorporates Eye Impact Technology and blends peptides, polyphenols, and hyaluronic acid to firm and hydrate the under eye skin,” she explains. “It’s lightweight and is a great option even for those with sensitive skin.”
Boiron
Arnica Montana 30C Meltaway Pellets
“I love these tubes of Arnica Montana 30C pellets for muscle pain, stiffness, swelling from injuries, and bruises. They are a staple in my practice, as many of the treatments we do can cause temporary bruising, so these are my secret weapon for recovering faster.” — Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Avène
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Garshick loves this staple from French brand Avène because it’s really restorative to the skin, can help heal dryness almost instantly, and calms redness and inflammation. “I especially love that it is fragrance-free and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy,” she says. “It’s also noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog the pores. It contains a postbiotic restorative ingredient, helping to support the skin barrier and also protect the skin from external irritants.”
Never heard of this cream before? That’s because it’s a best-kept secret among American dermatologists. It’s readily available at any pharmacy in France, but here in the U.S., you’ll have to scope it out online. (Don’t worry—Amazon has it handy.)
“This can be used for sunburns, healing wounds, irritated and post-procedure skin,” says Garshick. “It helps to create a barrier while also nourishing and soothing the skin.”
A313’s vitamin A cream has amassed a quiet cult following here in America, and luckily, it’s available on Amazon and backed by derms.
“This is formulated with retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A derivative that’s used to help address skin aging and acne breakouts and post acne marks. It’s gentle on the skin and may be used even by those with sensitive skin as it won’t leave the skin feeling dry or irritated. While it’s not necessarily the strongest retinol, the creamy balm-like consistency makes it easy to apply and an enjoyable experience to use.” — Garshick
Bioderma
Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Both Garshick and I consider this sensitive skin–friendly micellar water from French brand Bioderma a must in our routines. Honestly, my skin is so sensitive, and it’s one of the only micellar water formulas that doesn’t cause my skin to react badly.
“This micellar water works to gently but effectively remove makeup and impurities. It also works to soothe the skin and won’t leave the skin feeling dry or stripped.” — Garshick
Embryolisse
Lait-Crème Concentré
Embryolisse cream is another cult-loved French product that dermatologists and makeup artists can’t stop buying. Many makeup artists throughout my five-year career as a beauty editor have told me it creates the perfect base for makeup. Apparently, dermatologists love it just as much. “This deeply nourishing moisturizer is rich in fatty acids and vitamins and helps to support the natural skin barrier,” Garshick says. “It offers a creamy milky texture to leave the skin feeling softer and smoother without feeling greasy.”
Vichy
Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
This is another affordable French drugstore brand that derms recommend to me often. Garshick is a fan of this lightweight, hydrating formula because it really plumps the skin. “It has been clinically proven to strengthen and repair the skin barrier,” she says. “It can be layered underneath a thicker moisturizing cream or used by itself for complete hydration, helping to boost moisture and give the skin a healthy, hydrated, and dewy glow.”
La Roche-Posay
Cicaplast B5 Lip Balm for Dry Lips
While derms love many products from this classic French drugstore brand, Garshick says not to sleep on this hydrating lip balm. “It leaves the lips feeling softer and smoother without feeling greasy or sticky,” she says. “It uses the La Roche-Posay prebiotic Thermal Spring Water, which is rich in selenium, a natural antioxidant; vitamin B5 to soothe the skin; and shea butter, which helps to nourish the lips and lock moisture in.”
Caudalie
Premier Cru Le Crème Riche
Caudalie is another beloved French brand that dermatologists can’t get enough of. Engelman loves this rich cream from the brand in particular because it helps visibly repair the skin barrier and reduces wrinkles with special patented ingredients, bio-ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
Caudalie
Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative
If Garshick had to choose a favorite from Caudalie, it would be this cult-loved dark spot–brightening formula. “This serum contains viniferine, a patented ingredient derived from vine sap, which helps to address dark spots and is thought to be 62 times more effective than vitamin C,” she explains. “It can be used morning and night and can be used by those with sensitive skin.”
Avène
XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
If you need a really solid, gentle cleansing oil, Engelman loves this staple from Avène. She especially loves it for anyone who has eczema.
LA ROCHE-POSAY
Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid
Both Garshick and Engelman love this La Roche-Posay formula directly from France because it contains Mexoryl 400, a UV filter that protects against UVB, UVA, and ultra-long UVA rays. They both also love how it does this while remaining lightweight and white cast–free.
“The only thing better than La Roche-Posay sunscreen is La Roche-Posay sunscreen directly from France! The EU has many more sunscreen filters than the U.S. does, so I love stocking up when I travel.” — Engelman
Avène
Thermal Spring Water
To refresh skin throughout the day, Garshick is a fan of Avène’s Thermal Spring Water spray. “This soothing spray uses the Thermal Spring Water that contains certain minerals to help soften the skin and improve the skin barrier without drying out the skin,” she shares. “Additionally, it contains postbiotics that help to calm inflammation and soothe the skin. I especially love that it is packaged in a sterile environment directly at the source of the Thermal Spring Water in the town of Avène, France. It can help to hydrate and soothe skin, as well as provide a midday refresh or to help set makeup.”
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