A trip to the Louvre, a train to the French countryside, or a stroll down the Seine aren’t the only reasons to visit France. The French pharmacy is an equally enticing reason to travel across the pond.
French cosmetics, in particular, have captured my attention for being insanely gentle yet nourishing. It’s pretty well-known that European cosmetics standards are more thorough than that of the US (the European Union has banned or limited more than 1,600 ingredients in cosmetics, whereas the United States restricts only 11). This, basically, means that the products formulated for the European market must adhere to stricter standards and, oftentimes, are formulated with ingredients that are better for your skin.
La Roche-Posay and Avène, two of the leading labels stocking the French pharmacy, are powered by the mineral-rich waters from the country’s thermal springs, which were discovered centuries ago to treat medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Vichy, too, is backed by the restorative benefits of French volcanic water. Formulas by other cult-favorite brands, like Embryolisse, Nuxe, and Klorane are also built around ingredients of mostly natural origin.
All to say, whenever I have a chance to visit a French pharmacy, I take it and make room in my suitcase however possible. Some salves, like Biafine (an incredible burn cream), Homéoplasmine (a soothing ointment for sunburn, cracked skin, and dry lips), or A313 (the over-the-counter vitamin A cream that’s a gentle yet effective counterpart to the best retinoid creams), I stock up on because I can rarely find a reputable seller in America. Luckily, some others, can be easily replenished without having to book international travel. Below, a deep dive into nine of my most cherished French pharmacy skin care solutions that are available stateside.
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray
- Why I Love It: In retrospect, I’m not sure what I did before I started incorporating thermal spring water. Its uses are plenty. I reach for it to quickly refresh my skin before makeup or on a hot summer day. I give my skin a generous mist upon waking in place of a morning face wash. I even relied on it to soothe my dry irritated skin following a Moxi laser treatment. Plus, the mystical waters are still used in the town of La Roche-Posay at its Thermal Center—a facility and spa that treats over 7,000 patients annually who are looking to treat burns, eczema, psoriasis, and skin effects from cancer treatments.
- Key Ingredients: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Shimmer Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
- Why I Love It: I’m more excited about a shimmering body oil this year more than ever before, so I expect to get a lot of use out of Nuxe’s glimmering formula. The acclaimed multipurpose dry oil (which is also available in a shimmer-free variant) blends seven botanical oils and gold pearlescent particles to not only nourish the skin, but also reveal an enviable sun-kissed glow. And because it’s a dry oil, there’s no fear of slippery, transferable residue.
- Key Ingredients: Tsubaki oil, argan oil, macadamia oil, borage oil, camellia oil, hazelnut oil, sweet almond oil
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
- Why I Love It: There’s truly a face moisturizer for anyone at la pharmacie française, and this one by Embryolisse is a true crowd-pleaser. Beloved by skin experts and pro makeup artists alike, Lait-Crème Concentré’s versatility is what makes it a travel essential for me. I like that it doubles as a face cream and primer, leaving skin hydrated, soft, and smooth. Those interested in a true multitasker will love that it can also be used as a cleansing milk, face mask, after-shave, and post-sun lotion. Not to mention, there’s even a formula made specifically for sensitive skin types.
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, beeswax, soy proteins, aloe vera
Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
- Why I Love It: There are likely few French pharmacy enthusiasts who do not own a bottle of Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream—an acclaimed skin barrier cream formulated with post-biotic extract to balance skin. While that is certainly worth noting, I wanted to highlight this gentle cleanser. Described as a “no-rinse cleansing gel” this is designed to lift away dirt, oil, and impurities; but, unlike your typical cleanser, this does not need to be emulsified with water. Just wipe off with a cotton round and move on with your routine. I personally reach for this in the morning, while in a rush, or while traveling.
- Key Ingredients: Avène Thermal Spring Water, D-sensinose (posbiotic extract), arginine
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
- Why I Love It: Yes, I am always in the market for a new bottle of micellar water. Not your average water, this uses micelles to remove makeup and expertly cleanse the skin. Plus, with a pH of 5.5, this is formulated to maintain skin’s sensitive and precious balance.
- Key Ingredients: Micellar technology, xylitol, cucumber fruit extract
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
- Why I Love It: As someone who must always be prepared for anything, I’ve found that I need a versatile cream with me at all times. Currently, I have a tube of La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm B5 in my nightstand drawer, in my bathroom, stored in the Vogue beauty closet, and even one on my desk as I type this. If you’ve tried this stuff, you wouldn’t wonder why I’m seemingly hoarding tubes of this stuff. It’s thick, creamy, and emollient without being greasy; qualities that allow me to treat chapped, dry, rough patches without annoying residue. Anytime I get a facial treatment, use a strong retinol, or my skin is questionably sensitive, I rely on this balm to calm, nourish, and protect.
- Key Ingredients: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, vitamin B5, shea butter, glycerin, dimethicone (helps prevent moisture loss from the skin), madecassoside
Klorane Smoothing & Soothing Eye Masks
- Why I Love It: When jet lag has me looking as tired as I feel, I’ll pick up the Klorane Smoothing & Soothing eye masks with a quickness. The hydrogel patches instantly cool the under-eye and deliver a much-needed dose of cornflower water, hyaluronic acid, and dextran sulfate to nourish, de-puff, soothe, and firm skin. If I have any leftover in this seven-pack, I’ll even pop them on again midflight for a quick pick-me-up once en route home.
- Key Ingredients: Centaurea cyanus flower water, hyaluronic acid, dextran sulfate
Vichy Dry Touch Roll-On Deodorant
- Why I Love It: I became a natural deodorant girlie by accident. But when aluminum-free options are as good as Vichy’s Dry Touch, it’s hard not to be converted. Honestly, what I like most about it is not that it aptly absorbs odor for up to 24 hours (major!) but that it goes on clear. Have sensitive skin? Not to worry: It’s dermatologist- and allergy-tested, so anyone can roll away as they please.
- Key Ingredients: Vichy Volcanic Water, zinc gluconate, perlite, allantoiin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60
- Why I Love It: I liken La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Light Fluid sunscreen to its UV Mune Elixir, which has a milky, serum-like texture that’s satisfying to apply. Because it’s so lightweight, it sinks quickly into skin, delivering a supple, bouncy skin, and, of course, no white cast. I’ve been reaching for it lately before applying makeup because I can trust my face will not feel cakey, stiff, or dry while wearing.
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7%, vitamin E, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water and Cell-Ox Shield Technology