French pharmacy skincare products are known for their high quality, innovative formulas, and affordable prices. From cult-favorite brands like La Roche-Posay and Bioderma to lesser-known gems like Avène and Nuxe, French pharmacy brands have developed a loyal following among women worldwide.
But for those living in the United States, finding these beloved pharmacy skincare products can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are several ways to get your hands on French pharmacy skincare products without leaving the country!
I’m American and obsessed with French skincare and today I’ll share with you the best places to buy French pharmacy skincare products in the USA! You can buy French skincare from a select bunch of online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores, and specialty boutiques.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of French pharmacy brands or simply looking to add some new products to your skincare routine, this guide will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Here are my tips on where to buy French Pharmacy skincare products in the USA!
Ulta
Ulta is a premium beauty retailer with tens of thousands of products. Ulta Beauty was founded in 1990 by Richard E. George, who previously served as the President of the Osco Drug, Inc. division of Jewel-Osco supermarkets. George saw an opportunity to create a one-stop-shop for beauty products that combined the selection of a beauty supply store with the convenience and accessibility of a drugstore. Today, Ulta Beauty is based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, USA, and has grown into a leading beauty retailer with over 1,200 stores across the United States.
Ulta carries dozens of French skincare products, including top-selling ones by popular brands such as La Roche-Posay, Avène, Vichy, and even L’Occitane.
The Brand’s US Shop
Most brands have their own US shop where you can shop in dollars and have products shipped to you without worrying about duties or import fees! Shopping directly from the brand is always a good idea because you know you’re getting an authentic product. Plus, brands often throw in free samples of new or best-selling products so you can try out other options. Here are some links to the US sites of French pharmacy skincare companies:
Amazon
Amazon is the store that has everything and French skincare is no exception! The sellers on Amazon can be people or businesses, who use the platform to sell their products to a global customer base. Sellers can list their products on Amazon’s website, set their own prices, and handle their own shipping and customer service, or they can choose to use Amazon’s fulfillment services, which involve storing their products in Amazon’s warehouses and having Amazon handle shipping and customer service on their behalf.
Amazon offers a wide range of French skincare products, including brands such as La Roche-Posay, Nuxe, Avène, Embryolisse, Darphin, Klorane, Vichy, Filorga, and Bioderma. Be sure to read the reviews and return policy of all products you purchase on Amazon before hitting the “buy” button since each seller might have a different reputation!
Target
Target is a good place to shop for skincare products from France. The retailer offers a wide selection of skincare products from various brands, including both drugstore and premium brands. Target also has a Beauty Concierge program, which allows customers to consult with a trained beauty expert for personalized skincare recommendations and advice. Target carries several French skincare brands, including La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, and Vichy.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is an American retailer known for its vast selection of beauty and fashion products. However, they don’t stock most of the French pharmacy brands sadly with one notable exception – Darphin. Nordstrom stocks plenty of Darphin skincare products so you can shop this retailer if you love this brand!
Walgreens
Walgreens offers French skincare brands such as La Roche-Posay, Vichy, and Bioderma. I regularly come across French skincare products at my local Walgreens! Just don’t get sticker shock when you find out the prices are much higher than they are in France.
CVS
CVS carries several French skincare brands, including La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, Vichy, and L’Oreal Paris. They also have sales often where you can get discounts in-store.
Walmart
Walmart offers a variety of French skincare brands, including L’Oréal Paris, Avène, La Roche-Posay, and Vichy, albeit through external sellers. Be sure to read the reviews though as most of Walmart’s stock of French products comes from third-party sellers. It even stocks the famous A313 cream.
Dermstore
Dermstore was founded in 1999 by a dermatologist named Craig Kraffert. Today, Dermstore is based in El Segundo, California, USA, and is part of The Hut Group (THG)’s portfolio of brands. Several years ago, THG acquired Dermstore in order to expand its online presence in the beauty and skincare market. Dermstore specializes in pharmaceutical and dermatologist-approved skincare products and carries French brands such as Avène, La Roche-Posay, Embryolisse, Bioderma, Klorane, and Phyto.
Revolve
Revolve is an online fashion retailer that primarily focuses on clothing, shoes, and accessories. However, in recent years, the company has expanded its offerings to include beauty products as well. Revolve offers French skincare brands such as Embryolisse, Avène, Caudalie, and Bioderma.
Sephora
Sephora is known for being a leading global beauty retailer that offers a vast selection of makeup, skincare, fragrance, haircare, and beauty tools from a wide range of high-end and niche brands. Sephora is particularly famous for its unique in-store and online shopping experience, which includes interactive displays, makeup tutorials, personalized recommendations, and exclusive product launches. Sephora carries a small range of French pharmacy skincare brands, namely Caudalie.
SkinStore
SkinStore was founded in 1997 by a British entrepreneur named Matthew P. Gilmour. In 2000, SkinStore was acquired by Look Fantastic, a British e-commerce company that specializes in health and beauty products. Today, SkinStore is based in Manchester, UK, and has a US-based e-commerce store that sells French skincare brands such as Nuxe, Filorga, La Roche-Posay, Caudalie, Avène, Vichy, and Embryolisse.
LovelySkin
LovelySkin was founded by Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a board-certified dermatologist, in 1998. Dr. Schlessinger wanted to create an online platform where people could access high-quality skincare products, as well as expert advice and personalized recommendations from a licensed dermatologist. Today, LovelySkin is based in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, and has grown into a leading online beauty retailer. LovelySkin carries French skincare brands such as Vichy, Filorga, La Roche-Posay, Caudalie, and Avène.
