Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age or gender. While there are countless acne treatments available without a prescription, few do it better than the French. Known for their innovative formulations and high-quality ingredients, French dermatology brands have developed a range of acne products and treatments that are designed to help clear up blemishes, reduce inflammation, and prevent future breakouts.
I keep up with French pharmacy trends religiously and I’ve struggled with acne myself. Here are the best French acne products and treatments I know of, each of which is sure to leave your skin looking and feeling clear, smooth, and healthy. Whether you’re struggling with occasional breakouts or dealing with more severe acne, this guide will help you discover the best French acne products for your needs!
Face Cleansers
There are several amazing face cleansers for acne-prone skin from French skincare brands.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash is a highly effective pharmaceutical cleanser for acne-prone skin. Its unique formula contains 2% salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores, removes excess oil, and reduces the appearance of acne. The face wash also contains glycerin, which will keep the skin hydrated and soothes any inflammation or irritation. Its gentle formula makes it an excellent option for sensitive skin as well. It’s non-comedogenic which makes it a reliable option.
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel is an amazing face wash for oily or occasionally acne-prone skin. Its pimple-fighting formula is specially designed to cleanse the skin and eliminate excess oil without drying out the skin. The gel contains Avène Thermal Spring Water, which can soothe and calm any inflammation or irritation. The cleansing gel also contains zinc gluconate, which helps to regulate sebum production and prevent the appearance of new acne. The gentle formula makes it an awesome pick for sensitive skin too. It’s soap-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic.
Toners
Here is a great toner for acne-prone skin. Remember, the French word for toner is actually “lotion!”
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner is an outstanding toning lotion for acne-prone skin. Its acne-fighting formula contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which help to unclog pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce the appearance of acne. The toner also contains La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, which helps soothe and calm any redness or irritation. It’s alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free.
Acne Treatments
You can find several effective French acne treatments that can repair blemishes and prevent scarring.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Spot Treatment is a highly-rated spot treatment for acne-prone skin in France. Its proprietary formula contains benzoyl peroxide, which helps to unclog pores and eliminate bacteria that cause acne. The spot treatment also contains LHA and salicylic acid, which exfoliate the skin and prevent future breakouts. It’s fragrance-free and paraben-free, which makes it a safe and reliable option for acne-prone skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Retinoid Acne Treatment is an extraordinary all-over product for acne-prone skin. Its special formula contains adapalene, a retinoid that helps unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent the development of new acne. The gel also contains glycerin, which can keep the skin hydrated and soothes any irritation. It’s one of the most popular French acne products available.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment is an exceptional serum solution for acne-prone skin. Ingredients include 0.5% salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores and prevent new breakouts or acne patches. The treatment also contains glycerin, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and soothes any bad reaction or irritation. It’s paraben-free so you can rely on it safely if you have acne-prone skin.
Acne Serums
These are the best serums for acne-prone skin.
Avène Cleanance Concentrate Blemish Control Serum is a powerful serum for acne-prone skin. The serum’s formula contains glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and monolaurin, which work together to unclog pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce the appearance of acne. The serum also contains Avène Thermal Spring Water, which will tame inflammation and calm any irritation. It’s non-comedogenic and paraben-free, which makes it a safe option for acne-prone skin.
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum is a natural choice for acne-prone skin. Its vegan formula contains salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores and prevent the potential formation of more acne. This organic-friendly serum also contains grape seed polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants that help to protect the skin and reduce inflammation. Its natural ingredients make it an excellent option for sensitive skin types too. It’s non-comedogenic and free of fragrances which is why the French love it. This serum helps to minimize the appearance of pores and leaves the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Moisturizers
These are the best face creams for acne-prone skin.
Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner Cream is an excellent solution for acne-prone skin. Its pore-minimizing formula contains sebo-regulating agents, which help to reduce sebum production and minimize the appearance of pores. The cream also contains vitamin B6, which helps to regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. Its lightweight texture makes it an ideal product for oily and combination skin. It’s free of parabens, so it’s safe for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that this cream helps to mattify the skin and leave it feeling smooth and hydrated.
Avène Cleanance Mattifying Emulsion is a deeply moisturizing product for acne-prone skin. Its emulsifying formula contains monolaurin, which helps to regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. The emulsion also contains Avène Thermal Spring Water, which is known to be therapeutic for skin irritations. It is lightweight so it won’t weigh down your skin. This emulsion helps to create a matte effect on the skin and leaves it feeling silky smooth and moist.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer is a great face cream for acne-prone skin. Its unique formula contains sebulyse technology, which helps to regulate sebum production and mattify your skin. The moisturizer also contains LHA and salicylic acid, which help to exfoliate the skin and prevent the growth of new acne. Reviewers love the lightweight texture of this cream. It is non-comedogenic and paraben-free. This moisturizer is a super addition to your acne-prone skincare routine.
Sunscreen
You can even find sunscreen made for acne-prone skin!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen SPF 60 is a strong sun protector for acne-prone skin. Its sun shielding formula contains advanced UVA/UVB filters, which provide high sun protection and prevent skin damage caused by the sun. The sunscreen also contains perlite and silica, which help to absorb excess oil and leave the skin looking matte. Its lightweight texture makes it airy and breathable. It is totally fragrance-free and paraben-free. Plus, this sunscreen is completely oil-free and does not clog pores, making it an ideal sunblock for those with acne-prone skin.
Makeup Remover
Acne-prone skin types should use special micellar water to remove their makeup.
Bioderma Sébium H2O Micellar Water is the perfect French makeup remover for acne-prone skin. A combination of cleansing agents and sebo-correcting agents helps to regulate sebum production and remove impurities and makeup from the skin. This micellar water also contains a patented Fluidactiv complex, which helps to normalize the quality of sebum and prevent the breakout of new acne. The gentle formula is non-comedogenic and free of fragrances so your acne-prone skin will thank you for using it.
Pharmacy Solutions
There are a few great French pharmacy acne solutions to try.
One is the Hexomedine Transcutanée Solution. Hexomedine Transcutanée Solution has a unique dermatologist-approved formula containing hexamidine, which has antibacterial properties and helps to reduce the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. The French pharmacy acne solution also helps to soothe and calm any rash or irritation. It’s a cult product recommended by French models, celebrities, and influencers. What’s more, this solution helps to prevent the formation of new acne and promotes faster healing of existing acne.
Night Creams
You can use these night creams for acne-prone skin to treat your acne overnight.
Avène Cleanance Night Blemish Correcting Cream is an superb product for acne-prone skin. Its unique formula contains glycolic acid, which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent new acne patches from forming. The cream also contains Avène Thermal Spring Water, whose properties can soothe and calm just about any inflammation or skin aggravation. It’s non-comedogenic so you can rest assured of its safety.
Face Masks
These face masks for acne-prone skin are the best way to give your skin some extra attention on your self-care day.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Clay Face Mask is a purifying face mask for acne-prone skin. Containing gentle clays to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, it’s the perfect way to relax while it does the work. This mask also contains salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent the formation of new acne. It’s non-comedogenic and free of parabens. It’s highly rated and users share that it helps to unclog pores, leaving the skin feeling refreshed.
I hope you found your perfect solution thanks to this list of the best French acne products!
