French skincare brands are known around the world for their effectiveness and high quality. France has a long history and tradition of producing high-quality skincare products, and many French skincare brands have been around for decades or even centuries! Some believe no one cares for their skin better than the French.
The best French skincare brands are known for using premium-quality ingredients and advanced formulations, often based on the latest scientific research. Many French skincare brands use natural ingredients such as plant extracts, French essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. They often focus on gentle and non-irritating formulations that are suitable for all skin types.
These top brands are also known for their innovation and creativity, with many brands constantly introducing new products and formulations that address specific skin concerns, such as anti-aging, eczema, lack of hydration, and dullness. They often use a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology to create effective skincare products that are popular around the world.
French skincare companies have earned a reputation for their superior quality, effectiveness, and luxury, and many people around the world consider them to be some of the best skincare brands available. Let’s take a close look at the best skincare brands from France!
Clarins
Clarins is a French luxury skincare and cosmetics company that was created in 1954 by a man named Jacques Courtin-Clarins. The company was started as a small family business that produced and sold luxury skincare products, and it quickly earned a reputation for its high-quality formulations and natural ingredients.
Jacques Courtin-Clarins was a masseur who had a keen interest in the field of skincare and beauty. He opened his first beauty spa in Paris in 1954, where he developed skincare products that he believed could enhance and improve the natural beauty of his clients. Clarins was the first to sell 100% pure plant extracts in the form of treatment oils. In 1962, Clarins developed its Body Shaping Cream, one of the first body-shaping and contouring creams in the world.
Clarins has become known for its superior-quality skincare and cosmetics products that are formulated with natural ingredients such as plant extracts, essential oils, and minerals. The company’s products are designed to be gentle and non-irritating while addressing specific skin troubles such as hydration, anti-aging, and brightening. Clarins is the official beauty partner of Air France business class.
Clarins has several popular and best-selling products.
Clarins’ Double Serum is a two-in-one anti-aging serum that is designed to reduce multiple signs of age, including fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. The serum contains a blend of 21 plant extracts, including turmeric, kiwi, and goji berry, which work together to promote radiant, youthful-looking skin.
The iconic Beauty Flash Balm is a cult favorite among the beauty-obsessed in France. It’s a radiance-boosting balm that can be used as a moisturizer, mask, or makeup primer. The balm contains natural ingredients like olive and witch hazel extracts, which work to brighten and tighten the skin, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream is a gel designed to provide intense hydration and brighten the facial skin. It contains natural ingredients like organic leaf of life and quinoa, which work to hydrate and revitalize the skin. The gel-cream helps to moisturize oily skin without clogging pores, leaving the face looking refreshed and radiant.
Biologique Recherche
Biologique Recherche is a French luxury skincare brand that was founded in 1978 by a biologist, a physiotherapist, and a doctor. The brand’s philosophy is based on a clinical approach to skincare, using high concentrations of active ingredients and personalized treatments to achieve visible and durable results.
Biologique Recherche started as a small research and development laboratory in Paris, where the founders created formulas for professionals in the beauty industry. The brand quickly acquired a reputation for its high-quality products and effective treatments, and it has grown to be sold in over 70 countries around the world.
One of Biologique Recherche’s best-selling products is the Lotion P50, an exfoliating toner that exfoliates, balances the skin’s pH, and helps to regulate oil production. The Lotion P50 comes in several variations for different skin types, and it has a cult following among beauty editors, celebrities, and women who love skincare. It’s often described as a “facial in a bottle.”
Lancôme
Lancôme is a French luxury cosmetics and skincare brand that was founded in 1935 by Armand Petitjean.
The name “Lancôme” was inspired by the ruins of a castle in the French region of Indre, where Petitjean was struck by the beauty of the roses growing there. The rose became the symbol of the brand, and Lancôme products are still known for their luxurious and elegant skincare products inspired by nature.
In the 1950s, Lancôme launched its first line of color cosmetics, including lipsticks and blushes. Lancôme is well-known for its fragrances, which include popular scents like Trésor, La Vie Est Belle, and Miracle.
One of Lancôme’s most iconic products is the Nutrix body cream, which was launched in 1936 and quickly became a best-seller. The cream is formulated with natural ingredients such as royal jelly and is designed to nourish and hydrate the skin.
Women around the world love the best-selling Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Serum because it effectively improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness, leaving their skin looking smoother, brighter, and more youthful.
Sisley
Sisley is a French luxury skincare and cosmetics brand that began in 1976 with the couple Hubert and Isabelle d’Ornano. The brand was created with the aim of using the best plant extracts and essential oils in its products to provide effective and luxurious skincare solutions.
Hubert d’Ornano was a pioneer in the use of plant extracts in cosmetics and was committed to using natural ingredients in his formulations. The brand often incorporates skincare solutions into its makeup products like the Sisley Sisleya Le Teint Anti-Aging Foundation, which was formulated with plant-based ingredients and quickly became a best-seller.
Sisley continued to build its product range over time, combining natural ingredients with advanced formulations. One of its most popular products is the Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge Cream, which is designed to hinder the signs of aging and enhance the texture and appearance of the skin.
Many European women love the Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask because it deeply hydrates, nourishes, and brightens their skin, while also improving its elasticity and reducing the signs of aging for a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Today, Sisley is a global brand with upscale products that are sold in over 90 countries. The brand continues to be committed to using natural ingredients in its formulations and to developing innovative and effective skincare and cosmetics products that provide a luxurious and indulgent experience.
Guerlain
Guerlain is a French luxury fragrance, skincare, and cosmetics brand that was founded in 1828 by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain. The brand began as a small perfume shop in Paris, but it quickly attained a reputation for creating high-quality fragrances and other beauty products.
Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain was a master perfumer who created fragrances for many of the European royal courts, including Queen Victoria of England and Napoleon III of France. He passed his knowledge and expertise down to his sons, who continued to expand the brand and develop new products.
The brand is loved for its luxurious and superior skincare offerings, which often incorporate rare and exotic ingredients like orchid extract and honey.
Some of Guerlain’s most iconic skincare products include Abeille Royale line of skincare products, which are formulated with honey and royal jelly and are designed to firm and revitalize the skin. You must try the Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil if you have mature skin and want to give it the best treatment possible.
Dior
Dior is a French luxury fashion and beauty brand founded in 1946 by Christian Dior. The fashion brand is popular for its sophisticated and elegant style, and its beauty products are no exception.
Christian Dior was a fashion designer who had a passion for beauty and cosmetics. He believed that fashion and beauty were intertwined, and he saw cosmetics as a way to enhance a woman’s natural beauty. In 1953, Dior launched its first line of cosmetics, which included lipsticks and face powders.
Dior’s most popular skincare line is the Capture Totale line, which was created to address the visible signs of aging and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. Featuring a serum, eye cream, face cream, night cream, and toner, Dior’s skincare solutions have your whole skincare routine covered.
Today, Dior is one of the most well-known and respected fashion and beauty brands in the world, with premium skincare products that are sold in over 160 countries. The brand continues to innovate and develop new products, while staying true to its heritage of elegance, sophistication, and luxury.
L’Occitane
L’Occitane is a natural French beauty and skincare brand founded in 1976 by Olivier Baussan. The Provencal brand is beloved for its natural and organic ingredients and its long-standing commitment to eco-conscious business, sustainability and ethical sourcing.
L’Occitane started as a producer of essential oils and natural beauty products in Provence, France. In the 1980s, the brand expanded to include skincare, body care, and fragrance products.
Today, L’Occitane offers skincare products formulated to address common skin concerns. The brand’s skincare products are mostly made with natural and organic ingredients from the south of France, where the brand is still based.
One of L’Occitane’s most popular skincare lines is the Immortelle collection, which features products that are enriched with immortelle flower extract. Immortelle is known for its anti-aging benefits and is a key ingredient in several of L’Occitane’s best-selling skincare products, including the Immortelle Divine Cream and the Immortelle Reset Serum.
L’Occitane is also known for its Shea butter collection, a range of skincare and body care products that are enriched with nourishing shea butter. The shea butter line includes products like the Shea Butter Hand Cream and the Shea Ultra Rich Body Cream, which are designed to hydrate and nourish dry skin.
Yves Rocher
Yves Rocher is a natural and clean French beauty and skincare brand founded in 1959 by Yves Rocher, a self-taught botanist and entrepreneur. The company is known for its use of natural and botanical ingredients, plus its adherence to skincare sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Yves Rocher started as a small business selling natural and plant-based beauty products through mail-order catalogs. The brand quickly gained a following for its high-quality, affordable products that were made with ingredients sourced from Yves Rocher’s own botanical gardens in Brittany, France.
Today, Yves Rocher prides itself on offering products with natural and botanical ingredients. The brand’s skincare products are designed to be gentle while delivering visible results.
One of Yves Rocher’s most popular skincare lines is the Sebo Vegetal collection, featuring products that are designed to balance and purify oily and combination skin. Yves Rocher is also known for its Hydra Vegetal collection, which features products that are formulated to hydrate and nourish ultra dry skin.
Best-selling Yves Rocher products include the anti-aging Intense Regenerating Rich Cream for day and night, the hydrating 48H Non-Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream for oily skin, and the 3 in 1 Scrub for Blackheads.
L’Oréal
L’Oréal is a famous budget French beauty and skincare brand originally founded in 1909 by Eugène Schueller, a chemist who developed a hair dye formula that he called “Auréole.” The brand is now one of the largest and most well-known beauty companies in the world, with a portfolio of over 30 brands, including Maybelline, Garnier, and Lancôme.
L’Oréal’s affordable skincare products are developed to address a wide range of skin concerns and are formulated with innovative ingredients and technologies. The wallet-friendly conglomerate is known for its wide selection of skincare products for even the rarest of skin types, as well as its commitment to investing heavily in scientific research and new development.
One of L’Oréal’s most popular skincare lines is the anti-aging Revitalift collection, which features products that are designed to reduce the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. The Revitalift line includes products like the Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the Revitalift Night Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol.
L’Oréal is also known for its Age Perfect line, which was conceived to address the specific needs of mature skin. The Age Perfect line includes products like the Age Perfect Cell Renewal Golden Serum and the Age Perfect Face Moisturizer.
In addition to its affordable anti-aging skincare products, L’Oréal also offers everyday products for hydration, brightening, and acne-prone skin. The brand’s skincare products are formulated with powerful active ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, retinol, and vitamin C.
Caudalie
Caudalie is a natural French skincare brand that was launched in 1995 by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas. The Bordeaux-based company is known for its use of natural and sustainable ingredients, as well as its commitment to protecting the environment.
The founders of Caudalie were inspired by the health benefits of grapes and grape seeds of the Médoc, France region, which are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. They created a skincare line based on these ingredients, using a patented extraction method to capture the full range of benefits.
Today, Caudalie develops skincare products that are formulated with natural and sustainable ingredients.
The brand is particularly known for its Vinoperfect line, which offers products that are designed to correct dark spots and even out the skin tone. The Vinoperfect line includes products like the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum and the Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream, both of which can correct dark spots with regular use.
Caudalie is also known for its high-end Premier Cru line, which was invented to address the signs of aging in a natural way. This line includes products like the Premier Cru Serum and the Premier Cru Cream.
In addition to its anti-aging and brightening products, Caudalie also offers products for hydration, cleansing, and sun protection. The brand’s skincare products are formulated with clean, natural, and sustainable ingredients, including grape seed oil, grape water, and organic essential oils.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a French pharmacy skincare brand founded in 1975 by pharmacist René Levayer. The French skincare powerhouse is known for its dermatologist-recommended skincare products, which are designed to be gentle and effective for all skin, but especially sensitive skin types.
The name La Roche-Posay comes from a small town in the Vienne region of France, which is known for its thermal spring water discovered by French knight Bertrand Du Guescli during the 15th century. The thermal spring water is rich in minerals and has been used for centuries for its therapeutic properties. The water sources were even part of a thermal dermatology center as early as 1905.
La Roche-Posay produces skincare products for all different skin types and myriad concerns.
La Roche-Posay is best known for its Toleriane line, which is designed for sensitive skin care. The Toleriane line includes cult products like the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser for dry skin and the Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer for everyday use.
The brand is particularly known for its Effaclar line, which is made for acne-prone skin. The Effaclar line includes products like the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel for daily cleansing and the Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment with benzoyl peroxide to quickly treat pimples.
In addition to its acne and sensitive skin products, La Roche-Posay offers products for skin concerns like hydration, eczema, rosacea, anti-aging, and sun protection. The brand’s skincare products are formulated with potent active ingredients, including its proprietary thermal spring water, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
Nuxe
Nuxe is a cult French skincare brand founded in 1989 by Aliza Jabès. The brand is known for its use of natural and organic ingredients, as well as its luxurious and sensorial products.
The name Nuxe comes from the combination of the words “nature” and “luxury,” which reflects the brand’s philosophy of using natural ingredients to create indulgent skincare products.
Today, Nuxe still formulates is best-selling products with natural and organic ingredients. The brand is particularly known for its Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, which is a cult-favorite product that can be used on the face, body, and hair. The Nuxe Dry Oil is formulated with a blend of nourishing plant oils, including argan oil, camellia oil, and sweet almond oil. It’s so popular that Nuxe released a floral version as well as a gold shimmering version to keep up with its loyal customer base.
Avène
Avène is one of the best French pharmacy skincare brands, founded in 1736 in the small town of Avène, located in the south of France. The brand is famous for its use of thermal spring water, which is sourced from a natural spring in the Avène region, and is known for its soothing and healing properties.
The Avène brand was officially launched in 1990 with the introduction of the Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray. Since then, the brand has continued to expand and become one of the most prominent pharmacy brands in Europe.
Avène is particularly known for its range of products for sensitive and intolerant skin. The brand’s XeraCalm A.D. line is designed for people with eczema and atopic dermatitis, while the Tolerance Extreme line is formulated for people with hypersensitive and allergy-prone skin.
Avène is also known for its anti-aging products, which are formulated with key active ingredients, including retinaldehyde and hyaluronic acid. The brand’s anti-aging products include the PhysioLift line, which is designed to smooth wrinkles and firm the skin, and the YstheAL line, which is formulated to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vichy
Vichy is a French skincare brand founded in 1931 by Georges Guérin and Dr. Haller. The brand is named after the town of Vichy, which is located in the central region of France and is known for its natural hot springs.
Vichy’s first product was a thermal water-based skincare product, which was developed to soothe and heal the skin. Today, Vichy continues to source its mineral-rich thermal water from the Vichy region, which is known for its hydrating and soothing properties.
The brand offers tons of hydrating and anti-aging products, which are formulated with robust active ingredients, including retinol and hyaluronic acid.
Vichy Mineral 89 Serum is a popular French pharmacy skincare product because it is formulated with a high concentration of Vichy’s signature mineralizing thermal water and hyaluronic acid. The mineralizing thermal water is sourced from the French volcanoes and is rich in 15 minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are known to be beneficial for the skin.
The LiftActiv line is designed to firm and smooth mature and aging skin, with products such as the LiftActiv Vitamin C face serum, while the Neovadiol line is formulated for women going through menopause and is meant to address signs of aging that are specific to this stage of life.
In addition to anti-aging products, Vichy also sells skincare products that address other concerns, such as acne, dry skin, and sensitivity. The brand’s Normaderm line is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, while the Aqualia Thermal line is designed for dry or dehydrated skin. It has something for everyone!
Vichy is known for its use of mineral-rich thermal water and its effective, science-based skincare products.
Embryolisse
Embryolisse is a French skincare brand founded in 1950 by a dermatologist from Paris named Dr. Tricot.
One of Embryolisse’s most famous products is the Lait-Crème Concentré, which was originally developed as a moisturizer and makeup prep solution for professional makeup artists. The product quickly gained a cult following for its ability to hydrate and soothe the skin, while also serving as a versatile makeup primer.
The brand’s Hydra-Mat Emulsion is designed for oily and combination skin, while the Light Hydra-Cream is formulated for dry and dehydrated skin.
The Lait-Crème Fluide lotion is formulated with shea butter and aloe vera to help hydrate the body skin, while the Radiant Eye Stick helps to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.
The brand’s focus on adaptive skincare has made it a favorite among makeup artists, models, and celebrities around the world.
Filorga
Filorga is a popular French skincare brand founded in 1978 by a French doctor named Michel Tordjman. The brand started as a medical research company that focused on skin physiology, anti-aging solutions, specifically on the treatment of scars and skin damage caused by surgery.
In the 2000s, the brand shifted its focus to the development of cosmetic products that were inspired by the techniques and ingredients used in aesthetic medicine. This led to the creation of the brand’s flagship product, the NCTF-Reverse serum, which was formulated with a unique blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, collagen, and minerals to help fight the signs of aging and improve skin quality.
Today, Filorga is known for its range of high-performance skincare products that are formulated with advanced active ingredients and innovative technologies.
Some of the brand’s most popular products include the Time-Filler face cream for wrinkle correction, the Hydra-Hyal serum for dehydrated skin, and the Oxygen-Glow day cream for dull skin.
Filorga is also known for its Medi-Cosmetique range, which contains products that are medically formulated to target specific skin concerns, such as pigmentation, acne, and wrinkles using aesthetic medicine.
Filorga is sold across France in French pharmacies and select international skincare retailers.
Bioderma
Bioderma is a French skincare brand that dates back to 1977 when it was founded by Jean-Noël Thorel, a pharmacist and biologist. The brand was started with a focus on developing dermatological solutions for sensitive and reactive skin, and it quickly gained a reputation for its gentle formulas.
Bioderma’s breakthrough came in 1991 with the launch of its Sensibio H2O micellar water, a gentle cleansing solution that uses micelles to lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin without the need for harsh scrubbing or rubbing. This product became a cult favorite among models and makeup artists and helped to establish Bioderma as a leader in the skincare industry. It’s one of the many reasons why Bioderma is one of the best French skincare brands on our list.
The micellar water has been formulated for different skin types too so you can get the perfect match for your skin: Hydrabio H2O is for dry skin types, Sébium H2O for oily skin types, and the classic Sensibio for normal to sensitive skin types.
Some of the Bioderma brand’s other popular products include the Atoderm Cleansing Shower Oil for washing ultra dry body skin, the Sensibio Foaming Gel face cleanser for sensitive skin, and the Sébium Foaming Gel cleanser for washing oily facial skin.
YSL Beauty
YSL Beauty is a French luxury beauty brand that was founded in 1961 by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Yves Saint Laurent was a pioneering fashion designer who was known for his avant-garde and daring designs. He believed that fashion was a way of expressing oneself, and he saw makeup as a way to enhance a woman’s natural beauty.
YSL Beauty’s first product was the Y fragrance, which was launched in 1964 and became an instant classic. In the 1970s, YSL Beauty expanded to makeup and skincare products. The brand’s makeup products were known for their bold, vibrant colors and gold packaging, and they quickly became popular with fashion-forward women around the world during the disco era.
YSL is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after skincare brands in France. One of YSL Beauty’s most popular skincare product collections is the Pure Shots range, a collection of serums and creams that are designed to target specific skin concerns. The range includes products like the Pure Shots Night Reboot Serum, which is formulated to help skin recover and rejuvenate while you sleep, and the Pure Shots Light Up Serum, which is designed to brighten and even out skin tone.
YSL Beauty is also known for its luxurious Or Rouge line, made of products that are formulated with saffron and other potent ingredients to deliver anti-aging benefits. The line includes products like the Or Rouge Face Cream, which is designed to improve skin firmness and texture, and the Or Rouge Eye Cream, which is formulated to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
YSL Beauty has become one of the most prestigious and well-known French skincare brands in the world, with luxury products that are sold in over 70 countries.
Institut Esthederm
Institut Esthederm is a French pharmacy skincare brand that was established in 1978 by Jean-Noel Thorel, the same founder of the Bioderma brand. The brand was established with a focus on developing advanced skincare products based on cellular biology and aimed to offer a more targeted and personalized approach to skincare.
The brand’s philosophy is centered around the idea that the skin should be protected and respected rather than corrected or repaired. This approach is reflected in the brand’s products, which are designed to work in harmony with the skin’s natural processes and to optimize its health and vitality.
Institut Esthederm is known for its innovative and science-backed skincare solutions, with a focus on anti-aging, sun protection, and hydration.
Some of the brand’s most popular products include the Eau Cellulaire cellular water spray, the Osmoclean Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser, and the Intensive Hyaluronic Cream for treating wrinkles on the face, neck, and décolleté.
Chantecaille
Chantecaille is a luxury skincare and makeup brand that was established in 1997 by Sylvie Chantecaille, a former Estée Lauder executive. The brand is known for its use of high-quality natural and botanical ingredients, as well as its commitment to philanthropy and environmental sustainability.
Chantecaille began as a small family-run business, with Sylvie working closely with her daughter Olivia to develop the brand’s signature products. The brand quickly gained a fan base for its unique formulations, which incorporated rare and exotic ingredients like rosewater, sea buckthorn oil, and bamboo. It’s considered one of the best French skincare brands today.
One of Chantecaille’s most popular skincare products is the Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask which is a luxury cooling mask infused with botanicals to soothe dull and dry skin.
The Bio Lifting Neck Cream is a luxurious and nourishing neck cream that is designed to gently firm and lift the neck while reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the neck.
The Chantecaille Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser is a delicate botanically infused face wash which removes impurities while softening the skin.
The brand is also known for its Rose de Mai collection, a range of products made with rare and precious Rose de Mai extract, as well as its line of serums, which are formulated to target distinct skin concerns like discoloration, dehydration, and aging. Give the highly-rated Rose de Mai Face Oil a try if this intrigues you!
Darphin
Darphin is a French skincare brand that was founded in 1958 by Pierre Darphin, a renowned Parisian kinesiotherapist and skincare expert. The brand’s philosophy is centered around the belief that beauty is achieved through the balance and harmony of the mind, body, and skin.
Darphin is known for its luxurious and high-performance skincare products with natural ingredients and plant extracts. The brand’s product range includes cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, masks, and eye care products, all designed to solve specific skin problems such as dryness, aging, and dullness. Americans consider Darphin to be one of the best French skincare brands out there.
Darphin’s most iconic products include the Intral Inner Youth Rescue Serum, which is formulated with chamomile, peony, and hawthorn extracts to calm and soothe sensitive skin, and the Hydraskin Light All-Day Skin Hydrating Cream Gel, which is formulated with sea emerald and other nourishing ingredients to provide intense hydration and to oily-prone skin.
Darphin also offers proprietary facial treatments and rituals that address specific skin concerns and provide a luxurious spa-like experience.
Biotherm
Biotherm is a French skincare brand that was established in 1952 by biologist Dr. Jeanine Marissal. The brand’s name is derived from the words “biology” and “thermal”, reflecting its focus on using natural ingredients sourced from aquatic environments and thermal springs.
Biotherm is known for its advanced skincare products that incorporate innovative ingredients such as thermal plankton, which is known for its hydrating and anti-aging properties. The brand has everyday skincare products, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, and masks, that treat various skin concerns such as dryness, aging, and sensitivity.
One of Biotherm’s most iconic products is the Aquasource 48H Hydration Gel, a lightweight moisturizer that is formulated with thermal life plankton and other hydrating ingredients to provide 48-hour hydration to the skin.
Payot
Payot is a French skincare brand that was launched in 1927 by Dr. Nadia Payot, a doctor and beauty expert. Dr. Payot was one of the first female doctors in France and was known for her innovative approach to skincare.
The brand is well-known in France but less so in the United States, for its skincare products that combine the latest scientific research with natural ingredients. Payot’s product range is designed to target specific skin concerns such as aging, dehydration, and hyperpigmentation.
Payot is particularly known for its iconic product, the Pâte Grise L’Originale, which is a purifying and mattifying cream that is designed to fix blemishes and reduce the appearance of imperfections. French women have sworn by it for decades and its secret benefits have been passed down through the generations.
SVR
SVR is a lesser-known but well-respected French pharmacy brand that was established in 1962 by Simone and Robert Veret. The laboratory was created with a mission to provide effective and high-quality skincare solutions that are safe for sensitive and reactive skin.
SVR is known for its Sensifine AR Moisturizing Soothing Anti-Redness Cream, designed to inhibit redness on the face and treat light rosacea. It’s also known for its Topialyse Palpebral Creme for treating itchy, irritated eyelids that may suffer from burning or sensitivity.
Diptyque
Diptyque is a French luxury brand that was established in 1961 by three friends: Christiane Gautrot, Desmond Knox-Leet, and Yves Coueslant. The brand began as a small boutique on Paris’ Boulevard Saint-Germain, selling fabric designs, pottery, and other home decor items. In 1963, the brand launched its first line of scented candles, which quickly became a signature product.
The brand’s scents are inspired by travel and nature, and are often made with rare and exotic ingredients. Diptyque sells body care products, including shower gels, body lotions, and hand creams, which feature the same signature fragrances as its candles and perfumes. The Do Son Scented Shower Oil is a body wash that is highly rated.
Diptyque’s skincare products are formulated with natural and botanical ingredients, such as rose water, almond oil, and chamomile extract. Using Diptyque skincare products is a truly sensory experience like no other!
Orlane Paris
Orlane has been creating skincare and cosmetics since 1947. With a focus on innovation in anti-aging cosmetics, the research laboratories near Orléans have earned the company a loyal reputation. Orlane has developed a proprietary anti-aging complex called B21 Bio-Energic, a key component of their products which are sold at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.
The B21 Extraordinaire Youth Reset Serum contains 21 amino acids from Pale Blue Iris stem cells to renew cells for a youthful look. For 30 years the brand has been owned by Italian group Kelémata.
Uriage
Uriage is a French skincare brand that specializes in dermatological products. The brand has a history dating back to 1992, but the origins of the Uriage thermal water, which forms the basis of their products, go much further.
The story of Uriage begins in the French Alps, where a thermal spring was discovered near the village of Uriage-les-Bains. The thermal water from this spring was found to have unique properties and was recognized for its benefits in treating various skin conditions. Its high mineral content, including calcium, magnesium, and trace elements, has a soothing and moisturizing effect on the skin.
In 1992, the Uriage Dermatological Laboratories were established to harness the therapeutic potential of the Uriage thermal water. The brand focuses on developing skincare products that are gentle, effective, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and problematic skin.
Uriage isn’t as well known in the United States as it is in France. However, it has two products that seem to be a hit with American consumers. The Uriage Xemose Cream is highly rated for its lipid-replenishing abilities on irritated skin. The Uriage Roséliane Anti-Redness Face Cream is also well noted for its ability to soothe inflamed, red skin on the face and body.
Dore
Garance Doré is a French author, illustrator, photographer, and fashion blogger. She gained popularity through her blog, “Garance Doré,” which she started in 2006. The blog covered lifestyle topics including fashion, beauty, and food, and featured her personal experiences and insights. Doré’s distinctive style and talent for storytelling quickly garnered a large following, and she became known as one of the most influential bloggers in the fashion industry.
She recently launched a Doré skincare line, featuring the products she considers to be essentials. Some products have been certified and approved by the National Eczema Foundation.
Violette fr
Violette_FR is a French beauty brand founded by Violette Serrat, a French makeup artist who has worked for major beauty companies and publications. The brand was launched in 2019 with a line of skincare and makeup products that reflect Violette’s philosophy of beauty, which emphasizes simplicity, self-expression, and confidence.
Les Filles en Rouje
Les Filles en Rouje is a French fashion and beauty brand founded in 2018 by Jeanne Damas, a French model, actress, and Instagram influencer. This newer brand gives Paris beauty lovers cosmetics and skincare products that help you to create a minimalist, natural look.
The new 2023 skincare products from Les Filles en Rouje include face cream, cleanser, and face oil, designed to be gentle on the skin and appropriate for all skin types. The brand also offers Parisian makeup products, including lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blush, all designed to enhance natural beauty.
Which one of these French skincare brands are you most excited to try?
