Skincare has become an essential part of our daily routine, and with the rise of social media and beauty influencers, the beauty industry has exploded in popularity. Europe has long been known for its dedication to skincare and beauty, with many of the world’s most renowned skincare brands originating from the continent. European skincare products have gained a reputation for their high-quality ingredients, innovative formulas, and efficacy.
With so many European skincare brands on the market, it can be challenging to know which ones to try. In this post, we’ll explore the best European skincare brands for Americans to try, so you can achieve your best skin yet. Whether you’re new to the world of skincare or a seasoned beauty addict, there’s sure to be a brand on this list that will pique your interest.
Augustinus Bader
Augustinus Bader is a premium skincare brand that was founded in 2018 by a German stem cell scientist, Professor Augustinus Bader. The brand has gained immense popularity in recent years thanks to celebrity fans like Gwenyth Paltrow and is now considered one of the best skincare brands in Europe.
What sets Augustinus Bader apart from other skincare brands is its unique, patented TFC8® technology, which helps to trigger the body’s natural regeneration process. TFC8® is a complex of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and synthesized molecules that work together to support cellular renewal and repair.
Augustinus Bader’s best-selling products include The Cream and The Rich Cream. These creams are developed to hydrate, nourish, and regenerate the skin, leaving it looking healthy and radiant. The Cream is perfect for normal to oily skin types, while The Rich Cream is more suitable for dry and mature skin. Both creams contain TFC8® technology, as well as other potent ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and avocado oil.
In addition to the creams, Augustinus Bader also offers a range of other skincare products, including cleansers, toners, and body creams.
La Prairie
La Prairie was founded by Dr. Paul Niehans, a Swiss physician, in 1931. It began as Clinique La Prairie, a sought-after destination for many of the world’s most influential people, including politicians, celebrities, and other high-profile types. The spa and clinic were renowned for their relaxing atmosphere and luxurious treatments, which attracted the rich and famous to its picturesque setting.
Today, the luxury European skincare brand is respected for its high-end, anti-aging skincare lines, which are formulated with proprietary technology and luxurious ingredients.
La Prairie’s best-selling products include the Skin Caviar collection, which was conceived to lift, firm, and rejuvenate the skin. The Skin Caviar collection features caviar extract, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and minerals that help to nourish and firm the skin. The collection includes the Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream, Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, and Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion, a pre-serum toner.
Another popular La Prairie product is the Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold, which is a luxurious serum that contains 24-karat gold particles, as well as other powerful ingredients like peptides and antioxidants. This serum greatly enhances skin texture and tone, while reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
La Prairie sells plenty more skincare products, including cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, which makes it one of the best skincare brands in Europe. All of their products are formulated with the brand’s exclusive Cellular Complex, which is a blend of powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for your best skin ever.
Borghese
Borghese is an Italian skincare brand that has existed since the 1950s. It was founded by Princess Marcella Borghese, an Italian noblewoman, in 1956, and started as a collection of skincare and makeup products inspired by Princess Borghese’s personal beauty rituals. The brand is known for its luxurious products that are formulated with natural ingredients like volcanic mud, botanical extracts, and minerals from the Tuscan region.
Borghese’s best-selling products include the Fango Active Mud Mask, which is a mineral-rich mud mask that helps to detoxify and purify the skin. The mask contains volcanic ash and clay, which help to absorb excess oil and impurities, while also improving the skin’s texture and tone. It also contains botanical extracts like green tea and chamomile, which calm the skin.
Another popular Borghese product is the Crema Saponetta Cleansing Cream, which is a gentle, cream-based cleanser that is meant to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without depriving the skin of its natural oils. The cleanser contains botanical extracts like arnica and chamomile, which soothe and hydrate the skin, as well as glycerin, which helps to lock in moisture.
Verso Skincare
Verso Skincare is a Swedish skincare brand that was founded in 2013 by Lars Fredriksson, a former CEO of a major skincare company. The brand is known for its Scandinavian minimalist take on skincare, which aims for greater simplicity and efficacy in women’s skincare routines. Nordic women consider it among the best European skincare brands.
Verso Skincare’s best-selling products include the Super Facial Serum, which is a light, hydrating serum that contains a high concentration of retinol 8. Retinol 8 is a proprietary ingredient that is eight times more effective than traditional retinol, and it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also improving the skin’s texture and tone.
Another popular Verso Skincare product is the Antioxidant Turmeric Booster, which is a powerful serum that protects the skin from environmental stressors and free radicals. The serum contains a potent blend of antioxidants, including turmeric and vitamin E, which help to neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to the skin.
You can buy Verso in the US at Saks, SkinStore, and LookFantastic.
Universelle Buly 1803
Buly 1803, also known as L’Officine Universelle Buly, is a French skincare brand that has been in the business for over two centuries! It was recently relaunched under new management, which aimed to bring back the traditional apothecary style of French skincare solutions of centuries past. The brand is known for its traditional, artisanal approach to skincare, using natural ingredients and time-tested techniques to create effective products.
Buly 1803’s best-selling products include the Pommade Concrète, which is a multi-purpose hand and foot balm that can be used to moisturize dry skin, tame flyaways, and even soothe insect bites. The balm is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including shea butter, beeswax, and sweet almond oil, and it comes in fragrances like rose, lavender, and verbena.
Another popular Buly 1803 product is the Huile Antique Dry Body Oil, which is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and nourishes the skin. The oil contains a blend of natural oils, including argan, sesame, and almond, which tones the skin and improves texture, while also leaving it feeling soft and smooth. It comes in several scents including Mexican tuberose and Damask rose.
Shop Buly 1803 from Selfridges in the US.
Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is an Italian skincare brand that has been around for over 400 years. The brand is known for its rich history and tradition of working with natural ingredients to create effective skincare products. Even outside Italy, it’s known as one of the best European skincare brands.
Santa Maria Novella’s best-selling products include the Acqua di Rose, which is a refreshing facial mist formulated with rose water and other natural ingredients. The mist helps to hydrate and ease the skin, while also leaving it with a subtle, floral fragrance.
Another popular Santa Maria Novella product is the Crema da Barba, which is a shaving cream that is formulated with natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. The cream helps to soften the beard, making it easier to shave, while also hydrating and nourishing the skin.
Bellefontaine Switzerland
Bellefontaine Switzerland is a luxury skincare brand that was founded in 2006 by Peter Yip, a renowned Swiss beauty expert. The brand is known for its high-end, anti-aging skincare solutions, which are developed with cutting-edge technology and luxurious ingredients. It’s a “bridge between science and nature” according to the founder.
Bellefontiane works with a proprietary complex, EDELGEN® which is produced from the Edelweiss flower of Switzerland. Edelweiss is a small, white flower with a yellow center that is native to the European Alps, and is a symbol of the Alpine region. Edelweiss has been used for medicinal purposes, including as a remedy for respiratory problems, digestive issues, and fever. Edelweiss is known in Europe for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bellefontaine Switzerland’s best-selling products include the Caviar Collection, which can lift, firm, and rejuvenate the skin. The collection features gold particles, caviar extract, and other potent ingredients that help to nourish and restore the skin’s natural radiance.
Another popular Bellefontaine Switzerland product is the Cellstemine 24h Repair Cream, a regenerating cream formulated with Edelweiss and Argan stem cells to repair each layer of the skin. The cream smooths the skin texture while hiding pesky fine lines and wrinkles.
Elemis
Elemis is a British skincare brand that was established in 1989 by a trio of entrepreneurs: Noella Gabriel, Oriele Frank, and Sean Harrington. The brand is known for its innovative, results-driven skincare products that combine natural ingredients with avant-garde technology, making it one of the best European skincare brands.
Elemis’ best-selling products include the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, which is a lightweight, anti-aging moisturizer that is formulated with marine algae and other natural ingredients. The cream helps to hydrate and firm the skin, while treating fine lines and wrinkles.
The Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm by Elemis is a fantastic face wash for mature skin. It transforms into cleansing milk thanks to its wax base. It can be used as a cleanser or a face mask. Apply it like a balm, and then use warm water or a warm cloth to remove it.
Another popular Elemis product is the Superfood Facial Wash, which is a nourishing facial cleanser that is packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids. The wash evens out the skin tone, while also protecting it from environmental stressors and free radicals.
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand that was launched in 2014 by Dr. Barbara Sturm, a renowned German aesthetics doctor. The brand is known for its science-based approach to skincare, which focuses on using innovative, natural ingredients to promote healthy, radiant skin.
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s best-selling products include the Hyaluronic Serum, which is a lightweight, hydrating serum that is formulated with hyaluronic acid and other natural ingredients. The serum helps to plump and firm the skin, while fighting the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
Sturm’s Glow Drops are an anti-aging compound that gives the skin a gentle glow thanks to ingredients like bisorta root, rosa canina, and purslane. It’s the perfect finisher for your skincare routine.
Another popular Dr. Barbara Sturm product is the Face Cream Rich, which is a luxurious moisturizer that works to hydrate and nourish the skin. The cream contains natural ingredients like purslane, which is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as vitamin E and shea butter, which help to soothe and protect the skin.
Aurelia London
Aurelia London is a British skincare brand that was launched in 2013 by Claire Vero, a former pharmaceutical industry expert. The brand is known for its probiotic approach to skincare, which concentrates on using natural elements and progressive technology to promote healthy, radiant skin.
Aurelia London’s best-selling products include the Miracle Cleanser, which is a gentle yet effective cleanser that is formulated with natural ingredients like chamomile and eucalyptus. The cleanser helps to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without denying the skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.
Another popular Aurelia London product is the Cell Revitalise Day Moisturiser, which is a lightweight moisturizer that is designed to hydrate and protect the skin. The moisturizer contains natural ingredients like baobab and hibiscus, which help to flatten skin texture, while also providing antioxidant protection.
Clarins
Clarins is a French skincare brand that was established in 1954 by Jacques Courtin-Clarins. The brand is known for its innovative, plant-based approach to skincare and using natural ingredients to promote healthy, radiant skin.
Clarins’ best-selling products include the Double Serum, which is a lightweight, anti-aging serum that is formulated with a powerful blend of plant-based ingredients. The serum corrects the skin tone, while working to treat fine lines and wrinkles.
Another popular Clarins product is the Beauty Flash Balm, which is a hydrating balm that is formulated to brighten and refresh the skin. The balm contains natural ingredients like olive extract and witch hazel, which help to soothe and tone the skin, while also providing antioxidant protection.
Biologique Recherche
Biologique Recherche is a French skincare brand that was founded in 1978 by a trio of skincare experts: Yvan, Josette, and Philippe Allouche. The brand is known for its unique, personalized approach to skincare, which involves analyzing the skin and creating customized treatment plans using a range of natural and high-tech ingredients. It’s on the list of the best skincare brands in Europe thanks to its the royalty among its clients.
Biologique Recherche’s best-selling products include the Lotion P50, which is a cult-favorite toner that helps to exfoliate and balance the skin. The toner contains a blend of natural ingredients like lactic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide, which improve the skin’s natural texture, while also decreasing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
Another popular Biologique Recherche product is the Serum Iso-Placenta, which is a regenerating serum that deeply nourishes and repairs the skin. The serum contains natural ingredients like placental biostimulin, which helps to promote cell renewal and improve the skin’s elasticity.
Bjork And Berries
Bjork And Berries is a Swedish skincare brand that was established in 2012 by Isabelle Lewenhaupt. The brand is known for its natural, sustainable approach to skincare, which involves using locally-sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
Bjork And Berries’ best-selling “ecoluxury” products include the Instant Glow Face Oil, which is a lightweight, hydrating oil that is formulated with birch leaf extract and other natural ingredients. The oil helps to nourish and calm the skin, while also improving its texture and tone.
Another popular Bjork And Berries product is the Never Spring Cream, which is a moisturizing hand and body cream that is designed to protect and nourish dry, rough skin patches. The cream contains natural ingredients like lingonberry seed oil and shea butter, which help to hydrate and soften the skin.
Valmont
Valmont is a luxury Swiss skincare brand that was founded in 1985 by Didier Guillon. The brand is beloved for its high-end, anti-aging skincare products, which are developed with advanced technology and luxurious ingredients.
Valmont’s best-selling products include the Prime Renewing Pack, which is a luxurious, anti-aging mask that will firm and hydrate the skin. The mask contains natural ingredients like honey and kelp, as well as the brand’s signature Triple DNA and RNA, which help to rejuvenate and nourish tired, puffy skin.
Another popular Valmont product is the L’Elixir des Glaciers Votre Visage, which is a luxurious, anti-aging serum that brightens and firms mature skin. The serum contains natural ingredients like Swiss iceberg glacier water and caviar extract, which reduces bumpy skin texture, while also providing intense hydration.
If you’re looking to invest in luxury, anti-aging skincare, Valmont is definitely worth considering.
Korres
Korres is a Greek skincare brand that was created in 1996 by George Korres. The brand is known for its natural, plant-based method of skincare, which primarily consists of using high-quality ingredients to promote healthy, radiant skin.
Korres’ best-selling products include the Wild Rose Vitamin C Brightening Oil, which is a hydrating facial oil that is formulated with rose oil and other natural ingredients. The oil helps to brighten and even out the skin tone, while also improving its texture and radiance.
Another interesting Korres product is the Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser, which is a gentle, foaming cleanser that will remove dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. The cleanser contains natural ingredients like Greek yogurt, which nourish and soothe the skin.
Hello and thank you so much for all that information on the different skincare brands from Europe!
I wonder if any of them offer samples that you know of? I always like to try the lines before I purchase. Would appreciate your response.
Hi! I always visit Sephora and the luxury department stores in order to try out skincare products! The sales people usually let you test them there. Just keep in mind: most skincare products need to be applied long term to see any real results 🙂
-Victoria