These top French pharmacy skincare brands sell millions of the country’s best skincare products. These brands have something for every skin concern and type!
Some of the most popular French pharmacy brands for skincare include La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Bioderma, and Avène. These brands are known for their high-quality, effective skincare products often containing thermal spring water from natural sources in France. They offer a wide range of everyday products, from cleansers and moisturizers to serums and treatments. They also offer targeted solutions to common skincare concerns.
What’s great is that this amazing research is available to anyone in France at their local French pharmacy!
List of Top Pharmacy Skincare Brands in France
If you’re looking for the best French skincare products, these French skincare pharmacy brands are a great place to start!
- La Roche-Posay
- Avène
- Nuxe
- Bioderma
- Vichy
- Caudalie
- Embryolisse
- Darphin
- Filorga
- Sanoflore
- Klorane
Let’s dive into each brand.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a French pharmacy skincare brand that is known for its skincare products developed to treat specific concerns and skin types. It has slowly grown to become the number 1 skincare brand in France!
La Roche-Posay is a French skincare, makeup, and body care brand founded in 1975 by pharmacist and entrepreneur, Jean-Paul Agon. The brand is named after a small village of the same name located in the Indre-et-Loire region of France. The village of La Roche-Posay is known for its thermal spring water, which is believed to have healing properties for the skin.
The history of thermal water in La Roche-Posay France town dates back to the Roman period when it was known as Aquae Calidae. The thermal springs were rediscovered in the 1600s, and the town was officially founded in 1760. In 1877, the first thermal spa was opened in La Roche-Posay. Since then, the thermal springs have become renowned for their healing properties. The town has been at the forefront of innovation in skincare, and its thermal water is used in products around the world. The waters are rich in minerals and trace elements which help to soothe and nourish the skin. La Roche-Posay is now a world-famous spa town, and its thermal waters are a major part of its identity.
Agon developed a skincare line based on this thermal spring water, which quickly became popular with dermatologists and people with sensitive skin. In the 1980s, the brand expanded its product line to include makeup, body care, and hair care products. In the 1990s, La Roche-Posay introduced a number of new products, such as an anti-aging line and an acne line. The brand has since become a leader in the skincare industry, with products available in over 100 countries worldwide.
La Roche-Posay is now a part of the L’Oréal Group and continues to offer innovative products and cutting-edge research in the fields of dermatology, oncology, and aesthetic treatments. The brand is known for its core focus on developing products for extremely sensitive skin, and it is widely recommended by dermatologists across the world.
The La Roche-Posay targeted skincare lines include:
- Effaclar: A range of products for oily, acne-prone skin, including cleansers, moisturizers, and spot treatments.
- Hydraphase: A range of hydration products, including moisturizers and eye creams.
- Anthelios: A line of sun protection products, including sunscreens, tinted moisturizers, and sun-protective makeup.
- Toleriane: A range of products for sensitive skin, including cleansers, moisturizers, and sun protection.
- Redermic: A line of anti-aging products, including moisturizers, serums, and eye creams.
- Lipikar: A range of products for dry skin, including moisturizers, body lotions, and balms.
- Physiological: A range of products for the body, including body wash, deodorants, and body lotions.
- Substiane: A range of anti-aging products for mature skin, including moisturizers, serums, and eye creams.
La Roche-Posay’s products contain high concentrations of active ingredients, including antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and thermal spring water. La Roche-Posay conducts numerous clinical studies to validate the effectiveness of its products.
These are the best La Roche-Posay Pharmacy skincare products:
Cicaplast Balm B5: A topical cream that can soothe damaged, dry, or irritated skin patches.
Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer: A day cream that helps to hydrate and soothe the skin.
Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment: A acne treatment that helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes.
La Roche-Posay products are available to shop online as well!
Avène
Avène was founded in France in 1743 by a pharmacist named Pierre-François-Olivier Cosnard. The brand was initially named “The Thermal Spring Water of Avène”. The brand’s thermal spring water originated from the small village of Avène in the south of France. This thermal spring water was believed to have healing properties, and Cosnard used it to treat skin ailments.
In 1989, Pierre Fabre acquired the Avène brand and began to produce a range of skincare products based on Avène thermal spring water. Today, Avène produces a broad range of skincare products, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and more. Their product lines are tailored to various skin types and needs, from sensitive to oily and from dry to combination. Avène also specializes in products for specific skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Best Avène Pharmacy Skincare Products:
Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray: A face mist that can be used to comfort and refresh the skin.
Cleanance Gel Cleanser: A gel cleanser that helps to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin.
Eau Thermale Soothing Radiance Mask: A face mask that helps to hydrate and soothe the skin.
Avène products are available at online retailers like Amazon, too.
Nuxe
Nuxe is a French skincare brand founded in 1989 by Aliza Jabès. Originally, Nuxe was created as a line of natural pharmaceutical products, made with ingredients of natural origin.
The first product in the range was a multi-use dry oil, Huile Prodigieuse, made with six precious plant oils, which has since become a cult classic. Nuxe has since expanded its range to include a range of skincare, body care, and sun care products, all of which are formulated with natural ingredients.
Recent launches include its Rêve de Miel care line in 2008 and its Crème Fraiche de Beauté line of moisturizing creams in 2010. The brand has also released several special editions of its products, such as the Nuxe Paris Limited Edition collection, which was launched in 2013. Nuxe is now sold in over 60 countries worldwide and continues to develop its product range.
Best Nuxe Pharmacy Skincare Products:
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil: An oil that can be used on the face, body, and hair.
Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm: A lip balm that helps to hydrate and nourish the lips.
Bioderma
Bioderma was founded in 1977 by a team of French dermatologists, led by Dr. Jean-Noël Thorel and Dr. Nadine Benveniste. The brand specializes in therapeutic skincare products, developed with the help of major universities, prestigious research centers, and start-ups. These teams collaborate with the Bioderma teams in Aix en Provence. It is owned by NAOS.
Bioderma is a French pharmacy brand that specializes in skincare products for sensitive skin. The brand’s products are formulated with a unique complex of ingredients to soothe and protect sensitive skin.
Bioderma is known for its patented, innovative solutions for skin and hair care. Their product lines include Sensibio H2O, a micellar water solution, and Photoderm, a line of sunscreens, among others. They also offer a variety of solutions for acne, rosacea, and other skin concerns.
Bioderma is one of the top-selling skincare brands in Europe, and is sold in more than 100 countries worldwide. The brand is committed to research and development, and its products are hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and free of parabens and other potentially harmful ingredients.
Top Bioderma Pharmacy Skincare Products:
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water: A micellar water that helps to remove makeup and impurities from the skin.
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume: A body lotion and rich cream that helps to hydrate and soothe very dry skin
Vichy
Vichy is a French skincare brand that has been around since 1931. It was founded by pharmacist Dr. Haller and his wife, Léonie, who established a laboratory in the town of Vichy, France. The brand was created with the goal of providing pharmacological-grade skincare products that are both affordable and accessible to everyone.
Vichy has become a leader in the beauty industry with its wide range of products, including cleansers, moisturizers, toners, anti-aging treatments, and sunscreens. The brand is also known for its innovative use of thermal spa water sourced from the hot springs of Vichy. This volcanic spa water is said to be rich in minerals and is used in many of Vichy’s products to help soothe and hydrate the skin.
Bestselling Vichy Pharmacy Skincare Products:
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum: This fortifying & hydrating daily booster is a French facial serum that helps to hydrate and strengthen the skin.
Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Anti-Aging Moisturizer: An anti-wrinkle firming moisturizer that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and firm the skin.
Vichy continues to focus on creating products that combine natural ingredients with advanced science to provide the best results for the consumer. The brand also has a commitment to sustainability and uses recycled materials for its packaging.
Caudalie
Caudalie is a French skincare brand that is known for its products made with grapes and grapeseed extract. Caudalie is a French Pharmacy skincare brand founded in 1995 by husband-and-wife team Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas in the region around Bordeaux, France. The brand is known for its use of natural and organic ingredients, particularly its signature grape seed polyphenols. Its products are tailored to a variety of skin types and include cleansers, moisturizers, anti-aging products, and masks. Caudalie’s product line also includes a men’s line, sun care products, and body care items. The brand has a global presence, with products sold in more than 50 countries.
Must-Try Caudalie Pharmacy Skincare Products:
Caudalie Beauty Elixir: A facial spray that helps to brighten and hydrate the skin. It can be used before, during, or after makeup application, and gives your face a refreshed glow.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum: A serum that helps to diminish the appearance of blemishes and brighten the skin.
Embryolisse
Embryolisse is a French skincare brand founded in 1950 by Dr. André Richet, a renowned French dermatologist. Embryolisse is known for its philosophy of simplicity, which emphasizes a no-fuss approach to skin care. The brand offers a range of products, including moisturizers, cleansing milks, toners, body care, and sun care. Embryolisse is beloved by both beauty professionals and everyday consumers for its effective, affordable, and natural-based formulas.
Best Embryolisse Pharmacy Skincare Products:
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré: A face cream that can be used as a daily moisturizer or primer before applying makeup.
Embryolisse Hydra-Mat Emulsion: A mattifying moisturizer for combination skin that helps to hydrate and reduce shine.
Darphin
Darphin was founded in 1958 by French physician, pharmacist, and aromatherapist Pierre Darphin. The brand is known for its luxurious, botanically-infused skincare products. Its product lines with botanical ingredients specialize in anti-aging, hydration, soothing and calming, and brightening and radiance treatments. The brand also offers a range of innovative facial tools and devices, including a digital facial massage brush. Darphin is currently owned by L’Oréal, who purchased the brand in 1991.
Top Darphin Pharmacy Skincare Products:
- Darphin 8-Flower Nectar Oil Cream: A facial oil that helps to hydrate and nourish the skin.
- Darphin Hydraskin Rich: A face cream that gives the skin a major hydration boost for the ultimate glow.
Filorga
Filorga was founded in 1978 by Michel Tordjman, a French doctor and aesthetic medicine specialist. Tordjman was the first to introduce the concept of aesthetic medicine in France and developed the concept of “bio-revitalization”, a process of revitalizing the skin by injecting hyaluronic acid and other active ingredients into the skin.
Filorga is a pharmacy brand from France you must try if you have mature skin. The brand is best known for its high-performance anti-aging skincare products, which are formulated with medical-grade active ingredients. Their product line includes cleansers, serums, masks, moisturizers, and eye creams, as well as a range of treatments for specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, and dryness.
In the 2000s, the brand expanded its product line to include a range of dermo-cosmetics, which combine the best of both cosmetic and medical-grade ingredients. These products are designed to provide deep, long-lasting hydration and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
The brand is now available in over 70 countries around the world and is one of the most popular skincare brands in France.
Best Filorga Pharmacy Skincare Products:
Filorga Time-Filler Wrinkle Correction Cream: A face cream that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Filorga Optim-Eyes Eye Cream: An eye cream that helps to reduce dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness around the eyes.
Klorane
Klorane is a French skincare and haircare brand founded in 1965 by pharmacist Pierre Fabre. Fabre was inspired to create a skincare line that focused on using natural ingredients and was backed by science. He studied the medicinal and therapeutic properties of plants and worked with a team of experts to develop haircare products. The brand’s first product was a shampoo made from chamomile.
Klorane products are now sold internationally, and the brand is known for its range of natural haircare and skincare products. Klorane has an expansive range of products, including shampoos, conditioners, masks, creams, oils, and serums. The brand also offers specialized lines for oily, dry, and sensitive skin, as well as a range of products for men. Klorane products are also cruelty-free and eco-friendly.
The brand’s products are formulated with plant-based ingredients and are available in French pharmacies. The best Klorane Pharmacy products include:
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk: A dry shampoo that helps to absorb excess oil and refresh the hair.
Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter: A divine shampoo that helps to hydrate and nourish the hair.
Biotherm
Biotherm is a French skincare brand that was founded in 1952 by Jeanine Marissal and her husband Jean-Marie Marissal. Jeanine and Jean-Marie were two French biologists who specialized in thermal plankton research. This research inspired them to create a line of skincare products that were based on the thermal plankton they studied.
Biotherm’s product line is known for its use of Life Plankton™ extract, which is a living organism that contains all the nutrients necessary for healthy skin. The brand’s products are designed to hydrate, restore, and protect skin against environmental stressors.
Best-selling Biotherm products include:
- Lait Corporel Anti-Drying Body Milk: a beloved body lotion for dry skin
- Life Plankton Elixir: a soothing elixir that supports skin regeneration and natural cell renewal
Institut Esthederm
Institut Esthederm was founded in 1976 in France by biologist Jean-Noël Thorel. Over the years, Institut Esthederm has developed a variety of innovative products using a unique approach to skincare. The brand’s patented Cellular Water technology, which is based on the properties of seawater, helps optimize the skin’s natural balance and provides effective hydration. Institut Esthederm products are all formulated with natural active ingredients.
Best-selling Institut Esthederm products include:
- Intensive Hyaluronic Cream: an intensive face, neck, and décolleté cream to prevent wrinkles and fine lines
- Osmoclean Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser: a face wash to reduce the appearance of pores
Lierac
Lierac is a French skincare brand founded in 1975 by the renowned French pharmacist Dr. Cariel. The brand specializes in luxury anti-aging skincare products, which are based on innovative formulations enriched with medical-grade botanicals.
Lierac’s product line includes treatments for anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. It also offers products that target specific areas of concern, such as wrinkles and dark spots. The brand has gained a reputation for its patented active ingredients, which are derived from natural sources and clinically proven to be effective.
The brand is known for its commitment to using natural ingredients, as well as its involvement in environmental preservation. In 2018, Lierac was awarded a medal by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition for its efforts to reduce plastic waste in its packaging.
Top Lierac products include:
- Hydragenist Moisturizing Cream: a concentrated cream made with Apricot butter
- Premium Eyes Eye Cream: an anti-aging eye cream made with Sigesbeckia orientalis extract
Uriage
Uriage was founded in 1992 by a team of French doctors and pharmacists who wanted to create a range of innovative skincare products based on the latest scientific research. The brand prides itself on using thermal spring water from the French Alps to create products that provide deep hydration and protection.
Uriage’s product line specializes in moisturizing and skin barrier-strengthening products, along with a range of cleansers, toners, and exfoliators. In addition to its core range, Uriage also has a range of products dedicated to treating specific skin concerns such as acne, wrinkles, and redness.
Best-selling Uriage products include:
- Roseliane Anti-Redness Face Cream: inhibits the skin factors that cause Rosacea
- Xemose Lipid-Replenishing Anti-Irritation Cream: a soothing body lotion that calms irritated skin
- Hyseac Cleansing Gel: a daily face wash for oily to combination skin that removes impurities
- Power 3 Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant: roll-on deodorant for excessive sweat
Payot
Payot was founded in 1920 by Dr. Nadia Payot, a Swiss doctor and beauty specialist. She developed her own range of high-performance skincare products to address the needs of modern women. Her brand quickly became popular and was adopted by many of the leading spas, salons, and beauty centers in Europe.
Today, Payot is a well-known and respected skincare brand that offers products for all skin types and needs. Their product line focuses on anti-aging, hydration, cleansing, sun protection, and more. They also have a range of specialized treatments for specific skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation, and wrinkles. All of their products are formulated with carefully selected natural ingredients and are free of parabens and other harsh chemicals.
- Pate Grise L’Originale: an anti-blemish acne and spot treatment that also helps control excess sebum production that makes your skin oily
- Hydra 24+ Creme Glacée Moisturizing Day Cream: for normal to combination dehydrated skin
- Crème n°2 Cachemire Day and Night Cream: a multi-use serum, peel-off mask, that helps with irritation while cleansing
- Hydra 24+ High Concentrations of Water Serum: an ultra-hydrating serum that lasts up to 30 hours
Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc
If you enjoy skiing the French Alps, then you’ll love the brand Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc which uses spring water from the Saint-Gervais thermal springs in its skincare products. With a history dating back to 1815, when French Doctor Mattey scientifically proved the effectiveness of Saint-Gervais waters on skin diseases, the brand has developed numerous products to protect mountaineers from the elements. In 1959, French Doctor Lépinay began to use the waters to heal the scars of severe burns, including those of famous classic dancer Janine Charrat in 1961.
In 2012, thermal water, now recognized by the French Academy of Medicine, was used to create a complete range of treatments. Four years later, the thermal baths and pharmaceutical cosmetics brand was bought by L’Oréal with the mission of distributing them to as many people as possible.
The Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc brand hasn’t been brought over to the United States by many retailers but you can find one of its hand creams for sale from Walmart.
- Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc Hand Cream: a hand cream formulated to protect your skin from the mountain elements
Roger & Gallet
Roger & Gallet is a French beauty and skincare brand that was founded in 1862 by Charles Armand Roger and Charles Martial Gallet. The brand is renowned for its luxurious fragrances and high-end bath and body care products.
The brand’s first product was a soap made from a mixture of rosemary, lemon, and orange blossom. Roger & Gallet products are all made with natural ingredients, such as essential oils and plant extracts, and are free from parabens and animal-derived ingredients. The brand is also 100% cruelty-free and vegan.
Top products include:
Avibon
Avibon was founded in 1998 by Dr. Philippe Allouche and Dr. Jean-Claude Mas in France. The brand was created to provide a line of highly effective and safe skincare products tailored to the needs of the French market.
Avibon is committed to creating natural and effective products that are free from parabens, fragrances, dyes, and other synthetic ingredients. Avibon’s product line focuses on repairing and protecting the skin from environmental damage and premature aging.
Avibon was beloved for its retinol face cream. The closest product to it is the A313 cream.
Sanoflore
Sanoflore is a French pharmacy skincare brand that is known for its products made with organic ingredients. It was founded in 1971 by Marie-Christine and Jean-Pierre Jacob. The brand specializes in eco-friendly, organic, ethical and natural skincare products that are free from synthetic fragrances, parabens and animal testing. In addition, they are committed to using sustainable processes and ingredients.
This French natural cosmetics brand specializes in organic and natural skincare products. All of the brand’s products are certified organic by Ecocert. Sanoflore is committed to sustainability and has partnered with environmental organizations such as One Planet One Health, Nature & Progrès and Ecocert. They are also members of the French Association for Natural and Organic Cosmetics and are certified by Cruelty-Free International.
Top Sanoflore Skincare Products:
- Sanoflore Rosa Fresca Baume de Rosée: An organic night cream formulated with organic Rosa Damascena hydrosol.
- Sanoflore Aqua Magnifica Skin Perfecting Botanical Essence: A liquid treatment designed to naturally purify and refine skin for a more radiant complexion.
Pharmacists’ Role in France
In France, pharmacists are highly trained and play an important role in the healthcare system. They are responsible for dispensing medication and providing advice on the use of medication and other health products. Pharmacists in France also have the authority to prescribe certain skincare treatments. This allows them to provide patients with more comprehensive and individualized care.
How to Find a Pharmacy in France
If you’re looking for a pharmacy in France, the easiest way is to use an online directory such as Google Maps. Search “Pharmacy” and you’ll surely find several in your neighborhood if you are in Paris. You can also locate pharmacies visually by looking for their emblematic green lettering and green cross, sometimes a neon light.
French Pharmacy Culture
The French pharmacy culture is one of the reasons why French skincare products are so popular. In France, pharmacists are highly respected and play an important role in the everyday French person’s life!
