When it comes to sun protection, the French certainly know a thing or two about keeping their skin radiant and healthy under the warm embrace of those golden rays. From the sun-kissed shores of the Côte d’Azur to the charming streets of Paris, France is a country where skincare is considered an art form.
Join me as we take off on a sun-soaked journey through the land of berets and baguettes, exploring the best French sunscreen brands that will shield your skin from harmful UV rays while indulging in a touch of Parisian luxury. So, grab your chicest sunhat and get ready to bask in the savoir-faire of the excellent French sunscreens!
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay, a brand known for its commitment to dermatologist-recommended skincare solutions, was founded in 1975. Rooted in the small village of La Roche-Posay, France, its products are heavily enriched with selenium-rich thermal spring water, renowned for its natural soothing properties.
One of their standout sunscreens is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. This lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen is infused with antioxidants. It’s specially designed for sensitive skin, offering both UVB and UVA protection and maintaining its efficacy even under water or sweat. This is one of the most popular French sunscreen brands in all of Europe!
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Body Sunscreen is another popular body sunscreen for Europeans.
Avène
Born in the serene and biodiversity-rich Haut-Languedoc Natural Park in France, Avène’s journey started in 1736. The brand utilizes its thermal spring water, known for its soothing and anti-irritating properties, in all its products.
Its top sunscreen product, Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+, is perfect for sensitive skin. It offers a matte finish, thus making it ideal for everyday use. It provides broad-spectrum sun protection and is very water-resistant, thus making it suitable for long summer days outdoors.
Vichy
Vichy Laboratories was founded in 1931 by Dr. Haller with a mission to provide skincare solutions based on the thermal spa water from the hot springs of the town of Vichy.
The Vichy Capital Soleil Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is a fan favorite. Apart from shielding the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, it also helps control excess sebum and gives a matte finish, making it an excellent choice for those with oily skin.
Bioderma
Founded in the 1970s, Bioderma bases its ethos on ecobiology and understanding the skin’s ecosystem to preserve its health in a lasting way.
Bioderma Photoderm Max Aquafluide SPF 50+ is one of the brand’s most notable sunscreens. Its feather-light texture and high protection against UVA and UVB rays make it a popular choice. Also, it is colorless upon application, leaving no white traces.
Clarins
Jacques Courtin-Clarins launched the Clarins Group in 1954. Based in Paris, Clarins uses over 250 natural plant extracts in its formulas.
The Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a top pick for many French women. This oil-free face sunscreen not only protects against sun damage but also against environmental pollution, providing an overall shield to the skin.
Mustela
Mustela was founded in 1950 and is an expert in skincare for babies, children, and mothers-to-be. All their products are developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
Mustela’s Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+ is a leading product specifically formulated for the delicate skin of babies. It’s hypoallergenic, free from parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol, ensuring the utmost care for a baby’s skin.
Uriage
Uriage was established in 1992 and harnesses the healing power of its thermal water, sourced from the French Alps, in its skincare range.
Uriage’s Bariésun Very High Sun Protection Silky Lotion SPF 50+ offers the highest protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also prevents sun intolerance reactions and combats premature skin aging, offering comprehensive skin protection.
Have you tried any of the companies on our list of the best French sunscreen brands?
