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The 10 Best French Pharmacy Products You Can Get in the U.S.

There’s a reason French skin care is so sought-after.

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Filippo Fortis

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True beauty obsessives know that a trip to Paris isn’t complete without a stop (or two or maybe even three) at a French pharmacy. “I recently went to the city on a work trip, and CityPharma was at the top of my to-do list,” says Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer. “I had to pick up some staples and try A313, a gentle retinoid that has quickly become one of my essentials.” Likewise, Dr. David Kim, a dermatologist in New York City, also considers French pharmacies must-see destinations and always picks up products like Biafine and Homeoplasmine whenever he finds himself in the City of Love.

Our picks for the best French pharmacy products of 2025

Like American pharmacies, French ones carry various health products and a wide selection of beauty brands. However, there’s a reason why the latter is a major tourist attraction teeming with foreign visitors: French pharmacies are a goldmine of French girl-approved skin care, makeup, hair care, and body care. These products feature premium, tried-and-true formulas that have earned cult followings over the years. For a long time, you couldn’t get your hands on most of them unless you physically made your way to France and flew them back home with you.

Thankfully, these days, many brands have made their way stateside or are available on online retailers that ship to the U.S. You no longer have to book a ticket to Europe to experience these top-of-the-line moisturizers, dry shampoos, and sunscreens. Ahead, scroll through our picks of the 10 best expert-, editor-, and customer-approved French pharmacy products.

Best for Anti-Aging

A313 Corrector Cream

Corrector Cream

Pros

  • Prescription-strength retinoid

Cons

  • Some dislike how heavy it is

Prescription-strength retinol that you can get over the counter? Sign us up. A313 is made with retinoids that help smooth skin, prevent breakouts, and fade hyperpigmentation. In the world of French beauty, it’s a must-have.

Key ingredient: Vitamin A

French Pharmacy rating: 4.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says:
“I was at a dinner a couple of weeks ago, and I could not stop staring at fashion designer Andrew Kwon’s skin. I don’t think he has a single pore on his face, and it’s the closest I’ve come to seeing impossibly glowy ‘dolphin skin’ in real life. Being the nosy beauty girl I am, I asked him for his secrets, and of course, A313 made the list. I was immediately intrigued and picked up a tube the next time I was in Paris. I adore how gentle and non-irritating it is on my rosacea-prone skin, and how thick and nourishing it feels when my skin feels parched. Most of all, over a couple of weeks, I’ve watched my skin get smoother and smoother, even though I only use it about every other day. I’m officially an A313 convert!”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

Best Daytime Moisturizer

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre

Lait Creme Concentre

Pros

  • Works well under makeup

Cons

  • Might be too lightweight for drier months

Embryolisse is every makeup artist’s favorite moisturizer. It’s lightweight but incredibly hydrating, works well under makeup, and gives skin an ethereal glow. Plus, shea butter and soy proteins hydrate and firm the skin.

Key ingredients:
Shea butter, soy protein

Dermstore rating:
4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says:
“I’ve gone through three tubes of this, and I normally never even finish one moisturizer. I love how well this moisturizer works under sunscreen and makeup. It’s also so easy to travel with.”—Katie Berohn

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Talk to any French skincare lover, and there’s a good chance that one of the first products they mention will be Biafine. Biafine is a cream used for superficial skin wounds, like sunburns or small cuts. It works by adding tons of moisture to the skin—some people even use it for slugging.

Key ingredients: Trolamine, avocado oil

French Beauty Co. rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says:
“The first time I went to Paris, Biafine was the product I knew I needed to get. I’d heard so many good things about it, so my friend and I both got a tube while we were there, and now we’re hooked. Every time I’m abroad, I pick one up. I’ve used it for everything, from sunburns to slugging to even body lotion when my skin is particularly irritated. Let me tell you—it’s a cult favorite for a reason.” —Katie Berohn, beauty editor

Best Multi-Purpose Oil

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

Pros

  • Moisturizes without making skin greasy

Cons

  • Some dislike the scent

If you were to ask French women what their staple product is, they’d tell you that it’s this golden oil. It’s multi-use, so you can put it on your hair, face, or body, and it’s formulated with a blend of seven botanical oils, including argan, camellia, and hazelnut.

Key ingredients: argan oil, vitamin E, hazelnut oil

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “It is a dry oil and it absorbs quickly without leaving you feeling greasy or oily. The scent lingers for a while, but it is not overpowering. Very soft and subtle. I use this in the winter to moisturize my body, as a face oil and as an after shower treatment that gives a light pleasant scent to go to bed. In the summer I like it because it adds a very subtle sheen to the skin. I’ve also used it as a hair oil. Very pleased.”

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Best for Setting Makeup

Caudalíe Beauty Elixir Face Mist

Beauty Elixir Face Mist

Pros

  • Makes skin look dewy and glowy

Cons

  • Pricey

Caudalié products are a French staple. This mist makes skin glow, tightens pores, and sets makeup. Plus, it’s made with hydrating green grapes, radiance-boosting rose essential oil, and cooling peppermint essential oil.

Key ingredient: Grapes, rose essential oil, peppermint essential oil

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using this product for quite some time now, and I must say, it’s become an indispensable part of my makeup routine. I typically apply it after completing my makeup, and let me tell you, the results are fantastic. This magical potion creates a dewy finish to my skin that not only enhances my makeup but also adds a subtle glow that lasts all day. It’s like a finishing touch that takes my look to the next level.”

Best for Chapped Lips

Homeoplasmine Ointment

Ointment

Pros

  • Softens dry patches of skin

Cons

  • Some find the texture too thick

Homeoplasmine is technically a nipple cream, but French women know it can be used for much more. Thanks to nourishing and soothing ingredients like calendula and Bryonia flower, it works especially well as a lip mask or a save for extremely dry skin.

Key ingredients: Calendula, bryonia flower

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “Homeoplasmine is a product I buy whenever I run out. It’s a thick emollient like Vaseline but also has calming ingredients. ”—Dr. Kim

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Best for Scalp

Klorane Dry Shampoo Powder With Oat Milk

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Dry Shampoo Powder With Oat Milk

Pros

  • Soothes and calms irritated scalps

Cons

  • Some find it leaves a white cast

If you’ve ever been to France, you know that French women have mastered the art of done-but-undone hair. This dry shampoo is their secret weapon. The formula is comprised of oat milk, which is gentle and soothing—it's basically skin care for the scalp.

Key ingredient: Oat milk

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “When I went to Paris for the first time, this was one of the products I stocked up on at the pharmacy. I picked up the aerosol version at the time; I loved it for its pleasant scent and ability to get the job done without feeling heavy or gunky on my strands or scalp. However, I didn’t love that one wrong move would lead to my face getting a hit or two of the dry shampoo. I’m relieved that they have this loose powder version, which feels so much easier to control.”—Carol Lee

Best Sunscreen

La Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 SPF 50+

Anthelios UVmune 400 SPF 50+

Pros

  • Sinks in easily

Cons

  • Might not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin

It’s no secret that other countries just have better sunscreens than the U.S. This La Roche-Posay SPF is a lightweight, liquid formula infused with thermal spring water that soaks in instantly and doesn’t feel greasy at all.

Key ingredients:
Glycerin, thermal spring water

French Pharmacy rating:
4.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says:
“I was in the South of France and forgot sunscreen. I decided to buy this one from the pharmacy, and it quickly became my all-time favorite sunscreen. It blends so seamlessly, wears well under makeup, and makes skin dewy but not greasy.”—Katie Berohn

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Best Under Eye Patches

Talika Eye Therapy Patch

Eye Therapy Patch

Pros

  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

  • May not fit everyone perfectly

These Drew Barrymore-approved under-eye patches are formulated with ingredients like shea butter and ceramides to make a difference in the appearance of your eye area in just 15 minutes. They’re also reusable for up to three times—when you’re done, rinse them with water and stick them back in the packaging.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, ceramides

Amazon rating: 3.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Love these—was skeptical but willing to try. Glad I did. They make a difference in the bags under my eyes. They are very comfortable and do not sting my eyes!”

Best Nail Polish Brand

Manucurist Active Glow Raspberry Gel Nail Polish & Care

Active Glow Raspberry Gel Nail Polish & Care

Pros

  • Lasts up to seven days
  • Smoothes uneven texture on nails

Cons

  • It takes a few layers for the color to show up

Manicurist is a French nail polish brand that focuses on keeping nails as healthy as possible. The Active Glow line is a collection of nail strengtheners that you apply like a nail polish. Formulated with sweet almond oil, raspberry extracts, and more, they nourish your nails to make them hardier over time. The shade Raspberry has a tint to it that adds a hint of rosiness to your nails and brightens them, too.

Key ingredients: Sweet almond oil, raspberry extracts, AHA

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Once I started using this polish, I’ve seen my nails become stronger. After two coats, it still looks clear, but after three, it starts to look a little pink. Easy to add layers throughout the week as needed without the base getting too thick.”

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Meet the Expert

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Dr. David Kim is a board-certified dermatologist at IDRISS Dermatology in New York City.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

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As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn interviewed a dermatologist and tested products to find the best French pharmacy products.

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