A quick walk into a French pharmacy—especially Citypharma in Saint-Germain-des-Prés—can feel like entering skincare heaven. But with shelves stocked from floor to ceiling, it can also be completely overwhelming. As a mother of three—with sensitive skin myself—these products aren’t just trendy, they’re battle-tested in real Parisian family life. This curated list of the best French pharmacy products focuses on cult favorites, insider picks, and Parisian essentials, so you know exactly what’s worth slipping into your suitcase.
Note: Most French pharmacy brands offer similar categories of products—micellar waters, thermal sprays, barrier creams, huile de douche, etc. While names differ, many brands follow the same innovations. So if you don’t find the exact brand or product listed here, rest assured: Avène, La Roche-Posay, Uriage, Bioderma, and others are all high-quality. Choose the product type that suits your needs, and you’ll likely be just fine.
Cleansers & Micellar Waters
- Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (€)
The original micellar water that started it all. Beloved for its ultra-gentle formula and makeup-removing power. - Nuxe Very Rose Micellar Water (€)
Gentle, lightly scented, and a favorite for sensitive skin. - Caudalie Huile Démaquillante (€)
A silky oil cleanser that emulsifies beautifully to remove makeup and sunscreen. Gentle enough for sensitive skin and smells subtly fresh without being overpowering. Gentle, lightly scented, and a favorite for sensitive skin.
Hydrating Mists & Thermal Waters
- Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray (€)
A French pharmacy staple to calm sensitive or overheated skin. - Caudalie Grape Water Spray (€)
Rich in minerals and potassium. Loved by French moms and makeup artists. - Caudalie Beauty Elixir (€€)
Minty, herbal spray for setting makeup or refreshing skin. Perfect travel companion.
Moisturizers & Barrier Repair
- Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (€)
Makeup artist favorite that doubles as a primer. Non-greasy and affordable. - Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum (€€)
Brightens and evens out skin tone. One bottle sold every 30 seconds worldwide. - La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (€)
Repairs damage, soothes irritation, and helps heal scars. Also exists in SPF 50 version for sun-exposed areas. - Bioderma Démise / Atoderm Baume (€)
Excellent for dry, eczema-prone skin. Hydrating and calming. - Uriage Bariederm (€)
Multipurpose balm for everything from nipple cream to dry patches. Household essential. Their Bariederm Lip Balm in a tube is a favorite alternative to Nuxe—deeply hydrating and without a strong flavor. - A313 Vitamin A Pommade (€)
Behind-the-counter retinoid alternative loved by French women. Ask for it at checkout. - Ialuset Hyaluronic Acid Cream (€)
Deeply hydrating. Ideal for layering under night cream or during dry months. - Weleda Skin Food (€)
Not strictly French, but easy to find in pharmacies. Rich, nourishing, and ideal for dry patches—stock up for winter.
Masks & Peels
- Caudalie Instant Detox Mask (€)
Unclogs pores in 10 minutes. Gentle yet effective. - Filorga Time-Filler Sheet Masks (€€)
Hydrating and smoothing. Often cheaper in France. - Glytone Mini Peel Gel (€€)
Gently resurfaces dull skin. Travel-friendly and potent. - TALIKA Masks & Eye Patches (€€)
TALIKA offers excellent single-use masks and reusable under-eye patches that boost hydration and help reduce puffiness. Great for travel days or pre-event prep.
Lip & Eye Care
- Homeoplasmine (€)
Multipurpose salve for lips, cuts, and chapped skin. - Caudalie Vinoperfect Eye Cream (€€)
Brightens and de-puffs tired under-eyes.
Sunscreens
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ (€)
Dermatologist-approved and lightweight. A cult staple. - Avène Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+ (€)
Great for sensitive or redness-prone skin. - La Rosée SPF Stick (€)
This apricot-scented stick is the only way my 4- and 6-year-olds willingly apply SPF on their own. Lightweight, effective, and sized perfectly for backpacks and summer camp.
Body & Hair
- NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil (€€)
French women swear by this in the summer. For body, hair, and cuticles. Comes in shimmer and original formulas. If you like the smell, there is now a perfume as well. - A-Derma Huile de Douche (€)
Soap-free shower oil for sensitive or allergy-prone skin. - Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (€)
Volumizing, oil-absorbing, and gentle. - Christophe Robin Sea Salt Scalp Scrub (€€€)
Detoxifies and soothes itchy scalps. Spa-like texture.
Baby & Kids
- Kids’ Bath Bombs & Bubble Baths (2nd Floor at Citypharma) (€)
Unicorn and rocket versions are all-natural and leave skin soft. Affordable and adorable. - Mustela Baby Products (€)
Cult classics for babies with sensitive skin. Gentle, effective, and smell delicious—especially the iconic baby lotion.
Compression Stockings
- Bas de Contention (€€)
Great for flights, pregnancy, or varicose veins. Ask the pharmacist for fitting in the back room.
Natural Toothpastes
- Botot, Elgydium, Cattier, Bioseptyl (€)
Natural, effective, often essential-oil-based. French classics.
French Supplements
- Why They’re Worth It
French brands are long-established, often EU-regulated, and offer smart blends. Try:- Pileje (gut health)
- Nutergia (trace elements)
- Arkopharma (plant-based)
- Granions (anti-oxidants)
- Fleurance Nature (organic wellness)
Hidden Gem: Dr. Hauschka
Technically German, but often found in French pharmacies. Luxurious and effective. Try the Rose Day Cream and Cleansing Cream if you spot them.
Bonus: The Stain Remover French Moms Swear By
Not exactly glamorous, but wildly effective—this natural stain remover soap is a secret weapon in many French households. I love the Tadé version in particular, made with Aleppo soap and terre de Sommières. It takes a little elbow grease (not gonna lie), but it works wonders, especially on baby-related stains. A must-pack if you’re traveling with kids—or just happen to spill a lot of coffee.
Don’t Want to Brave the Crowds?
Citypharma is legendary, but also cramped and chaotic. If you’re not in the mood to jostle elbows, try ordering from:
These sites deliver directly to your hotel or Airbnb in Paris and offer the same great prices.
Have a favorite pharmacy find of your own—or something you’re wondering if you should try? Let me know in the comments or on Substack!
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