Almost 80 Years Later, Editors and Experts Still Consider This French Pharmacy Face Cream the Best

As someone who works in beauty, it should come as no surprise that I take my skincare very seriously, and I’m lucky that my job gives me the privilege of being able to try a wide range of cleansers, SPFs, and, of course, moisturisers daily. And after many years of swatching, testing, and comparing, I’ll let you in on a secret: the best face creams I’ve tried all come from the French pharmacy. Loved by editors, dermatologists and beauty enthusiasts alike for their extensive skincare selection, French pharmacies offer affordable yet effective moisturisers that are difficult to find in your standard British chemist. And the most popular formula by far is none other than Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème.

Launched in 1950 by a Parisian dermatologist, this rich cream was initially created to treat skin diseases and infections. However, it soon gained a cult following among makeup artists for its ability to plump, hydrate and prep the skin for foundation. And its popularity has only grown since. Almost eight decades later, this French moisturiser has a bigger following than ever, loved by the likes of editors, TikTok beauty influencers and celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian alike. So, of course, when it launched in the UK in 2019, I knew I had to give it a go, and I’ve been hooked ever since. And now, with the sensitive-skin and retinol-like versions launching in 2021 and 2024 respectively, I knew I had to give these newer formulas a try as well.

So if you too are considering investing in Embryolisse's Lait-Crème for the first time, or looking to see which version of the cream you should invest in next, keep scrolling to read my honest thoughts.

Shop Embryolisse's Lait-Crème

The Formula

A rich cream through and through, the original Lait-Crème is a whipped lotion that hugs the skin and leaves it feeling plump and nourished. With a blend of shea butter, aloe vera, hydrolysed soy protein, and mineral oil, this formula works perfectly on my dehydrated face and body; however, I would note that this might feel too heavy on those with oily or acne-prone skin.

In comparison, the Lait-Crème Sensitive has a much thinner and runnier texture, which those with oilier skin might prefer. This is because it replaces mineral oil with plant oils, which makes it well-suited to those who have sensitive skin. However, I do have to note that this doesn’t feel as nourishing as the original formula, something that might be difficult for those with both dry and sensitive skin, as the original cream contains fragrance.

Finally, the Lait-Crème Retinol-Like is by far the richest of the bunch, with carnauba wax and apricot kernel oil at its base. These ingredients create a much denser moisturiser that’s ideal for plumping skin that needs a pick-up or if you want to reduce skin texture and fine lines. Plus, because there’s no actual retinol, anyone can use this freely as a night mask to wake up with deeply nourished skin.

My Verdict

I really didn’t think that anything would top the original Embryolisse Lait-Crème for me; however, I’ve managed to make room on my skincare shelf for all three formulas. Whilst the original cream remains my go-to daily, the sensitive version is perfect for the heatwave days we’ve been experiencing here in the UK, and the retinol-like formula comes in handy when my skin really needs that extra boost of hydration, as well as when the weather cools down.

They all sit well under makeup, and none leave a white cast on my deeper skin tone. In fact, they leave me with a healthy-looking glow that’s been hard to replicate with other moisturisers I’ve tried. Not to mention that this product can be used as a classic moisturiser, a makeup primer or a gentle cleanser, making it perfect for those who want to streamline their skincare routine.

Of course, there’s no need to invest in all three formulas, so further down, I’ve advised on which version of Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème you should invest in based on your skin type. However, trust me when I say that regardless of which formula you choose to try, you won’t regret investing in it.

Which Embryolisse Lait-Crème Should I Choose?

Normal to Dry Skin

• For normal or dry skin that isn't irritated by fragrance, opt for Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser, £22

Sensitive, Oily or Eczema-Prone Skin

• For eczema-prone, oily/acne-prone skin, or very sensitive skin that gets easily irritated by fragrance , opt for Embryolisse Lait-Crème Sensitive Moisturiser, £13

Mature Skin or Fine Lined/Textured Skin

• For mature skin or those with texture and fine lines opt for Embryolisse Lait-Crème Retinol-Like Moisturiser, £32

How I Tested

I've been using the original Embryolisse Lait-Crème for over five years, and the newer formulas for months, so I've put them through their paces to test each formula.

I tested each version on my dry, eczema-prone skin to see how well they worked with my skin type, and have worn them both alone and underneath makeup to see how each formula performed.

Moreover, I've now gone through at least one tube of each formula, so I've tested each one thoroughly before sharing my thoughts.

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.