We're Beauty Editors—Whenever We're in Paris, We Restock These 17 Iconic French Pharmacy Products

To start, I must call out Biafine's coveted Skin Recovery Emulsion. What was once only available in French pharmacies (and thus duped a thousand times over) is now officially available in the U.S. via Amazon, and beauty editors–self included—were FTFO. A multitasking hydrator, the Biafine cream is A+ for scars, burns (including sunburns), and inflammation.

"It's a household staple in France, and for good reason," agrees board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, of MDCS Dermatology. "This multipurpose product helps keep the skin moisturized, supports the skin barrier, and helps to mitigate dryness." Our entire beauty team considers it a bathroom staple. "Biafine is probably the one French pharmacy product I use every single day," adds WWW beauty director Erin Jahns. In short: It's a damn good investment.

Customer review: "All I can say is wow, and the scent is so clean. My skin reacted immediately drinking it in, but the nourishment is lasting and visual. So happy to see this OTC now. I will use this daily and order more to give to family and friends.."

Nuxe's Multi-Purpose Dry Oil is arguably just as viral with seven botanical oils that never leave behind a greasy residue. You can (and should!) use it all over your limbs and even on your strands for a dewy, all-over glow. "It also smells divine—so divine that I skip perfume whenever I use it," WWW beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock shares of the orange blossom, magnolia, and vanilla fragrance. According to TikTok, one sells every single minute in France, so take that as a sign to add it to your own cart.

Customer review: "This is the best oil for daily use that you could ever find. It has an exquisite scent and a fine, delicate texture. You can use it on any part of your body, face, or hair. I highly recommend it for all skin types. The results are incredible; your skin feels silky smooth after use. My skin feels softer, younger, and has a youthful glow. They have two bottle sizes; I highly recommend the 3.3-ounce one. This is the third bottle I've used. It's wonderful."

While you're at it, McLintock recommends picking up the shimmery version for a healthy, megawatt glow. It boasts the same nourishing formula and intoxicating scent, just with a dose of mineral pearl particles for even more shine. "I can't wait to apply this after a beach day for soft, smooth, and shimmering limbs. I know this will make my skin look amazing in the sunlight," she says.

Customer review: "I’m absolutely in love with this oil! It gives my skin a gorgeous, radiant glow without being greasy—just the perfect amount of shimmer. I use it on my face, body, and hair, and it leaves everything feeling hydrated and soft. The scent is heavenly, not overpowering, but just a lovely, subtle fragrance. It absorbs quickly, so there’s no oily residue, just a smooth, nourished feel. Perfect for adding that extra touch of luxury to my skincare routine. Highly recommend this product!"

Next up on the "icons" list is this soothing Embryolisse face cream. Another multitasking hero, it can be used as a daily face cream, moisturizing mask, and makeup primer. I have yet to meet a makeup artist or aesthetician who doesn't sing its praises, for what it's worth, and for a formula that won't set you back more than $20, that's certainly impressive. McLintock also adores it for her sensitive skin, noting that it absorbs effortlessly without irritating her complexion. Just one caveat: The formula contains shea butter, which may be a red flag for acne-prone individuals.

Customer review: "I absolutely love Embryolisse Lait-Crème! It is incredibly hydrating and leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished throughout the day. The texture is rich but absorbs well without feeling greasy or heavy. It also works beautifully under makeup, making my foundation go on more smoothly. A little goes a long way, and it's perfect for anyone looking for a reliable moisturizer. Highly recommend for dry or dehydrated skin!"

I realize we're discussing skincare staples here, but I'd be remiss not to highlight my other Embryolisse MVP: the Color Balm 3-in-1 Stick. It's brimming with skin-loving hydrators like aloe vera, Centella asiatica (aka cica), cottonseed oil, and castor oil, so it's essentially a skincare-makeup hybrid, anyway—one with an incredibly smooth glide and vibrant color payoff. I use the shade Mocha for my entire face (lids, lips, cheekbones, and hairline), and the rosy-brown pigment results in the prettiest, sun-kissed flush. Now, I won't rest until I have my hands on every single option.

Customer review: "This is terrific. The color is perfect and lasts a long time on my face. Also excellent for traveling. I use it on lips, cheeks, eyes."

Not to bombard you with Embryolisse products (although, why not stock up?), but I also must give the Radiant Complexion Cream its flowers. True story: French pharmacies literally could not keep it in stock when it launched in Europe back in 2023, and the brand even had to push back the U.S. launch multiple times before it had enough supply to bring it stateside. That's when you know it's a real winner. The formula comes in two subtle tints, Apricot Glow and Rose Glow, and I'm partial to the former for its pearlized, light-reflecting effect. I will say that the tint isn't so noticeable if you're hoping for coverage (it's not a proper tinted moisturizer, more like a glow-inducing cream that just so happens to boast an apricot hue), but if you're hoping to discreetly brighten your complexion before popping on some dewy makeup, this is the formula to buy.

Customer review: "I found this from some article online. After trying so many moisturizers just to breakout from them, what’s the harm in trying another? I LOVE this product. Genuinely. Obsessively. It smells lovely, not greasy or drying. Checks off all my boxes for what I look for in a moisturizer. Definitely a great steal."

Take it from McLintock: "I [can't] go to France and leave without every makeup artist's favorite micellar water. I love using this to remove makeup or clean up my winged eyeliner and lipstick." Bioderma is actually responsible for micellar technology (fun fact!), and you can never go wrong with an original. Honestly, whenever I plan a trip to Paris I don't even pack makeup remover; I simply pick up a new bottle whenever I touch down. I'm often due for a refill, anyway.

Customer review: "This is a great micellar water! I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin, and it hasn’t caused any redness or irritation at all. It removes makeup very easily and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed afterward. I also like to follow up with a mild face wash as part of a double cleanse routine; overall, it feels gentle, effective, and perfect for sensitive skin."

You'd be hard-pressed to find a beauty editor who doesn't recommend this gentle retinol cream. Even derms give it their stamp of approval! "It's gentle on the skin and may be used even by those with sensitive skin as it won’t leave the skin feeling dry or irritated," board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, previously told WWW about the formula. "While it’s not necessarily the strongest retinol, the creamy balm-like consistency makes it easy to apply and an enjoyable experience to use."

Note, it will come with some slight purging (peeling, tingling, etc.) if you're brand new to retinol, so I'd recommend starting slow with a couple nights per week and working your way up. You can also apply it in between layers of moisturizer (aka retinol sandwiching) to buffer its potency and help your skin get acclimated.

Customer review: "It works perfectly fine like Retin A but not that strong like Retin A. I prefer to use Retin A though but for something without prescriptions. For sensitive skin, better [to] try a small bit to do an allergies test first. The first week I used the cream directly on my skin and it peeled (I want it that way), then I started to use moisturizer between layers which is working fine, but less peeling. My skin turned smooth and the fine lines are less visible. During the day you need to apply sunscreen. It's worth the money."

Jahns is quick to highlight this vitamin C serum, although this isn't your ordinary brightening solution. See, it not only contains the classic antioxidant at a pure, 16% concentration but also calls upon vitamin E for additional antioxidant support, carnosine to defend against glycation (a process that degrades your collagen and elastin over time, leading to skin aging concerns), and hyaluronic acid and mineral-rich volcanic water for skin plumping—quite impressive for $35, considering many high-quality vitamin C serums can set you back $200.

Customer review: "Oh my [gosh]. This takes away dullness like no other. Always always apply this after you wash your face and tone. Let it absorb for a few min and then do your next steps. I get so many compliments on my skin now. Love pairing this with the Paula's Choice toner! Def a repeat purchase."

Take a peek inside any French woman's bag, and chances are you'll find a thermal water face mist—oftentimes this very pick from La Roche-Posay, which is lauded by many as the best of the best. WWW assistant beauty editor Sabrina Talbert specifically names it a must-have, especially during sweltering weather when she needs a midday pick-me-up. "[It's] my fave for summer when I want to give my skin a refresh," she notes. It sounds simple, but trust, you don't know how much you need a fancy hydrating spray until you give a really good one a whirl.

Customer review: "I was originally expecting to return this product, I figured it wouldn't do much, but it did actually help during some of my reactive moments. I wouldn't say it's "intensely soothing" like the description says but definitely medium level assistance. It has even helped me when I've had redness/itching due exposure to an allergen. It reduced the redness and stopped the itching. I wasn't even following directions properly (never patted or wiped the product off). I recommend trying it out."

Me? I personally favor this spray from Uriage, which contains Isotonic water that basically functions as Gatorade for your face. It's a godsend for sweaty workouts, on an airplane before applying a sheet mask, and even to set dewy makeup. I picked up the mini version in Paris, which is A+ for on-the-go hydration, but the larger size is certainly a sound investment for $13.

Customer review: "The bottle is a solid size so it'll last a while, and the spray is really fine and even - covers your face nicely without feeling wet or heavy. Skin feels instantly refreshed and hydrated after one spritz. Soothing, lightweight, and works great as a mid-day reset or after skincare. Simple formula, no fragrance, no fuss. Will definitely repurchase!"

Colloquially called the magic cream, Homeoplasmine can treat just about any skin woe you've got. "It's similar to Aquaphor and is made from a base of petroleum jelly, but it also contains other ingredients that alleviate skin irritation," says McLintock, who uses it as a lip balm and SOS salve for cold- or sun-related irritation. "Popular uses include applying it to a red, chapped nose in the winter, to heal and protect scratches or sunburn, and even as a nipple cream. Yes, really."

Customer review: "Love this for my lips. Nicer than Vaseline. Really makes a difference in moisturizing and protection. A little goes a long way! Great value."

Similar to Biafine, Avène's Cicalfate+ is top notch for skin recovery of all kinds—burns, scars, allergic reactions, or run of the mill winter dryness. A favorite of McLintock's, the formula contains thermal spring water, a copper zinc sulfate complex, and a signature postbiotic to repair and restore the barrier. It's essentially like a magic eraser for sensitive skin concerns, which is why it's one of the most popular pharmacy picks you can buy. Derms like Garshick recommend it too, FWIW. "I especially love that it is fragrance-free and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy," she says. "It’s also noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog the pores."

Customer review: "I purchased this cream specifically to use around my eyes, as I have been having some redness and flaking as of late; it absorbs well, doesn't cause me to tear up, and has helped tremendously with healing the redness and flakiness. I'm honestly not sure why I am suddenly having the irritation in the first place, but it has resolved nicely with this cream. I had been using CeraVe healing ointment, but I can't use that and then put concealer on; this cream layers nicely with sunblock and concealer."

Now, onto sunscreens. If you're physically in France, I highly recommend snagging La Roche-Posay's Anthelious UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+. It's a classic pharmacy find, but sadly the exact formula hasn't made its way stateside just yet, as its UV filter, Mexoryl 400, hasn't been approved by the FDA. The closest swap, in my opinion, is its mineral cousin here, which has the same fluid-like texture and comes in four flexible shades—though I prefer the untinted formula, personally!

Customer review: "An excellent product which goes on smoothly and can be used as a base for foundation or alone. This is a great sunscreen which smooths and protects my skin. It never becomes heavy or greasy and it protects my skin while improving it."

"With a texture that I can only describe as 'milky,' the version of this sunscreen that I picked up in the pharmacy was incredibly lightweight and white cast–free," shares McLintock. "It blends into the skin well, and it didn't irritate my redness-prone skin. Success. Luckily, you can shop it in the U.S." It's true; after much fanfare, Caudalie finally decided to launch a mineral version—the lightweight, niacinamide-infused number you see here—that's equally silky and wears astonishingly well underneath makeup.

Customer review: "It doesn't get any better than this. Wonderful scent, helps with wrinkles, sun protected… Apply in the morning and [you're] good to go. This now is the only sunscreen I want for my face."

Yes, another sunscreen rec! If you want to shop like a beauty editor, expect to come home with no less than three new SPF formulas from abroad. Take it from McLintock, who tested this Biore number on a whim while traveling to Paris and now considers it a beauty-bag staple. "I'll just cut to the chase and say that I'm obsessed," she says. "It's so lightweight and sinks into my skin without leaving a single trace behind. Plus, it dries down to a matte—but not powdery—finish. It might be my favorite sunscreen. There, I said it."

Customer review: "Gives me great protection from the sun throughout the day (which, as a paler person who burns at a sneeze of sunlight, this is extremely helpful). Not greasy, feels moisturizing without feeling heavy, doesn’t leave white streaks, and smells really good. I only wish they came in bigger containers!"

Beloved by celebrities and makeup artists, Talika's Eye Masks will always have a place in my French pharmacy cart. My puffy eye bags and delicate fine lines are no match for the ceramide-, shea butter-, and rosehip oil-infused formula, which deflates any swelling I have in just 15 minutes. I especially love them before an event as makeup prep, since they don't leave behind any residue (a major pet peeve of mine with most eye masks), and while $70 is pricey for six pairs, each can be rinsed and reused multiple times. The pack even comes with a sleek compact case for easy storing!

Customer review: "Love these—was skeptical but willing to try. Glad I did—they make a difference in the bags under my eyes. They're very comfortable and do not sting my eyes!!"