From Nuxe body oil to La Roche-Posay SPF, these French pharmacy treasures are worth every euro.
Growing up with family in France, I quickly learned that parapharmacies — dermocosmetics stores — are the holy grail of skincare.
I’ve visited twice this year alone, spending more than my fair share of time obsessively hunting down cult favourites, uncovering new products and comparing prices to those in the UK.
From indulgent oils to powerhouse serums, I’ve curated the ultimate list of French pharmacy essentials that truly live up to the hype — and are worth packing in your suitcase.
Read more: How to transition your skincare for autumn — top tips and products
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Florale
My earliest pharmacy memory involves watching my mum mist this oil onto her shoulders before dinner, leaving a subtle shimmer and scent that felt impossibly chic.
The Florale version has that same soft-gold texture, but with a lighter, rose-petal freshness.
It’s one of those products that lasts forever, hydrates everything from cuticles to ends of hair and makes you feel vaguely like you live in the 7th arrondissement.
Price: €28-30 in France / £33 from Cult Beauty
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
If French skincare had a safety net, this would be it. I’ve used it for post-peel irritation, chapped lips, even on my hands after long winter walks.
It calms redness, nourishes and somehow makes everything look better overnight.
If you have acne-prone skin, I recommend opting for the serum instead. It’s based on the same magic formula, but has a lighter texture so won’t clog your pores.
Price: €11 in France / £19.50 from Boots
Read more: Which is the best eyelash serum for growth? Editor’s picks
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
There’s something about that crisp mint-and-grape scent that immediately transports me to a Parisian summer.
I use this between skincare steps or to revive my makeup at 4pm when my skin looks dull.
Price: €14-15 in France / £36 from Look Fantastic
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
A deep-clean clay mask that doesn’t strip or sting, this is my go-to before any event. I discovered it years ago in Bordeaux and still stock up on it whenever I’m back.
It purifies without leaving that tight, chalky feeling — you rinse it off and your pores genuinely look smaller.
Price: €23 in France / £26 from Sephora
A deep-clean clay mask that doesn’t strip or sting (Picture: Sephora)
Read more: Best budget beauty advent calendars under £100 for 2025
A313 Vitamin A Pomade
This is the one you whisper about to beauty insiders. I first bought it at a small pharmacy in Lille after a local recommended it as ‘le vrai retinol’.
A thick, vitamin-A cream that softens fine lines and refines texture, it works wonders but needs to be used carefully by beginners.
And what’s more, it’s almost impossible to buy in the UK.
Price: €7-10 in France
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
French women never skip SPF, and this one’s their secret. It melts into skin, sits beautifully under makeup and doesn’t clog my pores or sting my eyes (miracle).
Price: €13-15 in France / £20 from Look Fantastic
Avène Intense Protect 50+
When my skin’s flaring up or post-facial, this is my sunscreen of choice. It’s fragrance-free, ultra-gentle and packed with Avène’s thermal spring water.
Price: €14 in France / £24 from Look Fantastic
Bioderma Photoderm AR SPF 50+
I discovered this while visiting Marseille — it’s specifically formulated for reactive, redness-prone skin and doubles as a light base. The tint blends beautifully, giving a healthy, even finish.
Price: €12-13 in France / £16 from Look Fantastic
Avène Cicalfate+ Repair Cream
A cousin to Cicaplast but slightly richer, this one is my winter skin staple. It’s that perfect in-between of soothing and nourishing.
Price: €10-12 in France / £16.95 from Cult Beauty
Marvis toothpaste
Marvis may be, technically, Italian but you’ll find it in nearly every stylish French parapharmacie. I pick up a tube or two for the packaging alone — that Art Deco charm makes it looks better than anything else on my bathroom shelf.
The Jasmine Mint is a bestseller, but don’t sleep on the Cinnamon Mint for a cosy autumnal feel.
Price: €6-8 in France / £9 from Cult Beauty
How to shop in French pharmacies like a pro
My best advice is to skip the tourist-heavy pharmacies and head to the big CityPharma-style outlets or even supermarket-attached parapharmacies. They often have multi-buy deals (or ‘lot de 2’) offers that slash prices even further.
Bring an empty tote, and if you’re flying, ask the pharmacist to tape your lids (airport security loves to pry open oils).
On my most recent Paris trip, my entire haul — including six full-size products — came to about €115 [£100], compared to well over £160 in the UK. That’s enough saving to justify another croissant (or a second bottle of Nuxe oil).
Feature image: Canva/brands
