You’ve heard of K-Beauty, but what about the French Pharmacy trend?

French skincare seems to be having a moment right now. Its dermatologist-tested, science-backed formulations bridge the gap between high-end cosmetics and healthcare: simple, nourishing, and hydrating, rather than aggressive, multi-step regimens.

Whether you have oily skin, dryness, or hyperpigmentation, there’s a product plucked from French pharmacies, carefully formulated for you. Below are some of the best on the market.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Repairing Balm

$22.99 | Shop here

This La Roche-Posay is a cult-favourite product thanks to its multipurpose formula. The balm is designed to help soothe, nourish, and repair dry, irritated skin. Though rich in texture, it is highly absorbent and blends into the skin with ease.

Vichy Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster

$80.59 | Shop here

This lightweight serum is designed to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. You would apply the gel-like product after cleansing and toning. It is fresh and translucent, and absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue. It can help plump the skin, protect it from environmental factors, and give it a radiant glow. 

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum

$117 | Shop here

If you’re someone who struggles with dark spots and hyperpigmentation, this serum from clean beauty brand Caudalie is said to be a must-have. It is powered by Viniferine, a patented ingredient from grapevine sap, claimed to be more effective than traditional vitamin C. It is designed to be effective against sun damage, acne scars, age spots, and melasma.

Avène Thermal Spring Water

Was $29.99, now $11.99

The Avène Thermal Spring Water is popular among those who struggle with dry, irritated, or itchy skin. The body mist is made from natural spring water, sourced directly from the Cévennes Mountains of France. It’s easy to imagine how calming that would feel against the skin.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

$28.99 | Shop here

This micellar water from Bioderma is the ultimate makeup remover. Its gentle alcohol-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free formula is designed to instantly lift makeup and other pollutants from the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and healthy.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré 

$28 | Shop here

Beauty doesn’t get much more French than this Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. Praised for its hydrating and nourishing properties, it is rich in natural ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, Aloe vera, and Soy proteins, all of which are designed to soften, protect, soothe, and tone respectively.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

$90 | Shop here

Truthfully, what can’t the Caudalie Beauty Elixir do? Packed with botanical extracts and essential oils, it can help tone the skin, tighten pores, boost radiance, and even set makeup. 

A313 Vitamin A Pommade (Ointment)

$33.99 | Shop here

This is a pharmaceutical-grade French pharmacy ointment that has firmly established itself as cult-favourite. Made a gentle but effective 0.11 per cent Retinyl Palmitate concentration, it is designed to smooth wrinkles, refine skin texture, regulate excess oil, and clear acne marks.

Eucerin Dry Skin Replenishing Cream with 5% Urea 

$90.21 | Shop here

Another popular French moisturiser is the Eucerin Dry Skin Replenishing Cream with 5% Urea. The cream contains 5 per cent Urea and Ceramides, which can act as natural moisturising factors retain the skin’s moisture. It is said to offer immediate relief from dryness and tightness so is a particularly good option for those who suffer from dry skin conditions.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or

$60 | Shop here

This dry body oil is the ultimate Euro summer beauty must-have (or winter if you’re in need of a healthy glow!). It’s iconic for its ability to leave the skin looking glowy and golden with a satiny finish. With botanical oils and vitamin E, it helps nourishes the skin as well as giving a sun-kissed look.

READ MORE: ‘It’s like glowing skin in a bottle!’: K-beauty toners worth trying

Is French or Korean skincare better?

It ultimately depends on your skincare wants and needs. If you’re in the market for simple, minimalist products with a focus on long-term barrier health and superior sun protection, French pharmacy products could be more your bag. However, K-Beauty is more advanced, focusing on multi-step routines, deep hydration, and prevention.

Who is French skincare for?

If you’re someone who wants fast-acting skincare for problems like dryness and irritation, then these brands are perfect for you. K-Beauty however, is more for people who have a specific aesthetic need in mind like dullness or uneven texture.

Is Caudalie better than La Roche-Posay?

Neither is different to the other. Again, it depends on your specific needs. If you’re acne prone, have sensitive or irritated skin, the simplicity of La Roche-Posay is your best bet. And if your priority is anti-ageing or alleviating hyperpigmentation, a touch of Caudalie’s luxury is more for you.