11 French Beauty Products – Skincare I Can’t Live Without

A trip in 2001 landed me in a French pharmacy in Paris, where I was schooled on French beauty products.  I was instantly hooked. Not only are the French considered the pinnacle of dermatological advancements, but the rigorous process by which products are tested and must adhere to is remarkable.  That trip to Paris was the start of clean beauty for me- opting for all-natural beauty products as much as possible.  Europe bans over 1300 ingredients, while the US bans only 30, which tells you all you need to know about which products you should use.  It’s time to start looking at labels and ingredients and being informed about what we put on our skin.  Skincare products should contain mostly natural ingredients, and this is where French beauty products truly rival those of the US, focusing on high-quality ingredients.  

I’m always excited to discover new French skincare brands. Luckily, many of these French beauty products are easily found in the U.S., so you don’t need to visit France to experience the best French pharmacy brands at home.  French beauty products, in my opinion, are far superior to their US counterparts, and many are at an affordable price point. 

Why Parisian Women Love French Skincare

​France is known for its plethora of cult products, and I’ve tried many of the more popular ones, from makeup removers, facial sprays, eye creams, full face masks, to overnight lip balms for dry lips.  French skincare is popular worldwide for good reason.  EU regulations often mean higher quality formulas from science-backed French skincare brands.  These French beauty products typically use more natural ingredients, opting for essential oils, vitamin C, free radicals, aloe vera, botanical oils, and plant-based ingredients.  And I believe this gives the world of French beauty its powerful edge. 

France is often recognized as the birthplace of dermatology, and its beauty industry has a history of emphasizing botanical ingredients, long before it became fashionable. While the French often opt for a minimalist makeup look, they are dedicated to a consistent, though frequently uncomplicated, yet effective skincare ritual. French pharmacies are their primary destination for these products, and many of the most beloved French skincare items are pharmacy staples. Throughout my years of traveling to France, I have had the opportunity to experience a wide range of the best French skincare brands, and I incorporate many into my daily routine.

11 Best French Beauty Products

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream.  I started using this after a trip to Paris in 2022.  I had been using a much more expensive brand and have since found this to be a great product, far superior to my previous moisturizing cream.  The bottle lasts several months (you can see how large it is in the photo below) with daily use and costs just under $20 here in the US.  

While I typically use this on my face and hands, it can be used anywhere on the body.  Formulated with shea butter & niacinamide to restore the skin’s protective barrier while providing deep moisture back into the skin, this daily moisturizer has really been a game changer in my skincare routine.

Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil.  If you listen to only one thing here, it should be this:  stop using water to cleanse your face.  Water is often drying and, even when filtered, can contain chemicals that are harmful to your skin.  This cleansing oil is so gentle; there is no tugging at eye makeup to remove it.  

This anti-oxidant-rich cleansing oil nourishes and instantly dissolves makeup, even waterproof makeup. Enriched with castor oil to enhance lash growth, this non-greasy formula leaves a silky and dewy finish.  If oil isn’t your thing, I also love this SVR Topialyse Cleansing Cream.  This cleansing cream is a fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleansing balm for dry and allergy-prone skin. It moisturizes, soothes itchiness, and contributes to restoring lipids to protect the skin’s barrier, leaving the skin feeling super hydrated.  

Caudalie Grape Water Moisturizing Mist.  Aging has left my skin feeling drier than ever.  And I am always looking for ways to keep my skin hydrated.  Did you know that fine lines are often attributed to dehydration?  I just discovered this on a recent trip to my dermatologist, who recommended this facial mist.  I have been using it for about 8 months now and see remarkable differences with my makeup, settling way less into fine lines and cracks.  

I prepare my face with my normal routine and spray this on as a last step before applying my makeup.  I allow 5-10 minutes for it to soak in.  I also mist my face before bed.  This antioxidant-rich, vegan face mist that uses 100 percent grape water to deliver intense hydration, reduces redness, and soothes sensitive skin. It has been a game-changer for my dry skin. I can see why this is also a cult favorite among French beauty products.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-purpose Dry Oil.  I am so glad to have discovered this brand.  Nuxe oil has been a more recent discovery here.  Crafted with 7 precious botanical oils and 98% natural ingredients, this dry oil provides long-lasting hydration to the skin. Its antioxidant action and power to visibly reduce stretch marks also contribute to its popularity.  This oil is perfect for anyplace that needs a little extra nourishment – legs, arms, elbows, heels,  hair, cuticles, or anywhere else you might like a little healthy glow.  

You can also add a few drops to your body lotion.  When I finish styling my hair, I add a few drops to my palms, rub them together, and run them through my ends.  And this Nuxe Reve de Miel Lipstick is perfect for hydrating dry lips.  I use this as an overnight treatment, leaving my lips hydrated come morning.  It’s just $10.

Uriage Water Sleeping Mask.  If you are looking for a non-greasy night cream that will hydrate your skin, leaving it looking radiant, this is it.  Hyaluronic Acid provides skin with hydration and brightness. Edelweiss leaves the skin radiant and soothed.  This thirst-quenching sleeping mask restores and rejuvenates skin with its unique silky gel texture and cooling effect that easily absorbs into the skin, leaving no greasy residue. This is an absolute must in my skincare arsenal.

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum.  My skincare routine would not be complete without a dark spot corrector.  Childhood days spent at the beach and swimming in our pool were not kind to the skin in later years.  Spraying body oil all over myself was as common as chewing gum back then, and here I am trying to repair the damage.

This serum has become a favorite beauty elixir for me.  Visibly corrects age spots, sunspots, liver spots, acne marks, uneven skin tone, dullness, and improves radiance. And who doesn’t want that?  I am obsessed with how well this has worked for me.

Caudalie Premiere Cru Anti-Aging Serum with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid.   This anti-aging serum visibly targets wrinkles, dark spots, and volume. Its high concentration of hyaluronic acid provides immediate and intense hydration to the skin, while instant tightening sugars from honey locust visibly tighten skin. Niacinamide visibly improves skin texture, and skin is left smoother, more radiant, and visibly plumped with deep hydration.  I use this as part of my nighttime skincare routine; this has also helped with dark circles under the eye.  While Caudalie’s Premiere Cru has a higher price point than their original line, it might be a bit of a splurge for some. In this case, try their Cashmere Firming Cream, which is about half price.

Embryoslisse Active Night Peeling Treatment.  I discovered facial peels around 2010 and have frequently used them.  I find them to leave my skin looking radiant.  French girls know that radiant skin is key to looking and feeling your best.  This gentle night peeling serum with lemon caviar renews skin texture and reveals a smoother, more luminous complexion.  

This formula, featuring nourishing macadamia and argan oils, shea butter, and beeswax, will leave skin feeling wonderfully supple. For optimal results, apply generously before sleep and let it deeply condition your skin overnight, revealing a baby-soft texture in the morning.  

A313 Retinoid.  If you are looking to start a retinoid, this one is a great starting point.  Before moving to a pharmaceutical-grade product, I used this with great results.  This is also a fabulous product if you have sensitive skin or skin that tends to be aggravated by stronger ingredients.  This dermatologist-tested retinol cream for the face is formulated with Retinyl Palmitate to help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and enhance overall radiance for safe and effective skincare.  Worth noting, it can be a bit tacky on the skin.  So if that is something that would bother you, you might want to skip it.  

Glycine Exfoliating Body Wash.  This one product has been such a game-changer for me.  I started experiencing rougher textured skin on my chest and upper back a few years back, and quickly learned it was from the water in my shower being too hot.  But, alas, I love a good, hot shower.  So I wanted to find something that would hydrate and gently exfoliate.  This glycolic wash will leave your skin feeling and looking soft.  This is a product I cannot live without and use it 2-3 times a week. And I finish off with the Nuxe Oil from earlier to keep my skin hydrated.

Clarins V Facial Intensive Wrap Face Mask.  Face masks should definitely be in your skincare routine.  And this one is magic in a bottle.  It can be used 1-2 times per week.  If morning puffiness and swelling caused by sleep, heat and/or hormonal changes make you feel frustrated, this could be an effective treatment.  I use this before an evening out, party, event, or special occasion and swear the puffiness is greatly reduced. This 10-minute mask helps visibly minimize facial puffiness with Beautyberry and Ginger extracts, and Escin from Horse Chestnut.  

French Beauty Products Leaderboard

These French beauty products are crafted by well-known brands that choose to develop exceptional products using limited, mostly natural ingredients. La Roche Posay, with 50 years of experience in this space, is a stickler for providing products that work, backed by science. All La Roche-Posay products undergo stringent clinical testing for
efficacy and safety. Which is why over 100k dermatologists worldwide recommend their products.

Caudalie is another cult favorite French beauty brand, and with deserved merit. Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, while working at their family’s vineyard, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, discovered the antioxidant power of grape seeds and vine ingredients.  They partnered with Professor Vercauteren from the Bordeaux Pharmacy Faculty to research and develop skincare products using these natural ingredients, leading to the creation of Caudalie.

Founded in France by Aliza Jabès, NUXE is an innovative force in natural beauty, recognized for its skincare line developed with natural ingredients and produced in France under stringent pharmaceutical quality control. The brand achieved early fame with its now-iconic Huile Prodigieuse® dry oil, introduced in 1991, and has since broadened its scope to encompass spas and a diverse array of beauty essentials.

Clarins is a brand I grew up with. My mom was an avid user of their beauty products. Founded in 1954 by Jacques Courtin-Clarins, this French beauty brand began as a skincare brand with a holistic approach to beauty, emphasizing well-being and happiness. It has since grown into a global player known for its plant-based formulas and commitment to responsible beauty. 

Many of these French brands are widely regarded as the gold standard in French beauty, often featuring formulations emphasizing natural ingredients. Catering to a diverse range of skin types, these products have earned their esteemed reputation. As a dedicated skincare enthusiast, I relish the discovery and trial of new products, and this curated selection represents the finest French beauty brands I have encountered to date. Whether you seek solutions for dryness, aging, discoloration, puffiness, oily skin, or simply desire natural skincare options, many of these enjoy cult followings for a compelling reason – their efficacy. I’ve personally observed a more naturally radiant complexion since embarking on my skincare journey, and the great thing about French beauty products is that it’s never too late to embark on a beneficial routine.

​I would love to know which French beauty products are your favorites. Drop a comment below.