10 French Skin-Care Products Dermatologists are Obsessed With

The classic French pharmacy is a skin-care lover’s dream. From elevated drugstore finds to ultra luxe European staples, the secret to effortless European beauty lies within those aisles. When top skin-care experts travel abroad to discuss the latest anti-aging advances at a conference or world congress, they always fly home with a haul. Here, 10 French pharmacy must-haves top dermatologists swear by.

1 / 3

“I love the French staple Biafine Emulsion Cream ($25). It heals wounds and burns through its anti-inflammatory action.”

—Washington D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD

2 / 3

“Ialuset Hyaluronic Acid Cream ($30) is a top tier French pharmacy product that can be used on dry, dehydrated skin yielding fresh, dewy skin. It can also be combined with Biafine to really expedite wound healing.”

—Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias

3 / 3

“I’m a big fan of Dermophil Indien Solar Lip Balm SPF50 ($12) and always have one handy when skiing.”

—New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD

4 / 10

“Yon-Ka is a professional-grade, plant-based skin-care line made in France. This Vitamin C Serum C20 ($168) is one of their most recent launches and what makes it unique is that because it’s an oil-based formula, it won’t oxidize or darken over time like typical vitamin C products.”

—Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD

5 / 10

“When I go to Paris, one of the first things I do is head to the pharmacy and stock up on sunscreen products that are not available here. They don’t go through the same FDA approval process as we do in the U.S. and they have sunscreen filters that offer broader protection than we do, especially against UVA. La Roche Posay has the Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid 50+ Sunscreen ($20) that is excellent.”

—New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD

6 / 10

“Filorga NCEF Reverse ($114) is a super nutrient rich poly-revitalizing complex with countless actives and peptides. It is perfect to nourish in climate changes, all types of arid weather, attitude and the general dehydration of planes trains and automobiles.”

—Beverly Hills, CA dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD

7 / 10

“I love, love, love Vichy MINÉRAL 89 ($30) hyaluronic acid serum. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and plays well with other skin-care products and makeup.  Some serums are sticky or slimy but the Vichy 89 feels just right.”

—New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD  

8 / 10

“One of my absolute favorite French skin-care lines is Caudalie. This luxury line is derived from byproducts of grapes crushed to make wine and contains potent anti-aging antioxidants such as polyphenol and resveratrol. I had the opportunity to meet the founder of Caudalie, Mathilde, who says years ago she was approached by a French chemist that pointed out that grapes were loaded with powerful antioxidants that could be used to improve the health and appearance of the skin. He was correct and now 25 years later Caudalie has a variety of excellent skin-care products, like Premier Cru ($129), that I personally incorporate into my skin care routine.”

—Southlake, TX and Monroe, LA dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD

9 / 10

“I have been a big fan of Avene products for years now and am especially fond of their Xeracalm line for my eczema patients. XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream ($48) has been transformative as preventative maintenance for my atopic patients and has been a game-changer for my pediatric patients, not only for its gentle formulation, but also for the incorporation of their unique therapeutic thermal spring waters.”

—Bloomfield Hills, MI dermatologist Linda Honet, MD

10 / 10

“Another product category that have better formulas is body creams that target cellulite, like Embryolisse Creme 365 ($35). This is just taking off in the U.S. now, so I don’t know if they are comparable. The products tend to target water retention and use ingredients not approved in over-the-counter products here.”

—Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby

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