If you’ve ever strolled through a Parisian pharmacy, you know that it is a treasure trove of beauty, skincare, and wellness wonders. And if you find yourself at CityPharma, it can be pretty overwhelming. After my recent trip to Paris, I sat down and curated a list of the best French pharmacy products you need to add to your shopping list in 2024 and 2025. Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or someone looking for effective wellness solutions, these products are tried, tested, and adored by locals and visitors like me.
These are, in my opinion, the best French pharmacy items to look out for in 2024. If you don’t have any immediate plans to visit France, I’ve included links to their Amazon* equivalents where I could.
Homeoplasmine
Homeoplasmine is a staple in every French household. Think of Gus spraying you with Windex. It fixes everything. This multi-purpose balm is perfect for soothing dry, irritated skin, especially during the colder months. It’s often used as a lip balm, to heal minor cuts, or to calm redness. Cost: about €5,00.
Marvis Smokers Whitening Toothpaste (for non-smokers)
Although Marvis is an Italian brand, it is widely loved in France. The Smokers Whitening Toothpaste, although designed for smokers, works brilliantly for non-smokers too. There’s just something *extra* in it that makes it work better. Especially if you have stubborn coffee or tea stains like me. It effectively brightens teeth and leaves your breath feeling fresh. While you cannot get this one in the US, there is a similar version you can get your hands on. Cost: about €4,00.
Klorane Dry Shampoo
Klorane is famous for its gentle, plant-based formulations. Their dry shampoo is a lifesaver for busy mornings or travel days when you don’t have time for a full wash. It revitalizes your hair, adds volume, and leaves it smelling fresh without the chalky residue because they use OATS! I get the full size and the travel size of this gem. Cost: about €6,00.
Puressentiel Muscles & Joints Cryo Pure Roller and Pure Heat Roll-On
These products are a dynamic duo for anyone dealing with muscle aches or joint pain. The Cryo Pure Roller provides a cooling effect, perfect for inflammation, while the Pure Heat Roll-On offers soothing warmth to relax sore muscles. They should call this product Pure Magic, if you ask me. Cost: about €6,00 each.
Vichy Deodorant 24H Hypoallergenic Dry Touch
I am constantly on the hunt for an effective deodorant that doesn’t contain aluminum and doesn’t make you smell weird. Vichy’s deodorant is a top pick for sensitive skin and it is hypoallergenic, aluminum-free, offers 24-hour protection, and leaves no white marks, making it a favorite for those who want effective odor control without irritation. Cost: about €5,00 each.
A313 Pommade
This is one of thost products that seem too good to be true. A313 is a vitamin A pomade that is the go-to product for anti-aging. It is the French equivalent of retinol, helping to smooth wrinkles, fade dark spots, and improve skin texture over time. Cost: about €8,00 each.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse
This iconic dry oil is a multi-tasker. I have frizzy hair, and the smallest amount of this oil after a shower is a game changer. I don’t feel like my hair is constantly out of control and it doesn’t make my hair feel greasy. I feel like it goes on so much easier than body lotion as well. It truly is a multi-tasker that can be used on the face, body, and hair, leaving a subtle, luxurious sheen. Infused with precious plant oils, it nourishes deeply and smells divine. Cost: about €14,00 each.
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift
Caudalie’s Resveratrol-Lift line is beloved for its firming and anti-aging properties. I fell in love with this creme back in 2019 when we were in France. This range uses resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant derived from grapevines, to enhance skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Literally, WINE is making my skin so baby soft. Cost: about €43,00 each.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
This facial mist is a cult favorite, inspired by the elixir of youth used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary. It tightens pores, sets makeup, and gives the skin an instant glow. It’s perfect for a mid-day refresh. Cost: about €11,00 each.
Caudalie Vinoperfect
Caudalie’s Vinoperfect range is designed to tackle dark spots and enhance radiance. It’s pure magic. The key ingredient, Viniferine, is 62 times more effective than vitamin C in brightening the skin. Cost: about €43,00 each.
Voltaren Actigo
Voltaren Actigo is a topical gel that provides fast relief from muscle pain and inflammation. It’s a must-have for anyone with an active lifestyle or those who need quick relief from occasional aches and pains. It is a miracle gel for joint pain. Cost: about €6,00 each.
French Soaps
You cannot, I repeat, cannot come home from France without purchasing french soaps. They are cheap, make great presents, as well as guest room amenities. I like to get these along with the wash mitts from the Monoprix for €2,50. The soaps cost around €2,00 each, so you can stock up and give gifts literally to everyone you know.
Rose Eau De Toilette (Panier Des Sens)
This delightful rose-scented eau de toilette from Panier Des Sens captures the essence of Provence. It’s a delicate and romantic fragrance, perfect for everyday wear. Cost: about €25,00 each.
These French pharmacie gems are more than just products; they’re essentials that bring a touch of Parisian elegance to your daily routine. Whether you’re pampering yourself or looking for effective beauty solutions, these items are sure to elevate your skincare and wellness game in 2024.
Check out what else we have on the blog this month!
BEST FRENCH PHARMACY PRODUCTS 2024
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