The Ultimate Guide to Shopping at a French Pharmacy
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Living in France, I visit the pharmacy quite often. No, I’m almost never sick, just enamored by all of the seemingly magical beauty gems that fill the shelves. From my frequent shopping trips, I’ve learned all about the best French pharmacy products, when and where to shop, and how to navigate the French pharmacy like a pro.
If you’re visiting Paris, you’ll certainly want to stop by a French pharmacy to stock up on beauty products. Whether you’re a French skincare connoisseur or just curious about what to buy in a French pharmacy, this guide will provide expert tips for shopping at a French pharmacy the next time you visit Paris.
Best Pharmacies to Visit in Paris
You can find pharmacies throughout Paris, offering a treasure trove of skincare and beauty products. Here are some of the best pharmacies to visit in Paris.
City Pharma
Address: 26 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris
City Pharma, located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, is often considered the Mecca of French pharmacies. It offers a wide range of skincare, haircare, and beauty products at discounted prices. City Pharma is particularly popular among locals and tourists alike.
Pharmacie Monge
Address: 74 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris
Pharmacie Monge, situated in the Latin Quarter, is another well-known pharmacy in Paris with an extensive array of French pharmacy brands and skincare products. It is comparable to Citypharma in terms of pricing and selection, but I find that it’s much more intimate and less crowded, especially on weekdays.
Pharmacie des Archives
Address: 2 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris
Nestled in the Marais district, Pharmacie des Archives is another French pharmacy with a wide selection of skincare and beauty products. It’s located in one of the more picturesque neighborhoods of Paris and offers a smaller, less crowded alternative for shopping. It’s also open every day of the week, including Sundays.
Pharmacie du Drugstore des Champs-Élysées
Address: 133 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Situated on the iconic Champs-Élysées, this pharmacy offers a curated selection of beauty and wellness products, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the iconic avenue. The best part is that it’s open seven days a week. The pharmacy is also integrated into the larger Publicis Drugstore, a historic complex that includes a variety of establishments such as a bookstore, restaurant, cafe, and a selection of luxury boutiques.
These are only a few popular French pharmacies in Paris. However, it's worth noting that you can explore any neighborhood pharmacy to discover a wide range of popular brands. You don’t necessarily need to make a special trip to any of these locations unless they are exceptionally convenient for you (or you are a French beauty fanatic).
Tips for Shopping at a French Pharmacy
1. Prepare Your List
It can feel overwhelming to navigate the shelves of beauty products at French pharmacies — especially if you don’t speak French. Before your next pharmacy visit, research products online and compile a list of products that you’re interested in purchasing. Then you’ll avoid spending your entire shopping trip with Google Translate. Check out my post on the best French pharmacy beauty products for ideas.
2. Know the Brands and Collections
When I visited a pharmacy in France for the first time, I was surprised by all of the products. There are several different beauty brands at French pharmacies, each with their own products and collections. Research brands and collections before you visit the pharmacy so you can more easily find the right products for you.
To simplify your shopping and help you find the best products for your skin concerns, I created a simple French skincare brands list with the top skincare brands and their product lines. You can find more detailed information on the brands’ websites if you’re looking for specific ingredients, etc.
3. Choose the Right Pharmacy
Everyone is flocking to the cult City Pharma on Rue du Four in Paris. The pharmacy in the 6th arrondissement has incredibly low prices, but it is a little overrated in my opinion. There are many other amazing pharmacies in Paris that offer the same prices and are not overcrowded. Try Pharmacie Monge in the 5th arrondissement or Pharmacie des Archives, located across from the BHV department store in the Marais.
There are two types of pharmacies in France — a pharmacie and a parapharmacie. A pharmacie provides medication, with and without a prescription, and other products like cosmetics. A parapharmacie does not sell medicine, but instead offers a larger range of health and beauty products. It basically sells non-medicinal products sold in pharmacies. I’ve found a greater variety of beauty products at parapharmacies including natural French cosmetic brands.
4. Talk To A Pharmacist
In France, everyone who works in the pharmacy is trained in pharmacology. If you have questions about a product or need a recommendation, talk to a pharmacist. They can advise you with medicine-specific questions, but they also are able to recommend skin and hair care products based on your concerns. This is very different from pharmacies in the United States where you’re usually interacting with just a cashier.
5. Ask About Hidden Products
If you can’t find a particular product, don’t be afraid to approach the counter. In France, some beauty products and most over-the-counter medicines are kept in the back of the pharmacy. During my last pharmacy visit, I was searching for the iconic Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré and couldn’t find it on the shelves. I talked with the pharmacist and found out they kept the product behind the counter.
6. Look for Travel-Size Items
If you’re visiting France and have limited room in your suitcase, check out travel-size beauty products. Many pharmacies I’ve visited sell skincare and haircare kits with travel-size versions of their best-selling products. It’s a great way to test out beauty items while you’re in France before you buy the full-size version to take home with you too. These travel kits also make the perfect souvenir for your friends who love French beauty.
10 Best French Pharmacy Brands
When it comes to French pharmacies, certain brands have become truly iconic. Even if you don't consider yourself a major follower of French beauty, chances are you've heard about or even come across some of these brands, which are increasingly gaining global popularity, including in the U.S. Whether you’re looking to curate the perfect French skincare routine or seeking top-notch French hair care products, these are the best French pharmacy brands to turn to for beauty products that are high quality, effective but also often reasonably priced.
1. La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is one of the most popular French skincare brands known know for its dermatological expertise. They offer a wide array of products backed by scientific research and tailored for sensitive skin. If you’ve ever visited a French pharmacy, you’ve likely seen this brand take over the shelves, especially their range of sunscreens.
Among their most popular products are the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen, a cult-favorite among skincare enthusiasts. For those with acne-prone skin, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment is a targeted treatment that works wonders for addressing blemishes and clogged pores. Recently, the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 has become a viral favorite due to its incredible abilities for repairing the skin barrier.
2. Bioderma
Bioderma is credited for popularizing micellar waters as makeup removers. The French pharmacy brand is best known for the cult-favorite Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water that gently cleanses and removes makeup without irritating the skin. This gentle and effective formula has become a staple in French bathrooms. Another standout is the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume, a deeply nourishing balm perfect for dry and sensitive skin, offering prolonged hydration— it’s my personal savior during the chilliest French winters.
3. Avène
Avène is renowned for utilizing the benefits of its thermal spring water in products tailored for sensitive and intolerant skin. One of their most popular items is the Avène Thermal Spring Water Mist, a soothing mist that provides instant relief to irritated skin. You’ll see Parisians spritzing themselves with this mist to cool down on hot summer days. Another popular pick from the French pharmacy brand is the Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, ideal for healing and preventing infection in damaged or compromised skin.
4. Vichy
Vichy, a pioneer in helping protect skin from pollution, combines scientific innovation with luxe formulas. They use mineral-rich thermal water with other dermatological ingredients, offering skincare solutions for various skin concerns. Their best-selling product, the Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, is a hydrating daily booster that leaves skin refreshed and radiant. Also worth checking out is the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Facial Moisturizer, a velvety-soft face cream that helps moisturize and plump skin.
5. NUXE
The renowned French beauty brand, NUXE, is famous for its formulations inspired by natural and botanical ingredients. Among their standout products is the iconic NUXE Huile Prodigieuse, a multi-purpose dry oil for face, body, and hair. You’ll find this cult-favorite in the beauty cabinets of numerous French women, especially during the summer.
Also not to miss is their skincare line called Rêve de Miel (French for honey dream), specifically formulated to provide comfort to very dry skin thanks to the softening effect of honey. Try the NUXE Reve de Miel Honey Lip Oil, a honey-infused formula that pampers and protects your lips.
During the winter months, I love combining the NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Rich Body Wash with the NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Comforting Body Cream, creating a cozy and indulgent body cocktail that deeply nourishes my skin.
6. Caudalie
Caudalie is a French skincare brand that specializes in vinotherapy, creating skincare products by harnessing extracts from the grape and grapevine. You should definitely shop the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, a 100% natural cult-favorite toning mist that tightens pores, sets makeup, and provides an instant boost of radiance.
I’m personally obsessed with the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream, which reduces dark circles and depuffs the under-eyes while plumping fine lines. Did I mention that it’s also part of Selena Gomez’s skincare routine? Any products from their Vinoperfect line are equally amazing including the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. This brightening serum evens out your complexion and leaves you with a luminous glow.
7. Filorga
For French science-based skincare, Filorga is the go-brand to shop, specializing in high-performance anti-aging products. While it’s a bit more expensive than other French pharmacy brands, the excellence in quality is undeniable. Filorga's Time-Filler range features some of the best anti-aging serums, hydrating creams and more, using scientifically advanced formulations and potent ingredients to combat wrinkles and promote a youthful complexion.
Searching for the best French eye cream? Look no further than the Filorga Time-Filler Eyes Eye Cream, a popular choice among many French women. A high-precision cocktail of active ingredients, it targets five areas around the eyes: crow’s feet, under-eye wrinkles, frown lines, sagging eyelids, and dark circles.
8. Embryolisse
A specialist in multi-tasking skincare since 1950, Embryolisse is a French beauty brand that has been cherished by beauty enthusiasts for decades. Known for their multi-purpose hero product, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, this moisturizer has achieved cult status for its ability to hydrate, prime, and soothe the skin. It’s also a backstage favorite among professional make-up artists.
Any of their versatile moisturizers are worth checking out. I’m personally a fan of the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Fluide, a lighter version of the Lait-Crème Concentré. Fluid and creamy, it’s perfect for those who prefer a lightweight feel while still nourishing their skin.
9. Phyto
If you’re looking for the best French haircare products, Phyto is one brand to certainly check out. They are known for their plant-based haircare solutions, using the synergy of plants to treat a variety of hair types and conditions. Among their bestselling products is the Phyto 7 Hydrating Day Cream, a daily moisturizing cream with 7 plants that keeps fine, dry hair looking beautiful and healthy.
For thinning hair, the Phyto Phytophanère Hair Loss Supplement is another one of the brand’s top products, using natural elements to promote healthy hair growth and even improve the appearance of nails, skin, and lashes.
10. Klorane
Klorane, a name synonymous with botanical innovation, has been a staple in French pharmacies for decades. Renowned for its formulations with plant-based ingredients, Klorane offers a range of hair and skincare products that deliver exceptional results. The Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk has become a cult classic, effortlessly refreshing locks and adding a touch of French je ne sais quoi to your hair routine. Also worth checking out is the Klorane Smoothing & Soothing Eye Masks with Cornflower, soothing hydrogel eye patches that target puffy, tired eyes and dark circles.
I personally adore their nourishing Mango range, especially the Klorane Nourishing Conditioner with Mango that provides hydration and softness back to my dry hair.
Where to Shop French Pharmacy Products in the U.S.
Finding French pharmacy products in the U.S. has become increasingly accessible. If you are looking to shop the French pharmacy online in the U.S., here are some of the sites I’d recommend checking out.
Online Beauty Retailers. Several online retailers offer international beauty products. Websites like Dermstore, Lookfantastic, and Beautylish feature a wide range of French brands like Avène, Klorane, NUXE, Phyto, and more. These types of online beauty retailers were my go-to sites for French pharmacy must-haves when I lived in the U.S. I’d highly recommend these retailers for reliable products and relatively fast shipping.
Amazon. For a large selection of French pharmacy products with fast shipping, Amazon is an option that can have authentic French pharmacy items. There can be counterfeit products sold on Amazon, so always be cautious and check and check seller ratings, reviews, and product descriptions before purchasing. I’ve had success purchasing items on Amazon in the U.S., so if you’re vigilant, it’s a convenient place to buy French beauty items.
C.O. Bigelow. This historic (and America’s oldest) apothecary offers an impressive array of international beauty and skincare products, including a selection of French pharmacy items from brands like Caudalie, Embryolisse, Filgora and Vichy. They only have one physical location in New York City, but thankfully you can also shop their products online with reasonable shipping rates.
French Pharmacy Websites. Some sites allow you to directly purchase French pharmacy products for delivery to the U.S. Cocooncenter, viata.fr, and newpharma.fr are just a few examples. While I haven't personally ordered from these sites and can't vouch for their reliability, many French pharmacy fans have reported successful experiences. French pharmacy websites typically aren’t available in English, so you’ll have to use your browser's translation feature unless you're proficient in French. It's important to note that shipping costs and delivery times can vary too.
Niche Online Retailers. There are niche online retailers that specialize in bringing French pharmacy items, to the U.S. market. You may want to explore options on websites like French Pharmacy and The French Pharmacy.
Et voilà…your ultimate guide to shopping at the French pharmacy! I hope these tips will help you to navigate the French pharmacy like a pro the next time you visit Paris.
What are your best tips for shopping at the French pharmacy? Let me know in the comments below.
