How to Build the Perfect French Skincare Routine
This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.
Source: Sisley Paris
When it comes to beauty, French women are known for their minimalist approach. Makeup, hair, and especially skincare, are all about selecting what’s essential and never overcomplicating things with too many steps or products.
A typical French skincare routine revolves around three key elements: treating, hydrating, and protecting. Serums and treatments are used to target specific concerns like acne, dryness or dark spots. Moisturizers keep the skin nourished, and daily SPF is always part of a French woman’s morning lineup to create a barrier against pollution and sun exposure.
If you're looking to simplify your own beauty regimen à la française, this guide will walk you through exactly how to build the perfect French skincare routine.
Whether you're brand new to French skincare or just looking to fine-tune your current system, I’m breaking it down step-by-step with all the tips and tricks I’ve learned since moving to France.
In this Article
Morning French Skincare Routine
Nighttime French Skincare Routine
Tips for the Perfect French Skincare Routine
Morning French Skincare Routine
1. Micellar Water or Gentle Cleanser
In the morning, French women often skip cleansing all together and reach for a bottle of micellar water instead. It’s non-stripping and ideal for refreshing the skin without disrupting its natural oils.
A global cult favorite, Bioderma Sensibio H2O is so popular that one bottle is sold every second worldwide. Bioderma offers several variations tailored to different skin needs: Sébium H2O for acne-prone skin and Hydrabio H2O for a hydration boost.
Those who prefer to use a cleanser opt for gentle formulas that don’t compromise the skin’s protective barrier. Popular picks include the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser and the Lancôme Crème Radiance Clarifying Cream-to-Foam Cleanser.
Whatever you choose, be sure it’s suited to your skin type and concerns. If you ever visit a French pharmacy, don’t hesitate to ask the pharmacist who can help find the right cleanser for you.
Bioderma
La Roche-posay2. Toner or Face Mist
French women love to spritz on hydration with a refreshing face mist. This simple step not only boosts moisture but also preps the skin for better absorption of the products that follow.
A tried-and-true favorite is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. It’s formulated with green grape, orange blossom, rose, rosemary, lemon balm and peppermint, all ingredients that enhance glow, tighten the look of pores, and even set makeup.
Thermal water sprays, like those from Avène and La Roche-Posay, are also adored for their ability to calm and soothe sensitive or irritated skin. Many French women carry these face mists in their bags for a quick dose of hydration throughout the day.
Some women prefer to use a French toner in place of, or alongside, a face mist, especially if they have oily or blemished skin. An alcohol-free toner can help rebalance the skin’s pH and prep it for moisturizer.
The Nuxe Very Rose Refreshing Tonic Lotion is a popular pharmacy pick that tones the skin while leaving it soft and moisturized.
An excellent toner for acne-prone skin is the Caudalie Vinopure Pore Minimizing Toner. It’s made with 100% natural salicylic acid to control oil and help prevent blackheads and breakouts.
Read More: 10 Best Nuxe Products to Shop Now, Including the Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil
3. Vitamin C Serum
While not uniquely French, vitamin C serums are often part of a well-curated Parisian skincare routine. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect the skin against free radicals, increases radiance and supports collagen production.
It’s best used in the morning and never alongside retinol since layering the two can create irritation and inflammation.
The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is considered the best vitamin C serum by most dermatologists, beauty editors, and skincare enthusiasts. Although not a French product, I’ve seen it stocked at many French pharmacies. Because the formula is highly stable and effective (unlike many other serums that degrade quickly), it is quite pricey (almost $200 per bottle).
If you’re loyal to the French skincare brands (or just want an accessible alternative), the La Roche-Posay Pure 12% Vitamin C Serum is a fantastic choice. It works similarly to reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration, leading to a brighter and more even skin tone.
skinceuticals
La Roche-Posay4. Moisturizer
An essential step in any French skincare routine is a nourishing moisturizer that locks in hydration without feeling heavy.
French moisturizers are typically gentle and infused with thermal spring water to calm and protect the skin barrier. French women tend to favor formulas enriched with natural ingredients: shea butter or honey for drier skin types, and chamomile or aloe vera for sensitive, easily reactive skin.
One ultra-beloved moisturizer (and a favorite of mine) is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. It works beautifully on my dry, acne-prone skin and doubles as a makeup primer. I’ve been repurchasing it for years now (it’s really that good).
However, it is a very rich cream, so if you’re after a lighter option, the Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel is more ideal for sensitive or combination skin. This weightless water-gel has ingredients like hyaluronic acid that soothe and deeply hydrate.
Tip: Spritz your face and neck with thermal water, then apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This little beauty secret helps to seriously lock in moisture.
Embryolisse
Avène5. Sunscreen
Although getting some sun isn’t a bad thing in France, daily sun protection is still very important. French women know that UV damage is one of the fastest ways to age the skin and take a preventative approach by incorporating SPF into their morning routine year-round.
Mineral or chemical, it really doesn’t matter, as long as you opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
French pharmacies are famous for stocking some of the best sunscreens out there. One very popular formula is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60. It has an ultra-light texture that melts into the skin without leaving a white cast or greasy residue. It sits nicely under makeup too.
If your skin leans dry, the La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen SPF 50 is a more nourishing option (while still being surprisingly lightweight). I wore this one a lot last winter when I was back in the States.
Keep in mind that French sunscreens are often formulated a bit differently than those sold in the U.S. So while the LRP sunscreen you see in the States might look the same as the one in France, the ingredients and filters can vary due to FDA regulations.
Read More: How the French Achieve Sun-Kissed Skin
La Roche-Posay
Nighttime French Skincare Routine
1. Double Cleanse
Your evening skincare should be richer and focused on repairing the skin overnight. If you wear makeup or SPF (which you should!), start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve product buildup and impurities from the day. For this step, you really can’t go wrong with the Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil.
If you’ve got on waterproof or heavy makeup, you might also use micellar water to ensure every trace is gone. Even though an oil will remove most of your makeup, mascara and eyeliner sometimes require extra attention.
Follow with a gentle cleanser to actually cleanse the skin itself. This second step helps remove any remaining residue, clears pores, and preps your skin for the rest of your nighttime routine.
A milky cleanser like Collosol Eau de Lait, a French favorite known for gently cleansing while leaving the skin soft and hydrated.
Bioderma
Typology2. Exfoliant
Exfoliation plays an important role in maintaining a smooth, radiant complexion. But in true French fashion, it’s done gently.
Rather than reach for harsh scrubs that can damage the skin’s barrier, French women prefer chemical exfoliants for the face like AHAs and PHAs. They work on a deeper level to dissolve dead skin cells without causing microtears or irritation like many physical exfoliants. They can also improve the absorption of your other skincare products.
A holy grail in French skincare, the Lotion P50 from Biologique Recherche is one of the best exfoliators on the market. Known as a ‘facial in a bottle’, it contains exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid and salicylic acid that balance your skin’s pH, regulate oil production, brighten dark spots, even skin texture, and help with acne.
A great option for acne-prone skin is the Vichy Normaderm BHA Exfoliating Serum. This cocktail of dermatological ingredients helps clear acne blemishes and blackheads while exfoliating the skin’s surface. You can easily find it at the French pharmacy too.
One thing to keep in mind: never exfoliate on the same night you use retinol, especially if you’re just starting out. Over-exfoliating, too, can damage your skin barrier and lead to increased sensitivity or inflammation. Alternate nights and always top it off with a nourishing moisturizer.
Biologique Recherche
3. Serum
While vitamin C is ideal for your morning routine, nighttime is the perfect time to switch up your serums. French women look for ingredients that repair, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier while they get some shut-eye: hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, niacinamide to calm and brighten, and resveratrol for its antioxidant, collagen-boosting benefits. They also love vitamin E for nourishment and ceramides to reinforce the skin barrier and hold onto moisture.
Whatever serums you choose, always consider how they fit into your overall routine. For example, avoid layering your retinol serum on top of a retinoid treatment (which can cause dryness and irritation), and a niacinamide serum (as it will cancel out both actives).
And when in doubt, you can always skip the serum. French women know that a low-maintenance beauty routine is better than overloading it with unnecessary, and potentially irritating, products.
4. Retinol
The French skincare philosophy is all about being gentle and that means avoiding harsh treatments that can aggravate the skin barrier. But there is one powerhouse ingredient that many French women happily include in their beauty routine: retinol.
Known for its anti-aging benefits, retinol (and other vitamin A derivatives) boosts collagen production, refines texture, and brightens the complexion.
If you’re new to retinol, the biggest tip I can give you is to start slow. A pea-sized amount 2-3 times a week is all you need to gradually build tolerance (and trust me, you will need to let your skin adjust).
I personally love and use the La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream. It’s simple, effective, and reasonably priced (plus I can find it easily in both France and the U.S.)
If you’re nervous about jumping into prescription-strength retinoids, A313 is a great stepping stone. This French beauty secret contains a gentler form of vitamin A that helps smooth fine lines and promotes radiance without overwhelming sensitive skin.
I’d also suggest the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum as a non-retinol alternative. It’s formulated with resveratrol (a potent antioxidant from grapevine stalks), to firm, plump, and add glow. A more natural, plant-based approach to anti-aging.
Read More: 10 Best Caudalie Products That Live Up to the Hype
La roche-Posay
5. Eye Cream
The delicate under-eye area is often where signs of fatigue, dehydration, and aging show up first. A dab or two of eye cream before bed can help to hydrate, soften fine lines, reduce puffiness, and improve elasticity while you sleep.
Common ingredients found in many French eye creams include retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamins (like A and E), and natural plant extracts.
The Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream is one that’s beloved both in France and the U.S. It targets dark circles, puffiness, crow's feet, fine lines and wrinkles, all while being fragrance-free. I appreciate the metal tip that makes it easy to apply.
A more luxurious French formula is the Clarins Total Eye Lift Eye Cream, which promises a visible lift in 60 seconds. It’s also formulated with harungana extract, which is just as effective as retinol.
Read More: 15 Best Luxury French Beauty Brands Worth Your Investment
Caudalie
Clarins6. Moisturizer
We’ve already talked about the importance of moisturizing in the morning, and it’s just as essential (if not more so) at night.
Throughout the day, the skin is exposed to pollutants, wind, secondhand smoke (especially in France), and environmental aggressors that can dry it out and weaken its barrier. A good night cream helps lock in moisture, support skin repair, and keep your barrier functioning at its best.
At night, you can reach for a richer formula that works harder while you sleep. French women love deeply nourishing creams that restore and replenish without feeling too heavy.
Two favorites include the Caudalie Premier Cru Night Cream, an anti-aging option that’s packed with resveratrol, and the Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream, a super comforting formula that’s perfect for dry or sensitive skin. I use the latter, and I always wake up with the most moisturized skin.
If you need extra nourishment, finish with a facial oil. Lately, I’ve been using the Sanoflore Nuit des Reines Oil. I randomly picked this up at the French pharmacy, and it’s the perfect topper to my nighttime skincare.
L'oreal Paris
Tips for the Perfect French Skincare Routine
Keep it simple. You really only need 3-5 products for your morning and nightly skincare routines. In the U.S., we often live by the “more is more” mentality, but in this case, we should take a cue from the French. Narrowing down your routine to the essentials is often better for your skin and your busy schedule.
Get to know your skin. Skincare has definitely become trendy in recent years with countless products deemed “must-haves” (even if they don’t really suit your skin). French women, however, don’t follow the trends. They listen to their skin’s needs and choose products based on their skin type, not what's currently going viral.
Adapt it to the seasons. This guide gives you the basics of a French skincare routine, but it’s meant to be flexible. Your skin’s needs shift with the seasons, so your routine should too. In winter, you might reach for richer, more hydrating formulas to combat dryness (see my French winter skincare routine for more on that). In summer, lighter textures and mattifying products may suit you better. The French don’t like rigid regimens, including when it comes to skincare.
Beware of fragranced formulas. One thing I’ve noticed about French skincare is that it’s just as much about the ritual as it is the results. Consequently, many French skincare brands seem to include fragrances and essential oils in their products. They can definitely make skincare feel luxurious, but these ingredients may irritate sensitive skin. Be mindful of how your skin responds and opt for fragrance-free versions if needed.
Embrace natural remedies. While French beauty is rooted in science and clinical formulations, there’s also a deep respect for natural solutions. Many French women stock their beauty cabinets with botanical ingredients, plant-based oils and organic products. Even my mother-in-law, who’s a pharmacist in France, often recommends natural options over harsher treatments. It’s not necessarily about choosing one over the other though; both science and nature can be beneficial to skin health.
Prioritize pharmacy brands. France is known for its dermo-cosmetic pharmacy brands that are dermatologist-tested and designed to be both effective and gentle. There are plenty of luxurious French beauty brands worth exploring, but the pharmacy is the perfect place to start if you want high-quality skincare that doesn’t break the bank. It's where many French women find their everyday beauty staples.
Be consistent. French skin looks effortlessly healthy because it’s consistently cared for. There are no extreme treatments or 10-step routines, just simple, thoughtful habits repeated daily. And because this approach is minimal, it’s easier to stick with long-term.
Add extras if needed. Of course, simplicity is key, but feel free to add in some extras. If your skin needs a little more support, you can add a spot treatment for acne or a weekly hydrating face mask. You might also see a dermatologist or facialist to understand and treat your skin’s current needs. Face massage is another ritual that I’ve seen gaining popularity in France. French brands like Nooance and Odacité now offer tools that help you boost circulation and sculpt the face. Incorporate whatever feels good to you.
Read More: What French Beauty Standards Really Look Like
Shop French Skincare
Final Thoughts on Building a French Skincare Routine
If you’re looking to simplify your beauty regimen with proven products and fewer steps, a French skincare routine is the way to go. My own approach to skincare has evolved a lot since moving to France. Even though I still love testing new products, I almost always go back to the basics that I’ve outlined in this post. Simple, yet oh-so-effective.
What products are part of your French skincare routine? Let me know in the comments below.
