If you’re a beauty-product junkie like me, a visit to a French pharmacy must be on your “to do” list when you visit Paris.
Why? French pharmacies are full of cult beauty products that are: (1) actually made in France (which usually means they have no phthalates or parabens), and (2) SO much cheaper than you can find them in the U.S. (Example: the Caudalie Vinoperfect Overnight Renewal Cream I picked up on my last trip costs $59 at Sephora.com, but was 23€ in Paris —that’s less than half the cost at today’s exchange rate.
And while you won’t find Chanel at most pharmacies, you will find lots of other great beauty products by brands like Klorane, Bioderma, La Roche-Posay, and Phyto at a steal. Popular baby brands like Wedela and Mustela? They have them too.
I love shopping (especially on vacation!) and I love to feel like I’m getting a good deal, so buying French skincare and haircare products at French pharmacies are seriously like hitting the jackpot for me.
#1 Recommendation for Where to Go: CityPharma
CityPharma. All pharmacies are marked with a big green plus sign and will usually say PHARMACIE in big, green letters. There are pharmacies everywhere in Paris, but CityPharma is my fave.
My number one favorite shopping pharmacie in Paris is CityPharma in the 6th arrondissement. It can get a little crazy with crowds, but that’s because it has everything.
Once you’re inside, pick up a hand basket and make your way through the aisles. It’s big and there are 2 floors, so allow yourself enough time to browse. If you get overwhelmed, ask one of the workers in white coats for assistance. They speak English and are more than happy to help you find what you’re looking for.
CityPharma, Rue du Four, 75006 Paris. Closed Sundays, check website for hours.
Travel Tip: Bring Your Passport (and Get Your Tax Back)
If you spend over 175€ at City Pharma, you are eligible for a tax refund. (Each stores has different spending requirements for tax free shopping). CityPharma needs your passport information to process the paperwork that you’ll be taking to the customs agent at the airport.
Bioderma and La Rouche Pousay
What to Buy: French Pharmacy Favorites
(1) Caudalie Skincare
I went a little Caudalie crazy on our last trip: I am a fan of their Beauty Elixir and had read promising reviews of their Vinopure and Vinoperfect lines, which use grape extracts to brighten skin and are paraben-free and phthalate-free. (Yay!) So far so good. I’m loving the Vinoperfect Glycolic Brightening Essence ($42 at Sephora, 20€ at CityPharma); the Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Purifying Toner ($28 at Sephora; 14€ at City Pharma).
Also — NYMag recommends Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, which is supposed to brighten skin. It’s on my list for the next time.
(2) Bioderma Crealine H20 (Micellar Water)
I’ve tried a half-dozen other micellar water brands and none come close. Bioderma micellar water is the best — it doesn’t dry out my skin or leave that sticky weird film (you know which one I mean!) Hint: saturate a cotton round and really go for it, your skin will feel clean and hydrated (not tight and yucky). Vogue loves it too. 8.90€.
(3) Phyto Paris Phytodefrisant Botanical Straightening Balm
For me, the straightening balm doesn’t straighten as much as it de-frizzes, but it leaves my hair nice and smooth – put it on before blow-drying. Phyto straightening balm is an Allure best-of beauty winner, so it’s available in the U.S. (but cheaper in Paris, even with the exchange rate).
(4) Homeoplasmine
This simple little pink tube has a big following: fans include the GOOP herself, Gwyneth Paltrow, and me. Homeoplasmine is good for sore, chapped skin— good for dry winter weather and for new nursing mothers. Comes in big and little sizes.
(5) La Roche-Posay Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay sunscreens have a cult following for a reason: they offer broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection that is great for sensitive skin. All of their sunscreens all dermatologist-tested. Check out their primers, tinted sunscreens, spray sunscreens (they feel silky on the skin!), and baby sunscreens.
Check out the products at http://laroche-posay.us
(6) Baby Shampoos and Lotions from Mustela, Weleda, and Topicrem
Mustela makes the best baby products that are safe and smell good. Paraben-free; phthalate-free; and phenoxyethanol-free. (I don’t even know what that last one is!) I never really cared about chemicals, etc. touching my skin until I had a kid, and I love that Mustela is free of hormone disruptors. (Here’s a Scientific American article on the topic if you want to read more).
Weleda also makes awesome stuff for baby that is great for treating cradle cap and eczema. Best of all, Weleda products are non-toxic, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and contains no phthalates or synthetic fragrance. http://weleda.com
If you’re pregnant or have a small baby, try Topicrem’s Ultra-Moisturizing Body Milk. It is so thick and luxurious and smells good without having any bad stuff in it (no parabens!) — I used it on my belly during pregnancy and didn’t get any stretch marks, and it’s safe for babies, too! I just ran out 3 years later — and now I have to plan a trip back to get more. 😉
Other Gems
Look for Klorane hair products (their natural dry shampoo earns rave reviews); Patchness under-eye mini masks; and Avene Thermal Spring Water – it feels amazing on your skin and is so hydrating!
Have fun finding new favorite beauty buys in Paris, and let me know if you find any gems!
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5 beauty products to buy at French Pharmacies; plus where to find the best beauty selection in Paris.