Best French Pharmacy and Products in Paris
As a seasoned skincare enthusiast and frequent Paris visitor, I always make it a point to stop by several French Pharmacy stores so I can get my fill of high quality French skincare products.
From cutting-edge peptide serums to time-honored thermal water sprays, the selection is so much better and cheaper than anything in the States!
Join me as I show you insider’s guide (including a youtube video) on which pharmacy to go to and which products to buy:
Pharmacie du Forum Des Halles
Easily my top pick - this pharmacy is centrally located at the Westfield Forum des Halles shopping center and easy to get to by Metro. It’s also the largest pharmacy I went to with many products and pharmacists on hand to help with questions. Since it’s inside a mall, there’s also pleasant air conditioning and the option to shop the other stores.
On top of that, their hours are a bit more friendly compared to some other pharmacies.
I found their prices to be comparable to other pharmacies.
Address:
10 Place Carrée Floor -2
Forum des Halles
75001 Paris, France
Nearest Metro Stop: Les Halles
Citypharma
Famous for their competitive pricing, this ultra popular pharmacy is usually crowded and a bit claustrophobic during peak tourist season.
I didn’t find their prices to be that much lower (in fact, many prices were the same) than the pharmacy in Forum des Halles but perhaps if you’re buying in major bulk quantities it’d be worth stopping by here.
Pro tip: go in the morning for the best stock.
Address:
26 Rue du Four
75006 Paris, France
Nearest Metro Stops: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Sulpice
Monge Pharmacy
This pharmacy became popular due to a South Korean beauty influencer. It carries many of the same brands as my other two picks, but is less crowded than Citypharma but is the smallest one.
If you’re in the 5th arrondisement, this is a great place to go in lieu of hopping on the metro to visit another pharmacy.
Address:
74 Rue Monge
75005 Paris
Nearest Metro Stop: Place Monge
Best French Pharmacy Skincare Products
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Famous for gentle, effective cleansing - this cleaner removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without irritating the skin.
It also helps to maintain your skin’s natural pH balance and can be used on the face, eyes, & lips while keeping essential moisture in your skin.
It’s much more expensive in the USA, about 2-3x the price vs getting it here in Paris.
USA: $12.99 for 250ml
Paris: €17 for 2 x 500 ml (1 liter total) in the French Pharmacies
A313 Vitamin A Cream
Known for its high concentration of Vitamin A (retinol) - it has anti-aging benefits like promoting cell turnover, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin texture and tone.
A313 is also famous for being a cheaper alternative to Retin-A.
I’d start with a small amount first to see how your skin reacts to it.
USA: $16 for 50g
Paris: €7 for 50g
Biafine Emulsion Lotion
Usually applied for sunburns, this lotion is fantastic for treating irritated and dry skin.
It has a lightweight texture that quickly absorbs into your skin and contains an ingredient called trolamine, which can also reduce pain and inflammation.
USA: $24 for 186g
Paris: €6 for 186g
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
This product has a cult following for its skin barrier support formula which is designed to help repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
USA: $19 for 40ml
Paris: €6 for 40 ml
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturizer
This multitasking cream has been a staple in makeup artists' kits and skincare enthusiasts' routines for decades.
It functions as a moisturizer, primer, makeup remover, and even a mask!
Its formula provides intense moisture without feeling heavy, thanks to ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera.
USA: $26 for 75ml
Paris: €14 for 75 ml
Caudalie Resveratol Lift Retinol Alternative Firming Cashmere Moisturizier
Caudalie is a beloved French brand and prices in France are often half off to what we pay for the same products in the USA. You really can’t go wrong with any of their products but this retinol alternative moisturizer is one of my personal go-tos.
USA: $69 for 50 ml
Paris: €42 for 50ml
Caudalie Vinosun Protext Brightening Daily Mineral Sunscreen
France is the place to shop for sunscreen (outside of Asia which is my favorite market to buy sunscreens from)! In the USA sunscreens are regulated by the FDA ……
At the French pharmacies you will discover a whole wall dedicated to sunprotection. You’ll get the whole range from light and airy formulas to heavier creamy ones. The Caudalie Vinosun is a great pick for everyday.
USA: $39 for 50ml
Paris: €11 for 50ml