What makes French pharmacies a skincare haven?

Long before Americans began flocking to Paris for the Olympics, they came in droves for another coveted experience: shopping at French pharmacies.

Perched underneath flashing green medical crosses, pharmacies and parapharmacies offer a unique shopping experience. While pharmacies provide prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, parapharmacies go beyond that, stocking a wide array of skincare, haircare, sunscreen, and more, alongside standard items like band-aids and vitamins.

For visitors unfamiliar with French brands like Caudalie and Avéne, stepping into a parapharmacie can feel like being a kid in a candy store, overwhelmed by the plethora of choices.

Tessa Bicard, Head of U.S. Operations for French skincare brand Typology and content creator under the username @madame.tartempion, emphasizes that the French take their skincare very seriously, often using it as a substitute for makeup.

“French girl skincare or a French makeup look tends to be a bit more minimalist than the American approach,” Bicard notes, drawing from her experience as an American living in Paris.

This difference is partly due to the formulation standards in France, which are generally higher than those in the U.S. Even if a product is available stateside, its formulation may differ. Bicard explains, “If you’re buying it in Europe, particularly in France, you know you’re getting the original French formula.”

If you find yourself in a parapharmacie, here are some recommended products from Bicard:

• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Baume: Ideal for super dry or dehydrated skin.
• Avéne Cleanance: A cleansing gel designed for acne-prone skin.
• Bioderma Créaline H20: Micellar water that can replace regular faucet water for washing your face.
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Sunscreen: A sheer and lightweight sunscreen suitable for both face and body.
• Caudalie Eau de Beauté: A refreshing beauty spray infused with green grape, rose, and rosemary oils.
• Typology Shimmering Dry Oil: A body oil with Vitamin C and essential oils that adds a touch of shine.
• Typology Tinted Lip Oil: Hydrating lip oil available in various shades, enriched with jojoba oil and Vitamin E.

For more insights, check the full article on USA Today.