6 French pharmacy brands nudging K-Beauty off the shelf

Social media may be gushing over Korean and Japanese beauty formulations but these French beauty brands are finding a place of their own

It’s almost impossible to discuss the history of beauty (and its evolutions) without spotlighting France’s contribution. The Parisian beauté red lip aesthetic is just one of the many globally-loved modi operandi that have stemmed from French culture. From Chanel to Christian Dior and Lancôme to Sisley Paris, several cult favourites have been conceived in this beauty hub. Moreover, no trip to Paris would be complete without stocking up on products from French pharmacy skincare brands, given their less-is-more approach for healthy and nourished skin. Any pick from French pharmacies are contingent on two strong fundamentals—firstly, no-nonsense formulations that are facile to use and understand and secondly, years of research that go into getting the final product right.  

Before revealing the list of our favourite F-beauty brands, here’s a primer on why French-origin brands—especially their pharmacies—have an edge over the rest. Aleena Darwesh, who runs an informative skincare page on Instagram by the name of @skinnbyaleena, shares her personal experience with French pharmacy brands. “One brand I can’t stop raving about is La Roche-Posay,” she declares. “Their Redermic R Retinol Cream completely changed my skin. For such a powerful retinol, the texture is *chef’s kiss*. It’s so hydrating and lighter than other retinol variants. Sometimes I just use a moisturiser over it, and still face no dryness.” She also expresses her soft spot for popular brands like Bioderma and Avène.

Upon asking her about why and how the French cosmetic heavyweights outmanoeuvre the rest, Darwesh says, “They create powerful formulas backed by years of scientific research. Most of these brands work with the best dermatologists and allergy experts to ensure that all products are suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.” In juxtaposition to the Internet’s favourite 10-step routine rooted in South Korea, for Darwesh, simplicity is the biggest pull for French skincare. “From no-frills ointment to spring waters, nothing’s too tech-dependent or fancy. And they work—they are used and sworn by celebrities across the world,” she shares.

We list six French pharmacy brands that are truly exceptional and available in India.

Bioderma

If you read our recent story based on eye make-up removal tips, you’re aware that Bioderma is a go-to among celebrity make-up artists. Anybody who understands skin(care), loves Bioderma. Founded in 1977 by French pharmacist Jean-Noël Thorel, the brand has been serving every single skin type and their many concerns for over 40 years now. Formulated by dermatologists, backed by research and bottled with care, every Bioderma product takes account of the skin’s basic biology. Every formulation is exceedingly gentle and efficacious at the same time since the brand sticks to ingredients (and their complexes) that promise performance sans any irritation or need for adaptation. For instance, the Hydrabio Sérum is packed with niacinamide, cucumber extracts, apple seeds’ extracts and a patented Aquagenium complex that offers care and comfort at once. Did you know that the cult Sensibio H20 Micellar Water was launched in 1995 and since then, one bottle is sold every two seconds worldwide?

We recommend: Sensibio H20 Micellar Water, Cicabio Arnica+ Cream and Pigmentbio Foaming Cream

Embryolisse

If you, like us, love silky-smooth, buttery-soft skin, chances are that you have Embryolisse’s cult-favourite Lait-Crème Concentré stashed away on your beauty shelf. Brilliant as a primer, moisturiser and make-up remover, this multitasker promises dreamy skin. While the cream’s packaging was introduced in 2009, the product has had seven iterations since the brand’s inception in 1950. Created by a Parisian dermatologist, it has become every make-up artist’s favourite backstage product. Whipped to perfection with shea butter, aloe, beeswax and other moisturising ingredients, the brand also celebrated the sale of one crore units of  Lait-Crème Concentré in 2007. Today, while they have a range of skincare and make-up basics, the Lait-Crème Concentré continues to thrive as the ultimate do-it-all. 

We recommend: Lait-Crème Concentré and Huile de Beauté

Caudalie

Caudalie is a beautiful example of what lovers (can) do together. Founded by partners Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, the brand thrives on the power of grapes and their seeds, which are potent sources of antioxidants. Mathilde’s parents owned Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a vineyard estate, giving them access to an abundance of the fruit. With professor Joseph Vercauteren, the duo kickstarted formulating the products in 1993 and have slowly built shelf cred. Today, after over two decades, a spa in New York, more than 50 boutiques globally and over seven equally impressive collections, Caudalie still manages to surprise you with their products.

We recommend: Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Correcting Serum, Resveratrol-lift Firming Eye Gel-Cream, Beauty Elixir and Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Mask

Avène

Founded in 1990, Avène’s products are remarkably softening and healing on the skin, becoming a staple in almost every vanity kit. The brand is equally famous for its cleansers, sunscreens and the classic Thermal Spring Water for every skin type, thereby helping you simplify and fortify your skincare routine. Avène’sstoried legacy is rooted in the  south of France, where the healing and soothing properties of Avène Thermal Spring were first noticed. At present, the brand boasts an impressive portfolio of products backed by scientific research and development to ensure maximised benefits. 

We recommend: Thermal Spring Water, Cleanance Cleansing Gel and Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

La Roche-Posay

Boasting a heritage in dermatology, La Roche-Posay enjoys a following among 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, all of whom have played a key role in each formulation that the brand has launched  since its inception in 1975. Every product is rich in key active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol as well as concoctions that deliver both moisture and sun protection. Skin-calming and soothing thermal spring water is actively present in the core formula of every product. 

We recommend: Effaclar MAT Daily Moisturizer, La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluid and Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum

NUXE

When a bold, ambitious and visionary woman builds something for other women, a prodigious beauty routine is born, courtesy a brand that combines a pharmaceutical approach with an unmistakable penchant for luxurious textures and aromas. Founded in 1990 by Aliza Jabés, NUXE combines the experiences of rituals with gentle ingredients. From cleansers and lip balms to multipurpose oils and moisturisers, there’s something for everyone.

We recommend: Huile Prodigieuse®, Rêve de Miel and Crème Prodigieuse® Boost Eye Balm

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