24 French Pharmacy Products That People Actually Swear By

Your skin and hair are going to look, how you say, très magnifique.

1. L'Occitane shea butter hand cream, a creamy and fast-absorbing balm that'll nourish, protect, and keep your hands totally moisturized.

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Get it from Amazon or L'Occitane for $29.

2. A magic little tube of Homeoplasmine for help soothing your cracked, chapped, and dry lips — there's a reason they call it a French kiss, and this is it.

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Promising review: "Your personal makeup stylist in the palm of your hands. You’ll never experience a dry, chapped, or cracked lip again. It works great alone and as a base or top coat for other lip makeup." —GNH BY DESIGN

Get it from Amazon for $13.96.

3. Le Petit Marseillais Lait shower cream, an extra-gentle and delightfully smelling way to make your bathroom feel like you're on the shores of France.

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Promising review: "I have such sensitive skin and it dries out quickly with showering. This stuff works so well! The scent is nice and light so it's not overpowering for a guy to use and it's a great price. I'd recommend it to anyone with dry, sensitive skin." —James Tillotson

Get it from Amazon for $5.37 (available in five scents).

4. Klorane Dry Shampoo, an aerosol spray made with oat milk for fresh hair, added volume, and soft-to-the-touch texture.

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Promising review: "Best dry shampoo I've used! I have super oily hair and I am able to go three days without washing it when I use this dry shampoo." —Brittany Lane Little

Get it from Amazon for $20.

5. A313 Vitamin A Pommade, a treatment formulated to minimize fine lines, stretch marks, and enlarged pores, as well as to help firm skin.

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Promising review: "When you buy this cream your regime should be: wash your face and gently pat dry (make sure you face is totally dry as vitamin A will react with water and cause irritation), apply a pea-sized amount on your face or other treated area (do not apply too close to the eyes as the creme will naturally migrate), leave it on for 20 minutes. Use it three times a week, at bedtime. Vitamin A creams are the way forward to fresh, plump complexions, you will see some flaking/peeling but you can gently remove this with a warm clean cloth. Hope this helps! And no, I don't sell it. I just swear by it!" —Mrs Fleabody

Get it from Amazon for $19.25.

6. Bioderma Sensibio h20 Micelle Water, a cleansing and makeup-removing formula that's a great choice for sensitive skin.

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Promising review: "I have used a lot of different kinds of makeup removers from the drugstore and they have all left my skin oily and my eyes burning. I have also lost a lot of eyelashes to these makeup removers. Bioderma has completely changed my skin and eye-makeup-removing routine. I no longer lose eyelashes and my skin always feels amazing. If you are looking for something that is soothing to your skin and eyes, and also removes all makeup, then I would buy this product." —Chi1234

Get it from Amazon for $11.74.

7. An intensive Cicabiafine hand cream to repair, soothe, moisturize, and protect your dry and chapped hands.

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Promising review: "I really like this hand cream! The scent reminds me of a French hand cream I purchased years ago that’s not made anymore. This is not a thick cream, but it's very moisturizing." —Lala

Get it from Amazon for $14.24.

8. Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream, a super-rich and nourishing lotion that can be used as a primer, moisturizer, and makeup remover.

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Promising review: "I love this lotion. I recently moved to a Colorado. The altitude + dry weather (and the cold in the winter) was wreaking havoc on my skin. It was peeling and breaking out at the same time. Switching over to this completely saved my skin. A little goes a long way, and it leaves your skin soft and moisturized all day without being oily or greasy. Works better than a lot of more expensive, higher-end creams." —MS

Get it from Amazon for $26.12.

9. A bottle of Vichy LiftActiv Eyes and Lashes Serum, designed with hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, firm the skin around your eyes, and strengthen and condition your lashes.

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Promising review: "This is like a magic! My lashes are growing!! I doubted at first but after using this serum for a few days the result is obvious — especially my lower eyelashes! Wow! When I apply it around my eyes, I massage it in and let the serum absorb. My eyes feel a bit dry after, I guess the serum is not designed to be hydrating so I will always use it with another eye cream. Other than that, everything is as expected!!" —xinyao li

Get it from Amazon for $35.

10. A bottle of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser that'll help retain moisture while cleansing your skin and removing makeup, dirt, and impurities.

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Promising review: "This has the same milky, non-foaming texture as Cetaphil and Cerave but is visibly better and faster at dissolving makeup and dirt — clean rinsing, no need to 'tissue off' and no need for 'double cleansing.' Takes literally just a few rubs to breakdown makeup, my face is left sparkling clean with no residual but not feeling tight or dry." —nycgirl

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

11. A weight-less, heat-activated Phyto volumizing spray, perfect for giving a little lift to anyone with fine, dull hair.

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Promising review: "I have baby-fine hair. Used this product and suddenly it felt like I had gone to Dolly Parton's hairdresser!" —Sandie E.

Get it from Amazon for $30.

12. Eau Thermale Avène thermal spray, a watery mist that's been clinically shown to soothe, soften, and calm skin.

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Promising review: "This was recommended to me by my esthetician to help deal with my easily flushed skin (face and neck). I use the larger can as part of my daily facial care and travel with a smaller one. It works beautifully to cool my skin and to complement my skin care and makeup applications. Love Avène!" —MorningPerson

Get it from Amazon for $18.50.

13. A bottle of Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Cream, which is made with a high concentration of vitamin A to help hydrate your skin and provide protection.

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Promising review: "I am 54 years old. This product was recommended to me by my aesthetician to brighten my complexion and fade brown spots/sun damage. The product is odorless. It comes in a small pump dispenser and only dispenses a small amount of whitish cream. I apply to my face, neck, and cleavage. The cream does not leave a film on your skin and goes on smoothly. I was instructed by my aesthetician to use this product daily as an evening routine prior to going to bed. After the first day's use of this product, I noticed my face was smooth and I didn't need moisturizer. After one or two weeks, I noticed a dramatic difference in my skin texture. My skin was soft, smooth, a lot of my age spots and wrinkles virtually disappeared or began to fade. After approximately three weeks, my complexion was brighter. The product leaves you with a healthy glow and your skin texture appears tighter/firmer. I continue to use this product nightly as part of my routine. I would definitely recommend it! As a precaution, use sunscreen when outside with any retinal products to avoid further sunspots/damage." —Imani

Get it from Amazon for $70.

14. An SPF 60 La Roche-Posay face sunscreen perfect for anyone with oily, acne-prone skin, because it's designed to absorb pore-clogging oils, even when you're dealing with lots of heat and humidity.

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Promising review: "My skin has always loved La Roche-Posay so I thought I would give this a try. I've used another sunscreen from La Roche-Posay but stopped using it because it was oily. With this product though, I haven't had any issues so far. I have oily skin and my skin has been breaking out lately, so this sunscreen has helped with that. The only issue is the residue it leaves when the product dries on my skin. I don't see the white residue when I blend it into my skin, but once it dries up, there are patches where the residue is visible. It doesn't bother me too much because I put makeup over this, but if you're looking to use this alone, I suggest checking your face after it dries." —YooJin Kim

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

15. Mustela Hydra Bebe Body Lotion, a vitamin E–infused hydrating cream to give baby and mom the softest skin possible.

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Promising review: "I had heard someone on TV talk about what a wonderful scent this had and how good their baby smells. I thought I would give it a try. I absolutely love it. It gives my skin a nice silky glow and holds in the moisture. It has such a nice light scent as well. I’m not sure why they only market this to babies because everyone I have told loves it as well." —Debnovo

Get it from Amazon for $16.

16. Caudalie Beauty Elixir, a gentle, rosemary- and mint-infused spray formulated to tighten pores and leave your skin glowing.

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Promising review: "I always feel like I just came out of a spa when I use this product. My face feels tingly, cool, and rejuvenated. I love the herbal smell, which is not overpowering. When I travel I take it with me for that clean and fresh feeling. It revives me after a long flight." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $16.05.

17. A traditionally crafted, super-rich and creamy Pre de Provence artisanal French soap bar enriched with shea butter.

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Promising review: "The best soap I've ever used. Strange to rave about soap but there you have it. The starflower scent is my go-to, the smell isn't offensive or overpowering, and texture is silky smooth. The honey almond has a great smell. Very honey-y. The texture is like sandpaper or pumice soap. Do not use if sunburned! The smell of the lime is strong — put this in a guest bathroom, and it'll be an air freshener for your whole home. The green tea has a mild scent and smooth texture. Probably the least-scented of any flavors I've tried to far." —Jose R Aragon Jr

Get it from Amazon for $4.74 (available in 39 scents).

18. Rene Furterer Vegetal Finishing Spray, a light hairspray to help keep your hair in place without any of the crunch or stiffness.

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Promising review: "Best spray I have ever used. Smells good and holds very well — even in my foggy, windy, San Francisco climate." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $29.

19. A tube of skin-repairing Laluset you can use as a moisturizer and that's also formulated to minimize fine lines — it's made with 100% hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump dry and aging skin.

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Promising review: "I mix this cream with an aloe based moisturizer and it makes my combination skin feel balanced and look fresh! You have to exfoliate almost daily with this cream because it causes a lot of cell turnover. At first, I thought it was making my skin feel rough but then I exfoliated and that was just dead skin I was feeling! I am 45 years old and someone recently guessed I was 30. I will definitely keep using it." —Shannon

Get it from Amazon for $22.99.

20. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face Sunscreen, an antioxidant-rich hydrating sun protection for people with sensitive skin.

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Promising review: "This is the BEST sunscreen ever. I have VERY sensitive skin that burns extremely quickly. I also have permanent sun damage on my neck, which makes it look like I have a fresh sunburn all the time. A good sunscreen is critical for me. I've lived in Florida now for three years and haven't gotten sunburned once thanks to this product. I initially tried it when I moved here because it was rated the #1 sunscreen by several polls (including a big NY Times poll) and I've used it exclusively since." —Dee

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

21. A bottle of pre-shampoo treatment, Huile de Palme Beautifying Oil, to help detangle, soften, and protect your hair with natural oils.

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Promising review: "After being frustrated by products that make big claims but say it takes months to see an improvement, I was so happy to find something that starts working IMMEDIATELY. My hair was dry and breaking and I was very worried. This product had an immediate positive effect. At first, I used it every other day as a pre-shampoo treatment, leaving it on for as long as overnight. Now I use it as a pre-shampoo treatment once a week. My hair is softer and stronger, and I have far less hair loss or breakage. I am confident that continued use will only keep improving my hair." —Kai Bergman

Get it from Amazon for $59.

22. Klorane Shampoo, a gentle, anti-yellowing cleanser made with centaury for blonde, gray, or silver hair.

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Promising review: "I'm on my first bottle of this shampoo and I love it! I've gotten compliments from complete strangers. My hair has more body and the little stray hairs that seem to have a mind of their own are behaving. My hair is shiny and looks healthier." —anonymous

Get it from Amazon for $12.50.

23. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 with shea butter, a multipurpose balm made to help heal dry and irritated skin on your hands, face, lips, and body.

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Promising review: "Doesn't break me out. Very moisturizing and works well as a night cream. I would not use it under makeup because it is a thicker consistency. I will buy this again." —urstandingonmytoes

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

24. A bottle of L'Occitane The Almond Shower Oil that transforms into a nourishing foaming cleanser to soften your skin and leave you smelling good enough to eat.

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Promising review: "Without wanting to sound corny, this stuff changed my life. I've been using it for almost two years now and my very dry skin is symptom-free. It didn't cure me but not needing to apply moisturizer every day, not worrying about being in the shower at five degrees too high or for an extra minute — I don't worry about it anymore. I recognize the price on this is high enough to give most people sticker shock, but you really don't need very much as it lathers really nicely. I can milk a package of this for about five to seven months, and the refill bottle lasts about a year or longer." —K. Grotte

Get it from Amazon for $25.

When someone asks me why I spend all my money on French skincare...

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The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

Find more skincare favorites here:

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I Tried A Lot Of Skincare Products In 2018, And Here Are My Top 12 I’d Keep Using In 2019

32 Skin Care Products That Actually Do What They Say They Will

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