What To Buy At The French Pharmacy

When visiting Paris, one of my favorite things to do is to make a stop at a French pharmacy. French pharmacies are wildly different than what we think of pharmacies here in America. The product assortment is so wildly different, and the prices are fantastic.

What makes French pharmacies so special? They aren’t just a place to get your antibiotics or Band-Aids. Instead, these shops are filled with incredible skincare, haircare, and body care products. Stock up on your favorite Vitamin C serums, your go-to dry shampoo and more. French skincare brands are also well loved for their formulations. Many ingredients are not used in the United States or they use different ingredients that are just more effective or more common.

Why are products cheaper at French pharmacies?

But the best part is that you can buy all your favorite European skincare brands at these pharmacies at a discount. How? They’re made in Europe, many made specifically in France, so you aren’t having to deal with all the costs that go into importing these products into America. Plus, you get your VAT tax back (value added tax) on your purchases over $100. This makes for huge savings, especially on those more expensive skincare products.

Which French Pharmacies Should You Visit?

There are three large French pharmacies that will likely come up in your search on where to shop. But if you don’t have the time to visit one, there are truly pharmacies everywhere across Paris, and throughout France. Just look for the big green cross lit up to signal pharmacy. They may not have a huge selection, but you’ll definitely find a lot of the top sellers at these locations too.

With any French pharmacy, if you plan to spend over 100 euros, you’ll want to bring your passport so you can do the VAT to get your VAT taxes back. Some of the pharmacies may do this there, while others you’ll have to bring it to the airport VAT kiosk to process your form. Having a copy of your passport on hand when shopping is always helpful in Europe, no matter what.

You may also want to search for products and price check items on their websites to ensure you go to the location that has the items and brands you need.

Citypharma – 26 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris, France

Probably the most popular of the three here, Citypharma is a multi-story pharmacy that carries loads of French skincare products and more. I found Citypharma to have the best sales associates who were truly super helpful in finding the right skincare for your skin type. Show up with no makeup on and let them take a good look at your skin, talk about your concerns with them, and they will steer you in the right direction.

This store gets crowded fast, and it is cramped in here as well. I’d recommend going early to avoid crowds. Citypharma is located in St Germain, so you can do plenty of shopping at Le Bon Marché nearby afterwards.

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm

Pharmacie Monge

Located in the Latin Quarter, Pharmacie Monge is another larger pharmacy that carries a wide variety of products. This pharmacy is also known for giving out great samples with your purchase. I have yet to visit, but it’s top of my list for my next trip to Paris.

Hours of operation: 8am to 8pm Monday through Saturday

Pharmacie du Forum Des Halles

I personally really liked Pharmacie du Forum Des Halles because it was more spacious and also had great air conditioning. I know that last tidbit isn’t really a necessity at all, but it was a pleasant perk to shopping here in the summer months. There were a handful of products we were looking for while here that were not available. But overall, this pharmacy had a great selection.

Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday 8:30am to 8:30pm, Sunday 10am to 8pm

What To Buy At The French Pharmacy

Now, let’s get into the best products to buy when at a French pharmacy. You may find yourself standing in Citypharma looking at all the packages in French and not sure what the heck to buy. A few tips to know before you head into a pharmacy…

• Go in with a list of things you know you may want to try
• Ask the sales associates for help with your skin type
• Do a little research ahead of time
• Download the Google Translate app

Here are some favorite products my friends and I always like to grab at the French pharmacies in France.

A313 Vitamin A

One of the best and most affordable Vitamin A (retinol) products to buy. It’s under $10 so grab two if you don’t plan on being back in a while. This was not available at the Les Halles pharmacy.

Klorane Dry Shampoo

Klorane makes my favorite dry shampoo and I always stock up on it. It’s significantly cheaper in France. There’s almost always a buy one get one half off deal happening too.

Klorane Shampoo And Conditioners

Klorane also makes wonderful shampoos and conditioners for all hair types. There are several great options to choose from, plus lots of travel sizes too.

ROC Unifier And Lifter SPF

A favorite everyday anti-aging moisturizer with SPF is the ROC Unifier and Lifter SPF. This product is packed with anti-aging ingredients like niacinamide and the ROC Hexyl-R Complex™ Technology that helps with signs of aging.

Anything Skinceuticals

Take advantage of the prices here because Skinceuticals is EXPENSIVE. A few favorite products of theirs include the C E Ferulic Antioxidant treatment and the Phloretin Cf Antioxidant.

ISDIN SPF

I personally hate Zinc Oxide sunscreens for the smell, and the United States is really behind in updating our SPF ingredients for ones that are more effective. I bought this ISDIN SPF 30 spray and not only love the way it feels, but it also doesn’t smell.

Nuxe Shimmering Dry Body Oil

This has become a hot item: the Nuxe shimmering dry body oil. It adds a glow and shimmer to your skin and is supposed to smell amazing. Plus it helps to hydrate your skin all at the same time. It’s on my list to try on my next visit.

Kérastase Hair Products

A favorite high end hair care line is Kérastase and you can score their products for much cheaper in France. From shampoo and conditioners to hair oils and masks, stock up on your favorite hair care products.

Caudalie

While this is not a brand I personally buy, Caudalie is a popular French brand that skincare fanatics love to shop. I have heard mixed reviews about the product line, but always great things about the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. But if you’ve been wanting to try this brand, or are an avid user, this is a great time to stock up on it since it’s a French skin care brand.

La Roche-Posay

Now this is a brand to shop in France as it is one of the most recommended lines by dermatologists. A few products to consider at La Roche-Posay are their SPFs, and skin barrier cream. The skin barrier creams are great over a retinol or for eczema, similar to Avene Cicalfate, either is a good option.

SVR

This is a beloved French brand and one I don’t see a lot of people talking about. I have heard great things about their SPF products and their eye contour. Plus, if you need a post-sun product, try their Sun Secure after-sun spray for refreshing, soothing, and hydrating relief.

Garancia

A favorite French skincare brand, try their SPF stick, or their MARABOU ELIXIR- Anti-Imperfections, Anti-Aging Concentrated Serum. Their bestseller is also the Mysterious Plumping Serum to help smooth and plump the skin.

Sisley

Sisley is a favorite makeup brand and they make the best red lipsticks. A classic French red lip is a must have when you’re in France to channel your inner Parisian. Try out their lipsticks and other makeup staples.

BIODERMA

A biology first skincare line, BIODERMA is a French favorite. Try the BIODERMA micellar water and be sure to grab their usual buy one get one lip balms.

Roger & Gallet

I love picking up a bottle of body wash from Roger & Gallet when I’m in France. They’re super affordable and have lots of great scents in various body care items. From body washes to deodorant, hand cream and more.

UPSA Vitamin C Tablets

In addition to skincare, the French pharmacies also have, well, medicine! You can get everything you need here. And one item my friend always brings back are these UPSA vitamin C tablets. They’re an effervescent you drop in water, sort of like Airborne.

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