8 French Skincare Brands That We’re Totally Obsessed With

Renowned for their minimalist aesthetic, the highly coveted French girl look features fresh, healthy skin, purposely ‘undone’ hair and a wardrobe full of timeless staples. It’s chic, understated and when it comes to beauty, the spotlight is most definitely on skincare. There’s a line in the book How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are (written by four Parisian women) that perfectly sums up the French beauty philosophy: ‘beauty in France is epidermal – nobody cares that much about make-up, it’s what’s underneath that matters.’ To treat what’s underneath, French women seek out quality products that are both efficacious and safe.

‘They always rely on the expert advice of their pharmacist and dermatologist with whom their relationship is much more personal in France – tantamount to that of a hairdresser in other countries,’ explains former Head of Scientific Communications at La Roche-Posay, Dominique Moyals. ‘The trust in the experts and in the brands recommended by them is a major factor for French women when considering their skincare routine.’ Spoilt for choice, France is home to so many brilliant, hard-working skincare brands that thankfully have made their way over here.

‘French pharmaceutical brands are fantastic at providing a really wide range of products that target specific skin conditions like sensitive skin, acne and severe dryness,’ adds Moyals. To discover the 8 skincare brands that French women swear by, scroll on down.

1. NUXE

Launching back in 1989, founder Aliza Jabès discovered a small Parisian Research Development laboratory which became the birthplace of NUXE. Backed by science and powered by natural-origin ingredients, the luxury line of skincare hit the mainstream when the legendary Huile Prodigieuse launched in 1991. A total joy to apply, the products not only work but also provide a sensorial experience (thanks to the signature orange blossom fragrance).

2. La Roche-Posay

Recommend by dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay’s line-up features the naturally soothing and antioxidant Thermal Spring Water that was discovered centuries ago in the town of La Roche-Posay, France. Spanning everything from cleansers to serums and moisturisers, the products are highly effective yet gentle enough to be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin.

3. Odacité

Unable to find skincare that ticked all her boxes (luxury, efficacy and purity), Parisian Valerie Grandury created Odacité. At the core of the brand, you’ll find the Serum Concentrates, potent blends of 100% natural actives that can be incorporated into any skincare regime. If your skin is prone to breakouts (or currently battling ‘maskne’) for instance, try the Oily-Acne Prone Serum Concentrate, £32, that works overnight to banish blemishes.

4. Vichy

Doctor Haller, director of Vichy Thermal Centre in 1931 was the first to apply the therapeutic properties of the Vichy volcanic mineralising water to cosmetics, creating the brand Vichy. Rich in minerals and nutrients, this unlikely hero ingredient naturally reinforces the skin’s barrier and stars in all the hard-working products. Our favourite? Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster, £25.

5. Caudalie

Founded by Mathilde and her husband Bertrand, Caudalie came about after the then 23-year-olds learned from a professor that grape seeds contain THE most powerful antioxidants in the world. Since, the duo have patented and discovered myriad ingredients found in grape vines including resveratrol and viniferine that can soften fine lines and fade dark spots.

6. Avène

What started in a small, rural village in the South of France quickly became one of beauty’s favourite skincare brands. Renowned for its Thermal Spring Water, that features in every product, the line-up works to soothe and comfort sensitive and irritated skin.

7. Typology

Created by Ning Li, co-founder of Made.com, this relatively new Paris-based skincare brand has already proven to be a huge hit. With transparency at its core, the potent products give clear guidance, are wrapped in sustainable packaging and come at a purse-friendly price point. You can shop by concern or category to seek out the products that will work for you.

8. Embryolisse

Embryolisse first launched back in 1950 when a Parisian dermatologist who specialised in skin pathologies created the legendary Milk-Cream Concentrate. After selling millions worldwide, the brand expanded into a range of hard-working, fuss-free products that are adored by make-up professionals, dermatologists and celebrities the world over.

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