You may have noticed the surge in European vacations this summer. Social media feeds are filled with food pics, rocky beaches, and boat days alike. And if your follower list is fairly beauty obsessed, you also might have seen more people taking the opportunity to show off their pharmacy hauls abroad. Specifically, their French pharmacy hauls.
To help break down the allure of French pharmacies, we tapped the ultimate experts: French makeup artist Violette Serrat, also known as Violette, and New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss. Both industry leaders grew up exposed to French beauty and have a vetted list of favorite finds. Below, they break down everything you need to know about French pharmacy products and why people love them so much.
What Exactly Is a French Pharmacy?
“Growing up, it was basically our safe place. Every street has a French pharmacy. You become close with your pharmacists—you grow up with them in a way. It’s a real privilege," explains Violette. “It’s where you go if you have a concern or question about wellness, health, or beauty.”
Similarly, Dr. Idriss also shares childhood memories from the French pharmacy aisles. “The very first time I visited a French pharmacy was somewhere between 1986 and 1987, when I was more interested in candy than I was in skincare,” Dr. Idriss recalls. “Going back and forth between the U.S. and Lebanon throughout my childhood, France has always been a stomping ground for me and my family. I've been accustomed to being around French pharmacy products, but like everyone else, the allure of French beauty has always sparked an interest in me, especially given that I did not live there.”
What's the Difference Between a French Pharmacy and a U.S. Pharmacy?
“To be honest, I don’t know any U.S. pharmacy similar to what we have in France,” says Violette. “You have pharmacies in New York that carry beauty products, but they also carry makeup, tote bags, accessories…to me, [that] kind of makes them more of a shop.”
For Dr. Idriss, it comes down to having higher quality [products] at a much more affordable price point. “When somebody thinks of a U.S. pharmacy, they think of a drugstore, which has very basic products,” Dr. Idriss explains. “You usually go to the pharmacy to get a prescription that has been filled by a physician. The pharmacies in France are much more than just filling your basic needs. In France, pharmacists have a lot more say in what they give you and how they direct you.”
It's also important to note that some of the formulas you find abroad will be slightly different than those found in the U.S. For example, sunscreen is a popular item people take the opportunity to stock up on as certain SPF filters are not readily available in America. (There are many reasons for this, but the very simplified summary is delayed regulation in the U.S. and different standards for products in Europe.)
Why Is Everyone Obsessed With French Pharmacies?
The obsession with French pharmacies is nothing new. In fact, Violette recalls people asking her which products to buy abroad when she moved to the U.S. seven years ago. However, Dr. Idriss points out that social media has given people more access than ever before. “It used to be a friend who’d bring back a product from France that you can't really get access to in the U.S.,” she explains. “However, in today's day and age, you can pretty much gain access to anything around the world through the right vendors. French pharmacies are having much more of an impact because of exposure and accessibility.”
Whether you're planning your next trip or doing some international retail therapy online, we have some product recommendations to keep in mind. Below, find the expert-approved French pharmacy picks you need to add to your shopping list.
Lait Crème Concentré
Meet the holy grail of multipurpose products. “You can use it as both a makeup primer and makeup remover,” says Dr. Idriss. “You can also apply a thick layer and let it sit on your skin as a beauty mask or use it as a fix for post-shaving cuts and scrapes.” She praises ingredients in the formula like shea butter, beeswax, and aloe vera.
Emulsion Cream
Both Dr. Idriss and Violette champion this cream as a must-have for its healing powers. “It’s just a lifesaver. Whenever I go on a trip I have this with me,” says Violette. It works wonders on burns, cuts, and sunburns. Dr. Idriss adds, “It has a silky texture with emollients like stearic acid, squalene, and avocado oil for anti-inflammatory benefits."
Gyn Irritation Gel Lavant Calmant
Violette always brings back this feminine hygiene product from France. “It is quite difficult to find safe and good quality products for women,” she says. “For me, it’s something very important, and when you’re very young you get educated on how to take care of yourself, thanks to French pharmacies.”
Vitamin A Pommade
“This is a must buy. It's one of the best known retinol complexes with three retinol esters: retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, and retinyl propionate, which are great for acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns,” says Dr. Idriss. The dermatologist notes that if you are new to retinol, you might need to start with a more gentle formula before reaching for this product.
Boum-Boum Milk
“It was my dream to sell all my skincare in a French pharmacy,” says Violette. To her, this three-in-one (toner, serum, moisturizer) spray is one of the standouts from her personal line.
No Rinse Cleansing & Softening Milk
According to Dr. Idriss, this was one of Karl Lagerfeld's favorite products. “If you're in need of moisture, have an inflamed skin barrier, or are looking for general comfort, this is the one [product] to try,” she says.
Manganèse Ampoules
These mineral ampoules have been one of Violette’s longtime favorite finds. “Instead of drinking like it’s advised, you put it on your face,” she explains. “I used to apply it every day and alternate between the manganese and selenium ampoules because I have extremely sensitive skin.”