17 Best French Skincare Brands That Will Give You A Flawless Skin
Looking for high-quality French skincare products to help you get a youthful skin? This post will show you the best French skincare brands that you’ll love.
French women are well-known for their radiant and glowing skin. Part of the credit goes to the top French cosmetic and skincare brands they use.
Knowing this might make you want to pick up a few French skincare products but with a wide variety of brands, it can be hard to choose the best.
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To help you decide, I’ve done all the heavy lifting and have compiled a list of 17 best French skincare brands that will guarantee you flawless skin.
All these brands use high-quality and natural ingredients and tackle varied skincare issues with their product range.
So, whether you have sensitive or damaged skin, these are the best French beauty products to help you achieve your beauty goals.
Best French Skincare Brands
Be it some of the best French luxury skincare brands or affordable pharmacy brands, this list will give you an idea of what makes each of them unique and which of their cult-favorite products you should include in your cabinet.
I’ve also included some fun facts or astonishing sales records set by some of them (wherever mentioned).
So, without any further ado, here is a list of the best French skincare brands you need to buy NOW.
1. Avène
Avène is one of the most popular French skincare brands. Founded in 1990, the brand gets its name from the eponymous town in the Occitanie region in the south of France.
Their products are all made with thermal spring water said to cure troubled skin of various concerns and ailments.
Soon after its creation, it became the preferred brand for people with reactive, allergic, or sensitive skin since their calming and soothing skincare took care of various skin problems.
Avène Thermal Spring Water
The brand’s cult-favorite skincare products include their lightweight, hydrating face mist aptly called Thermal Spring Water (Eau Thermale), Cicalfate Restorative Cream to hydrate dry and sensitive skin, and Retrinal Intensive Cream to reduce signs of aging and rejuvenate the skin.
Retrinal Intensive Cream
2. La Roche-Posay
Another well-known skincare brand is La Roche-Posay, whose French skin care products have the backing of science and the recommendation of thousands of dermatologists.
It was founded in 1975 and has since partnered with specialists to create formulations that work well for sensitive skin.
Like Avène, their website lets you shop products based on the type of skin or skin concern you have.
Their hydrating Lipikar Balm AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer (previously called Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair) is one of their bestsellers, great for people with dry skin, but their Double Repair Face Moisturizer is one of the best moisturizers on the market.
And if you’re in the market for a cleanser, their hydrating gentle face cleanser is perfect for all skin types.
3. Bioderma
One of the most affordable French pharmacy skincare brands is Bioderma. The brand’s name is a portmanteau of biology and dermatology, honoring the commitment to the two pillars that it stands for.
It was founded in 1977 to create products for the medically prescribed treatment of sensitive-skinned people.
Bioderma is best known for its Sensibio H2O micellar water, which is not only a makeup remover but it also repairs the skin without drying it or being harsh.
Sensibio H2O micellar water
The product also comes in different versions for varying skin types. This cult-favorite brand and its signature product have been unofficially endorsed by Gwyneth Paltrow on her wellness website.
Face and body cleansing oil
Other products that have made Bioderma a fan favorite include this face and body cleansing oil for dry and sensitive skin, and this pore refiner cream which is perfect for tightening pores and improving the skin texture.
4. L’Occitane En Provence
Established in 1976 by Olivier Baussan, L’Occitane, has always been committed to being pro-environment and pro-people in general.
They are one of the few, if not the only, French beauty brand to add braille to most of their product packaging.
Their daytime Immortelle Divine Cream and nighttime Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-In-Serum are hot favorites but their hand cream is not far behind.
And according to the company, the former is bought every 3 minutes while the latter is bought every minute worldwide which is quite impressive if you ask me!
Besides skincare, they also offer shower gels which are probably what the brand is known for the most. If you want to pick up some of their shower gels too, this cleansing and softening shower oil with Almond oil is their absolute best.
And if you’ve stayed in a few luxury hotels in Paris, you might recognize a number of their products as many hotels offer L’Occitane shower products in their bathrooms.
5. Biotherm
Biotherm, founded by biochemist Jeanine Marissal in 1952, is one of the best luxury French skincare brands, and possibly the only one that uses the power of thermal plankton.
In addition to plankton, all their products use biobased minerals and ingredients, while their packaging uses sustainable materials.
Though it started as a personal endeavor, it was later acquired by the L’Oréal group in 1970.
They are known for the iconic Aquasource gel (now replaced by the Aquasource Hyalu plump gel) and their bestselling Blue therapy accelerated which helps in cell regeneration to help the skin restore its youthful look.
Aquasource Hyalu plump gel
In fact, most of their products have Life Plankton, which is said to have skin regenerative abilities.
Blue therapy accelerated
6. Clarins
In addition to being one of the top French skincare brands, Clarins is also one of the oldest in the business.
Jacques Courtin-Clarins started the family-owned, premium skincare company in 1954 but their first products weren’t public till 1968 because they were trying to perfect their formulas.
They use the power of plants and hundreds of active ingredients to create these formulas and their luxe packaging and the comparable price tag are a reflection of their innovations.
The brand launched Double Serum with anti-aging properties in 1995, unaware that it would become their iconic product or that one would sell every 5 seconds worldwide!
Another signature Clarins product is the tonic body treatment oil which improves the elasticity of the skin and the instant smooth perfecting touch, a makeup base, and primer. Yes, Clarins is also one of the best French makeup brands.
7. Yves Rocher
An eco-certified, organic French beauty company was born when the former mayor of La Gacilly, Yves Rocher, established his eponymous brand in 1959 in his hometown.
He established it as a way of giving back to the community through job creation while also providing high-quality and environmentally friendly products at an affordable rate for women of all skin types.
You know a company is committed to its environment-friendly and sustainable values when it comes with a Cosmebio label, and that’s what Yves-Rocher prides itself in.
Even their cosmetics are vegan, while their product packaging is made from recyclable plastic.
Hydra Vegetal Moisturizing Gel
Their anti-aging and anti-wrinkle cream range is very popular, with the anti-age Face Moisturizer and Hydra Vegetal Moisturizing Gel being standouts.
Anti-age Face Moisturizer
8. Collosol
The origin story of Collosol started in the 1950s when a pharmacist was approached to create a product that would make makeup removal easier for actresses of that time who used to wear heavy makeup, and a milk-based, no-wash cleansing lotion Eau de Lait was the answer.
This makeup-removing lotion became a must-have in every French household after its launch in the 60s.
Eau de Lait
It moisturizes and soothes the skin of irritants while cleaning makeup in just a few swipes. 70 years later, it still rules the market thanks to its formulation, texture, and affordability.
Fun fact: Karl Lagerfeld uses the entire bottle as a bathing lotion!
9. Nuxe
When Aliza Jabès started Nuxe as a small formulation laboratory in 1990, she did not anticipate it becoming one of the top French luxury skincare brands worldwide.
They make natural cosmetics, and as an extension of the brand, they have also set up multiple spas.
Its multi-purpose Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil is a cult product, selling one every 11 seconds! (You can even opt for this Huile Prodigieuse golden shimmering Dry Oil if you want to add a little bit of shimmer to your face).
Multi-purpose Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil
It contains a mix of multiple oils, so it keeps the skin nourished and hydrated. You can use it on your face, body, and scalp, which is why many French households reach for this frequently.
Reve de Miel Lip Balm
Their Reve de Miel Lip Balm is another bestseller product perfect for repairing dry lips followed by Rêve de Miel Face and Body Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel which is perfect for cleansing the face without drying it out.
10. Seasonly
Fany Péchiodat and Bruno Vuillier (you might remember them from My Little Paris) wanted to create simple, clean, and natural products for women to use daily without breaking their heads on multi-step routines, and that’s how Seasonly was born.
Besides producing high-quality products, they use recyclable packaging and they also have a bunch of skincare tools like Gua Sha, boulado, and jade roller.
They also have multiple studios across Paris offering skin treatments based on your skin type.
Their night repair oil, Huile de Nuit, helps skin restoration and regeneration while tackling dryness and pigmentation.
They also have a face moisturizing serum that helps in tightening the skin. And for under-eye care, their eye patches are a great option.
11. Lancôme
Lancôme is one of the oldest companies on this list of French skincare brands. It was established by Guillaume d’Ornano and Armand Petitjean in 1935 as a fragrance house producing some of the best French perfumes.
A year later, they entered the skincare market by releasing Nutrix, an all-purpose repair cream (now available as a body butter or lotion).
They then expanded their skincare range and started manufacturing cosmetics too. The internationally-renowned luxury cosmetics brand was taken over by the L’Oréal conglomerate in 1964.
Their bestselling signature product is the Advanced Génifique face serum and cream, along with many products in their Rénergie collection like the Rénergie Lift multi-action ultra face cream with SPF 30, an anti-aging cream that maintains a youthful look.
Their Absolute revitalizing & brightening soft cream facial moisturizer that helps reduce the visibility of fine lines is also a must-buy, but if you’re looking for an eye cream, it’s hard to pass by their Advanced Génifique Eye cream.
12. Embryolisse
In 1950, Parisian dermatologist Dr. Tricot was approached by his patients to find a solution for their skincare troubles.
He wanted to formulate a universal product to cure all their problems and that’s how he formed Embryolisse and launched Lait-Crème Concentraté, a multi-purpose moisturizer that could also be used as a primer or makeup remover.
Lait-Crème Concentraté
His validation came in the form of it becoming a household staple and makeup artists using it to prep their models’ and actresses’ skins before shoots. You know how great a product is if it has been a bestseller for over seven decades!
Embryolisse Cicalisse Restorative Skin Cream
Another product from Embryolisse that has become a must-have among French women is this Embryolisse Cicalisse Restorative Skin Cream which is great for repairing damaged skin.
13. La Provençale Bio
When L’Oréal, one of the top French cosmetics brands, wanted to enter the organic skincare and beauty market, they launched La Provençale Bio in 2018.
All the brand’s skincare products use organic olive oil sourced, processed, and packaged (PDO) in Provence, where part of their brand name originates.
In fact, all their products are made in France, partly resulting in their high standards.
Their L’extrait de Jouvence, an Anti-Âge serum with Hyaluronic Acid takes care of wrinkles and fine lines while promoting skin regeneration and firmness, and their La Crème de Jouvence, an anti-wrinkle cream gives a youthful look to any skin type.
14. Caudalie
Caudalie was founded in 1993 by husband-wife duo Bertrand and Mathilde Thomas in the French city of Bordeaux.
By taking advantage of the French wine heritage and vineyards, this brand specializes in Vinotherapie, using wine-making residue on the skin to harness its exfoliating and anti-aging properties.
They opened the first vinothérapie spa in 1999, and like Nuxe, they now have spas worldwide.
Their Vinoperfect Serum uses this patented age-defying technique to even out skin complexion, clearing spots and scars.
Other worldwide bestsellers from Caudalie include their Grape Water Moisturizing Face Mist, Gentle Foaming Cleanser, and the Beauty Elixir facial spray for a glowing skin.
15. Melvita
Melvita is an organic, environment-friendly brand that makes some of the best beauty products from France.
The brand name combines the Latin words ‘Mel’ meaning honey, and ‘vita’ meaning life.
It was officially founded in 1983, but its history goes back to 1977 when Bernard Chevilliat and his brother pursued beekeeping at their farm.
Their first product, which is also their flagship product, was a hexagonal soap made from these hives.
Other well-known products are which nourishes the skin and reduces the visibility of fine lines and the Nectar Suprême Organic anti-aging cream.
Their products use high-quality, preservative-free, natural ingredients and are packaged in eco-friendly, recyclable material. Even their stores and factory are eco-certified!
16. Vichy
Another brand under the L’Oréal conglomerate featuring on this best French skincare brands list is Vichy, founded in 1931 by Prosper Haller.
Their products contain one main ingredient, mineral water from the springs of the volcanic region of Auvergne, and this water is said to have regenerative properties that help the skin strengthen its natural abilities.
Their website also has a skin analysis tool that uses AI to help detect skin concerns and provide a customized skincare routine.
In addition to their bestselling product, the Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which hydrates and strengthens the skin, the LiftActiv Supreme moisturizer for everyday use, and Minéral 89 Prebiotic Recovery & Defense Concentrate are quite popular and highly rated.
17. Sisley
Another popular name among French luxury skincare brands is Sisley, which was acquired by husband-wife duo Hubert and Isabelle d’Ornano in 1976.
Within a year, they launched their first range of skincare products and a fragrance. This family-owned and run business used phytotherapy before the term even became popular.
All their products are researched, designed, developed, and manufactured in France.
Their Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age Rich cream is one of their most rated product followed by their Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream Plumping and Radiance.
Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream Plumping and Radiance
Another French favorite is the L’integral Anti-age Eye Contour Cream, a nighttime skincare routine to moisturize the under eyes and control fine lines.
L’integral Anti-age Eye Contour Cream
Final Thoughts on the Best French Skincare Brands
I hope this best French skincare brands list helps you shortlist your upcoming purchases.
Whether you want to even out your fine lines, reduce your dark spots, get glowing skin, or moisturize it, these French skincare brands have something for you.
Remember that French skincare is all about consistency, so the longer you use the products, the more you’ll see results. So, don’t expect unrealistic outcomes in a week as most of these brands use natural ingredients.
And if you try any of the products out after reading this, let me know which one worked for you the most in the comments below to inspire other women too.
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