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12 Best French Skincare Brands You Need in Your Routine

Last Updated: April 21, 2022

Looking for the best French skincare brands? Here are our top picks!

French skincare is another world. There is a reason that French girls and women are widely known for their beauty tips and tricks, and it’s all thanks to the products they have so readily at their disposal. 

What makes French skincare so much different than the rest of the world? The French tend to focus on natural ingredients that soothe and rejuvenate the skin in a subtle and gentle way. It is more about doing a minimal job to help your skin heal and balance without doing the most. 

Less is more when it comes to the French lifestyle. So here are the best French skincare brands to add to your routine asap.

Bonus: Check out the 15 Best Luxury Skincare Brands Worth Buying

Best French Skincare Brands

📷 IG @aveneusa

Avène

Avene is a top French skincare brand that’s been around since the 90s. They make skincare products suitable for sensitive skin to keep your skin smooth and hydrated without breaking it out. 

We stumbled upon Avene’s Cicalfate + Restorative Protective Cream while tediously sweeping the aisles at Ulta, and it was the best thing we could have done! 


📷 IG @caudalieus

Caudalie

Caudalie does it right when it comes to all-natural beauty. This cult-favorite product tightens the skin, makes it glowy and preps it for a full face (if that’s what you want).

Some of us like to use it as an extra skincare step! This picks me up is essential. 


📷 IG @biodermausa

Bioderma 

Anything from Bioderma is going to be a hit, and (bonus!) they have products that cater to any skin type.

From combo to oily and sensitive to dry, there is something to cover all areas. We’ve been especially loving the micellar waters and cleansing gels. 


📷 IG @laroseecosmetiques

La Rosee

This all-natural skincare brand caters to all our needs and wants, and the packaging is so cute and minimal. 

The multipurpose repairing balm is essential for all your skincare needs, whether it’s a cut, dry skin, or sores, this balm will provide nourishment and healing. French girls everywhere rave about it! 


📷 IG @typologyparis

Typology 

Parisian and vegan, what’s not to love? Typology has taken all toxic chemicals out of the equation and given us products that are cruelty-free and plant-based. 

The skin tint serum has become a new favorite in our makeup routine with vitamin C. squalene, and aloe vera.


📷 IG @nuxe

Nuxe 

There isn’t a product you can’t find on Nuxe’s website. From face oils, anti-aging creams, serums, and moisturizers for day and night, Nuxe has it all covered. 

We especially love the Huile Prodigieuse treatment, a cocktail of 7 botanical oils that mix together to make a nourishing and repairing multi-purpose serum for the face, body, and hair. The satin finish is natural and not overpowering. 


📷 IG @clarinsusa

Clarins 

Clarins is a staple in French skincare. The luxury brand has been around for quite some time, so it’s safe to say they know what they are doing when it comes to the best skincare products. Generations of women have been loving Clarins for a reason! 

Their toning lotion is alcohol-free and contains aloe vera for a cooling and fresh feel. Toner is an essential skincare step to balance the skin. 


📷 IG @respirenaturel

Respire 

The eco-friendly brand has been all the rage lately. The clean and responsible feel of the brand really sells. If you are looking for more than just skincare, Respire offers a huge collection of body and hair care. 

Lightweight and hydrating, we can’t get enough of their best-selling creme. The key ingredients include hyaluronic acid, sweet almond oil, and St. John’s wort extract (how wild is that?). 


📷 IG @larocheposayusa

La Roche Posay 

La Roche has really taken over the skincare world. A staple and holy grail for us has been their Toleriane hydrating cleanser, as it’s the perfect gentle cleanser that actually makes a difference. 

Their moisturizer is a skincare lover’s best-kept secret. It never fails to hydrate the skin to another level. The peptides and antioxidants in this product really shine through! 


📷 IG @embryolisseusa

Embryolisse 

Embryolisse has been a French skincare favorite for so many since the 1950s when it was first founded. We adore the minimal packaging and concentration on naturally derived ingredients. A must-try brand! 

Plus, this aftercare product deserves all the hype. With shea butter, beeswax, and aloe vera, this creme will make your skin more supple and restore elasticity. 


📷 IG @filorgausa

Filorga 

Filorga has created many bestsellers. It is a respected French brand that focuses on anti-aging products. 

Their Time Filler creme utilizes hyaluronic acid to enhance the lashes and reduce aging wrinkles and dark circles. Plus, their Hydra-Hyal concentrate is the ultimate product for skin plumping. 


📷 IG @joellecioccoparis

Joelle Ciocco 

These French biochemist’s products have become sought after by many all over the world. She is the creator of double cleansing and knows all of the secrets to skincare. There is no going back after trying Joelle’s luxury products. 

The iconic lotion from Joelle is comparable to a Kelly bag, sought after, and unattainable. The new rich essential optimizes the skin’s microbiota with an original formula to stimulate and hydrate underneath the surface.

Bottom Line

Our French skincare favorites have been our best-kept secret, so don’t hesitate to take all of the notes you can. Skincare is essential to life; protecting our skin and nourishing it helps our health and even our self-esteem.

We hope this list of the best French skincare brands gives you a few new tools and tips to start or enhance your skincare routine. 

UP NEXT: 14 French Luxury Brands To Put On Your Radar