French Skincare 101: The Absolute Best French Skincare Products
The ultimate guide to French skincare products for every step of your routine
French skincare has become my personal obsession. I spent an entire year researching, testing products, and even reading a full book on French skincare. To save you from falling down the same rabbit hole I did…here’s a list of my tried-and-true favorites for every step of your routine (+they’re safe for sensitive skin!).
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Step 1 — Makeup Remover
Sensibo H20 Micellar Water, Bioderma
This is my go-to makeup remover. It’s simultaneously gentle and effective, removing the toughest of mascaras without irritating your skin.
Step 2 — Toner
Beauty Elixir, Caudalie
Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir is a cult favorite in France, and rightfully so. I was doubtful a few spritzes of expensive, albeit nice-smelling, “beauty water” could change my skin, but boy was I wrong. Since implementing a morning and evening spritz of this into my skincare routine I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my complexion and overall glow.
Pro tip: Toner is a great product to use before applying a face mask because it increases the efficiency of treatments like clay masks.
Step 3 — Cleanser
Whether you prefer gel, milky, or foam cleansers, the French have it all.
Gel Cleanser
Purifying Gel Cleanser, Caudalie
This is my personal favorite when it comes to cleansers. The entire “Vinopure” line from Caudalie does wonders to help fight breakouts.
Milky Cleanser
Gentle Milk Cleanser, Avène
This gentle milky cleanser is a great choice for both dry and sensitive skin types.
Foaming Cleanser
Instant Foaming Cleanser, Caudalie
A simple, natural, and no-nonsense foam cleanser.
Step 4 — Serum or Oil
Think of serums and oils as a more potent and concentrated skincare product that can more easily penetrate your skin than moisturizer, delivering helpful antioxidants and/or nutrients. This step of your routine is great to customize and switch up dependent on your skin needs. Pick a serum or oil based on your concerns (dryness, acne, etc.).
Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, Nuxe
This cult favorite is the French girl oil and its nutrient-rich formula will give your skin a literal glow. “Multi-Purpose” means you can use it not only on your face, but also your hair and body.
Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum, Caudalie
I cannot tell you the amount of times I’ve gone to Sephora only to find this serum, yet again, sold out. Why? Because, like the facial cleanser from this Vinopure line, this product helps effectively prevent and contain breakouts.
Minéral 89 Face Serum, Vichy
If you suffer from dry skin, invest in a serum containing hyaluronic acid. This ultra-hydrating serum from Vichy will leave your face feeling refreshed.
Step 5 — Moisturizer
Moisturizing Sorbet, Caudalie
This is the holy grail of moisturizers in my opinion. This moisturizing sorbet (and yes, it really has a heavenly, sorbet-like texture) leaves my skin not only hydrated but smooth and glowy. I cringe at how small the bottle is for $39, but a little goes a long way.
Sensibio Light Moisturizer, Bioderma
A less expensive, but still fantastic, moisturizer is Bioderma’s Sensibio Light. It’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin and provides gentle, efficient hydration with just a small amount.
Step 6 — Sunscreen
Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen, La Roche-Posay
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect sunscreen for years. I hated every single sunscreen I tried until I found this one from La Roche-Posay. No exaggeration: I’m never buying another type of sunscreen again. It’s the perfect texture and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy.
Physical Exfoliator (1–3 x per week)
Deep Cleansing Exfoliator, Caudalie
I promise this post isn’t sponsored by Caudalie, I’m just genuinely in love with all of their products. This exfoliator is no exception. Caudalie also offers a “gentle” version for sensitive skin. I personally found the exfoliator more effective for my stubborn t-zone area, but for a full-face exfoliation that includes more sensitive areas (like my cheeks) I use their gentle buffing cream.
Ultrafine Scrub, La Roche-Posay
This scrub is another fantastic physical exfoliator choice, especially for sensitive skin types. You can’t really go wrong with La Roche-Posay.
Chemical Exfoliator (1–2 x per week)
Glycolic Peel Mask, Caudalie
Trust me, when I first heard the phrase “glycolic peel” I freaked out too. But chemical exfoliation is not something to fear. It’s a fantastic addition to your weekly routine and will help give your skin a brighter, smoother texture. Pro tip: Make sure to wear sunscreen after using this mask since your skin will be more sensitive/susceptible to the sun for for a few days after use.
Other Favorites
Pink Clay Mask, Cattier
An employee at Citypharma turned me on to Cattier’s clay masks and all I have to say is “merci beaucoup!” Cattier offers multiple types of clay masks, including yellow (for dry skin), green (for oily skin), white (all skin types), and pink (for sensitive skin). Their masks give you a deep-clean feel without the harshness of some other brands. Plus, it’s a bargain!
Rêve de Miel Lip Balm, Nuxe
This lip balm is Jeanne Damas approved, which is honestly all you need to know. It’s a perfect purse staple and has saved my lips on multiple occasions.
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