These are the pharmacy skincare products that our beauty team swear by

It's not news that drugstores are a beauty addict's wonderland. But add a French accent to it and watch the place become the ultimate obsession of the cult crowd – and TikTok is the proof. With over 24 million views, the hashtag #frenchpharmacie has invaded our 'for you page' like an avalanche in the last weeks. But this time, we are signing up for the hype.

Besides having the most aesthetically pleasing beauty shelves you can find, the French skincare market has science-based products as its flagship, using ingredients in their purest forms. And the reviews from people who have travelled to Paris and prioritised a visit to the pharmacy over the Louvre confirms what we already knew: there is something almost magical about discovering a new favourite hand cream that costs less than five euros. However, we're happy to say that you don't need a plane ticket to enjoy this unique feeling. Here, our beauty experts share a selection of products that are great additions to your routine and won't break the bank.

“With one tube of Embryolisse's Lait Crème Concentré being sold every five minutes around the world, it's no wonder this pharmacy wonder-product is part of this list. The ultimate moisturiser, its hyper-hydrating qualities, matched with barrier repairing properties make it the go-to cream for both face and body. A true hero product, it's even viable for those with oily skin who are seeking a little extra hydration in their night-time routine. Anything that needs to be moisturised? Put a bit of Embryolisse on it."

“When it comes to pharmacy skincare, La Roche-Posay is both purse-friendly and science-driven. I religiously wear the Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream year-round as it not only protects against all types of ageing UVA rays, but the watery consistency absorbs fast, plays nicely under makeup and feels like nothing on the skin."

“Any time that I am in France. I race to the pharmacy to get my most favourite micellar water, by Bioderma. I truly believe there is no better. I have tried so many but it is the only one that leaves my face feeling so clean afterwards. I truly adore it.”

"Any bonified skin enthusiast knows what a cult following the French pharmacy has. You can find high-quality skincare products alongside a more natural range. There’s something effortless about how the French women assemble their beauty routines. Just a touch of makeup and amazing skincare is a mantra that resonates with me. Some products, like Avène’s Thermal Spring Water, are available in Swedish pharmacies. This mist is my go-to product. A hydrating multitasker that softens and soothes the skin. It can remove impurities with a spray and a wipe, completing any look on warm summer nights. Adding that perfect dewy touch."

“Out of all the (too many) cleansers I've tried, CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser has been the one that's earned a permanent place in my beauty cupboard. Available at probably any pharmacy near you, this cleanser is simple, no-fuss, does what it's meant to do: deeply cleanses your skin from any makeup, excessive oil and impurities, but leaves it dewy and moisturised. It also strengthens your skin's protective barrier and includes hyaluronic acid, which for me is a must-ingredient in any great cleanser."

“I live for a good moisturiser, and when it comes to body care, there is nothing like an extra emollient body oil after the shower. However, I must admit that some oily textures can be a bit uncomfortable, especially during the summer and on hotter days. This is why I love Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuse. The formula is a dry oil that absorbs super quickly into the skin and has 98% ingredients of natural origin. It is also multi-purpose, which means it can also be used on your hair and face. Your skin will glow after application, and trust me when I say that the smell is a showstopper.”