The Best French Pharmacy Products You Can Find in the USA

Forget what you've been told. You don't need an international plane ticket to buy the popular cosmetics sold in French pharmacies. Everything from micellar water to eye cream from French beauty brands is available in pharmacies right here in the USA! (Dreams do come true.) Read on to learn about some of our favorite skincare products from two of our favorite French L'Oreal portfolio brands, Vichy and La Roche-Posay, which you can also purchase in the US. Vacation days are not required.

VICHI MINERAL 89

Does your skin need extra hydration? Get Vichy Mineral 89, a firming and hydrating daily skin booster. Formulated with Vichy mineralizing thermal water and hyaluronic acid, this serum firms the skin to help protect it from external aggressors such as pollution, while boosting hydration and replenishing the skin's protective barrier. As a result, the skin becomes more hydrated, lifted and toned. Day after day, skin glows with a healthy glow.

Mineral Vichy 89 MSRP $29.50.

LA ROCHE-POSAY REDERMIC R 

Want to add retinol to your routine? Try La Roche-Posay Redermic R as it contains pure retinol and can help eliminate visible and deep wrinkles, premature sun damage and other signs of aging.

Top tip: Retinol is more powerful! If you're new to using retinol, it's best to start with a lower concentration of the ingredient until your skin gets used to it. If in doubt, follow the instructions on the product packaging. If you notice any irritation or negative reaction, switch to a smaller amount of the ingredient and use it less frequently. Always consult with your dermatologist. 

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Rejuvenating Concentrate, MSRP $56.00.

BODY BALM VICHY IDEAL

There's no denying that we love pampering our facial skin, but don't let the rest of your body feel left out! To keep body skin hydrated and looking radiant, it is important to moisturize frequently with body lotion or body oil. Is it worth using one formula? The perfect Vichy body balm! Skin conditioner helps keep your body's largest organ at its best. Apply to slightly damp skin after a shower.

Perfect Vichy body balm. MSRP $27.00.

LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS ULTRA LIGHT SPF 60 SUN CREAM

Sunscreen often gets a bad rap for being greasy and heavy, but not all sunscreens are the same! There are many lightweight sunscreens out there that don't leave unwanted residue behind. (And you'd better believe that French women put on sunscreen every day!) An example of that? La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light SPF 60 Facial Sunscreen. The ultra-light fluid formula is ideal for normal to combination skin, absorbs quickly and gives the skin a matte finish. To use, shake well and apply liberally fifteen minutes before sun exposure. Be sure to reapply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating or toweling.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 60. MSRP $29.99.

VICHY LIFTACTIV SERUM 10 FOR EYES AND EYELASHES

Many say that the eyes are the window to the soul, but according to board certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Dandy Engelman, they are also one of the first places signs of aging appear. Give the delicate eye area the care it needs with an eye cream like Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes. The product not only helps create a radiant and lifted effect, but can also help strengthen lashes for a rejuvenated and wide-eyed look. Who doesn't love a good dual purpose product?

Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes, $35.00 MSRP

EFFACLAR DUET LA ROCHE-POSAY 

Acne can affect anyone - even French women! Instead of squeezing pimples, which can make things worse and potentially lead to scarring, use a spot treatment like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, which is formulated with benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating LHA. The formula can help reduce the number and severity of acne blemishes, as well as get rid of blackheads and whiteheads.

To use, clean the face and cover the entire affected area with a thin layer of the product one to three times a day. Note: Over-drying can occur, so it's best to start slowly to avoid irritation. Also, the formula can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight, so it's important to pair your applications with Broad Spectrum SPF on a daily basis.

La-Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment MSRP $36.95.

VICHY PURETE THERMALE 3-IN-1 CLEANSER

Looking for a cleanser that both tones the skin and removes make-up at the same time? Look no further! Vichy Purete Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser cleanses skin while toning and removing makeup. This is a great multi-tasking product that will help you save space in your luggage when you head out of town.

Vichy Purete Thermale 3-in-1 Cleanser in One Step. MSRP $19.50.