8 French pharmacy must-haves you don’t need to travel for

One bottle of this serum is sold every 15 seconds, and it’s known to reduce dark spots, post-acne pigmentation, and redness like a charm. Its hero ingredient is patented viniferine—a natural molecule extracted from grapevine sap—and vitamin C, which does wonders for hyper-pigmentation. Users report great results when combining this product with glycolic or azelaic acid. However, it is not fragrance-free, which can put some people off.

MUAs swear by this moisturiser, using it as a hydrating primer to seal in the layers of makeup that follow. Enriched with shea butter, aloe vera, and beeswax, it can also be used on the body, as an after-sun lotion or a cleansing milk.

This skin barrier repair cream is an online sensation for glass-skin-like results and supporting its microbiome balance with the help of probiotic ingredients. However, it can be a bit much for those with oily skin or active acne. “It’s a little too thick for my oily/combo skin unless I’ve got some windburn during winter,” writes a Reddit user. For those with melanin-rich skin, it can also leave a white cast, so best to apply the cream just at night.

Micellar water is generally used as the first step to remove makeup, and Bioderma has created a gentle one to do the job. This one gets rid of dirt, sweat and your waterproof eyeliner without stinging, because it’s fragrance-free.

Your whole family can use this one, kids included. It looks like plain ol’ water, but it’s packed with minerals like silica, making it a relieving option for those prone to redness and hypersensitive skin. Pop it in your gym bag and spritz it on after a workout or on a hot summer day for an instant cool-down.

This is a multipurpose non-greasy oil (it exists) that is a combination of seven botanical oils in a dropper format. It can be used on the hair, face, and body, and leaves behind a subtle shimmery glow and scent. Personally, I’d be carrying this for my next beach trip.

This watery emulsion started off as a first-aid essential to soothe and hydrate skin trauma, such as minor burns and post-procedure scars, before skincare junkies stumbled upon it. The formula, comprising avocado oil and squalane, hydrates skin and provides some relief to sunburnt or stressed skin. However, expert advice suggests that it is not an alternative to your everyday moisturiser, so use it sparingly.

As far as hyaluronic acid serums go, Vichy’s is one of the best in the biz. Infused with volcanic mineralising water, this light gel-like serum gives your cheeks their bounciness back without feeling sticky. However, those with dry and dehydrated skin might need to follow up with something more.