Daily Mail features writer Scarlett Dargan on Sept. 10, 2025, compiled a list of 15 beauty products that travellers or those sending someone to Paris should consider buying in French pharmacies, citing lower prices and cult followings for many items. The story recommends seeking out well-known outlets such as City Pharma in Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés and suggests bringing a large tote to carry purchases.
The report emphasizes that many French pharmacy formulas differ from those sold in the U.K. and the U.S., and that some products command celebrity followings or professional make‑up artist endorsements. The article also notes that the Daily Mail links to retailers and will earn commission on purchases made through those links.
A313 cream is presented as a pharmaceutical vitamin A retinol product popular with celebrities such as Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung. The piece describes it as an oily night cream that targets fine lines, pigmentation and acne, and notes that it is stabilised to prevent ingredient degradation; Paris prices were reported at under £10, with higher U.K. retail prices.
La Roche‑Posay Anthelios (UVMUNE) SPF 50+ sunscreen is singled out as a non‑greasy, invisible sun cream with strong protection and water resistancy. The story characterises French sun creams as formulated differently from those in the U.K. and U.S. and reports a Paris price of around £10, compared with higher U.K. prices.
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream is described as a soothing, restorative product for sensitive or irritated skin, noted for ingredients such as postbiotics. The article reports that it is commonly used by public figures and is widely available in Parisian pharmacies at a lower price point than in the U.K.
La Roche‑Posay Thermal Spring Water is listed as a face mist with a high concentration of selenium and recommended for calming hot or puffy skin. The writer suggests refrigerating the spray for additional soothing effect and reports Paris pricing substantially lower than U.K. equivalents.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O micellar water is identified as a longstanding make‑up remover favourite on French bathroom shelves and among backstage make‑up artists. The piece notes that it is unfragranced, formulated to respect skin pH, and capable of removing waterproof make‑up; Paris prices for large bottles were reported as notably cheaper.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir, a rosemary, mint and rose facial mist in a distinctive pink bottle, is described as a widely recognised French product used to set make‑up and add a dewy finish. The article lists it among the brands where shoppers can expect lower Paris prices than in the U.K.
Boiron Homéoplasmine is presented as a multi‑purpose ointment comparable to Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, used for chapped lips, dry patches and as a make‑up highlight by some professionals. The Daily Mail notes it is inexpensive in Parisian pharmacies.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle is referenced as a solution favoured for absorbing root oil and adding texture without leaving a grey cast in darker hair. The article reports that it is often sold in twin packs in Paris and available at lower cost than U.K. equivalents.
Topicrem Ultra‑Moisturizing Body Milk is described as a lightweight, non‑sticky body lotion recommended by some Parisian parents for year‑round use and suitable for eczema‑prone skin. The report contrasts the Paris pharmacy price with higher online U.K. prices for the larger pump bottle.
Uriage Bariederm Cica‑Cream is identified as an unscented barrier‑repair cream intended to calm redness, irritation or over‑exfoliated skin, with copper and zinc included to help soothe and fight bacteria. The article lists it as a cost‑efficient option in Parisian outlets.
Vichy 24Hr Deodorant Roll‑On is noted as an aluminium‑salt formula designed for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers, described by the piece as effective without a powdery feel. Paris prices were reported as significantly lower than U.K. retail.
Bioderma Atoderm Lip Balm is recommended for intense nourishment and long‑lasting protection against cold weather, with shea butter and vitamin E cited among its ingredients. The story advises buying multiple tubes because of the low Paris price.
Phyto 7 Nourishing Day Cream for Hair is mentioned as a leave‑in cream made from seven plant extracts to smooth frizz and add shine; the article calls it a cult hair care buy available for less in Paris.
Rouge Dior lipstick in shade 999 is recommended as a single must‑buy make‑up item by the piece. The article describes 999 as a universally flattering Parisian red worn by high‑profile celebrities and notes that Verona retail prices can be around £15 cheaper in French pharmacies.
La Roche‑Posay Toleriane mascara is listed as a makeup option for sensitive eyes, ophthalmologist‑tested and suitable for contact lens wearers. The report describes it as lengthening and defining without flaking, and reports it is cheaper in Paris than many U.K. drugstore mascaras.
The Daily Mail story frames Parisian pharmacies as destinations for shoppers seeking specific formulations and price advantages, and it recommends that travellers bring extra carrying capacity and be prepared to compare sizes and packaging. The piece does not address customs or import restrictions; shoppers are advised to consider their own country’s regulations when bringing health or cosmetic products back from abroad.