You don’t have to be a francophile to appreciate France’s ability to formulate some impressive beauty goods — notably skin care products meant to support and improve the appearance of aging skin.
It’s hard to not romanticize French-founded wonders and Parisian pharmacy staples like the Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré face cream, a truly luscious dry oil by Nuxe or a vitamin-rich serum that contains volcanic water straight from a spring in Vichy, France.
Fortunately, Amazon can serve as your exclusive supplier for some of these reviewer-loved and internationally adored French products, many of which you can shop in the list ahead.
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A high-strength retinol cream
Time and time again, dermatologists have told us that retinoids are an essential ingredient for promoting cellular turnover and stimulating collagen production. A313 is a French pharmacy (and HuffPost) favorite cream containing three different types of retinol, each of them at an effective concentration without being overly irritating. It also features a distinctive texture that’s closer to a hydrating balm.
Promising Amazon reviews: “Since I’ve been using A313 for about 6 months my skin’s general health and condition have significantly improved. It immediately and successfully lightened the sun-induced hyperpigmentation I had. My dark sun spots have faded to almost nothing, so I don’t need to apply makeup to hide them. In addition, my skin appears less wrinkled and has become somewhat firmer and smoother.” — Diana Duque
A famed moisturizing cream and makeup primer
This iconic and ultra-rich French face cream contains a blend of calming aloe, soy proteins, skin-softening shea and beeswax. Not only has it gone viral several times on social media platforms like TikTok, this secret bestseller also comes highly recommended by makeup artists as the perfect makeup primer for preventing foundations or powders from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.
Promising Amazon review: “This is the FIRST facial lotion I’ve found that worked with sensitive + combination skin!! It does NOT make me break out – which is very rare. Incredible product! I put it on at night and wake up to the most beautiful, smooth, glowing skin! I see its easing up the crows feet around my eyes, making me feel a little younger.” — Kristi-Lynn
A vitamin-rich serum for menopausal skin
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick previously suggested the Vichy Neovadiol serum, a product specifically designed for peri- and post-menopausal skin. This serum combines a blend of proxylane, cassia extract, vitamins (b3, C and E), omega fatty acids and Vichy volcanic water. She believes this multi-tasking combination has the potential to improve the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles while firming the skin and boosting hydration.
Promising Amazon review: “Any woman in perimenopause or menopause this is must have for your skin. I have experienced notable results after a month of use. I’ve been using the product for six months and can certainly tell the difference. This helps fade fine lines and the hydration provides a more youthful appearance.” — Roseburg, Oregon
A restorative day cream
This intensive and restorative day cream by Clarins was also a former pick by Garshick for anyone with deeply dehydrated skin — a common problem that comes with age and a contributing factor to fine lines. She said it incorporates organic harungana, which works similar to retinol while also being gentle on the skin.
“It also contains the anti-pollution complex to protect the skin from changes related to pollution and blue light,” she said.
Promising Amazon review: “Definitely a luxury cream for older and mature skin, affected by aging. This dense moisturizer helps with sagging jowls and dryness that develops over time. A little WILL go a long way so make this jar last by just using a nickels worth at a time!! Especially useful during dry times of the year, it’s like a double dose of moisturizer for dehydrated skin.” — Chloe
A retinol-alternative lifting serum
The Resveratrol-Lift serum from Caudalíe claims to get its firming and elasticity-boosting power from the antioxidant resveratrol, a plant-based retinol alternative that can protect collagen in the skin. It also contains squalene and vegan collagen, which can work together to visibly firm and lift, as well as another popular hydrator, hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin.
Promising Amazon review: “Look, is this an overtly expensive serum? Yes. Is it worth the premium cost…? IMO, YES! However: this won’t be for everyone as it really benefits those looking to specifically tighten and lift your cheeks, nasolabial lines and forehead over time. Or for those simply looking for great preventative aging products!
I’ve used many anti-aging serums, retinols and retinol alternatives but this one has supplemented them all. I love the proprietary and oil-free formula in this; it never once disrupted or caused my skin irritation or break outs from the beginning and I’m a very pale person w sensitive skin who does not wear makeup at all.” — M
An intensive retinaldehyde cream
The Avène RetrinAL intensive cream claims to target multiple signs of skin aging like loss of elasticity, sun spots and fine lines by using a specific retinol and peptide blend exclusive to the RetrinAL line. This combination works to smooth, hydrate and plump skin, while a photostable form of vitamin E can prevent premature skin aging caused by environmental stressors.
Promising Amazon review: “I am 54 years old. This product was recommended to me by my aesthetician to brighten my complexion and fade brown spots/sun damage. The product is odorless. It comes in a small pump dispenser and only dispensers a small amount of whitish cream. I apply the whitish cream to my face, neck and cleavage. The cream does not leave a film on your skin and goes on smoothly. I was instructed by my aesthetician to use this product daily as an evening routine prior to going to bed. After the first day’s use of this product, I noticed my face was smooth and I didn’t need moisturizer. After 1-2 weeks, I noticed a dramatic difference in the my skin texture. My skin was soft, smooth, a lot of my age spots and wrinkles virtually disappeared or began to fade. After approximately 3+ weeks, my complexion was brighter. The product leaves you with a healthy glow and your skin texture appears tighter, more firm. I continue to use this product nightly as part of my routine. I would definitely recommend it! As a precaution, use sunscreen when outside with any retinal products to avoid further sunspots/damage. The price at the dermatologist office was $20 more than Amazon.” — Imani
A potent hyaluronic acid serum and skin fortifier
If you’re desperate to target moisture loss and dryness-related wrinkles, this lightweight and fast-absorbing booster by Vichy may be able to help. The gel-like serum features a concentrated dose of hyaluronic acid, a popular humectant that draws moisture into the epidermis and helps to plump skin. It’s supplemented with Vichy volcanic water meant to help strengthen the skin barrier, something that could potentially be compensated with age.
Promising Amazon reviews: “I’m 48 and am told I look about 10 – 12 years younger than that age. I’ve also been on the hunt for the best most effective anti aging skin care products around. I’m totally going to add this to the list. I have sensitive skin and have hormonal breakouts. This product did not add to either of these issues. It has really surprised me in how much it’s moisturized my skin without irritation. I also like it because the smell it has is minimal and not strong at all. The other benefit is that it lasts a long time, you only need a little bit.” — giddeup17
“I have heard about Vichy products, but have never tried them until now. I actually loved this Mineral 89 formula. Goes on light and absorbs into my aging skin quickly. I have been using it daily twice a day for the past month (in the morning and before I go to bed). My skin is actually glowing and has a more youthful appears and glow. I find this to be a great moisturizer which does not interfere with my other beauty products (i.e. sunscreen, foundation, etc). This is a reasonably priced product compared to other moisturizers out there and I think it does a much better job than most. I am sold on Vichy now and will be expanding my knowledge of the product line and bring more into my daily beauty regimen.” — M.Kelly
A tinted sunscreen fluid
After speaking with dermatologists about the ways to target and prevent thin and crepey skin, sunscreen — and more specifically, tinted sunscreen — was high up on more than one expert’s list because tinted formulations can help shield skin from visible UV rays in overhead lighting.
This popular universally tinted sunscreen fluid by La Roche-Posay offers SPF 50 broad spectrum sun protection using 100% mineral filters and iron oxide pigments. This never-cakey and matte-finish screen is also enriched with antioxidants to prevent premature skin aging caused by environmental stressors.
Promising Amazon reviews: “Flawless. I was extremely happy I found this product. I’m in my 50’s and I was not wanting to wear foundations that looked caked on or show all my flaws. I use the light tint which matches perfectly with my skin tone and covers flawlessly. Stays on all day with one application. One bottle has lasted me 6 months! So it is well worth the money.” — Amazon customer
“I use this year round as a base coat & it helps so much with the wrinkles & keeping a youthful look. I am only 53 but everyone says I look a good 8-10 years younger. I love the product & just a couple drops does the whole face & neck. A bottle lasts me 3-4 months easily.” — Robin
A brightening and texture-refining vitamin C serum
This vitamin C serum by La Roche-Posay may be able to brighten and improve uneven skin tone, address irregular skin texture and prevent premature skin aging. It uses a trusted and well-studied antioxidant (vitamin C) and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin and clear pores.
Promising Amazon review: “This stuff has significantly improved my skin within a short period of time. I am still on my first bottle. I started out using the red bottle, which is the Retinol 3B at night (wonderful stuff too!!!) then I thought to try the vitamin C during the day, with sunscreen of course.
I was starting to get the 40-year-old looking skin, i.e. large pores, loosening, dullness, etc. and tried a few different things to help. Some of the stuff was okay and some stuff did not work at all. After incorporating these two products (i.e. the pure Vitamin C and the Retinol 3B serums) into my day and nighttime skin regimen, I can honestly say my skin looks younger. I am still working to fade some dark spots, but again, my skin looks” — EbonyC.
A radiance-boosting skin plumper
Packed inside this radiance-boosting concentrate is 10% bifidus prebiotic, an ingredient that the French luxury brand Lancôme claims to support the skin’s moisture barrier. It also contains hyaluronic acid to help plump and enhance moisture retention and a type of vitamin C that may help to brighten and smooth.
Promising Amazon reviews: “Love, love love this! It makes my skin tighter and [pores] smaller. It really seems to brighten my skin as well. Only using about a month now but notice a difference if i miss a day. I am 60 yo and i really think this has helped to make my skin look less saggy.” — Kathy
“I love it!! Because It’s clearly helping me to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, giving me a more youthful and radiant complexion. You can say goodbye to dull skin and hello to a fresh, firm, and glowing appearance. Incorporate this Anti-Aging Face Serum into your skincare routine and embrace a more youthful version of yourself!” — Carly Spring
A Vaseline-like French pharmacy “magic cream”
Consider this homeopathic ointment the French pharmacy equivalent of Vaseline or Elizabeth Arden’s pricy eight-hour cream. The non-greasy and sheen-free formula can protect skin from the elements, address dry patches, fill in deep lip lines and restore dry flaky lips. Use it as an everyday lip balm, to slug the face or prep the skin for a smooth and flawless makeup application.
This price listed below is for two tubes of cream.
Promising Amazon review: “Oh yeah, France. The stuff has worked miracles on my aging lips. It works great under lipstick or by itself. Also very quickly healed some abrasions my son got on The back of his hands doing yard work. I don’t know if I’d recommend it all over for the face.” — Sandra S.
A multi-purpose dry oil
Formulated to nourish, repair and hydrate both hair and skin, this all-over dry oil claims to moisturize skin for up to eight hours while imparting a healthy and youthful glow. It contains seven precious botanical oils and antioxidant-rich vitamin E and is scented with notes of vanilla and orange blossom.
Promising Amazon review: “Oh why didn’t I discover you earlier? Amazing ! absorbs really fast. The smell does not last long for those who do not like it. Works on skin way better than any anti-age creams and lotions. A very little goes a long way. I have been testing on my forearms which were starting to look a bit crepy with sun exposure and only 3 weeks on I am already noticing a difference. I use it on my face, neck, hands, arms and hair to prevent static. Very very little for fine hair I would recommend for it might weigh it down. I tried different oils before : coconut, argan, you name it but this one works wonders for it does not stay on your skin. I am hooked ! I wish I had discovered this wonderful product before!” —Amazon customer