European Pharmacy Beauty Hauls: The Cult-Favorite Products Worth Buying
- The Betty Edit
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
Ever wonder why French women always look so effortlessly flawless? It’s not just the sulfate-free wine and baguettes—it’s their pharmacy beauty game. A freind of mine took a trip to Paris recently and I was begging her to bring back some of the french pharmacy skincare and boy, it did not disppoint! Across Europe, drugstore shelves are stocked with high-quality, dermatologist-approved skincare that costs a fraction of luxury brands. And thanks to the internet, you don’t need a passport to get your hands on them. From French anti-aging creams to German sunscreens and K-beauty dupes sold in Spanish pharmacies, these products are TikTok-viral, derm-recommended, and shockingly affordable. I rounded up the best European pharmacy beauty buys you can snag online—plus exactly why they’re worth the hype.
Why European Pharmacy Beauty is Blowing Up
European and Korean skincare is everywhere and I have to admit that I'm slowly replacing some of my tried and true products with European pharmacy skincare. The best part? Many of these brands are available on Amazon, Cult Beauty and CaretoBeauty - no international shipping required! There are three main advantages to European beauty products:
Dermatologist-developed formulas - meaning no filler ingredients!
Strict regulations as the EU bans many harsh chemicals allowed in the US
Affordable luxury - think: $20 creams that outperform $100 serums
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The Best European Pharmacy Beauty Buys
This cream reduces redness and is anti-aging magic in a tube. The key ingredient is Rosactiv which soothes sensitive skin and strengthens capillaries so it's great for anyone with rosacea, flushing or sensitive and reactive skin.
This is the #1 derm-recommended SPF in Europe—zero white cast, no pilling and the Mexoryl 400 protects against new UV rays most sunscreens miss.
I read that French makeup artists always have this in their make-up kits. It hydrates, primes and gives skin a dewy finish. I've personally been using this for several years now and you would have to pry it out of my cold dead hands if you want me to give it up, hehe. This is great for people with dry skin or anyone who wants an instant flow.
This is a stable, non-irritating vitamin C that brightens your skin quickly. Great for anyone fighting sun spots, uneven skin tone or general dullness. A heftier price tag but in my opinion, worth it.
I have no idea what's been going on with my skin lately (ahem, perimenopause?) but I've been breaking out more than I have in years. This cream helps to calm breakouts without drying the skin out. The key ingredient, Licochalcone, is an anti-inflammatory and reduces redness. Sensitive skin or acne prone? This one's for you.
This serum is a good alternative to the Vitamin C mentioned above as it fades dark spots and redness with azelaic acid + niacinamide.
This French plant-based retinol firms without irritation. If you are someone that is extra sensitive to retinol, it's a perfect skincare product.
This is a 3-in-1 night serum (melatonin + bakuchiol + vitamin C) that brightens while you sleep. Overall great for everyone but especially awesome for anyone fighting hyperpigmentation or general dullness of the skin.
This has been all over Tik Tok being hailed as the best retinol cream to reduce fine lines and improve skin texture. It's a fairly thick cream so you only need to use a pea-sized amount so while it seems a bit on the pricier side, it will last a long time. For those of you looking for the best in anti-aging skincare, look no further.
Here me out on this one... While it's technically a nipple cream, this is the best darn product for dry or chapped lips. Try it! I promise you'll love it as much as I do.
These European skincare products truly deliver the best of the best - and the fact that you can get them on Amazon with fast shipping is a major win. PS: If you're interested in learning more about clean beauty products, visit my post about it!
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