Ten of the Best French Pharmacy Serums

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Ten of the Best French Pharmacy Serums. 

French pharmacies are a treasure trove of skincare gems, renowned for their scientifically-backed, dermatologically-tested, and effective products.

We’ve already seen the Best French Pharmacy Cleansers and this week, we’re taking a closer look at serums. First things first, what exactly is a serum ? Simply put, a serum is a skincare product that you put on your face after cleansing and toning and just before moisturizing it. And how does it differ from a moisturizer? Well, most serums contain very high concentration of powerful ingredients. They are sort of the superfoods of the cosmetic industry. 

So without further ado, here are 10 of the best serums you can find in a French pharmacy. And if you’re not heading over to France, no worries ! You can always find the products mentioned below in most countries and online (click on the relevant image for online links).

Ten of the best French Pharmacy Serums

Ten of the best French Pharmacy Serums.

• La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face serum
• Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face serum
• Bioderma Hydrabio serum
• Eau Thermale Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Serum
• Nuxe Super Serum [10]
• Caudalie Vinoperfect radiance serum
• La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 serum
• Bioderma Sebium Pore refiner
• A-Derma exomega control emollient serum
• Eau Thermale Avène Vitamin Activ CG Radiance Concentrated Serum

1: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face serum  

If you’ve ever stepped into a French pharmacy or you’ve watched a YouTube video of a French “It girl” showing the world around her bathroom, you’ve most likely heard of La Roche-Posay ! Indeed, very few brands are as French, or at least sound as French, as La Roche-Posay does. It’s a favourite among French women for a reason and that is because it focuses on quality above all else. And that also goes for its serums.

In this superpower of a serum, there’s 10% pure vitamin C known for it’s anti-aging properties. It’s particularly good for sensitive skin! 

2: Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face serum

Vichy products contain Vichy water which springs from the volcanic soil of the Auvergne and that’s what makes them, and the brand, so unique ! There are plenty of products to choose from and they tend to be all gentle and respectful of the skin’s gentle barrier. 

A hydration powerhouse, this serum contains 89% Vichy volcanic water and hyaluronic acid to plump and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s ideal for all skin types, especially those needing a boost of moisture and resilience.

This one is particularly great if you live somewhere where there’s a lot of pollution as it sort of works like a shield. 

3. Bioderma Hydrabio serum

Bioderma is a brand that needs no introduction. If it’s famous mostly for its micellar water, this serum from the same brand provides immediate hydration, and therefore is great for dehydrated skin. 

Formulated with the exclusive Aquagenium complex, this serum helps the skin retain moisture while offering long-lasting hydration. It’s particularly beneficial for dehydrated and sensitive skin, restoring suppleness and glow.

4. Eau Thermale Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Serum

Another household name in France is Avène and you’ll most likely find a few Avène products in every household across the country. And that’s because like La Roche-Posay, the brand’s main focus is on quality and on having simple products with few ingredients that get the job done! Because these are all products that you find in a pharmacy after all, so the standard they have to meet is quite high! 

This innovative anti-aging serum combines hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (B3) to plump, smooth, and rejuvenate the skin. It works to improve elasticity while deeply hydrating, making it an excellent choice for mature skin.

5. Nuxe Super Serum [10] is one of our Ten of the Best French Pharmacy Serums

Nuxe products are known for their lovely scent and this one is no exception. All you need are three drops of this powerhouse of a product to see the difference ! 

This multi-correction serum is enriched with natural hyaluronic acid and thousands of golden micro-spheres of fractionated botanical oils. It delivers intense hydration, smooths wrinkles, and boosts skin radiance with an ultra-luxurious feel.

6. Caudalie Vinoperfect radiance serum

Caudalie ! The French brand that rhymes with wine ! If you don’t know about Caudalie yet, it’s a brand that was started on a French vineyard using the discarded grape seeds that were used to make wine. Because interestingly enough, these grape seeds contain some of the most powerful antioxidants out there (it must be true then that one glass of wine is good for you!). 

A cult favorite, this serum features viniferine, a natural ingredient derived from grapevine sap, to reduce dark spots and boost radiance. It’s a go-to for those struggling with hyperpigmentation and dull skin.

7. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 serum

This serum does it all ! How so ? By combining hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5, it intensely repairs the skin from the inside out.

Infused with two types of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and madecassoside, this serum intensely hydrates and repairs the skin. It’s perfect for those with sensitive or aging skin who need deep moisture and skin barrier repair.

8. Bioderma Sebium Pore refiner

The clue is in the name – if you need a serum to refine your pores, look no further than Bioderma Sebium Pore refiner! It also works great if you’re prone to unwanted shine on the oilier part of your face, such as the forehead and nose. 

Ideal for oily and combination skin, this serum minimizes pores and mattifies the skin with its unique Fluidactiv™ complex. It regulates sebum production and refines skin texture without drying it out.

9. A-Derma exomega control emollient serum

This brand is particularly good if you’re prone to eczema. And the exomega range is specifically for people who suffer from the condition as it helps to reduce itching ! 

A savior for dry and atopic-prone skin, this serum contains Rhealba® oat extract to soothe irritation and repair the skin barrier. It’s clinically proven to reduce itching and inflammation, making it an essential for sensitive skin.

10. Eau Thermale Avène Vitamin Activ CG Radiance Concentrated Serum

Eau thermale d’Avène is such a cult product that no wonder a serum made from it would be amazing ! If you’ve got sensitive skin that’s prone to tightness, this serum is for you! 

Infused with stabilized vitamin Cg (ascorbyl glucoside), niacinamide, and Avène’s signature thermal spring water, this serum brightens dull skin, evens out skin tone, and provides antioxidant protection. Perfect for those looking to enhance radiance and fight oxidative stress.

Final Thoughts on
Ten of the best French Pharmacy Serums. 

There you have it, ten of the best serums to be found in French pharmacies across the country (or across the web!).

French pharmacy serums have achieved cult status for a reason—they strike the perfect balance between efficacy and gentleness. Rooted in a culture that values minimalism and quality, these products are crafted with dermatologically-proven ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives. They cater to various skin types, offering solutions for sensitive, dry, oily, or combination skin with no-fuss formulas.

French pharmacy serums are a game-changer in skincare, offering targeted solutions backed by science. Whether you’re looking for hydration, radiance, or anti-aging benefits, these serums cater to every skin need. Which one will you be adding to your routine?

I hope you enjoyed this feature with our Ten of the best French pharmacy serums. and if so, I would really appreciate it if you would share it. You can do this by saving any of the images to your Pinterest board or clicking on one of the icons below the post to share to Twitter, Facebook or Linked’In, and you can also share it by email to just one person (or more) by clicking on the email icon below.

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With love,

Article By Hannah Rees

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