My Amazon Cart Is Basically a French Pharmacy Haul—10 Products to Buy on Sale Before Everyone Else

Micellar water (namely, this solution from Bioderma) is a French beauty routine staple. I pick up a bottle every time I'm in Paris (mainly because I forget to bring makeup remover, but it's also just so classic).

Ask any beauty editor their top French pharmacy picks, and chances are they'll name-drop A313. Is it the sexiest OTC retinol on the market? Not really, but it doesn't need all the bells and whistles; the no-fuss formula smooths skin texture and fades dark spots like absolute sorcery. Plus, everyone I know who's tried it has reported no dreaded retinol side effects, like flaking or skin purging. That's a major win in my book! Something to flag: It does contain peanut oil, so if you're allergic to peanuts, you'll want to steer clear.

If you have yet to get your hands on the cult famous Embryolisse cream, consider this your sign! The multitasking moisturizer (and makeup primer and moisturizing mask) is a no-brainer, especially when it's tagged at $14. Some of the other Embryolisse iterations are also marked down, including the hypoallergenic, sensitive skin-approved version and the one lauded for smoothing fine lines.

Take it from me: You don't realize how badly you need a shower oil until you finally try one for yourselves. What is it, you ask? Imagine a cleansing oil for your entire body. These nourishing blends gently remove daily grime without stripping your skin of its precious oils. You know, that itchy, "tight" feeling you get post rinse? Shower oils mitigate that, stat, and this formula from Bioderma is certainly a safe bet. After all, it comes from the same cult-loved brand as the aforementioned micellar water cleanser.

There's arguably no French pharmacy product more iconic than this beloved dry oil. In fact, it was completely wiped from the shelves the last time I was in Paris (sob). Thankfully, I can still snag a refill from Amazon at just $21, so you better believe I'm adding it to my cart ASAP. Any time I catch a whiff of that famous orange blossom, magnolia, and vanilla scent, I just know someone has covered their limbs in this silky, moisturizing solution.

I'm also grabbing this golden formula while I'm at it for glowing summer skin. It features the same nourishing ingredients and scent, just with a bronzy, shimmery tinge.

Avène's thermal water is well known for its skin-healing powers, but this recovery cream kicks the soothing power up a notch for hypersensitive skin. It not only strengthens the skin barrier over time but also calms redness, tightness, and itching in just 30 seconds. As one Amazon reviewer notes, "It is the only moisturizer that doesn't either irritate my skin or break me out."

Why snag just one Avène hero when there are multiple on sale? The XeraCalm line was formulated specifically with eczema-prone skin in mind, and it's approved for use on newborns, so you know it's super gentle. As a general rule, anything that's safe to use on delicate baby skin is A+ for hypersensitive complexions.

You can never go wrong with a Vichy serum, IMO. If I traveled to Paris and forgot to pack my skincare (gasp!), I'd make a mad dash to the pharmacy and grab all the Vichy I could find. It's just such a staple. This hyaluronic acid serum is one of my favorites from the brand (and arguably the most popular pharmacy pick); it's lightweight and nonsticky and has an immediate plumping effect on my skin.

This hydrating face cream is a close second when it comes to my Vichy favorites. Think of all the plumping effects you get from the HA serum and multiply it by 10 when you layer it with this moisture-boosting formula. It's lightweight and quick-absorbing yet somehow manages to fill every fine line I have with smooth, supple hydration.