If you’re planning a trip to Paris, there’s one stop that should be at the top of your shopping list: CityPharma. As someone who travels often and loves a good beauty bargain, CityPharma in Paris has become my go-to stop for French pharmacy must-haves. Nestled in the heart of the city, this beauty mecca is where savvy Parisians and tourists alike stock up on skincare essentials. Whether you’re hunting for cult favorites or discovering new gems, CityPharma offers some of the best French pharmacy products at unbeatable prices. Let me take you through my ultimate haul, plus tips for navigating this beauty haven!
Skip to:
- Why CityPharma is a Must-Visit for Beauty Lovers
- Top 10 Must-Buy Products at CityPharma
- Bioderma Sensibio H2O
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
- Avène Thermal Spring Water
- Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
- Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse
- Caudalie Beauty Elixir Mist
- Marvis Smokey Whitening Toothpaste
- A313 Vitamin A Retinol Cream
- Ialuset Hyaluronic Acid Cream Concentrate
- Nuxe Honey Lip Oil
- Nuxe Rêve de Miel Lip Balm
- Nuxe Shimmering Shower Oil
- BIAFINE Cream
- Filorga Hydra-Filler Face Mask Sheet
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Oil Control Invisible Fluid SPF50+
- Tips for Your Citypharma Visit:
- Why I Love French Pharmacy Products
- Bars and Restaurants Close to CityPharma
- Final Thoughts: CityPharma is Worth the Hype
✨ Planning your Paris trip? Don’t miss my guide to the best hotels to stay in Paris – all stylish, well-located, and perfect for dropping your CityPharma bags after a beauty spree.
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Why CityPharma is a Must-Visit for Beauty Lovers
CityPharma is more than just a pharmacy; it’s a beauty destination famous for its wide range of skincare, haircare, and wellness products. The prices are significantly lower than what you’d find elsewhere, even compared to other pharmacies in Paris. If you’re a fan of French skincare brands like Bioderma, Avène, or La Roche-Posay, this is the place to stock up. Be prepared—it’s a bustling, fast-paced environment, but totally worth the experience!
Top 10 Must-Buy Products at CityPharma
If you’re wondering what to buy at CityPharma, here’s my curated list of must-haves. These are the tried-and-tested French pharmacy products I can’t live without.
If you aren’t able to get to Paris, I have included where you can buy them online (but note CityPharma prices will be cheaper).
1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O
Why it’s worth it: This iconic micellar water is a cult favorite for a reason. Perfect for sensitive skin, it gently removes makeup without drying or irritating. At CityPharma, you’ll often find it in a double-pack at a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere. Citypharma Price: €9.49 (500ml)
2. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Why it’s worth it: A multi-purpose soothing balm that works wonders on dry or irritated skin. It’s a lifesaver during long-haul flights or cold weather. CityPharma Price: €11.85
3. Avène Thermal Spring Water
Why it’s worth it: This refreshing facial mist is perfect for setting makeup or soothing sensitive skin. A staple in every French woman’s beauty routine. CityPharma Price: €6.79
4. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Why it’s worth it: The ultimate moisturizer that doubles as a primer. Lightweight yet deeply nourishing, it’s a true French pharmacy classic. Makeup artists swear by it, and so do I! CityPharma Price: €15.99
5. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse
Why it’s worth it: A luxurious multi-purpose dry oil that hydrates skin and hair, leaving a subtle, elegant scent. It’s perfect for a bit of indulgent self-care and has a warm shimmer adding a beautiful summer glow to skin. Pro tip: Stock up on the travel-sized versions for your summer holiday. CityPharma Price: €16.89
6. Caudalie Beauty Elixir Mist
Why it’s worth it: This refreshing facial mist is a staple for a quick hydration boost and a radiant complexion. Packed with essential oils and plant extracts, it helps tighten pores and set makeup. You can use as a setting mist post-makeup application for a dewy glow. Citypharma Price: €10.89
7. Marvis Smokey Whitening Toothpaste
Why it’s worth it: A fluoride-free whitening toothpaste that leaves your teeth bright and polished without being harsh on enamel. It’s especially great for those who prefer natural formulations and unlike other natural toothpastes it leaves teeth feeling clean and fresh. I’ve been trying to move away from using fluoride in my everyday routine so this is a perfect addition to my bathroom cupboard. Citypharma Price: €8.49
8. A313 Vitamin A Retinol Cream
Why it’s worth it: A cult-favorite, A313 is known for its retinol-based formula that effectively smooths and revitalizes the skin. Formulated with Retinyl Palmitate (200,000 IU), it enhances the absorption of vitamin A, boosting skin cell regeneration and collagen production to reduce wrinkles, sagging, and acne scars. This cream prevents collagen degradation, reduces hyperpigmentation, and retains moisture, minimizing overnight water loss for a healthier, fuller appearance. Its a great budget-friendly retinol to add to your skincare routine. (Note, if buying from Citypharma you’ll need to ask for this at the counter). Citypharma Price: €7.69
9. Ialuset Hyaluronic Acid Cream Concentrate
Why it’s worth it: Known for its ultra-hydrating properties, this hyaluronic acid cream is a French pharmacy must-have. It helps plump the skin, reduce fine lines, and maintain moisture balance – it’s magic in a bottle! I’ve been using it everyday since I got it and I’ve noticed a huge difference in hydration and texture. (Note, like the A313 retinol, you’ll need to ask for this over the counter). Citypharma Price: €8.99
10. Nuxe Honey Lip Oil
Why it’s worth it: The packaging alone is super cute! It’s honey-infused oil that feels luxurious on lips with it’s non-sticky formula that leaves a glossy finish while also deeply moisturizing. Citypharma Price: €12.28
11. Nuxe Rêve de Miel Lip Balm
Why it’s worth it: A rich, nourishing balm perfect for soothing dry, chapped lips. It has a dense texture that stays put, making it ideal for overnight use. Citypharma Price: €7.49
12. Nuxe Shimmering Shower Oil
Why it’s worth it: This shower oil is infused with golden shimmer to leave the skin glowing and subtly scented. It cleanses without stripping moisture, perfect for maintaining soft skin year-round. Citypharma Price: €5.89
13. BIAFINE Cream
Why it’s worth it: Often used for healing minor burns and skin irritations, BIAFINE is a trusted French remedy that soothes, hydrates, and promotes skin repair. A lot of tiktok accounts are recommending to use this on your face as a moisturizer but I would be wary of this- it’s far too heavy and hasn’t been tested for this purpose so I wouldn’t advise. For burns, bites and irritation though, absolutely! Citypharma Price: €4.59
14. Filorga Hydra-Filler Face Mask Sheet
Why it’s worth it: Known for its intensive hydration and anti-aging properties, this sheet mask delivers plump, radiant skin in just 15 minutes. I bought a few of these and they are the best sheet masks I’ve ever used. Citypharma Price: €8.79 per mask
15. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Oil Control Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Why it’s worth it: A ultra-lightweight, non-greasy face cream that provides high UVA and UVB protection while controlling excess oil and shine. Its advanced Uvmune 400 technology offers superior defense against deep UV damage, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Citypharma Price: €13.87
Tips for Your Citypharma Visit:
CityPharma can get overwhelming, especially during peak hours. Here are my top tips to make your shopping experience seamless:
- Get there early The store opens at 8:30 AM—arriving early means fewer crowds. Weekdays offer a quieter shopping experience than weekends.
- Bring a list: Know what you want to buy before you arrive to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the options. there are plenty of staff members on hand to offer help and support.
- Buy in Bulk: Many products are cheaper in bulk, so don’t hesitate to grab those double-packs.
- Ask the staff: The staff are knowledgeable and can guide you if you’re unsure about products.
How to Get a VAT Refund at CityPharma
Shopping at CityPharma can be even cheaper if you take advantage of France’s VAT refund system. If you’re a non-EU resident, you can claim a 12% tax refund on purchases over €100 in a single transaction.
How to Claim Your VAT Refund
- Spend €100 or more: Your total must be in a single transaction—so plan your haul accordingly!
- Ask for a tax refund form: At checkout, request a “détaxe” form (you’ll need your passport). The staff will give you a digital or paper form.
- Validate at the airport: Before leaving France, scan your form at the Pablo kiosk in the airport to process your refund.
- Get your refund: You’ll receive the refund on your credit card or in cash (options vary by store).
Important VAT Refund Restrictions
- Some pharmaceutical-grade products (like A313) are not eligible for VAT refunds.
- The refund is only for non-EU residents—so if you live in Europe, you won’t qualify.
- Make sure to get your form stamped before leaving France—missing this step means no refund.
Why I Love French Pharmacy Products
French pharmacy brands are known for their quality and simplicity. Many of these products are dermatologist-recommended, free from harsh chemicals, and suitable for sensitive skin. As someone who travels often, I love how versatile and effective they are. Plus, the chic packaging doesn’t hurt!
Bars and Restaurants Close to CityPharma
If you’re looking for a place to sit down and relax after shopping at CityPharma, take a look at these bars and reastaurants nearby.
Mademoiselle Angelina: only a short walk from CityPharma is Mademoiselle Angelina, a beautiful french tearoom serving the most delicious Hot Chocolate and Puddings (with some great gluten-free options!). They offer indoor and outdoor dining, perfect for summer months.
Relais de L’Entrecôte: The Relais de L’Entrecôte’s walnut salad and tender sirloin steak served with its famous sauce, complete with golden thin-cut French fries have been a mark of success for decades. The steak, frites and sauce is gluten-free as well. The vibe is a traditional french bistro chic!
BREIZH Café Odéon: Grab yourself a tasty gluten-free crepe from the BREIZH Café Odéon, a cute crêperie just a short walk from CityPharma. Perfect if you’ve got a sweet tooth!
Final Thoughts: CityPharma is Worth the Hype
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, make sure CityPharma is on your itinerary. It’s easy to walk to from the centre and theres some really nice bars and restaurants nearby for you to go to afterwards. Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast or just curious about French pharmacy products, it’s an experience you won’t forget. I hope this guide inspires your next beauty haul!
What are your favorite French pharmacy finds? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Remember, while these products are often available online in the UK, prices tend to be higher. Citypharma is the place to stock up without breaking the bank. If you would however like to shop these products online I have linked them to my Amazon Store Front here.
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