Fashion

Amazing French Beauty Products Reddit Users Love

by Bianca Mendez

If there is anything I’ve learned while writing beauty stories is that (A) Reddit is a great place for discovering new brands and (B) some of the best-kept products are overseas. Whether you’re simply bored of American beauty products or are trying to use only the best-of-the-best in your routine, you should definitely do some online traveling and try out all the best French beauty products.

Yeah, everyone knows the basic French beauty brands like L’Oreal and Lancome, but there are other slightly underrated brands that you should also be checking out. Brands like NUXE, La Roche-Posay, and Caudalie are cult favorites, and most of their products top every Reddit user’s “holy grail list.” Curious? I know I am. And sometimes these French products even have innovative ingredients that may not be available here in the U.S., so your skin is really missing out on 'em.

Another thing I learned when writing this story: the French don’t play games with their skincare routine. Every product on this list is for skin, so you’ll find a lot of cleansers, oils, and moisturizers. And the best part about all these French skincare products is that you don’t need to book a ticket to Paris to get them (although it might not be a bad idea). All these skincare products are available at Amazon, so there’s no need to pay those costly international shipping fees. So take a scroll — you might just find your new favorite cleanser here.

1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Water

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Water, $7, Amazon

"FABULOUS," is the word that Reddit user kezzie87 calls this skin product, and Vanityrex also says it's a staple. While people in the U.S. are just learning about micellar water, the French have been at it for a long time. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Water is a great alternative to face washing, thanks to its fatty acid esters and micelles that help cleanse the skin.

2. NUXE Melting Cleansing Gel With Rose Petals

NUXE Melting Cleansing Gel with Rose Petals, $22, Amazon

"I've yet to find an AB second cleanser I like anywhere near as much as the NUXE Melting Cleansing Gel with Rose Petals," says Reddit user Vanityrx. "It's pH balanced, gentle enough for my very dry skin, and smells like rose flavored buttercream!" What I personally love about this cleanser is that it's great for all skin types and removes that extra makeup residue that a face wipe can't get.

3. Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream

Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream, $19, Amazon

Another Reddit French fave is the Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream, particularly during the winter months. Reddit user, katelikesgiants calls it a cult-classic while sabine_strohem_moss loves it on days when her skin is drier than normal. This cleansing cream moisturizes up to 24 hours while removing all excess makeup and grime, leaving you with a flawless face.

4. NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm, $19, Amazon

While this NUXE lip balm is on a pricer spectrum, Reddit users say it's completely worth it. "It will hydrate your lips like nobody's business," says Reddit user vitamere. A must have for when winter strikes, this lip balm will restore chapped lips while securing their moisture.

5. Vichy Normaderm Daily Deep Cleansing Gel Cleanser

Vichy Normaderm Daily Deep Cleansing Gel Cleanser, $18, Amazon

"This has been my HG [holy grail] cleanser as every other one I've ever tried has cause me to break out." says Reddit user Redwinewhitesheets. And it's one worth trying. This Gel Cleanser does the job of unclogging pores without drying the skin out and it's gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

6. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser and Makeup Remover, $24, Amazon

It's true that the French don't mess with their skin. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser is another holy grail cleanser that Reddit users are obsessed with. It's strong enough to remove even waterproof makeup and get rid of other dirt that's been clinging onto your skin all day.

7. NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, $36, Amazon

If you haven't jumped on the face oil band wagon, then you better get on it. Reddits are raving over NUXE products especially this multi-purpose dry oil. Made with a distinct combination of plant oils and Vitamin E, this product will soften and moisturize your hair, skin, and body. That's right—you can use it anywhere, talk about versatility!

8. Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser, $20, Amazon

"I'm a huge fan of the Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser," says Reddit user AshIzzyB. And here's why you should be a fan too: it's made from a combination of grape extracts, sage, and chamomile to help clean your skin and improve your complexion. Plus, it smells good, like "a cross between cucumber and fresh cut grass," says AshlzzyB.

9. Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream

Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream, $34, Amazon

Reddit users like Mizimoo love using this recovery cream as part of their nighttime skincare routine, but it also works for morning use. This cream balances your skin's pH system, while soothing any irritation. The formula is made from simple ingredients, suitable for sensitive skin types as well.

10. Cattier Green Clay Mask

Cattier Green Clay Mask, $15, Amazon

"The Cattier green clay mask is amazing," says Reddit-er, aisatsana88. The green clay helps remove toxins from the face and regulates oil production to keep acne from appearing on your face. Another awesome perk is that it promotes cell renewal meaning your face will always look fresh and glowing.

11. Caudalie Beauty Elixir

Caudalie Beauty Elixir, $16, Amazon

Caudalie beauty products are becoming popular in the states, but if you haven't tried them yet, Reddit users suggest this beauty elixir. "Very refreshing," says saboonsoap. Here's the lowdown on this magical product: it perks up dull skin by tightening up pores and smoothing out fine lines. It works best when you add it to your foundation for that ultimate glow-y look.

12. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment Cream

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment Cream, $26, Amazon

If you've tried every acne product that the states has to offer, turn to the French. According to fuzzboo, this acne spot treatment is insanely effective for any surprise pimples. And with 5.5 benzoyl peroxide, you can it will get the job done.

13. Aderma Gel Moussant Apaisant

Aderma Gel Moussant Apaisant, $30, Amazon

Aderma Gel Moussant Apaisant is a cult favorite for Reddit user kpeirini. Made from oat milk, this soap-free formula is gentle enough to use for the face and body, minimizing skin's roughness and leaving it smooth.

14. Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray

Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray, $19, Amazon

"My friend is a big fan of Avene's thermal water spray," says RedSimone. It's the perfect pick-me-up for days when your skin is feeling parched and helps to restore it's natural pH balance. No need to go overboard–a few spritzes will do.

15. Decleor Aroma White C+ Brightening Cleansing Oil

Decleor Aroma White C+ Brightening Cleansing Oil, $36, AmazonThere's cleansers and then there are cleansing oils. Reddit user montessorino recommends this Decleor cleansing oil. Sweet almond oil and red palm oil work together to remove impurities, protect against free radicals, and balance out your skin tone, helping to remove dark spots.

Images: Amazon (13), NUXE (1), Aderma (1)