No trip to Paris is complete without a stop at Citypharma, my favorite discount emporium of French pharmacy products. The tightly-packed store offers unreal deals on French skincare items, which I generally feel better about using since the EU more closely regulates personal care products than the FDA. But if you can’t make a trip to Paris, it’s not a problem. Amazon sells some of the best clean French beauty products, including many from La Roche-Posay.
La Roche-Posay prides itself for making effective, yet affordable, products that work well with sensitive skin. Thermal spring water is a key ingredient, and the brand touts the water’s antioxidant qualities. Since 1905, La Roche-Posay has also operated a center for thermal dermatology, where thousands of patients with skin concerns go each year for treatment. Because their products are regularly available at US pharmacies and on Amazon, you don’t have to travel all the way there to get the benefits. Here are some of the best, that get either a 1 or 2 safe rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). They are all fragrance-free and allergy-tested.
Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water: Thermal spring water is at the heart of La Roche-Posay’s brand and contains antioxidants and mineral salts that can tone and refresh the skin. I like to use it on its own after I apply my makeup, when I need a pick-me-up in the middle of the day, or before bed after I finish my cleansing routine. (1 on EWG)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra: Like all La Roche-Posay products, this daily face moisturizer was designed with sensitive skin in mind. It’s fragrance-free and allergy-tested, and doesn’t include parabens or preservatives. The cream has a light-weight consistency, yet does the trick when it comes to moisturizing, especially if you have ultra-sensitive skin. (1 on EWG)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche: This rich cream includes shea butter for more intense hydration, but it shouldn’t feel greasy. It’s great for dry, sensitive skin and again is fragrance-free. (2 on EWG)
La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Eyes: I use this gel eye cream in my everyday skincare routine. It includes hyaluronic acid to moisturize and also reduces puffiness under the eyes. (2 on EWG)
La Roche-Posay Redermic C: This anti-aging moisturizer is also formulated with hyaluronic acid as well as vitamin C, an ingredient known to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It can be used as a daily moisturizer and will also even out your skin tone. (2 on EWG)
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen with Mexoryl, SPF 15: This oxybenzone-free and octinoxate-free sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and has a cult following. In addition to sun protection, the cream offers all-day moisturizing power. It also includes La Roche-Posay’s Mexoryl SX technology, which promises more-effective UVA protection. (2 on EWG)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer UV, SPF 30: With an oil-free formulation, this sunscreen has a high concentration of thermal spring water to soothe the skin. It also contains glycerin to help naturally attract moisture to the skin. (2 on EWG)
Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream: This sensitive cleanser will remove makeup and dirt, while preventing over-drying and soothing the skin. If you want clean-feeling skin that doesn’t burn after, this is for you. (1 on EWG)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser: This milky cleanser will remove even waterproof makeup, while keeping skin sensitivity in mind. You can either rinse it off or remove with a cotton ball. (1 on EWG)
La Roche-Posay occupies the sweet spot between drug-store beauty and high-end skin care. The affordable products are clean, effective, and perfect for sensitive skin.