City Pharma, Paris: The most internet-famous pharmacy in the world

The French may be known for their delectable baked goods, but they are just as well known in the skincare world! So on my most recent trip to Paris, I went to check out the most internet-famous pharmacy in the world: City Pharma, home of French skincare.

The pharmacy address is: 26 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris, France

There are SO many pharmacies in Paris so by no means do I recommend ONLY going to this one. I did notice very slightly cheaper prices on some items I like to buy while in Europe but the crowds were absolutely insane in this store. The number of shoppers actively researching products on their phones while standing in front of the shelves was maddening. Let alone the partners standing in the middle of the isles waiting for their partners...

So let's back up...why did I come all this way to go to this pharmacy? The skincare!

France is famous for high quality skincare brands like La Roche Posay, Caudalie (my Mum's FAV), Embryolisse, La Mer, Biologique, Avene...the list goes on. But we North American's don't get the same products imported because of differing regulations here. So even though you may find La Roche Posay in the same looking packaging on the Ulta shelf...the ingredients are not the same.

And this is ESPECIALLY true when it comes to sunscreen. Pretty much the rest of the world (I exaggerate but still) has more modern UV filters than what we can purchase on the shelves in North America. That's because sunscreen in France is treated like a cosmetic and falls under different regulations in France and Europe. This is the same reason Japanese sunscreen is so superior. Even the feel of the products is better...there's no sticky mess, no greasiness and very little white cast if you pick the right products for your skin. Plus the prices are reasonable. So when it comes down to preventing wrinkles, damage and skin cancer - a simple sunscreen with a good set of UV filters works wonders. And I like to think of it as saving money on my future retinol use...

As far as what I actually purchased while I was at the pharmacy...I made a full video outlining that below. But I should give the clarification that I am a very frugal, mostly minimalist gal when it comes to shopping especially while I travel. My strict budgeting allows me to live the lifestyle I like!

So, I do recommend you go to a pharmacy while you are in France. Some of them are quite small and it may be confusing when you first walk in and theres a whopping two isles....so do a little research to decide what you are looking for and whether a trip to a larger pharmacy like City Pharma is worth your time while in Paris!

And please...do research your products before you go or at the minimum step out of the way of other shoppers while you are looking something up in the store. TikTok has a PLETHORA of product reviews and the people who work in the pharmacy are like product catalogues. They know where everything is and they can make recommendations for your skin type or concerns. They are trained and very well versed in the French skincare world!

#whattodoinparis