Raiding Products in the Pharmacy in France!
One of my favorite parts of France is visiting their pharmacy.
French FDA regulations for cosmetics in France are different than in the United States. So, certain skincare ingredients are found in French products, but these ingredients are not found in the U.S. version of the same product.
Here are the products I picked and why….
La Roche Posay Sunscreen, Anthelios line
Star ingredients: Mexoryl, other names for Mexoryl…. Mexoryl SX (Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid or ecamsule), Mexoryl XL (drometrizole trisiloxane)
In Europe, skin care manufacturers have the option to choose out of 7 UVA-ray filtering ingredients that deliver better performance advantages than UVA filters available in the United States. The sun’s UVA rays cause premature ageing while its UVB rays cause sunburn. Mexoryl, protects against both UVA-1 and UVA-2 rays.
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and avobenzone are UVA-ray filters used in the United States which don’t compare to the UVA protection offered by Mexoryl. **Mexoryl is a safe ingredient as far as I know, and is currently under FDA review in the United States **
“Research data has shown that Mexoryl in particular is more effective than either zinc oxide or titanium oxide alone in blocking UVA/UVB rays, and in fact blocks in a similar range to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in combination. Mexoryl, available as SX (water soluble) and XL (lipid soluble), is very effective for two reasons: one, it is very stable [as a benzylidene camphor derivative], and two, because it absorbs light at a broader range of UVA wavelengths than many other chemical sunscreens. ”
My first choice for the La Roche-Posay, Anthelios line was Dermo-Pediatrics SPF50+ since its formula is sensitive enough for children, while still containing full UVA protection. I just prefer sensitive skin formulas in sunscreen.
The second choice was Anthelios XL 50+ since it contains Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX, and nice for everyday use, but also still perfect for the beach since it’s waterproof. It also comes in a 250ml bottle as opposed to the smaller bottle!!
Caudalie Vine[Activ] eye cream
Star ingredient: Resveratrol
Caudalie uses the antioxidant found in red wine, resveratrol, which is the highly coveted anti-aging antioxidant found in red wine. Researchers have found that topical resveratrol has a 17-fold greater antioxidant content than idebenone, which is also an expensive and powerful antioxidant used in anti-aging products. What better way than to invest in some anti-aging resveratrol when it’s sourced right from one of the main wine regions in France, Bordeaux and is at a bargain price when compared to the price sold in the U.S.!
Vine[Active] is amazing because it uses a high concentration of grape polyphenols, I like to apply this antioxidant defense in the morning lightly patting under my eyes, under my eyes and under my brow bone.
Caudalie Masque Purifiant
Star ingredients: Kaolin clay and Bentonite clay
I love Caudalie’s Masque Purifiant because it’s purifying with Kaolin (the second ingredient used) and Bentonite clay and also delivers a high concentration of antioxidants from plant origin. You can use this mask 2-3 times a week, and I like to apply to my face and décolletage. **All the ingredients are the same in this formula as in the United States’ formula, but the price is lower!
Nuxe Paris Huile Prodigieuse, a shimmering dry oil
Star ingredients: Camellia Oil, Argan Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Olive Oil, Rosemary extract, Tomato fruit extract
The next product I had to snag is by Nuxe Paris, Huile Prodigieuse. Not only does the bronze/gold oil contain shimmering gold particles, but it contains skin benefitting ingredients to nourish your skin at the same time. The finish is non-greasy and the scent is like wearing a perfume in itself. Definitely a favorite of mine, and of course, the price is unbeatable and cheaper than in the U.S.! The application is via a spray glass bottle accentuated by a beautiful gold cap. I love to apply it to my legs, arms, and décolletage when I’m wearing a dress or shorts on a night out. It can also be applied to your body or hair.
Savon Liquide de Marseille a’l’Huile d’ Argan
Star ingredients: Argan Oil, Rose essential oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Coconut Oil
The last product I grabbed on my pharmacy haul was Savon Liquide de Marseille a’ l’ Huile d’ Argan, for only 5 euros and at a 500ml bottle. With Argan Oil, Rose essential Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) AND Coconut oil, the price for this body wash is a steal. I saw this product as I was checking out and was amazed at the price for the amount in the bottle and the quality of ingredients within this. What’s great about body washes like this is that they are moisturizing enough to use as a shaving gel.
Tip—> If you aren’t headed to France anytime soon, check pharmamundi.com or frenchcosmeticsforless.com to order products overseas. The shipping time could be up to a month.
XO
Laura