If you didn’t know, European pharmacies offer a distinctive experience compared to those in the great white north. While they carry the same over-the-counter medications and prescriptions, there’s a key difference: they’re obsessed with skincare.
Picture shelves lined with luxurious products that deliver impressive results, often at a fraction of the price you’d pay in North America. This isn’t your typical drugstore skincare—it’s high-quality, effective products with proven ingredients, and European women in white lab coats will be happy to help you find the perfect match.
Plus, there are many unique products not available here, making the skincare shopping experience all the more enticing.
So, you can bet (much to my partner’s eye-roll) that whenever I spotted that green plus sign during our month-long trip to Malta and Sicily this summer, we had to stop in and explore.
Maybe this is the secret behind that effortlessly chic European glow? I’m not sure, but either way these are the products I’ve been using since the trip that I’ve found to be incredible.
Biafin Skin Emulsion
While this cult-classic product was originally recommended for burns and minor wounds when it was created in the 70s, its uses extend far beyond that.
Known as a holy-grail item in French medicine cabinets, it’s excellent for all kinds of skin healing. It’s something you’d want to reach for after more invasive skincare treatments, like microneedling or chemical peels, thanks to the soothing properties of squalane and avocado oil.
Personally, I love to apply this thick cream all over my face once or twice a week when my skin feels dry. I wake up with super-moisturized skin, and after just 5 weeks of use, I’ve noticed some of my acne scars have faded!
Panthenol Cream 7%
Meet Panthenol, or should I say, let me reintroduce you to this incredible skincare ingredient. You might already be familiar with it from your hair products—yes, I said hair.
But Europeans have also embraced Panthenol for its hydrating properties on the skin. It enhances moisture retention by penetrating deeper skin layers and infusing water into the cells, helping to repair your moisture barrier.
Suitable for everyday use, I’ve been reaching for this orange tube as my go-to moisturizer and loving the baby-soft skin results.
Verset Parfums
There’s nothing I love more than a great dupe. When I discovered the Verset display in a charming pharmacy in Sicily, I was amazed by how luxurious these affordable perfumes felt.
Each one is inspired by a high-end designer fragrance. The one I picked up (for just $7 Canadian, by the way) combines jasmine, vanilla, and white musk, and is an incredible replica of Dior’s Hypnotic Poison. Plus, it lasts all day!
If you happen to come across Verset, grab as many as you can— I’ve heard they’re only stocked in a few spots.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence
In another article about summer skincare, I mentioned how amazing essences are for their light feel and impressive results. This one from Caudalie feels fantastic on the skin, thanks to glycolic acid that gently exfoliates and grape water for that extra hydration boost.
But what really blew me away was the price tag. I snagged this for just $20 CAD, and when I checked Sephora’s reviews back home, I saw it’s priced at $80 CAD here. If I wasn’t already a fan of Euro skincare, my bank account definitely is!
Marvis Toothpaste
While not exactly a skincare product, my obsession with Marvis toothpaste reached new heights when I squealed over finding my first mini-sized tube of these legendary pastes.
Beyond the stunning vintage and elegant packaging, each tube is packed with high-quality ingredients that are fantastic for both teeth and gums. With a range of flavors to choose from, my teeth have honestly never felt cleaner since I started using Marvis.
Exploring European pharmacies was such a highlight of my trip, and truly a game-changer for my skincare and beauty routine.
If you get the chance to explore these pharmacies, take full advantage. You might just find your new favorite products and a little piece of European skincare magic!
We’d love to hear from you! Please send us your suggestions for future articles. And if you’re a writer, please see our writer’s submissions page for details.
