In the past 10 years, several French pharmacy skincare brands have gone from being cult favourites known only by top beauty writers, to household names.

Nowadays, most people will have heard of Avène and La Roche-Posay, but there are still many undiscovered niche brands and products that could revolutionise your beauty routine.
 
Online beauty retailer escentual.com has curated a collection of under the radar pharmacy brands, and some of the products already have a cult following, including Uriage's water spray which contains a high concentration of mineral salts, and Pharmaceris' spot gel which claims to provide a rapid reduction in breakouts.

Below are some of our favourites to shop today...

Uriage Eau Thermale Water Spray

From the French Alps, this gentle mist both infuses and refreshes skin. Packed with minerals, it soothes irritation, sets makeup, and leaves skin feeling revitalised in a flash. One of Uriage’s hero products and packed with trace elements and mineral salts similar to skin’s natural moisturising factors, the isotonic water soothes inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as being a good choice for superficial burns and post-surgery. The high content of naturally occurring calcium and magnesium salts soothe sensitivity, while copper and zinc help heal damaged skin.

Topicrem Ultra-Moisturising Pearly Body Milk

More than just hydration, this silky-smooth body milk goes beyond quenching thirsty skin. Its secret weapon? Light-reflecting pearls that subtly enhance natural radiance, leaving skin with a healthy, pearlescent sheen. The formula includes a potent blend of glycerin and urea, nature's powerhouses for locking in moisture. In addition, the delicate, refreshing fragrance includes notes of water lily, lily of the valley, and cedar.

Pharmaceris T Medi Acne-Pointgel Spot Treatment Gel

This powerful spot treatment packs a punch against acne, delivering targeted action; it does this thanks to a concentrated molecular formula, including 2% H2O2, which penetrates the outlets of sebaceous glands to reduce bacteria. Salicylic acid helps clear skin with its exfoliating abilities, while anti-inflammatory D-panthenol helps alleviate blemishes and redness. Skin is regenerated, soothed and calmed, while the remission period is prolonged and breakouts are prevented.

PAYOT Pâte Grise Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser

Specially formulated for oily, combination and blemish-prone skin that’s in need of balancing, this cleanser uses a natural coconut-derived formula to gently and effectively rid skin of impurities, leaving it renewed and glowing. It offers a mild exfoliation thanks to charcoal granules which detoxify the skin, while microbeads act like a magnet to draw out impurities and dirt, tightening pores and leaving skin cleansed and clear. Anti-inflammatory mint improves the quality of the skin while antibacterial zinc extract deeply cleanses and purifies.

Lierac Premium Absolute Anti-Aging - The Booster Serum

A harmonious blend of scientific precision and nature's wisdom, this potent serum is designed to address ageing concern with a formula that includes hyaluronic acid, which fills voids and smooths contours, and vitamin C, which brightens and evens skin tone. In addition, an exclusive Hyaluronic Acid Booster complex infuses skin with a dewy vibrancy, while botanical extracts such as black tulip and lily bulb extract add a regenerative touch, and peptides and antioxidants work to renew skin.

Mustela Cicastela Repairing Cream

This zinc-enriched formula tackles a multitude of challenges from nappy rash, dry patches and sunburn, to minor scrapes and irritations. A true family essential, it's ready to lend a hand wherever delicate skin needs a touch of TLC. Formulated with 95 per cent natural ingredients, the cream combines the best of science and nature: organic olive oil and avocado oil nourish and soothe, while panthenol promotes speedy healing and zinc oxide creates a protective barrier against external aggressors.