Europe has long been a goldmine for skincare enthusiasts and not just for the chic packaging or storied beauty traditions. What sets European beauty products apart is the regulatory landscape: the European Union has approved a far wider array of active ingredients and UV filters than the US. FDA, allowing brands to formulate more effective, cosmetically elegant, and innovative products, especially when it comes to sunscreen, retinoids, and anti-aging treatments.
Beyond performance, many of these products are also more affordable thanks to broader competition and fewer barriers to market. Even globally recognised brands like La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, and Avene offer formulas exclusive to the EU market, with textures, actives, and packaging that never make it across the Atlantic. And the best part? You can often find them stocked on the shelves of a corner pharmacy for a fraction of US prices.
So if you’re planning a trip to France, UK, Spain, Italy, or anywhere in between, make room in your suitcase. This is your ultimate shopping list of European beauty buys worth packing an extra carry-on for.
1. Superior European Sunscreens (SPF)
The US FDA is notoriously slow in approving new UV filters, which means American sunscreens often rely on outdated, less effective ingredients. In contrast, Europe has access to newer, photostable filters that offer broader UVA protection and often feel much better on the skin.
Why you can’t find these in the US
Many European sunscreens contain advanced UV filters like Tinosorb, Mexoryl, and TriAsorB that haven’t been approved by the FDA. That means even global brands like La Roche-Posay or Avene aren’t allowed to sell these superior formulations in the US, even though they’re widely available over-the-counter in Europe.
Our top picks:
Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream SPF 50+
- Contains Tinosorb S and A2B, advanced filters not approved in the U.S.
- Ultra-light, mattifying texture perfect for oily or acne-prone skin
- Includes L-Carnitine to help reduce sebum production
Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF 50+
- Features Mexoryl SX and Tinosorb S for high UVA/UVB protection
- Lightweight and hydrating, with no white cast
- Contains Cellular Bioprotection™ complex for added skin defense
Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+ Fluid
- Uses TriAsorB, a new-generation filter that blocks UVA, UVB, and even blue light (HEV)
- Formulated for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin with Avene Thermal Spring Water
- Fragrance-free and extremely gentle
2. French Pharmacy Favorites
French pharmacies are skincare heaven: rows of clean, minimalist packaging that belie the powerhouse formulas inside. Whether you’re in Paris or Provence, head to a “parapharmacie” and look for these cult classics, some aren’t sold in the U.S., and others are significantly cheaper or come in stronger/better EU formulas.
Our top picks:
A313 Vitamin A Pommade
- A potent vitamin A derivative (retinyl palmitate in a pommade base) often called “French Retin-A.”
- Not available in the U.S., but beloved for its smoothing, anti-aging results.
- Start slow—it’s strong despite being OTC.
Biafine Emulsion
- Originally developed for burn victims. Now used for post-treatment skin, sunburn, retinol irritation, or over-exfoliation.
- Has a cult status for calming inflammation and supporting skin healing.
- Unavailable OTC in the U.S. (technically an Rx wound dressing in FDA terms).
Homeoplasmine
- Think of it as an elegant French version of Vaseline with calendula extract.
- Great for dry lips, flaky patches, windburn, and even healing tattoos.
- Multi-use and completely absent from U.S. stores
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
- The OG makeup artist moisturiser. Doubles as primer, night cream, and hydration mask.
- You can find it in the U.S., but it’s cheaper and fresher in France.
- Works beautifully under makeup for all skin types except very oily.
Avène Cicalfate+ Repair Cream
- A thicker version of their thermal water creams. Contains copper-zinc sulfate, great for wound healing, barrier repair, and eczema-prone skin.
- The “+” version is often unavailable or reformulated in U.S. markets.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (EU version)
- Known for its soothing, repairing properties post-laser or peel.
- The EU version contains less silicone and more panthenol than the US version—ideal for sensitised skin.
- Often costs half as much in French pharmacies.
3. OTC Retinoids and Actives
One of the biggest wins when shopping in Europe? Access to prescription-level actives without needing a prescription, including tretinoin, powerful antioxidants, and high-strength vitamin C. Some of these are available in the US in name only but the formulations are weaker or missing key ingredients.
Our top picks:
Retinoids (Retinol, Retinaldehyde, Tretinoin)
- Tretinoin creams (Spain, Greece) – Sold OTC under names like Retirides or Ketrel, these prescription-strength retinoids are pharmacy-accessible in many countries.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal (UK)
- Stabilized retinaldehyde serum — stronger than retinol, gentler than tretinoin
- Available in progressive strengths (Crystal Retinal 1–20) to help skin build tolerance
- Formulated with hydrating and soothing ingredients to minimize irritation
- Stable packaging preserves potency and extends shelf life
- Not sold in this format in the US; ideal for visible results with low irritation
Boots No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Night Concentrate (UK)
- Contains time-released retinol to reduce irritation
- Includes Matrixyl 3000+ peptides to support collagen production
- Bisabolol (from chamomile) helps soothe and calm skin
- UK version is stronger and better formulated than the US version
- Great entry-level retinol for sensitive or first-time users
SVR Ampoule A (France)
- Combines pure and encapsulated retinol for slow, controlled release
- Formulated for sensitive skin with minimal irritation
- Contains vitamin E for added antioxidant protection
- Silky, lightweight texture—layers well under other products
- Underrated pharmacy gem with clinical-level performance
If you’re traveling to Europe, don’t waste the opportunity to stock up on better formulation SPF, hard to find retinoids, and cult skincare that’s either unavailable or overpriced in the US. PrioritiSe sunscreens with cutting-edge filters, grab a tube of A313, and explore local brands, you’ll bring home glowing skin and some serious beauty bragging rights.
