Flight attendants swear by these French skincare products- and they are all available on Amazon
You don’t need a Paris layover to invest in French skincare; just an Amazon Prime account
Long before influencers shared their skincare secrets on social media, flight attendants shared their favorite French skincare finds with each other. Layovers in Paris weren’t about visiting the Eiffel Tower but stocking up at Citypharma, a popular chain pharmacy and skincare haven.
We interviewed several flight attendants about their favorite skincare products and included reasons why they’re popular and approved by dermatologists. All the products mentioned are available on Amazon, so start investing in a French skincare routine without investing in a plane ticket to Europe.
A313 Vitamin A Pommade
A313 is a prescription-grade retinol sold over the counter in France. It is used to improve uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and texture. Its main ingredient is a retinol ester, one of the mildest forms of vitamin A.
Flight attendants love to use this product at night because of its Vaseline-like texture. It’s a gentler form of tretinoin/vitamin A and is cheaper than a prescription from a dermatologist. However, ensure you wear sunscreen during the day because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
According to Dr. Shereene Idriss, a dermatologist based out of NYC, “A313’s Vitamine A Pommade is a great retinol ointment. It does spread a lot over the face, so a little goes a long way. On days I don’t use a retinol eye cream, I will also extend this to the under eyes.”
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Mune 400 50+ fluid
Speaking of sunscreen, the La Roche-Posay UVMune 400 went viral on social media because of its special filter that blocks long-range UVA rays (>380 nm). It’s a lightweight SPF 50+ fluid that’s available tinted or invisible.
This chemical sunscreen is formulated with several filters, the most notable being Mexoryl 400. The mexoryl filter gives it ultra-long UVA protection; however, this sunscreen is only available for purchase on select sites in the US, including Amazon.
Besides its high UVA/UVB protection, it’s also water-resistant and approved for sensitive skin. It’s a non-greasy fluid that does not leave white marks or cause acne. Flight attendants love this sunscreen because it’s ideal for oily skin, light, invisible, and perfect for the face.
Dr. Anne, a German doctor and skincare expert, says, “It offers protection over the full range of UV rays and, if you choose the fragrance-free version, [it] should work even for sensitive skins.”
Biafine ACT Emulsion cream
Biafine ACT is an emulsion cream traditionally used to treat burns, but it actually doubles as a moisturizer. Ask any of your French friends about this product; one tube will be tucked away in their medicine cabinet.
French flight attendant Mallory Thompson swears, “The biafine is like a one-stop shop. Use it on any burns. It cures them in a day. You can also use it as a moisturizer or a mask.”
Dr. Shereene Idriss also says she is obsessed with this product. “Right now, you’ll find a tube in my kitchen, bathroom, and car compartment, especially when I’m running around with my kids. This is because it’s a literal miracle worker for superficial scrapes, first and second-degree burns.”
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume 5
The Cicaplast Baume 5 is another popular La Roche-Posay product for moisturizing extremely dry skin. It contains Vitamin B5, shea butter, and glycerin to hydrate and soothe your skin. It’s also made with La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water, which is renowned for its abundance of selenium.
Flight attendant Julia Miller says she was able to treat her rosacea with the Cicaplast Baume. “I finally found something that helps my rosacea! I saw substantial results after just one application overnight.”
Dr. Shereene Idriss loves this moisturizer because it is a beautiful all-in-one skin protectant for cracked and chapped skin, dryness-induced irritations, and diaper rash for little ones.
Bioderma Sensibio H20 micellar water
The Bioderma Sensible H20 Micellar Water made a significant breakthrough in women’s makeup removal by introducing a product that requires no rinsing and is effective in a single step. Skin lipids inspired its unique formula, which emulates the two sides of a surfactant.
Flight attendant Alice Alexander agrees it is a good product and says, “[It’s] the best thing to remove makeup, and it’s good for sensitive skin.”
Dr. Shereene Idriss thinks this is a great first-step cleanser that removes makeup, oils, and other impurities without disrupting your skin’s hydrophilic film. “And don’t confuse or substitute it with Garnier’s — I know, the pink caps can get confusing, but this is, by far, the more superior micellar solution on the market.”
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse body oil
The Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse body oil contains seven different botanical oils that nourish your face, body, and hair. Its multipurpose use makes it the only oil you need to purchase from now on.
Not only is it lightweight and hydrating, but it smells good, too. Its dry texture creates satin-smooth skin without the oily finish. Flight attendant Cassie Kane recommends this oil because “it smells so good and is hydrating to the skin. It can be used all over your body and in your hair for de-frizzing.”
Dr. Kaitlyn Rose, a licensed pharmacist and beauty writer, recommends the Nuxe body oil because it contains a beneficial oil called macadamia integrifolia seed oil. “The fatty acids in Macadamia integrifolia seed oil have anti-inflammatory properties, making this ingredient very beneficial for those with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and rosacea.”
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
The final product on our list is the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, a moisturizing cream that packs a powerful punch. It is a 6-in-1 multi-function moisturizer highly recommended by dermatologists and makeup artists for its versatility. Use it as a moisturizing cream, primer, cleansing milk, moisturizing mask, after-shave, or after-sun care.
Flight attendants love this moisturizing cream because it hydrates the skin after a long flight and doesn’t crease under makeup. “The consistency is amazing,” says Daniela Purdue. “I have really dry skin and am sensitive to pretty much everything, and this product has been a lifesaver.”
Dr. Shereene Idriss knows this cream remains a holy grail item in drugstores worldwide. “What I particularly love about this moisturizer is how versatile it is. It can double as a makeup primer, makeup remover, daily moisturizer, beauty mask, and soothing post-shave treatment.”
