The Most Iconic French Pharmacy Product Is *Finally* Available in the U.S., and We're So Excited

The Most Iconic French Pharmacy Product Is *Finally* Available in the U.S., and We're So Excited

      French pharmacy products stand out on their own. Renowned for their effectiveness and often multifunctionality, they have gained the trust of editors and skincare professionals for many years. Some popular examples are Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil ($30), Embryolisse's Lait-Crème Concentré ($19), and Bioderma's Sensibio H2O Micellar Water ($17), among others. Nowadays, many of these beloved French pharmacy items are available in the U.S., with a few exceptions, most notably Biafine. This cream, which has achieved cult status, was created by a chemist in the 1970s and has since become a household essential in France for its calming and healing properties for the skin. Previously, obtaining a tube of Biafine required a trip to France. (It was one of the many iconic French pharmacy products I acquired during my visit to Paris.) Now, however, it is as easy as placing an order on Amazon. Yes, Biafine is now officially available for purchase in the U.S. Continue reading for more information.

      BIAFINE

      Skin Recovery Emulsion for Face & Body

      What is Biafine? "Biafine is a topical emulsion designed to aid skin recovery after burns, irritation, and dermatological treatments,” explains Hajrie Sulejmani, CEN, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, DNP, a certified aesthetic injector and founder of The Aesthetics Loft in Connecticut. "In France, it's viewed as a pharmacy necessity that serves more as a functional skin-repair product rather than a cosmetic. Its reputation stems from its capability to consistently soothe and rehydrate damaged skin. It embodies a clinical, barrier-focused approach to skincare instead of a results-driven, corrective one.”

      Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, adds, "It's a household favorite in France, and for good reason. This multipurpose product helps keep the skin moisturized, supports the skin barrier, and helps alleviate dryness."

      The tube of Biafine I bought in Paris (Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)

      What are the benefits for the skin? Biafine offers clinically validated skin benefits, but it is not meant to replace your regular moisturizer or for daily use. Both Camp and Sulejmani emphasize that it's a soothing balm for skin after minor trauma, like sunburn. "Biafine is used to help the skin recover from minor burns, sun exposure, and irritation from procedures,” says Sulejmani. "Its purpose is not to treat but to stabilize, maintaining hydration and minimizing discomfort while the skin heals. It establishes a controlled environment that facilitates the effective recovery of the barrier. Essentially, it serves as a recovery step rather than a corrective one." Camp agrees, stating it is a remedy for post-procedure or environmentally stressed skin—not a regular moisturizer. However, it does include humectants and emollients, such as avocado oil, squalene, and an ingredient derived from algae. “The formula is centered around trolamine, which helps maintain moisture and supports the skin’s natural repair process,” explains Sulejmani. “It’s complemented by emollients and humectants that reduce transepidermal water loss and enhance barrier function. The aim is less about active correction and more about restoring balance to irritated skin. It works best when the skin is already compromised."

      How should it be applied? "It's not designed for everyday moisturizing," Camp reiterates. "Its primary function is to aid skin recovery." For this reason, he suggests using it to relieve inflamed, stressed, or damaged skin in moments of need—such as for sunburn, post-laser treatment, or if you've accidentally burned your hand on a curling iron. “It can be applied multiple times a day based on the level of irritation or disruption to the barrier,” Sulejmani states. “The focus should be on consistent hydration rather than heavy layering. When used correctly, it’s well-tolerated and effective at maintaining skin comfort during recovery. Application should always be based on the condition of the skin." Camp agrees that it's generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, but he suggests checking the ingredient list for potential allergies and consulting a dermatologist before use. If you have acne-prone skin, it might block pores, so be cautious. "If you're more prone to acne, it's advisable to use it sparingly and apply only to targeted areas when necessary," he advises. Lastly, avoid applying it to serious wounds, burns, or significant skin traumas. "It's not suitable for infected or severe wounds without medical oversight," Sulejmani notes. "It's best regarded as a short-term recovery product rather than a daily essential. Its use should be deliberate, in consideration of the skin's needs."

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The Most Iconic French Pharmacy Product Is *Finally* Available in the U.S., and We're So Excited

Biafine, a renowned skincare product from French pharmacies, is now finally available for purchase in the U.S. Click here to discover why it is considered a must-have.