Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best.

Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best.

      As someone in the beauty industry, it's no surprise that I take my skincare routine seriously. I’m fortunate that my job allows me to regularly test a variety of cleansers, sunscreens, and moisturisers. After years of sampling, testing, and comparing products, I have a little secret to share: the finest face creams I've encountered all hail from French pharmacies. These establishments are beloved by editors, dermatologists, and beauty lovers for their wide array of skincare products, offering effective moisturisers at affordable prices that are hard to find in typical British drugstores. The standout favourite among these is undoubtedly Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème.

      Originating in 1950 from a Parisian dermatologist, this luxurious cream was first developed to address skin diseases and infections. However, it quickly became a staple among makeup artists due to its hydrating and skin-prepping qualities for foundation application. Its popularity has only increased since then. Nearly eighty years later, this French moisturiser boasts a substantial following, adored by editors, TikTok beauty influencers, and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian. Therefore, when it arrived in the UK in 2019, I felt compelled to try it, and I've been infatuated ever since. With the introduction of sensitive skin and retinol-like variations in 2021 and 2024 respectively, I was eager to test these new options as well. If you're contemplating a first-time purchase of Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème or are curious about which version to choose next, continue reading for my honest insights.

      **Embryolisse Products Overview**

      - **Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser 75ml**

       - Best for: Normal or dry skin that isn't sensitive to fragrance

       - Key ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, hydrolysed soy protein, mineral oil

       - Fragrance-free? No

       - **Pros:** Versatile formula (can serve as a face cream, cleanser, and primer)

       - **Cons:** Not fragrance-free, which may irritate those with eczema or sensitive skin

      - **Embryolisse Lait-Crème Sensitive 30ml**

       - Best for: Very sensitive or eczema-prone skin that easily reacts to fragrance

       - Key ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, hydrolysed soy protein, vegetable emollient oils, soybean oil

       - Fragrance-free? Yes

       - **Pros:** Fragrance-free, ideal for sensitive or eczema-prone skin

       - **Cons:** The lighter texture might not provide enough nourishment for dry skin types

      - **Embryolisse Lait-Crème Retinol-Like Moisturiser 75ml**

       - Best for: Mature skin or individuals with texture and fine lines

       - Key ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, French Big Clover extract, apricot kernel oil, citric acid, carnauba wax

       - Fragrance-free? No

       - **Pros:** Smooths out fine lines and texture without the adverse effects of real retinol

       - **Cons:** May be too rich for those with oily or acne-prone skin

      **The Formula**

      The original Lait-Crème is an indulgent cream featuring a whipped consistency that envelops the skin, resulting in a plump and nourished feeling. Composed of shea butter, aloe vera, hydrolysed soy protein, and mineral oil, this formula is ideal for my dehydrated skin; however, it may feel too heavy for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. In contrast, the Lait-Crème Sensitive boasts a lighter, more fluid texture which may be preferable for those with oilier skin due to its plant oil formulation instead of mineral oil. That said, it may not provide the same level of nourishment as the original cream, potentially posing an issue for those with dry and sensitive skin since the original contains fragrance. Finally, the Lait-Crème Retinol-Like is undoubtedly the richest of the group, with carnauba wax and apricot kernel oil forming the base. These components create a thicker moisturiser perfect for hydrating skin that needs a boost or tackling texture and fine lines. Plus, because it contains no actual retinol, it can be freely used as a night mask for deeply nourished skin by morning.

      **My Verdict**

      I honestly didn’t expect to find anything that could surpass the original Embryolisse Lait-Crème; however, I’ve made space on my skincare shelf for all three variations. While I still consider the original my daily go-to, the sensitive version is wonderful for the recent heatwave we’ve had in the UK, and the retinol-like formula is perfect for when my skin craves extra hydration, especially in cooler weather. All of them layer well under makeup without leaving a white cast, even on my deeper

Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best.

Other articles

No Hassle, No Extras—5 Simple Outfit Combinations to Stay Comfortable in 25º Heat No Hassle, No Extras—5 Simple Outfit Combinations to Stay Comfortable in 25º Heat Don't stress over what's in vogue at the moment; you can depend on these outfit combinations to simplify dressing during the hot weather year after year. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists still regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists still regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best. The best of the best. I Recently Returned from the South of France—These 5 Accessories Elevated Every Summer Outfit to Look More Luxurious. I Recently Returned from the South of France—These 5 Accessories Elevated Every Summer Outfit to Look More Luxurious. These editor-recommended accessories instantly elevate any summer ensemble and are fashionable enough to be worn into the autumn season. Out of nowhere, all the trendiest fashion influencers are sporting these two particular swimwear colors. Out of nowhere, all the trendiest fashion influencers are sporting these two particular swimwear colors. We’re excited to present the two hottest swimwear color trends for the summer: royal purple and turquoise. Check out our top swim selections in both shades. This nostalgic French fragrance has become even more iconic, and it's set to be worn by everyone. This nostalgic French fragrance has become even more iconic, and it's set to be worn by everyone. A new symbol has arrived. My Minimalist Friend Enjoys an Upscale Aesthetic—7 Essential Pieces for Her Autumn Capsule Wardrobe My Minimalist Friend Enjoys an Upscale Aesthetic—7 Essential Pieces for Her Autumn Capsule Wardrobe Apologies, but autumn is approaching.

Nearly 80 years later, editors and specialists continue to regard this face cream from a French pharmacy as the best.

The best of the best.