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.

      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 test an array of cleansers, SPFs, and moisturisers on a daily basis. After years of sampling, testing, and comparing, I’ll share a little secret: the best face creams I’ve experienced all hail from French pharmacies. Admired by editors, dermatologists, and beauty lovers for their vast skincare selections, French pharmacies provide affordable yet effective moisturisers that are hard to find in typical British chemists. The standout cream is undoubtedly Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème.

      Launched in 1950 by a Parisian dermatologist, this luxurious cream was originally formulated to address skin diseases and infections. However, it quickly became a favorite among makeup artists because of its ability to hydrate and prep the skin perfectly for foundation. Its acclaim has only increased over the decades, and nearly eighty years later, this French moisturiser has amassed a larger following, celebrated by editors, TikTok beauty stars, and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian. Consequently, when it launched in the UK in 2019, I was eager to try it and have been hooked ever since. With the sensitive-skin and retinol-like variants released in 2021 and 2024, respectively, I felt it was essential to test these newer formulations as well. If you’re contemplating trying Embryolisse's Lait-Crème for the first time or deciding which version to choose next, continue reading for my honest insights.

      **Shop Embryolisse's Lait-Crème**

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

       - Best for: Normal or dry skin that tolerates fragrance

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

       - Fragrance-free? No

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

       - **Cons:** Not fragrance-free, which might aggravate those with eczema or sensitive skin

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

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

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

       - Fragrance-free? Yes

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

       - **Cons:** The lighter texture may not feel as hydrating as the original for those with dry skin

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

       - Best for: Mature skin or those 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 fine lines and texture without the side effects of traditional retinol

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

      **The Formula**

      The original Lait-Crème is a rich whipped lotion that envelops the skin, leaving it plump and nourished. Its combination of shea butter, aloe vera, hydrolyzed soy protein, and mineral oil works wonderfully on my dehydrated face and body, although it may feel too heavy for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The Lait-Crème Sensitive has a thinner and runnier texture, which might be preferred by individuals with oilier skin, as it substitutes mineral oil with plant oils, making it suitable for sensitive skin. However, it may not be as nourishing as the original, which could pose a challenge for those with both dry and sensitive skin, given that the initial cream contains fragrance. Lastly, the Lait-Crème Retinol-Like is the richest option, with carnauba wax and apricot kernel oil as its foundational ingredients. These components create a denser moisturiser perfect for boosting skin hydration or reducing texture and fine lines. Additionally, since it doesn’t contain actual retinol, it can be used freely as a night mask for deeply nourished skin.

      **My Verdict**

      I initially thought nothing could surpass the original Embryolisse Lait-Crème; however, I’ve found space on my skincare shelf for all three versions. While the original cream is still my everyday favorite, the sensitive variant is ideal for the heatwave conditions we've had in the UK, and the retinol-like formula is perfect for when my skin requires a hydration boost, especially as the weather cools. They all work well under makeup and leave no white residue on my deeper skin tone. In fact, they provide a healthy glow

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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

The best of the best.