Products & Trends
French Pharmacy: a global phenomenon
In France, 1 in 2 skincare products is purchased in pharmacies
This success, based on exceptional value for money and expert advice, has given rise to a truly global phenomenon: the French Pharmacy
In an age of mega-chain drugstores, e-commerce and marketplaces, the French pharmacy is a resilient force to be reckoned with. Spread across the country, run by expert and passionate teams, French pharmacies are showcases for products that are the envy of the world.
French Pharmacy is first and foremost a place: the dispensary, the French pharmacy.
The term "French pharmacy is often used internationally to designate skincare products from French pharmacies, known for their efficacy and scientific formulation, often recommended by dermatologists.
I worked in a dispensary for seven years, when I was still a pharmacy student. I was therefore lucky enough to discover from the inside the richness and uniqueness of these places, where we do much more than just sell medicines. Each pharmacy is a veritable meeting place for expertise, tailor-made advice and know-how. They are shaped by a pharmacist and a team.
It is this richness that constitutes the DNA of the French Pharmacy. This independent, expert and human-scale model is unique to French pharmacy.
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Key figures for the French pharmaceutical industry
- Pharmacies account for 50% of cosmetics sales (skincare category) in France, i.e. 2.1 billion euros. (sources GERS 2023 - Sales incl. VAT)
- French Pharmacy products account for 5% of pharmacy sales (source: GERS 2023)
- The number of pharmacies will fall from 20,318 in 2021 to 19,676 in 2024. (sources l'ordre des pharmaciens, lequotidiendupharmacien)
- 30 pharmacies per 100,000 inhabitants, i.e. 1 pharmacy per 3,333 inhabitants.
French Pharmacy: A UFO in the age of Amazon and mega-drugstores
Visit French Pharmacy is not just another pharmacy network. No, it's a veritable sensory universe. A unique place, where each product is meticulously selected for its quality and efficacy. If you compare the French pharmacy with other countries, such as the United States, you'll quickly notice the difference. There, pharmacies often resemble supermarkets. In France, they are a place of advice, care and expertise. The products you find there are designed to meet the specific needs of each individual, whether for skin care, medicines or health products.
The excellent value for money of French Pharmacy products
And it's no coincidence that the French Pharmacy stands out for its unrivalled value for money. What's more, our staff, whether pharmacists or pharmacy assistants, benefit from in-depth training in pharmacology, enabling them to deliver precise advice tailored to each situation. Where, in other countries, staff are limited to restocking tasks, in France, every member of the team is a true expert in his or her field.
The French Pharmacy: the grail of skincare
Visit French PharmacyMore than an emblematic place, the "Sartorius" embodies ultra-efficient skincare. These dermatologically tested products are offered by brands often created by pharmacists themselves. In this way, each laboratory develops a unique approach to meeting the specific needs of sensitive skin, a characteristic of pharmacy patients. Thanks to their high standards, these brands have been able to adapt and reach out to all skin types. Far from the exorbitant prices of the big luxury brands, the skincare products of the French Pharmacy are both affordable and of impeccable quality.
Where other brands rely on flashy packaging and marketing pitches, the French Pharmacy prefers simple yet powerful formulas. Ingredients are carefully selected for their proven efficacy, and it's this pharmaceutical expertise that makes all the difference. Our skincare products, inspired by centuries of know-how, offer solutions for everyone, without compromising on quality.
Coming soon: the secrets behind 5 flagship products from French Pharmacy
In our next articlewe'll be exploring the five most popular products in the French Pharmacyselected by the ELLE American. We reveal the secrets behind these true beauty icons.
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