How to French Pharmacy

Béatrice Galy and Maïlys Bueno from La Pharmacie des Simples, Paris 11, share their essentials.

A visit to France isn’t complete without stepping into a French pharmacy. These aren’t average drugstores. Tucked between tabacs and bakeries, they’re part cabinet of curiosities, part neighborhood lifeline where locals refill prescriptions, pick up cult skincare, and ask real questions to real pharmacists. Healing balms, antioxidant serums, baby-safe sunscreens, herbal teas: French pharmacies offer a no-nonsense kind of care, blending science, simplicity, and plant-based tradition.

Maïlys, Béatrice and Justine shot by photographer Louis Dumetz (Maïlys’ boyfriend)

In Paris, La Pharmacie des Simples takes the ethos a step further. Fiercely independent, ethically uncompromising, and unapologetically feminist, it operates outside big pharmacy groups and trends. The team hand-selects every product — from biodynamic skincare and Swiss toothpastes to fermented Korean shampoos — with one goal: offering thoughtful, effective, composition-clean remedies without the gendered marketing or greenwashing.

Rooted in the legacy of traditional herbalism, the pharmacy still blends its own liquid plant extracts and tisanes, and proudly revives the old notion of simples : single, medicinal plants used on their own, without additives. Here, nothing is chosen lightly. Not the nail polish shades. Not the contraceptive prices. Not the language used to describe who needs what.

The result? A place where self-care is treated as a serious, joyful, and inclusive practice — whether you're shopping for a headache remedy, a dewy skin serum, or a better way to get through winter.

1. What’s the one produit culte you always keep in your bag?

Béatrice
Baume de soin des Pyrénées by Ballot-Flurin. This balm comes in both travel and full-size versions. It was originally created by shepherds in the Pyrenees who needed protection against the cold. They used ingredients from the beehive — honey, beeswax, propolis — along with local plants like borage oil to help repair the skin, and lavender to soothe it. You can use it on your lips, on an irritated nose in winter, on cuticles, or even on insect bites. It’s a real all-purpose balm!.

Maïlys
Active Glow nail polish by Manucurist. It strengthens nails and instantly makes your hands look fresh and clean. It dries in 12 seconds ; no mess, no stress.

2. One essential to survive a trip to France?

Béatrice
Since we tend to drink a bit of alcohol in France, what matters most to me is staying well hydrated. Hydratis is designed to help your body retain water. When I drink, I take a glass of Hydratis before going out, and another one when I get back. It usually works really well. I’ve tried it because I enjoy partying and, the next day, no headache. It actually saves me from having to take aspirin.

Maïlys
Our signature tisane La Gourmande, an herbal tea blend we make at the pharmacy. Delicious and great for digestion after a rich meal.

3. Your favorite soin visage (face care product)?

Béatrice
The manuka honey cream by Antipodes. This honey is incredibly rich in antioxidants, making it a powerful skin healer. It tightens enlarged pores, promotes healing, and helps reduce all those little imperfections. Very hydrating but non-greasy, it’s ideal for sensitive or redness-prone skin.

Maïlys
The sérum à la vitamine C from SVR. Brightens, protects, and smooths — and it’s safe for all skin types, including pregnant women.

4. A great product for the hair?