European Skincare I’m Loving Over 50
As an American currently in Europe, I’m enjoying having access to all the European skincare products right in the pharmacies. Did you know that Europe has banned over 1,300 chemicals from cosmetics & skincare that are suspected of being harmful? It’s made European skincare lean toward cleaner, more natural formulations, with a focus on gentle, minimalist routines. Let’s talk about the European skincare that I’m loving over 50.
This blog uses affiliate links to link to the products I use and love, which means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission, so thank you!
The European Skincare Difference
I’d say the biggest difference is practicality over hype. For example, the EU caps SPF labeling at 50+, to avoid misleading people into thinking more is always better—(studies show SPF 50+ blocks ~98% of UVB rays, with diminishing returns beyond that).
Compare that to the U.S., where SPF 100+ products flood the market with flashier marketing, despite minimal added benefit.
The U.S. has a more lenient system under the FDA. However, this allows U.S. skincare to lean into innovation and bolder claims but can result in harsher or more synthetic-heavy products compared to Europe’s “less is more” philosophy.
What I’m loving so far in European Skincare
- Great for dry skin
- I love the glow and dewy look this SPF gives me without leaving me feeling greasy or oily.
- No white cast, just melts right into the skin.
- Sits well under makeup.
- Gentle on dry or sensitive skin
- Feels very clean afterward without feeling stripped or dry.
- Use once or twice a week as a physical exfoliator.
- Very effective for fine lines and wrinkles.
- A more gentle retinoid
- Fades hyperpigmentation
- Leaves a nice glow and has a plumping effect in the morning!
- Non drying and gentle
- Works so well at removing makeup easily and without fuss.
- No fragrance or harsh ingredients to strip the skin
- This one is a Holy Grail product for me.
Boderm Tazarene Cream
- A Tazarotene 0.05% product (topical retinoid).
- Tazarotene’s the newer, slightly edgier upgrade from Tretinoin.
- Very similar to Retin A (Tretinoin) but not as irritating to the skin.
- Incredible product for anti aging effects and can be purchased over the counter in some European countries .
Where to Get European Skincare in the US
If you’d like to peruse a large selection of European skincare in European formulations, LookFantastic ships to the US. In the US, retinoids still need a prescription but you can get easily get Tretinoin through a prescription from Amazon’s One Medical or by subscription through services like Hers and Musely.
I’ve got loads more to try! Let me know if you’d like for me to try anything in particular. I hear that Nivea here, in the blue tin is the original German formulation and is a Holy Grail moisturizer and comparable to La Mer! And it’s on Amazon for under $10.
Explore & Shop
Give some of these products a try and I think you’ll see why they are the Holy Grail for so many women around the world. You might like this post on applying makeup to mature hooded eyes.
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