The low-down on French pharmacy brand Caudalie – straight from Red's beauty desk
When life gives you grapes, make beauty products. That’s what Mathilde Thomas, founder of Caudalie did after discovering that the fruit, seeds and sap in the vines at her parents’ vineyard in Bordeaux were a source of powerful polyphenols that could be used to both protect and preserve the skin.
By the time I met Mathilde and her co-founder husband Bertrand some 20 years ago, they had developed a capsule range that already had a cult following in French pharmacies. The reason I fell for Caudalie because of the impeccable science behind the brand – Mathilde has worked with experts from the University of Bordeaux to Harvard – and because the products do what they say on the tin. I also love the sensorial textures that make everything such a joy to use.
Caudalie's not just a firm favourite of mine; everyone on our team has a go-to product from the brand currently in their bathroom. So we decided to share these favourites with our readers (that's you), and throw in some other French Pharmacy heroes in the mix while we're at it.
From its best-in-class facial skincare, its luxurious – and gorgeous-smelling – body range, or game-changing hand cream, here are our picks from Caudalie’s cult line-up.
Eve Cameron, Beauty Director
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting, £48
Every time I rediscover this serum, I fall in love with it all over again. The active ingredient complex from vine sap inhibits the overproduction of melanin that leads to hyperpigmentation and helps to fade existing dark spots. Use it for a just a couple of weeks and you’ll notice your skin looks brighter (and feels more hydrated) overall. I use it under my SPF in the morning.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream, £12
I wish I’d protected my hands as scrupulously from the sun as I have my face. This hand cream, while not a miracle worker, definitely helps to fade sun spots and slow the development of new ones, along with making the skin on my hands generally look rather plumper and fresher.
Charley Williams-Howitt, Acting Beauty Editor
Offering so much more than simply cooling my complexion with a refreshing, slightly minty veil, this cult spray is enriched with botanicals that help keep skin bouncy. I mist regularly for soothing, tightening and brightening results on the go – and it sets makeup too. There’s a 30ml mini available if you want to give it a try before committing to the larger size.
Caudalie Thé des Vignes Hyaluronic Nourishing Body Lotion, £17
There’s nothing more satisfying than slathering on a rich, scented body cream, which is why this is one of my bathroom staples. Delivering a lovely zing of ginger to wake up tired limbs, skin is left hydrated, with a healthy-looking sheen. The waft of Caudalie’s signature musky Thé des Vignes scent is an added joy, too.
Fleur Fruzza, Beauty Editor
Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator, £20
I love physical exfoliating scrubs for the feeling of unequivocal cleanness they give, but finding an environmentally friendly one that deep cleans without being harsh on skin can be tricky. This is why I love Caudalie’s Deep Cleansing Exfoliator. The volcanic sand microbeads work with hydrating grape water to gently, thoroughly, slough away dead skin, leaving my face feeling ultra-fresh.
Caudalie Vinotherapist Hand & Nail Repairing Cream, £10.50
A combination of eczema, over-washing and using stringent sanitisers has left my hands in a perpetual state of dryness, which in turn has made me a hand cream obsessive. My current favourite is Caudalie’s hand and nail cream – it's rich (velvety thick without being greasy) and, thanks to avocado and olive oils, extremely nourishing.
Phoebe Lee, Beauty Writer
Caudalie Very High Protection SPF50+, £19
It’s easy to wear SPF every day when it looks and feels like Caudalie's. The texture is more a milky water than cream, absorbing with such ease that I forget I’m wearing it. It also behaves well under makeup, with no pilling in sight.
Caudalie Soleil des Vignes Shower Gel, £9
My latest happy-making find is this £9 shower gel, which comes in a rainbow of colours and scents. It’s Soleil des Vignes that has my heart in the warmer months – one sniff and, yes, I really am transported to sunnier climes. It cleanses without leaving my skin feeling tight, and I can smell the coconut and jasmine scent hours later.
Four more French pharmacy gems to know...
Unlike many balms which either don’t really nourish or disappear all too quickly, this does a proper job – even on the driest lips. Quite simply the best lip balm ever! - Eve Cameron
Embroylisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser £15
Lightweight and milky this leaves my skin soft-to-touch yet absorbs quickly, making it a brilliant primer for makeup - Charley Williams-Howitt
Klorane Ultra-Gentle Dry Shampoo, £10.50
Formulated for fussy, sensitive scalps, it’s the gentle, ultra-fine formula that makes this dry shampoo so stellar. The powdery mist mops up any excess oil without feeling heavy and gives day-two hair some extra life - Phoebe Lee
Uriage Eau Thermale Age Protect Multi-Action Detox Night Cream, £31.40
Packed with retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and thermal water, this comprehensive, inexpensive night cream gives my complexion next-level hydration and radiance - Fleur Fruzza
For more beauty inspiration from Red's experts, see the products they couldn't live without this summer.
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