As we get older, the importance of a good skincare routine rises. Anti-aging and moisturizing creams can be hard to choose, depending on skin type or tolerance. Do you pick a drugstore, high-end, or pharmacy brand? Today, we'll broaden your horizons and get you some info about European brands that you should definitely check out. Also, check out our top ten best makeup brands on a global scale!

10. Mixa

Created in 1924 by French apothecarist Dr. Roger, Mixa is a brand that you can find in drugstores and is very affordable. The company's name represents the mixture (in a literal sense) of several drugs in a liquid. The idea behind their products is to use hypoallergenic and tolerant ingredients that will hydrate and soothe irritated skin.

Their first product was a hand cream formulated for dry hands for women working in laundry factories. Expanding its offer to body milk and oils, lip balms, face moisturizers, and baby and sun protection products, Mixa is praised by dermatologists. Top must-try skincare items are CICA Repair Balm and Intensive Repair Anti Dryness Protective Cream.

9. Bioderma

Privately owned French pharmaceutical company Bioderma Laboratories specializes in medication for dermatological and hair/scalp problems. Founded in 1977, they have become one of the top recommendations of doctors and dermatologists. What's unique about the brand is a high focus on scientific research, as they own a specialized biometrology lab.

Their products tackle the most common skin issues such as sensitivity, acne, rosacea, and dryness. Going by their skincare mantra - treat, cleanse, and maintain, the company is trying to cure the underlying source of the problem and not just cover it. Raved about by people worldwide, their product you have to try is Bioderma Micellar Water.

8. Caudalie

Matilde and her husband Bertrand met professor Joseph Vercauteren in her parents' vineyard in 1993. Convincing them that grape seeds contain the most powerful antioxidants, they launched three products two years later. Wonder what the inspiration for the company's name is?

Caudalie is actually a unit of measurement of how long the wine flavor lingers in your mouth. A fascinating fact about the brand is that they don't use parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, or animal ingredients in their products. One of their best-selling items that makeup artists and celebrities are obsessed with is Caudalie Beauty Elixir, a spraying hydrating mist.

7. Noreva

Noreva Dermatological Laboratories were founded in 1989 by a group of dermatologists passionate about skin study. By buying their products, we are guaranteed quality, efficiency, and safety. Having a holistic approach to skincare, the brand considers natural connections between the skin, body, and mind when producing its line.

At Noreva, they are aware that skin is our most sensitive organ, and their products are for all generations and skin types. A visible improvement of the skin's complexion is the foreground of the brand. Noreva Exfoliac Foaming Gel or their fantastic Zeniac LP Intensive Keratoregulating Treatment is a must-try for those of you with oily epidermis.

6. Eucerin

Let's go a little back in history. In 1900, Dr. Isaac Lifschutz created an ointment base consisting of Eucerit, water, and oil and named it Eucerin. Soon after, he sold his pattern to Beiersdorf and joined the company as a chemist. It was a revolutionary product, as Eucerit allowed other active ingredients to be applied directly to the skin.

Continuing with being a pioneer, Eucerin launched pH5 acid ointment, the first product that highlighted the significance of stabilizing the skin's pH balance. From sensitive skin to anti-aging body and face lines, the brand is a synonym for dermatologically approved skincare, free of common misconceptions. Whichever you buy, it won't be a mistake, but we advise you to check out The Soothing Skin Balm or 10% Urea Lotion. They're amazing!

5. Nuxe

Inspired by her father, a research pharmacist, Aliza Jabes loved chemistry experiments as a child. When she turned 21, she went to New York and worked as a financial analyst but realized that the job wasn't a good fit for her. That's why she quit and went back home to France before buying a small skincare products lab.

Nuxe was created in 1957, but it became one of the world's biggest skincare names under Aliza's ownership. Believing that the plants hold the key to healthy, luminous skin, over 98% of their ingredients are plant-derived. Indeed, their prices are up there, as it's a luxurious skin line. If you have money to spend on one product only, buy Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil that leaves your skin hydrated and glowing.

4. Weleda

This brand produces beauty products as well as naturopathic medicines. Co-founded in Switzerland in 1921 by one of the first female doctors, Ita Wegman, and a scientist Rudolph Steiner, the company has a holistic, natural, and organic approach to beauty treatments. The name Weleda was inspired by the Germanic healer and prophet Veleda.

Another interesting fact before we move on to the products - their logo represents Rod of Asclepius, a symbol of medical and pharmaceutical professions. What to try from Weleda first, you must be asking yourselves? We'd go with Skin Food, a universal cream that has been on the market for over 90 years. You can use it for dry or cracked skin, as a makeup base, or everyday moisturizer.

3. Avene

The legend says that in 1736 a horse discovered thermal spring water near Avene, a village in southern France. After drinking and bathing in it, his coat became shiny again, as the animal suffered from a skin condition. A couple of years later, The Marquis of Rocozels built the first thermal spring facility that treated patients suffering from atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and burns..

In 1990 a full skincare line was created using thermal water, and it was the beginning of our loved pharmaceutical brand - Eau Thermale Avene. Can't decide on which of their products to try first? The best choice is to go with something classic like Avene Hydrance Aqua Cream-in-gel, suitable for all skin types that need hydration.

2. La Roche-Posay

Created by a French pharmacist in 1975, La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique is possibly the best dermo-cosmetic brand worldwide. Their products are designed for sensitive skin, containing La Roche Posay thermal water high in selenium. All of their formulas are non-comedogenic and allergy-tested.

In 2006 the company revolutionized with their innovative Anthelios sunscreen, which contained Mexoryl SX as the only filter that protects against short and long UVA rays. What to try from LRP? Honestly, anything, depending on your skin type, of course. La Roche-Posay has lines for acne-prone, atopic or mature skin, so the better question is - what not to try? People who have blemishes should definitely consider Effaclar Duo+ moisturizer.

1. Biologique Recherche

The luxury French skincare line Biologique Recherche is one of the most renowned brands. Established in 1978 as a cosmetics research lab by biologist Yvan Allouche and his wife Josette, it developed formulations for professionals dissatisfied with existing products. With a sole focus on science to create effective formulas, their products achieve actual results.

Many of their formulations have developed a cult status in the beauty world, rightly so, including their Lotion P-50. Hailed by skincare professionals and regular people who tried it, they are a brand worth spending your money on. If you want to pamper your skin, this one is the right choice.

What's your take on our top ten list of European skincare brands we recommended? Have you grown a particular interest in some of them? Tell us if you love a skin product from Europe and which one! 

Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney