When it comes to the best skincare brands on the market, you really can’t beat those French pharmacy favourites. Whether you’re looking for the best cleanser, best moisturiser or best serum, no one does it like the French. From La Roche-Posay to Bioderma, France is a nation known for its simple yet effective formulas. However, there’s one slightly more luxurious French skincare brand that beauty editors and fashion insiders can’t get enough of. Let me introduce you to Caudalie.
Founded in Bordeaux in 1995 by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, this brand focuses on harnessing the antioxidant powers and skincare benefits of grapes. Since launching 30 years ago, the duo has created some of the most iconic skincare products in the world (Caudalie Beauty Elixir, anyone?)
As a beauty editor, I’ve tried pretty much every French skincare brand on the market, and I’ve long been a fan of Cadualie’s luxury offerings. In fact, ask any beauty editor around (we spend a lot of time in France), and they will confirm that Caudalie is the go-to skincare brand amongst chic Parisians. So, when a colleague asked me what I would recommend from the brand, I thought it was time to put together a comprehensive guide to the best Caudalie products that money can buy. Interested? I thought so. Keep on scrolling for my top picks and get ready to glow like never before…
The Best Caudalie Products, Tried & Confirmed by a Beauty Editor
1. Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum
Caudalie
Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum
Best for: Uneven skin tone
Why it’s the best: This is one of Caudalie’s bestselling products. This brightening serum diminishes dark spots, post-blemish marks and discolouration while hydrating the skin for a glowing finish. It features the brand’s patented ingredient called Viniferine, which comes from grapevine sap extract and works to even out the complexion and add radiance. Alongside this, you will also find olive squalane to nourish and soothe the skin.
My review: This serum is worth the hype. The lightweight, milky texture is a dream to apply and sinks into the skin in a matter of seconds. I apply it before my moisturiser, and it creates the perfect base for a glowing makeup look.
For
- Evens out skin tone
- Adds radiance
- Lightweight texture
2. Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Caudalie
Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Best for: Blemish-prone skin
Why it’s the best: If you have blemish-prone skin, then you will love Caudalie’s Vinopure range. This cleanser is a personal favourite and works to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, breakouts and excess oil. It features 100% natural salicylic acid (a hero ingredient for unclogging pores and reducing sebum production) alongside the brand’s prebiotic organic grape water.
My review: This cleanser has the most refreshing gel texture and feels so good when applied to the skin. I typically use hydrating cleansers, so I was a little worried that my skin would feel dry after this, but I was pleasantly surprised by the results. I now reach for this product every time I experience a breakout.
For
- Refreshing gel texture
- Salicylic acid helps to battle breakouts
Against
- Might not be a great option for very dry skin types
3. Caudalie VinoHydra Gel Moisturiser
Caudalie
Vinohydra Gel Moisturiser
Best for: Combination skin
Why it’s the best: As someone with both oily and dry skin, I am always looking for a moisturiser that feels hydrating but doesn’t clog up my complexion. Enter, Caudalie’s VinoHydra Gel Moisturiser. Designed with combination skin types in mind, it has a lightweight gel texture and features a blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and organic grape water to hydrate and plump the skin.
My review: This is, hands down, the most refreshing moisturiser I have ever used. The gel texture provides an instant cooling effect, and my skin feels silky soft after using it. My one piece of advice would be to let the moisturiser fully sink in before applying other products, as I have noticed some pilling from time to time.
For
- Lightweight yet moisturising
- Refreshing gel texture
- Slim bottle makes it easy to travel with
Against
- Doesn’t always layer well with other skincare products
4. Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Lightweight Firming Cashmere Cream
Caudalie
Resveratrol Lift Lightweight Firming Cashmere Cream
Best for: Mature skin
Why it’s the best: If you want a moisturiser that feels a little richer and creamier on the skin, let me introduce you to the brand’s Resveratrol Lift Lightweight Firming Cashmere Cream. This has been formulated specifically as a moisturiser for mature skin and works to plump fine lines and improve elasticity. Hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen and resveratrol are the hero ingredients here and will leave you with a plump, radiant complexion.
My review: I might not have mature skin, but as a beauty editor, I know a good moisturiser when I see one. I used this cream throughout the winter months when my complexion was feeling dull and lackluster, and I noticed such a difference in both the look and feel of my skin. It’s slightly richer than the moisturiser above but still lightweight enough to use all the time. Think of it as a soft cashmere blanket for your complexion.
For
- Feels luxurious to use
- Lightweight but nourishing
Against
- A little more expensive
- Might not be best for very oily skin types
5. Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
Caudalie
Instant Detox Mask
Best for: Combination or oily skin
Why it’s the best: A clay face mask might be a good product to introduce into your weekly skincare routine if you have combination or oily skin. It is a lovely option from Caudalie that is easy to apply and works in just 5-10 minutes. Although TikTok users might tell you that this will “detox” your skin, what it actually does is draw out impurities and excess oil, helping to reduce the appearance of pores and blemishes over time.
My review: As someone with enlarged pores and an oily T-zone, I’m really glad to have gotten my hands on a clay mask from one of my favourite skincare brands. This mask is so easy to use, and I like to apply it once a week to give my skin a good reset. Plus, I love the matte finish that it gives.
For
- Easy to apply
- Draws impurities out of the skin
Against
- Might not be best for sensitive skin types
6. Caudalie Vinotherapist Replenishing Vegan Body Butter
Caudalie
Vinotherapist Replenishing Vegan Body Butter
Best for: Dry skin
Why it’s the best: Okay, I know this isn’t a facial skincare product, but we still need to take care of the skin on our body, too. This is one of my favourite body butters of all time, and trust me, I’ve tried the lot. First of all, it smells incredible. It has a 100% natural almond fragrance, and to me, it smells like freshly baked goods. The whipped cream texture is so nourishing, and the formula contains shea butter and almond oil, so your skin is left feeling silky soft.
My review: I recommend this body butter to everyone I know. It is so good for anyone with dry skin, and it smells so delicious. Because of the thicker texture, you do have to allow some time to let this sink in, but I apply it at night and wake up with baby-soft limbs.
For
- Super nourishing
- Smells incredible
Against
- Bulky packaging
- Takes a while to sink in
7. Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Sun Water SPF50+
Caudalie
Vinosun Very High Protection Sun Water SPF50+
Best for: Sun protection
Why it’s the best: I included this in my roundup of the best body sunscreens on the market because it really is that good. It can be used on the face, body and hair (I personally use it on the body) and blends in quickly and easily. It has a half-water, half-oil formula, so all you have to do is shake the bottle before use and spray it onto the skin. It feels like a really luxurious product to use when on holiday and protects against UVA and UVB rays.
My review: When I first got this product, I was worried that it was going to feel greasy on the skin, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It sinks in immediately and leaves my skin feeling soft, hydrated and glowy. It’s great for topping up my sun protection throughout the day.
For
- Easy-to-use spray formula
- Sinks in quickly
- Protects against UVA and UVB rays
Against
- Have to shake well before use
8. Caudalie Thé des Vignes Fragrance
Caudalie
Thé des Vignes Fragrance
Best for: A lightweight, summer scent
Why it’s the best: Okay, so this isn’t a skincare product either, but I couldn’t do this roundup without mentioning this perfume. With notes of white musk, neroli, ginger, orange blossom and jasmine, this delicate, warming, sensual scent is my go-to in the summer months. It is a lot lighter than your typical perfume so it’s great for those of you who don’t like anything too strong, and like a lot of the brand’s products, it’s been created with natural origin ingredients. It is, without question, one of the best affordable perfumes in existence.
My review: This scent perfectly captures the feeling of watching the sunset on holiday with a glass of wine in hand. When I spray it on, I feel as if I am suddenly basking in that golden glow. Plus, the smaller bottle is perfect for taking away with me.
For
- A beautiful summer scent
- Lightweight
- Easy to travel with
Shop More Caudalie Favourites
Another bestseller from the brand, this face mist can be used for lots of different things, including setting your makeup in place and refreshing your complexion throughout the day. It adds a beautiful glow to the skin, and the antioxidant-rich formula also provides a burst of hydration. One thing I will say is that this does contain quite a lot of fragrance, so it might not be best for more sensitive skin types.
Caudalie
Premier Cru The Rich Cream
Part of Caudalie’s luxury Premier Cru range, this rich moisturiser firms, smooths and plumps the complexion. Similar to the Resveratrol Lift cream, this is a really great option for mature skin types.
Caudalie
Self-Tan Sun Drops
New from the brand, Caudalie’s self-tan drops are so great for adding a natural, sun-kissed glow to the skin. Simply mix two to six drops in with your favourite moisturiser.
Caudalie
Resveratrol Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream
The brand has a lot of great eye creams, but this one would be my top choice. With the refreshing metal applicator and the cooling gel formula, this is bound to wake you up in the morning.
