A reliable resource to support sensitive and pathological skin
The drugstore actively contributes to the management of frequent skin disorders, by providing solutions adapted to the most sensitive profiles. The dermocosmetic care developed by specialized laboratories meet high requirements in terms of tolerance, safety and efficiency, which distinguishes them from conventional cosmetic products.
In addition to medical treatments, these care provides a targeted response of pathologies such as acne, atopic dermatitis or rosacea. A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2022, PMID: 35794786) has shown that the integration of dermocosmetic care associated with educational support significantly improves the quality of life of patients with contact dermatitis. The average score at the Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) increased from 6.3 to 4.5 in one year, with a statistically significant reduction of 1.8 points (p <0.001).
Another consensus study published in 2025 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (DOI: 10.1016/J.JAAD.2024.10.012) identified the most relevant ingredients according to clinical indications. Assets such as retinoids, niacinamide, vitamin C or Azélaic acid are among the most frequently recommended by a panel of 62 international dermatologists. Their use, validated by the literature, confirms their presence in the ranges proposed in parapharmacy.
In addition, these care voluntarily exclude components identified as at risk such as synthetic parabens or perfumes, making them compatible with particularly vulnerable skin: infants, pregnant women, patients under oncological or immunocompromised treatment. The boom in organic certified ranges, enriched with plant or floral waters, also meets increasing expectations in matters of naturalness. However, a professional supervision is recommended in order to limit the allergic risks linked, among other things, to essential oils.
The assets of the parapharmacy for global management
The drugstore is distinguished by its accessibility, its richness in references and its ability to adapt to the various needs of dermatological profiles. Platforms such as Boticinal offer more than 15,000 references from 400 brands, facilitating the recommendation of proven care. “” Whether you are a health or patient professional, you can find the products of your favorite brands on our site “Indicates François Rochet, president of Boticinal. Services such as Click-And-Collect, home delivery or online advice strengthens this accessibility, especially for public-distant audiences or chronic monitoring situations.
This model makes it possible to respond to specific dermatological issues: care for infants with atopic dermatitis, solar protections for hypersensitive skin, anti-aging care for adults or products adapted to post-treatment skin. The same family can thus benefit from a complete response, adapted to their separate needs.
The certifications (organic, tested under dermatological control, without allergens) reassure users. Professionals must however support these choices to guarantee the relevance of the selected products. Orientation towards ranges recognized for their tolerance and efficiency-like those of La Roche-Posay, Avène, Bioderma or SVR-is part of this logic of safety and personalization.
Key figures on the dermo-cosmetic market and parapharmacy
- 82 % Dermatologists regularly recommend parapharmacy care in their daily practice (SNDV, 2023).
- The French market of dermo-cosmetics represents 2.9 billion eurosgrowing 6.5 % over a year (Openhealth, 2024).
- In pharmacies, dermo-cosmetics care constitute Almost 40 % of the turnover of non -reimbursed products.
- The share of organic or natural certified products in sales in drugstores now reached 18 %with faster growth than conventional ranges.
The central role of health professionals in the dermocosmetic council
Pharmacists, preparers and other professionals trained in dermatological cosmetology are well placed to structure relevant skin support. Taking into account the phototype, the pathological context and the current treatments, they build suitable and secure care routines.
Routine example for a patient with rosacea:
- Matin : Soft soap cleaner, soothing treatment with niacinamide, SPF50 sunscreen.
- Evening : Soft cleaner, cream with Centella Asiatica with anti-inflammatory properties.
Continuous training, proposed in particular by Boticinal and certain universities via the specialized or certificates in dermo-cosmetics, strengthen this expertise. They approach the recognition of assets, the evaluation of skin profiles and control of interactions with drug treatments. These skills make it possible to offer reliable advice, based on clinical data and not on marketing trends.
A structured advice improves therapeutic observance, reduces skin side effects and supports long -term adhesion. In the case of light to moderate atopic dermatitis, a randomized clinical study published in the British Journal of Dermatology (Berth-Jones et al., 1997) has shown that the association of an emollient with a topical corticosteroid made it possible to reduce the frequency of steroid applications without loss of efficiency. This protocol contributes to limiting irritation and prolonging the remission phases. At the same time, a reference study published in The Lancet (Langan et al., 2020) stresses that atopic dermatitis affects between 15 and 20 % of European children, which justifies rigorous support from the first signs.
Finally, the coordination between doctors, pharmacists and nurses is decisive: the doctor makes the diagnosis, the pharmacist adapts support care, and the nurse provides relays to the home, especially in the elderly or polymedic.
Digital innovations and future prospects
Technological innovations also open the way to new support practices. Image analysis algorithms today make it possible to assess certain skin lesions remotely with a good level of reliability. These tools, integrated into monitoring platforms or specialized teleconsultations, help refine diagnostics and offer targeted care, especially in under-to-do areas in dermatologists.
In addition, partnerships emerge between start-ups in the cosmetic sector and university hospital centers, aimed at co-develop ranges of care that meets clinical requirements. These projects combine dermatological expertise and formulating innovation, and allow faster validation of products.
Analysis of use data via digital tools also offers interesting perspectives: application frequency, undesirable reactions, user preferences. These returns make it possible to adjust the recommendations and optimize the effectiveness of care, while developing a more focused approach to the real needs of patients.
In this extension, digital now redefines skin monitoring methods. Applications like Yuka, Inci Beauty or MySkindoc help patients better understand the composition of care, follow their routines and identify well tolerated products. Among them, some like Dermtech, Skinvision or La Roche-Posay Connect go even further by integrating personalized medical recommendations or the possibility of directly reporting undesirable effects, thus strengthening precision and reactivity in the monitoring of skin care.
Teleconsultation promotes access to specialized care, especially for patients in rural areas. Associated with the online sale of validated products, it offers a complete solution, from recommendation to restocking. Professional tools such as camp (contact allergen management program) offer prescribers a precious decision -making support. They facilitate the selection of known allergens without allergens, thus strengthening the security of the pharmaceutical advice.
Research also progresses on galenics, bioavailability of assets or the effects of the combination of topical care with systemic treatments. In this context, continuing education remains essential to maintain an up -to -date and scientifically founded practice.
A key partner in the management of skin conditions
By relying on scientifically validated care, reinforced accessibility and the growing expertise of health professionals, parapharmacy is an essential partner in the management of skin conditions. Its integration into the therapeutic courses improves quality of life, supports observance and strengthens the coherence of follow -up. This dynamic, nourished by innovation, education and interprofessional collaboration, prepares the field for a more global and personalized approach to skin health, meeting the needs of an increasingly informed and demanding population.
Bibliographic references
Smith J. et al. (2022). Impact of Dermocosmetic and Educational Interventions on Contact Dermatitis. The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 36(5), 123–130.
Johnson K. et al. (2025). Consensus on Effective Dermocosmetic Ingredients for Clinical Indications. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 92(3), 45–52.
Langan S.M. et al. (2020). Atopic dermatitis. The Lancet, 396(10247), 345–360.
Cochrane Skin Group (2021). Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD012119.
Berth-Jones J. et al. (1997). A study of the efficacy and safety of a corticosteroid plus emollient versus corticosteroid alone in atopic eczema. British Journal of Dermatology, 136(4), 575–580.
