In my humble advice: If you’re going to move or travel across the world, you better know the top Spanish skincare brands before you do. One of the best parts of moving abroad has been discovering local brands and trying skincare products you can’t easily find back home.
Since moving to Spain, I’ve been shopping and testing these brands out, sorting through the trends and trying to identify the top Spanish skincare brands that actually work.
If you’re looking to refresh your routine or start incorporating top Spanish skincare brands, here’s everything you need to know before shopping in Spain.
Why Spanish Skincare Brands Are Worth Your Attention
Part of what makes top Spanish skincare brands so special is the balance between clinical research, accessibility, and price.
I think Spain has an extremely underrated skincare market. I’ve seen all the French pharmacy hauls on social media, but I rarely come across a good Spanish skincare routine.
In Spain, you can find everything from pharmacy skincare, dermocosmetics, organic skincare, and even luxury heritage brands. Some Spanish skincare brands are available online or ship to the U.S., and some you can only find in Spain and the EU.
This guide is for you if you:
- Are moving to or visiting Spain
- Love shopping pharmacy skincare
- Care about SPF and sensitive-skin formulas
- Want to discover brands that Spanish locals actually use
If you’re planning a whole shopping trip, see my full guide on where to shop in Spain.
What Makes the Top Spanish Skincare Brands Different From U.S. Brands
European skincare brands tend to use cleaner ingredients and invest more heavily in research. This is partly due to stricter EU regulations, which ban over 1,600 ingredients compared to roughly 11 in the U.S.
What this means for you? High quality, safer skincare at a reasonable price point. This doesn’t necessarily mean U.S. skincare is unsafe, but it does mean EU brands have to formulate within much stricter guidelines.
If you’re curious like I was, see the list of EU banned ingredients here.
In Europe they also put a strong emphasis on sun protection and ultra-protective SPF products, which is an area the U.S. brands generally lag behind. They also tend to have better ingredients, and a balance of luxury and affordable staples.
From Spanish pharmacy skincare to dermocosmetic brands in Spain, there are great options for any price point.
Top Spanish Skincare Brands Locals and Dermatologists Love
In no particular order, here are the top Spanish skincare brands that you must try on your next visit to Spain. These brands were chosen based on what I see most often in Spanish pharmacies, my own personal favorites, what locals actually buy, and what dermatologists commonly recommend here.
ISDIN
Best for: Daily sun protection, sensitive skin, and anyone who wants dermatologist-recommended skincare that works well under makeup.
ISDIN is a dermatologist-recommended Spanish skincare brand well known for their sun protection line. In recent years, they’ve expanded beyond sun care to include cleansers, actives, and even SPF-based makeup.
Recommended products:
- Fusion Water SPF 50 – the best non-oily sunscreen that sits perfectly under your makeup. I love how lightweight this feels on my skin!
- Isdinceutics Retinal Night Serum – a potent, highly effective anti-aging retinal serum that gives visible results.
- Isdinceutics Essential Cleansing Oil – the best cleansing oil to remove makeup and SPF without stripping your skin.
Sesderma
Best for: Targeted concerns like hyperpigmentation, dullness, and acne, especially if you like active ingredients and results-driven skincare.
Sesderma is a top Spanish skincare brand because of the way it uses research and technology to develop highly effective products. Known for its use of nanotechnology and potent active ingredients, Sesderma is a dermocosmetic brand focused on visible results.
Recommended products:
- Sesderma Exoses The Cream – ultra hydrating cream for all skin types, great for your nightly skincare routine.
- Sesderma C-Vit Radiance Serum – the best vitamin C serum, which helps brighten and tighten your skin.
- Sesderma Azelac RU Serum – perfect for eliminating hyperpigmentation and evening out your skin tone.
Freshly
Best for: Clean, natural skincare lovers who care about sustainability but still want clinically tested, effective products.
Freshly cosmetics uses 99% natural ingredients, making this brand a great choice if you’re into organic and natural skincare. But that doesn’t mean it lacks efficacy. Freshly’s products are clinically tested by independent dermatologists and deliver real results.
I also love that they have refills in sustainable packaging, so you don’t have to buy a full new bottle every time you run out!
Recommended products:
- Hyper-Concentrate Eye Serum – I have not yet tried this one, but it’s on my list. As one of their best sellers, I think it’s trending on social media for a reason!
- Vitamin C Concentrate Serum – only rival to Sesderma’s serum listed above!
- Golden Radiance Body Oil – their award-winning body oil that leaves your skin super soft and helps heal scars and stretch marks.
Natura Bissé
Best for: Luxury, spa-grade skincare and advanced treatments, ideal if you’re looking to invest in high-performance products or professional-level results.
Natura Bissé is the top luxury Spanish skincare brand that most high-end spas and estheticians use in Spain and beyond. Based in Barcelona, Natura Bissé has luxurious, clinical-grade skincare that does absolute wonders for your skin.
But when I say luxury, I mean luxury. Prices range from about €40 to over €600.
Recommended products:
- Natura Bissé Inhibit High Definition Serum – if you’re curious like I was, this is their most expensive product. I’m personally not willing to shell out the money for this, but if you try it, let me know in the comments!
- Glyco Extreme Peel – this stuff is the real deal if you’re trying to up your skincare game. This left my skin feeling lifted and evened out my skin tone in a noticeable way after just one use.
- Natura Bissé Stabilizing Cleansing Mask – I used this mask during an in-spa facial treatment and it left my skin feeling extremely fresh and clean.
If you want to try their products without the investment, I’d recommend booking a facial at one of their partner spas to test them out! Natura Bissé is worth it if you love spa-grade treatments, but skip if you’re on a budget.
Cantabria Labs
Best for: Affordable, pharmacy-grade skincare for acne-prone or sensitive skin, with research-backed formulas trusted by locals.
Last but certainly not least is a tried and true Spanish brand, beloved by locals. Cantabria Labs is huge in Spain due to their research-backed products at an affordable price point. This is a drugstore brand that you’ll likely find in pharmacies throughout the country.
Recommended products:
- Biretix Anti-Blemish Spray – this is a good alternative to the Tower 28 blemish spray that works just as well.
- Heliocare 360º Sunscreen – super popular sunscreen that doesn’t feel heavy on your face.
- Cantabria Labs Fortifying Shampoo – they have haircare products that Spaniards also know and love!
Honorable Mention: Mercadona
I have to address the major trend that is Mercadona skincare in Spain. While Mercadona is a supermarket chain and not primarily a skincare retailer, they do have affordable skincare products that are trending right now on social media.
If you’re visiting Spain and want to check them out, here are the trending products you should be on the lookout for:
- Micellar Water
- Facial Clean Exfoliant Mask
- Hidrata Cream Moisturizer
- Anti Frizz Hair Treatment (Color WOW Dupe)
They’re also known for having great affordable fragrances and vitamins/supplements. After one quick visit, you’ll see why locals are obsessed with all things Mercadona!
Where to Buy Top Spanish Skincare Brands
If you’re shopping in Spain and looking for where to buy these top Spanish skincare brands, you’ll find them in a few different spots.
- El Corte Inglés – the nations largest department store. Check the location before you go, since not all stores carry fashion and skincare products. Here you’ll find a range of high-end to reasonably priced skincare brands.
- Farmacias are common places to shop for skincare in Spain. But unlike the U.S., these pharmacies are individually owned and do not all carry the same products. You may have to check a few locations to complete your shopping list!
- Druni & Primor are the equivalent of Ulta and Sephora respectively in the U.S. Druni has a slightly lower price point than Primor, but both carry a wide selection of skincare brands from across the globe.
- Brand website – usually you can order Spanish skincare brands online directly through the brand’s website. A few of them will actually ship to the U.S.
Freshly also has their own brick and mortar retail stores across Spain if you want to shop in person!
What Spanish Skincare Is Cheaper to Buy in Spain vs. the U.S.
Many of the top Spanish skincare brands are significantly cheaper and easier to find in Spain than in the U.S. For example, sunscreens like ISDIN or Heliocare are often half the price in Spain compared to U.S. retailers.
But if you don’t plan on visiting or moving to Spain any time soon, you may be able to find them online in the U.S.
When shopping in Spain, you’ll get the best prices in pharmacies or by visiting Druni. Stores like Primor and El Corte Ingles tend to be slightly more expensive. Make sure you save your receipt for a VAT tax refund at the airport!
Most brands have sales twice a year – in January and August/September.
For more shopping in Spain tips and tricks, make sure to check out my full guide!
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Skincare Brands
Are Spanish skincare brands better than U.S. brands?
Spanish skincare brands tend to focus heavily on clinical research, sun protection, and gentle but effective active ingredients. This is partly due to stricter EU cosmetic regulations, which results in formulations that are often more skin-friendly—especially for sensitive skin.
Can you buy Spanish skincare brands in the United States?
Some of the top Spanish skincare brands, like ISDIN and Natura Bissé, are available in the U.S. through select retailers, Amazon, or brand websites. However, many Spanish pharmacy brands are easier to find (and significantly cheaper) when shopping in Spain or the EU.
Is Spanish skincare cheaper in Spain?
Yes. Spanish skincare brands are typically much more affordable in Spain, especially when purchased at pharmacies, Druni, or during seasonal sales. Visitors can also take advantage of VAT tax refunds when shopping in person.
What are the best Spanish pharmacy skincare brands?
Some of the most trusted Spanish pharmacy skincare brands include ISDIN, Sesderma, and Cantabria Labs. These brands are widely used by locals and dermatologists and are known for effective, research-backed formulations.
Is Mercadona skincare actually good?
Mercadona skincare is popular in Spain due to its low prices and trend-driven products. While it may not replace clinical dermocosmetics, many of their products offer surprisingly good value and are fun to try if you’re visiting Spain.
Final Thoughts on the Top Spanish Skincare Brands
When I was planning my move abroad, not only did I research all the must-know topics like how to open a bank account and get my TIE card, but I also had fun exploring the fun brands and products I would get to shop once I arrived.
This list reflects what I’ve personally seen, tested, and repurchased since moving to Spain, and it’s constantly evolving as I try new products that other locals and dermatologists recommend.
I hope this guide helps get you excited for your next visit to Spain! Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these brands or products, or if you have any other recommendations for the Everyday Abroad community.
Happy shopping!
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