The short answer upfront: No, there is no direct equivalent to German drugstores such as dm, Rossmann, or Müller in Italy. Those relocating or vacationing who are still looking for toothpaste, diapers, cosmetics, or shower gel will find the Italian counterpart in several specialized chains, which differ in some cases quite significantly from the German concept in terms of product range and pricing. And some things that belong to the drugstore category in Germany are simply distributed differently in Italy.
The Italian answer: Acqua & Sapone, Tigotà, and Ipersoap
Several chains that are barely known internationally take on the leading role in Italy's drugstore segment. The market leader is Acqua & Sapone, founded in 1992 and today the largest Italian drugstore chain for personal care, cosmetics, and household products, with around 700 locations. Stepping into the first Acqua & Sapone store, visitors encounter a blend of discount aesthetics and perfumery-style assortment, with a large share of private-label products and rotating special offers. The stores are usually located slightly outside city centers, often along arterial roads or in shopping centers, and are particularly densely represented in northern and central Italy.
Also present nationwide is Tigotà, founded in 2009 in Modena and today the second-largest chain in the sector, with more than 600 locations. Tigotà positions itself closer to the perfumery model with a somewhat broader beauty segment, though its assortment likewise ranges from detergents to baby care. The duo is complemented by Ipersoap, Risparmio Casa (with a stronger focus on household and cleaning products), and Norwegian newcomer Normal, which opened its first Italian locations in late 2024 and is drawing attention with particularly low prices.
Why these stores operate differently
Compared to dm or Rossmann, one immediately notices that the Italian chains have less urban-oriented opening hours and locations. While dm stores in Germany can be found in virtually every pedestrian zone, Italian drugstores are frequently situated in peripheral locations or smaller centers along arterial roads. Those who do not have a car available while on vacation should keep this in mind and look for basic essentials at the supermarket or pharmacy instead.
The product logic is also different. Natural cosmetics, organic product lines, and eco-friendly cleaning products play a smaller role in Italian drugstores than dm's Alverde or Rossmann's Alterra, but classic personal care products and household chemicals are available at particularly attractive prices. The typical German combination of organic food, natural cosmetics, and photo services all under one roof does not exist in Italy.
What supermarkets cover
A key reason why Italian drugstores are less dominant lies in the supermarkets themselves. Locations of Conad, Coop, Esselunga, Carrefour, and others generally feature generously sized sections for personal care, household chemicals, diapers, and basic cosmetics, often at prices comparable to those at specialized drugstores. Those who pick up shampoo, detergent, and a toothbrush during their weekly grocery run save themselves an extra stop.
Larger formats such as Ipercoop or Iperconad come close to the full range of a German drugstore, sometimes supplemented by small electronics, textiles, and office supplies. For everyday needs, this is usually sufficient, though the selection of specific brands and niche segments is noticeably smaller than at a German drugstore.
Farmacia and Parafarmacia as a complement
A role that in Germany clearly belongs to the drugstore is traditionally filled in Italy by the pharmacy. Higher-priced cosmetics, baby food, vitamin supplements, nutritional supplements, medicinal cosmetics, and sometimes natural cosmetics are frequently sold through Farmacie or the somewhat more affordable Parafarmacie . Those accustomed to buying vitamin tablets at dm for under ten euros will encounter different price levels at Italian pharmacies; on the other hand, the consultation is usually more thorough and the products are often Italian brands such as Somatoline, Rilastil, or Bionike.
When it comes to German brands
Those who miss specific German drugstore brands will need to make compromises in Italy. Balea, Alverde, Alterra, and other dm or Rossmann private-label products are not available; however, the Italian chains sometimes carry their own lines at a similar price point. International brands such as Nivea, Head & Shoulders, Colgate, Pantene, Ariel, and Persil are widely available, though certain special sizes or fragrance variants from the German market are not. Typically German organic cosmetics brands are also rare in Italy; those who want them should bring them along or order online.
Conversely, there are Italian brands and products that German drugstores do not carry: bar Marseille soap, bidet cleaners, classic eau de cologne successors such as Acqua di Colonia, and traditional toothpaste brand Pasta del Capitano, which has been available in Italy since 1905. Those who explore the local selection often discover surprisingly good products at moderate prices.
Practical Tips for Travelers and Those Moving to Italy
For everyday needs during a vacation, the nearest supermarket is generally sufficient for toothbrushes, shower gel, sunscreen, diapers, or laundry detergent, and in cities and tourist areas, even on Sundays. Those staying longer or relocating will find a broader selection at better prices at Acqua & Sapone or Tigotà, though these often require a short drive. For premium cosmetics, baby food, and dietary supplements, the Farmacia or Parafarmacia is the right destination. And for those who absolutely need specific German brands, the most realistic options are Amazon.it, the dm online shop with delivery to Italy, or a well-planned cross-border shopping trip in South Tyrol.
For a deeper look into the major chains in this sector, a overview of perfumeries and drugstores in Italy covers the key brands along with locations and revenue figures. For a first shopping trip, however, a simple rule of thumbsuffices: the supermarket for everyday needs, Acqua & Sapone or Tigotà for a wider assortment, and the pharmacy for more specific questions. None of them is a direct dm equivalent, but together they cover that role quite solidly.
