A313 Vitamin A Retinol Cream 50g

A313 Retinol Cream is a French pharmaceutical-grade vitamin A ointment that has long been a staple in pharmacies across France. Manufactured by Pharma Développement, an industrial pharmaceutical laboratory in France, this thick, balm-like formula has earned cult status among skincare enthusiasts for its gentle yet effective approach to vitamin A skincare.

Rather than pure retinol, this cream relies on retinyl esters, mainly retinyl palmitate, a mild vitamin A derivative that undergoes several conversion steps in the skin before becoming active. This gradual process makes it noticeably gentler than stronger retinoids, which is why it has become a favorite for nightly use on mature skin and skin prone to breakouts and uneven tone.

Benefits

• Helps refine skin texture and reduce the look of fine lines with consistent use over time.
• Supports a more even skin tone and gradually helps fade post-acne marks and mild pigmentation.
• Helps keep pores clear, which can reduce the occurrence of clogged-pore breakouts.
• Encourages smoother, brighter-looking skin by supporting natural skin renewal.
• Its rich, occlusive texture forms a protective layer that helps the skin retain moisture overnight.

Active Ingredients

This cream is formulated around a concentrated vitamin A ester complex, primarily retinyl palmitate, along with supporting ingredients such as polysorbate 80 and macrogol (PEG), which help stabilize the vitamin A and enhance its penetration into the skin.

How to Use

Cleanse the face thoroughly and allow the skin to dry completely before application. Apply a pea-sized amount and gently massage it into the skin, avoiding the eye area. Start with one or two evening applications per week, gradually increasing frequency over several weeks as your skin builds tolerance, eventually working up to nightly use if well tolerated. Avoid combining it with chemical exfoliants, vitamin C, or other retinoid products in the same routine to prevent excess irritation.

Who Is It For?

This cream suits those with mature skin looking for an anti-aging routine, as well as those dealing with acne-prone or uneven-toned skin. It is also a suitable starting point for anyone new to vitamin A skincare, thanks to its relatively gentle profile compared to standard retinol. However, it may not be the best fit for very sensitive or reactive skin without a careful patch test first.

Warnings

• For external skin use only; avoid applying to open wounds or oozing skin conditions.
• Mild redness, tingling, or itching may occur when starting out; discontinue use if irritation persists.
• Avoid using alongside other vitamin A-containing products to prevent excessive topical exposure.
• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice, and should not be applied to the breast area while breastfeeding.
• Vitamin A can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, so daily sunscreen use is recommended.
• Keep out of reach of children and store at room temperature.