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Last summer, prior to any import taxes, we visited Paris and spent an afternoon seeking out popular French items that contribute to their unique charm. Although our shopping at Polène had to wait for another occasion, much like a highly anticipated Supreme release, we did take the time to visit pharmacies to stock up on sunscreens and skincare products rarely available in American stores.
One of the products we chose was A313 cream, a topical retinoid cream containing vitamin A, produced by Pharma Développement and sold over-the-counter in French pharmacies. Known as a “wonder cream” due to its ability to tackle fine lines, dark spots, and acne, A313 has been a popular choice among the French for quite some time. After applying it at least thrice a week for the last eight months, we can attest to noticeably smoother and more voluminous skin (more details on that coming up).
Unlike retinoids in the U.S., which need a prescription, A313 doesn’t. You can now find the same collagen-boosting formula, improved for better absorption, available on Amazon without needing a plane ticket. (It’s still advisable to consult with your dermatologist before using the product.)
As a gamer, I recently found myself shelling out around 16-18 euros for a 50g tube of A313 cream in France – that’s quite the investment, but it’s a bargain compared to the 500 to 800 dollars I’d normally drop on an airline ticket. Add hotel costs, meals at restaurants, and other travel expenses, and you’re looking at a hefty sum! But here’s the good news: not only does this cream provide great value, but its aluminum tube and plastic cap make it easy to recycle, which is a win-win in my book.
This Amazon product is shipped from the manufacturer itself, but it’s labeled in English. The main component is 0.12% Retinyl Palmitate, a type of Vitamin A that stimulates collagen production, tackles hyperpigmentation, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin texture by smoothing it out.
The cream we purchased in France last year has a consistency akin to Vaseline, yet slightly thicker and stickier. But Pharma Développment claims they’ve “enhanced” the texture of this product to an “advanced cream” that glides on more smoothly and absorbs faster than their pomade variant.
In Paris, we asked a pharmacist to fetch A313 from behind the counter for us. They provided detailed instructions on how to use it: begin with an amount the size of a pea, apply it once or twice weekly, and only at night. It’s crucial to always use sunscreen, as well as monitor for any signs of irritation such as itching or skin peeling, and increased sensitivity. Dermatologists advise against using retinol and retinoids during summer months.
We strictly adhered to the pharmacist’s instructions when it came to A313 usage. We applied it solely at night, around three times a week, as our final step in skincare routine for over eight months now. The result? A significant reduction in sun spots visibility and skin that feels smoother, more elastic, and better hydrated. Our complexion is of the olive-toned, combination type with a touch of sensitivity, and we sometimes experience rosacea on our cheekbones. However, we experienced only minor itchiness when applying A313 over damp serum, so it’s best to ensure your face is completely dry before application. For your information, we currently use Tatcha’s Texture Tonic and The Essence, as well as Glo by Glen’s L’eclat Vitality Elixir.
At the local drugstore, we spent approximately 20 minutes selecting sunscreens from La Roche-Posay, Avène, and Nuxe – renowned European and Asian brands for their effectiveness; Embryolisse’s popular Lait-Crème Concentré; and body care products like soaps and lotions, including our current favorite Le Petit Marseillais sweet almond milk body wash. Except for the French SPFs, you can find all these items on Amazon as well, offering a nearly authentic Parisian pharmacy experience right in your own home.
Get A313 while it’s still on sale at Amazon for only $38 right here.
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2025-05-31 04:54