Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung Swear By This £17 French Skincare Product for Glowing Skin

If there are two celebrities that I will happily take all of the fashion and beauty recommendations from, it's Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung. There's no denying that both of these women are effortlessly chic, and I'm always trying to emulate their laidback hair and makeup looks. We all know that the key to a good makeup look is the best skincare products, so when I heard whisperings in the industry that both Sienna and Alexa were fans of this £17 French pharmacy retinol (rumour has it Sienna was recommended it by Alexa herself), I knew I had to give it a go. Which product am I talking about, I hear you ask? Let me introduce you to A313 Retinol.

I know what you're thinking: this product doesn't exactly give off luxury vibes. In fact, it wouldn't look out of place in my local pharmacy. But it's this unassuming nature that makes it even more appealing in my opinion. Forget the need for lavish packaging or a ridiculously high price tag, as the formula speaks for itself. Below, I've detailed what makes this retinol stand out from the rest, and I've even given it a go myself to see if the French skincare product will give me a little bit of that Parisian glow.

A313 Retinol Review

The Formula

This product is a pharmaceutical-grade retinol cream that contains 0.12% of retinol esters, a very mild form of vitamin A. It works to speed up cell turnover, which in turn can help with skincare concerns such as fine lines, pigmentation and blackheads.

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Not only do I love the fact that it's gentle on the skin, but as someone who has tried a lot of retinol products over the years, what I love about this formula is how hydrating it feels. It has a balmy, almost ointment-like texture (it reminded me a lot of Vaseline), which scared me a little bit at first, as I thought it would be really greasy. However, it sinks in pretty quickly and, unlike other retinol products, doesn't leave you with that dry, stripped sensation.

The Application

I applied this product in the evening as I would any other retinol, using a small amount to see how my skin would react. As mentioned, I was a little shocked by the formula at first, but I really liked how this blended into my skin.

What's really interesting is that some people say that this retinol doesn't need to be followed by moisturiser, thanks to the richer texture. I still chose to follow up with my usual serum and night cream, as when testing retinols in the past, I have often woken up with dry, flaky skin. However, after using this, my skin felt silky soft, which was a welcome relief.

The Verdict

Honestly? I can see why people are obsessed with this product. It's unlike any other retinol I have tried. It feels gentle and hydrating, and although it can take a while to see changes in the skin, I already feel like my complexion looks more radiant.