When my skin started showing flaky patches and fine lines after moving to a drier climate, I began exploring affordable retinoid options. That’s when I stumbled upon Bexelora A313 Retinol Cream, a cult-favorite French Vitamin A formula housed in a Vaseline-like ointment tube. Affordable, simple, and gentle? That sounded like exactly what my skin needed.
What Is Bexelora A313 Retinol Cream?
A313 is a thick, ointment-style crème formulated with retinyl palmitate, a gentle Vitamin A ester (about the equivalent of 0.06% retinol) that gradually converts into active retinoic acid. It also includes PEGs for texture, tocopherol (Vitamin E), and a moisturizing base to soothe the skin. This formulation prioritizes slow-release Vitamin A delivery with minimal irritation, making it a beginner-friendly alternative to stronger retinoids.
Why I Bought It
I needed a retinoid that wouldn’t trigger my usual redness and peeling. I’ve tried harsher options and ended up irritated. A313’s reputation as a gentle, dose-controlled Vitamin A cream appealed to me. Plus, it was affordable usually around €20–€25 or discounted to under $15 online, so it felt like a low-risk addition to my routine.
My Experience Using It
When I first squeezed the cream out of the tube, I was surprised by its texture. It’s not like a typical moisturizer or serum… It’s thick, sticky, and almost like Vaseline. At first, I wasn’t sure how it would work on my face, but I decided to give it a fair shot. I applied a thin layer on clean, dry skin at night, and while it felt greasy at first, it settled in slowly overnight.
During the first week, my skin had a slight tingling sensation after each application. It wasn’t painful, more like a gentle reminder that something was working. I only used it twice that week to be safe. By the second week, I noticed that my skin wasn’t as dry and flaky in the mornings. My cheeks, which usually get tight and rough in colder weather, felt a little smoother.
By week three, I was using it every other night. I started to notice subtle changes… my forehead lines looked less obvious, and my skin tone appeared more even. It wasn’t dramatic, but I could tell my skin was gradually becoming healthier. Around week five, I noticed that a sunspot on my cheek looked slightly lighter, and overall, my complexion felt calmer and less prone to random breakouts.
That said, there were drawbacks. The greasy texture never really went away, which made it strictly a nighttime product for me. I also had to pair it with a good moisturizer to prevent irritation, and I never skipped SPF during the day since retinoids make skin more sun-sensitive. The “Botox-like” results the brand hinted at felt like a stretch. This was more of a long game: steady improvements, but no miracle overnight fix.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable compared to most retinoids
- Beginner-friendly and gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Noticeable improvements in texture and fine lines with consistent use
- Hydrating, doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped
Cons
- Oily, sticky texture that doesn’t absorb well
- Results are very gradual, not dramatic
- Can still cause irritation if overused
- Marketing promises feel exaggerated
Is It a Scam?
No, it’s not a scam. Bexelora A313 is a legitimate product, and it does contain retinyl palmitate. But if you’re expecting dramatic, fast-acting anti-aging results, you’ll be disappointed. It works best for people who want a gentle introduction to Vitamin A and who are okay with gradual, modest improvements.
Alternatives To Consider
- La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream
- CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment
- Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
Conclusion: Would I Recommend It?
Yes, but only with the right expectations. I personally liked how it helped smooth my skin and made it feel more hydrated and calm, but it was a very slow process. If you’re new to retinoids and want something affordable that won’t overwhelm your skin, A313 is worth trying. Just know that it’s greasy, takes time, and won’t give you overnight results. If you want faster, more dramatic changes, you’re better off with one of the alternatives.
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