The versatility of retinol and its effectiveness are the reasons why we find an increasing number of products containing this ingredient on the market. However, what distinguishes them is the quality, combination, and potency of the ingredients, technology, and the richness of the formulation.
In this sense, Aprive is a clean beauty brand, which means that the ingredients are safe and non-toxic for application on the skin.
The first research related to the use of retinoic acid in acne prevention and skin rejuvenation was published as far back as 1943. At the end of the 1950s, the use of retinoic acid in dermatology began as a treatment against pimples.
For everyone in search of products that provide exceptional results when it comes to skincare, we have prepared a comparative test of two products specifically, two creams based on the powerful ingredient retinol.
Our clean and vegan Aprive retinol creams are intended for and available to everyone who wants to care for their skin. The second product refers to the French A313 cream, which is quite popular worldwide and has been available here since last year.
In this text, we have prepared all the most important differences, advantages, disadvantages, and experiences to help you choose the appropriate cream for your skin type.
A313 Cream with Retinol
A313 retinol cream has been present and well-known on the foreign market for a long time, and since last year it appeared on our market as well. It is produced in France and can be found over-the-counter without a prescription.
Composition of A313 Cream
A313 cream contains:
- 0.12% retinol ester, specifically retinyl palmitate.
- PEG 400 (polyethylene glycol 400) – stabilizer.
- PEG 4000 – a surface-active ingredient for interaction with cells.
- Polysorbate 80 (emulsifier) – acts as a bridge between water and oil-based ingredients so they can mix and form stable emulsions.
What is retinyl palmitate? A type of retinoid or retinyl ester, the mildest derivative of vitamin A. We have written before that the time it takes for enzymes to convert them into an active substance depends on the type of retinoid applied to the skin.
Retinyl esters require as many as 3 steps: they convert into retinol, then into retinal, and finally into retinoic acid. A313 cream also contains lanolin, which users allergic to wool should avoid. Furthermore, users with fungal acne issues might experience side effects due to polysorbate 80.
A313 Cream with Retinol – Experiences
Experiences with using A313 cream suggest that you can expect stinging and itching. The cream can reduce the visibility of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation spots. After a few weeks, the skin is smoother, and the appearance of acne and pimples is reduced.
How to Use
A313 cream is used as a local retinoid treatment for wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin texture.
It is applied in the evening in small amounts, and it is important to apply it evenly to clean and dry skin. How often you use it depends on your needs and the skin's adjustment period.
To avoid irritation, simultaneous use with ingredients such as AHA and BHA is not recommended.
Retinol increases skin sensitivity to sunlight; therefore, it is recommended to use a cream with a protective SPF factor.
It is not recommended to use the cream during pregnancy, and it is also not suitable for breastfeeding mothers and children.
Aprive Retinol Cream
Aprive Cosmetics is a local brand with retinol creams from a Croatian laboratory. They are available in three different variants. They differ in the percentage of retinol they contain to adapt to the specific requirements of different skin types.
In other words, three different retinol strengths are adjusted according to the user's experience with retinol.
Composition of Aprive Retinol Creams
According to the composition, Aprive retinol creams offer a more effective combination of ingredients. Through the joint action of these ingredients, the best results are achieved with minimal possibility of skin irritation.
- 0.3% retinol – encapsulated in lipid capsules, which burst during application and release pure retinol, maintaining the freshness of the active substance and protecting it from degradation.
- Panthenol – (provitamin B5) participates in regenerative processes in the skin. It hydrates, regenerates, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Allantoin – acts to prevent water loss from the skin, reduces dryness and irritation, soothes, softens, and smooths the skin.
- Centella – has an antioxidant effect, stimulates the renewal of peripheral blood vessels and natural collagen production, and has an antibacterial effect.
- 0.5% retinol – encapsulated in lipid capsules.
- Vitamin C – neutralizes free radicals, reduces signs of aging.
- Niacinamide – acts to prevent water loss from the skin and reduces dryness and irritation.
- Ceramides – transport nutrients into cells and create moisture reservoirs in the deeper layers of the skin.
- 1% retinol (0.5% HPR + 0.5% retinol) – Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a highly advanced form of the latest generation retinoid that acts directly on receptors without the need for conversion.
- Vitamin C – neutralizes free radicals, keeps the skin healthy, and additionally helps in collagen synthesis.
- Niacinamide – acts to prevent water loss from the skin and reduces dryness and irritation.
- Ceramides – transport nutrients into cells and create moisture reservoirs in the deeper layers of the skin.
Experiences with Aprive Retinol Creams
The creams are not greasy and do not leave a sticky feeling on the skin. On social media and the Aprive web shop, satisfied users have shared their impressions.
They mention minimal or almost no irritation and visible skin improvements.Deeper wrinkles are reduced, as is the visibility of acne and pimples.
How to Use
Aprive cream is applied to clean and dry skin in the evening in small amounts.
We recommend reducing the frequency of use at the beginning to once or twice a week. In case side effects occur (redness, itching, skin peeling), discontinue use until the skin has fully recovered.
It can be used with a moisturizer by applying a layer of cream, then retinol, and then the cream again.
Of course, do not forget a protective SPF factor, and if possible, apply a mineral SPF to the skin as it is a much better choice.
Finally…
Beginners who have just started introducing retinol into their skincare routine and those planning to start should pay attention to the percentage of retinol, but also to the other ingredients.
By this, we primarily mean nourishing and soothing ingredients that will reduce side effects, irritation, and skin redness.
In that sense, Aprive retinol creams offer a complete story. They contain a technologically advanced formulation of ingredients that are clean and vegan, featuring highly advanced retinol.
Through their combined action, the production of collagen and elastin is stimulated, achieving an anti-aging effect. In addition to a stronger anti-aging effect, you might also avoid side effects such as stinging, redness, and irritation.
Aprive retinol creams have a pearly sheen with no greasy film, a neutral scent, and a rich texture.
In this regard, A313 cream has a weaker combination of ingredients compared to Aprive retinol creams. Because of this, all three variants of Aprive retinol creams are more powerful in their action against skin aging. Also, A313 cream has a greasy texture and a scent similar to paper glue.
Another important difference between these skincare products is that the French cream contains ingredients of animal origin. Furthermore, it contains PEG 400, PEG 4000, and polysorbate 80, which can cause additional irritation for individuals with fungal acne.
Be selective when it comes to skincare. It is important to adjust the product according to your skin sensitivity and type. Keep in mind that patience, persistence, and regular application are necessary so that results are not missed.
With the proper and gradual introduction of retinol, potential skin sensitivity to retinol is reduced to a minimum.