Two of the most iconic “it girls” of all time, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller, both use this £15 French pharmacy retinol to protect their skin and keep it looking youthful
Back in the 00s, both Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller were considered two of the chicest, coolest “it girls” around, and in 2025, they’re still some of our favourite go-tos for recommendations. Although they may have been lauded for their distinct styles, they both have another thing in common; the fact their skin looks just as youthful now as it did a whole decade ago.
And now, we’ve tracked down the secret behind their never ending youth, because they both rely on an ultra-affordable retinol-infused cream as a key part of their skincare routine. Last year Sienna appeared in Harper’s Bazaar’s Inside my Beauty Bag video series, where she revealed that she uses the A313 Vitamin A Lightweight Face Cream, which you can pick up for a mere £13.89 on Amazon.
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Speaking in the video, Sienna said: “This is a really fantastic secret, it’s a French retinol that you can get over the counter. Alexa Chung told me about it because she’s got the most amazing skin, and it’s described as ‘the French-girl secret to great skin’ – so we all need that.”
The so-called French-girl secret cream is packed with anti-ageing ingredients like retinyl palmitate which help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and boost your skin’s over-all radiance. The A313 Face Cream also helps minimise wrinkles and sagging skin, keeping it plump and firm for a more youthful look.
As well as combatting signs of ageing, it’s also beneficial for reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots left by acne, not to mention it can help keep acne breakouts at bay. It also helps boost collagen production and smooths texture, leaving your complexion more even and fuller-looking.
The A313 Face Cream is best used in your evening skincare routine, as with all retinols it can leave skin more sensitive to the sun. That’s why it’s best to avoid using it in the morning and always make sure you use SPF the next day (which you should be doing anyway to further prevent sun damage and early signs of ageing!).
Whilst you can apply the cream on its own or mix it with your favourite serum or moisturiser, if you prefer a product that already covers all bases, the Olay Retinol 24 Night Cream is £37.99 and combines retinol with an intensely hydrating moisturiser for the perfect last step in your evening routine. Alternatively, Beauty Pie’s Super Retinol + Vitamin C Night Renewal Moisturizer is £32 and contains 1% retinol complex and shea butter to moisturise whilst protecting skin and reducing fine lines.
However Amazon shoppers have clearly been thrilled with the results of the affordable A313 Face Cream. One wrote: “Best cream for hyper pigmentation highly recommended saw results in a week drastically reduced my dark spots highly recommended make sure you mix with moisturiser.”
Another wrote: “I’ve recently started using the A313, and although it’s only been a short period, I’ve already noticed some positive changes in my skin.The cream has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. It’s easy to apply and feels comfortable on the skin.”
Others found some issues, with one saying: “I tried the product for two weeks and could feel it making a difference. However, I had to stop as the persistent itching was unbearable.”
It’s worth remembering that as with anything retinol based, you should always introduce the A313 Face Cream gradually to your skin, especially if you’re not used to using a retinol. Using it too often too quickly can damage your skin barrier, creating an itching, burning or drying sensation.
Others absolutely loved the cream, though, with one saying: “The best cream ever. I use Murad Sculptra usually but this cream is far better and the price is very affordable. Beats all the expensive creams from far away. I recommended this cream to all my friends and colleagues.”