A313 has built a strong reputation as a classic French pharmacy skincare product, and that popularity has unfortunately attracted counterfeits. If you are new to A313, or you have ever wondered whether the tube you ordered online is the real thing, this short guide will help you recognise an authentic A313 pommade and avoid imitations.
Why authenticity matters
A313 is a vitamin A based skincare product, formulated and produced under specific manufacturing standards in France. Counterfeit versions may be sold under similar names or in look-alike packaging, but their actual contents, concentrations and quality control are unknown. Using an unverified product on your skin is not worth the risk, especially when the formula is intended to be used carefully and according to the instructions on the packaging.
Choosing the authentic product also means you are buying through the legitimate supply chain, which supports proper storage conditions, batch traceability and real customer service.
What authentic A313 is
A313 is a pommade produced by Pharma Développement in Corbigny, France. It is a vitamin A based skincare product containing retinyl palmitate, supplied in a soft tube inside a cardboard box. Its texture is that of a true pommade: a semi-transparent balm, not a white cream or lotion.
If the product in your hands is described or looks like a white cream or lotion rather than a translucent balm, that is a strong sign that it is not the authentic product.
How to check the packaging
Authentic A313 packaging shows a few clear, consistent details that are easy to verify before you even open the tube. On the outer box, look for:
- The brand name A313 printed clearly, with the word POMMADE on the front.
- The strength shown as 200,000 UI per cent on the front.
- A red warning regarding use during pregnancy, printed prominently on the front of the box.
- The manufacturer Pharma Développement listed on the box, with a French address.
- A clear cobalt blue colour on the box. Imitations often shift toward a more purple-blue tone.
You should also see a batch number and an expiry date or a period-after-opening symbol, printed clearly. EU cosmetics regulation requires these details on every authentic product, and they should be sharp, readable and not stickered over.
For the European market, the official EAN barcode is 3760245850712. If you are buying within Europe and the barcode does not match, the product is outside the official supply chain.
Red flags when shopping online
Counterfeit and grey market A313 is most often sold through anonymous marketplace listings, social media sellers and unfamiliar webshops. Be cautious if you notice:
- A price that seems unusually low compared to pharmacy or official distributor pricing.
- Stock product photos only, with no real images of the actual box and tube.
- Listings that do not mention the manufacturer, country of origin or EAN code.
- Sellers who cannot or will not confirm where the stock was sourced.
- Packaging that arrives damaged, unsealed, restickered or with text in unexpected languages.
If something feels off, it is reasonable to ask the seller for clarification before you use the product.
Where to buy A313 with confidence
The safest way to be sure you are getting the authentic product is to buy from official or authorised channels. Established French pharmacies, the official European distributor, and well-known beauty retailers that source through authorised supply lines are the most reliable options.
If you are buying from a marketplace, look for sellers who clearly state the manufacturer, show real photos of the packaging, list the European EAN code, and offer normal consumer protections such as a return policy and a working customer service contact.
A quick check after unboxing
Once your A313 arrives, take a moment to inspect it before applying:
- The box should be sealed and undamaged.
- All printed details, including the warning text, should be sharp and legible.
- The tube inside should match the branding on the box.
- The product itself should look like a soft, semi-transparent balm, not a white lotion.
If anything looks wrong, stop, contact the seller and check the source of supply before continuing.
A simple rule of thumb
Authentic A313 should look consistent, sealed and clearly labelled, with a verifiable manufacturer and a price that reflects a genuine pharmacy skincare product. When in doubt, buy from a trusted source you can contact directly, and follow the instructions on the packaging when you use it. If you have sensitive skin, consider speaking with a skincare professional before introducing any vitamin A based product into your routine.
