To be honest, I was intimidated by retinol products, but this French 5-in-1 formula completely changed my opinion.

      I have the kind of skin that could be a beauty editor’s biggest challenge and a curious reader’s delight. It’s persistently dry (even during summer), flushed due to rosacea, and sensitive to oils, strong fragrances, and most common irritants. Basically, my skin makes my role in product testing quite difficult, which means that when a product successfully meets my skin’s approval, it’s likely safe for others to try as well. I won’t claim to be a dermatologist, though. It's always wise to consult your doctor before trying a new product aimed at altering your skin, especially one that contains retinol (or similar ingredients, like this latest launch from a beloved French pharmacy brand). That said, Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Rétinol-Like is a gentle moisturizer for sensitive skin that offers the same skin-smoothing benefits as your favorite retinol cream, using a plant-based alternative that avoids the harshness typically associated with this vitamin A derivative, which can irritate sensitive skin.

      Key Points:

      - I tested this product daily for a week, either morning or night, depending on the day.

      - The price, gentle formulation, and hydrating properties make it an excellent alternative to retinol.

      - I now consider this product a nighttime mask or a spot treatment for targeted areas.

      Although retinol has been a popular topic for several years, I've been reluctant to include it in my skincare routine for a few reasons. My skin is already dry, so I’d prefer to avoid the peeling that often comes with starting a retinol product. At 25, I don't have wrinkles I need to address just yet. Most importantly, I aim to keep my skincare routine straightforward: cleanser, serum (if necessary), moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day, so I don't want to complicate things.

      I was surprised by how much I ended up liking this moisturizer, and I can understand why the French hold this pharmacy brand in such high regard.

      About the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Retinol-Like

      Embryolisse

      Lait-Crème Rétinol-Like Multi-Function Moisturizer

      Size: 2.54 oz. | Key ingredients: French big clover, shea butter, apricot kernel oil | Fragrance: Yes | Skin types: Dry, normal, oily, combination, mature, sensitive

      While I have referred to this product as a retinol cream several times, it serves many purposes. Not only is it an anti-aging moisturizer, but this rich, smoothing formulation also works as a makeup primer, hydrating mask, restorative night cream, and nourishing body milk. Although I didn’t formally test it as a body treatment for a full week (as I've been enjoying a couple of specific luxury and drugstore body care options), its rich texture is certainly nourishing enough to function as a restorative treatment post-shower. Additionally, its relatively generous tube size makes it easier to justify using it for both face and body.

      This cream can seemingly do it all—maintaining makeup throughout the day and restoring skin’s radiance overnight—thanks mostly to a plant-based retinol alternative named French big clover. Known as Grand Trèfle in France, the extract from this plant is packed with thickening agents called Galactomannans, which boost collagen production (effectively plumping wrinkles) while soothing and smoothing the skin barrier.

      The benefits of this plant can be likened to those of retinol or retinoids more broadly in certain aspects. “Retinoids are powerful ingredients from the vitamin A family and are renowned for transforming the skin,” Mona Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, previously shared with Who What Wear. “They promote skin cell turnover by helping shed dead skin cells to allow fresh, healthy ones to surface.” Similar to retinol, French big clover rejuvenates the skin by increasing cell turnover and acting as a soothing sealant for the fresh complexion beneath, aided by other nourishing and protective ingredients like organic aloe vera, carnauba wax, and shea butter.

      The Testing Process

      As a 25-year-old with no significant skin issues currently, my experience with this product may differ from someone with more mature, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. Users with wrinkles might see greater benefits from this formula than I did, as I primarily view it as a preventative measure. However, I did notice a change in my skin after just one week of application.

      The instructions suggest using this product morning and night, but I opted for caution and applied the cream once daily, typically as the last step in my nighttime skincare routine. A few dollops were sufficient to make my skin feel fully moisturized—so much so that applying too much made my skin feel tacky. Thankfully, my slightly heavy application resulted in supple, glowing skin by morning.

      Initially, I experienced the common reaction many have when starting retinol