A313 itching so much!

[user1471523870]

I just started with my first retinol and I picked the French A313 after having read good reviews.
I only put a small amount on my clean and very dry face, and I made sure also my fingers were dry and clean. It itched soooo much! No redness or peeling or irritation, just itch. I am now dreading putting it on again in a couple of days.
Is it normal? Should I persevere and it will go or it's just not suitable for my skin?

I had to bin mine, used it 3 times and the itching was unbearable

Same issue here. I wonder who are the people leaving the positive reviews? Awful stuff!

I use it every other night - not itchy at all but it is strong - I can't use it every night or I peek like crazy. It has absolutely helped with open pores, fine lines and firmness.
I buffer facial oil or night moisturiser over it - I usually wait 5 mins but if it's itching straight away, you could buffer immediately?

My understanding is that it's a very strong retinol and not a starter retinol. Maybe try a gentle retinol first, then go slightly stronger, slowly build up to use and % of retinol before going for A313?

It burned like hell when I started. Just use less and less often and build it up.

a few months in and it doesn't hurt anymore and my skin does look better.

You could try putting on moisturiser first or mixing it with your moisturiser, or both.

A313 is absolutely not a starter retinol. I used Dermatica for 3 months before I could use A313. You could try mixing it with moisturiser but id be more inclined to start with something gentler and build up gradually. IMO its worth it.