Vivant Skincare Exfol-A Forté™

Intensive Retinoid, AHA & BHA Resurfacing Serum for Acne-Prone Skin, Stubborn Dark Spots, Congested Pores & Uneven Texture

Experience advanced skin refinement with Vivant Exfol-A Forté™, an intensive Level III retinoid serum formulated for resilient, oily, and acne-prone skin already acclimated to corrective vitamin A treatments.

Powered by Vivant's proprietary REt (RP)™ retinoid technology featuring retinyl propionate, Exfol-A Forté combines multiple exfoliating acids—including glycolic, salicylic, citric, and lactic acids—with kojic acid and niacinamide. This concentrated formula helps improve the appearance of stubborn congestion, post-acne discoloration, rough texture, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.

Designed for experienced retinoid users, this advanced treatment supports a smoother, clearer-looking complexion through a combination of surface exfoliation, pore-focused refinement, and pigment-targeting ingredients.

Exfol-A Forté is particularly suited to patients with very oily, thicker, or more resilient skin who require a more intensive corrective approach. It is not intended as a starting retinoid or for skin that is easily irritated.

Benefits

• Intensive Skin Renewal: Retinyl propionate supports skin renewal to improve rough texture and visible signs of photoaging.

• Multi-Acid Exfoliation: Glycolic, lactic, and citric acids help remove accumulated surface skin cells for a smoother-looking complexion.

• Targets Congested Pores: Salicylic acid, an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA), helps exfoliate within oily pores and improve the appearance of congestion.

• Visibly Improves Dark Spots: Kojic acid and niacinamide help reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and uneven pigmentation.

• Refines Skin Texture: Helps improve roughness, dullness, and the appearance of enlarged pores.

• Supports Acne-Prone Skin: Addresses surface buildup and pore congestion associated with blemish-prone complexions.

• Softens Fine Lines: Promotes a smoother appearance in skin showing early signs of photoaging.

• Enhances Radiance: Helps reveal a brighter, more uniform-looking skin tone.

Best For

Skin Types: Very oily, oily, thick, resilient, and selected combination skin types already acclimated to advanced retinoid treatments.

Skin Concerns:

• Persistent pore congestion and blackheads

• Acne-prone skin and recurring blemish-related imperfections

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

• Stubborn post-acne marks and dark spots

• Rough or uneven skin texture

• Enlarged-looking pores

• Excess surface oil

• Dullness and visible photoaging

• Fine lines and uneven skin tone

• Selected acne-prone or textured areas on the back

Not Ideal For: Retinoid beginners, sensitive or reactive skin, active rosacea, compromised skin barriers, or patients who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Key Ingredients

REt (RP)™ Retinoid (Retinyl Propionate): Vivant's proprietary vitamin A technology supports skin renewal and helps improve the appearance of rough texture, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Retinyl propionate is a cosmetic retinoid ester and is not equivalent to prescription tretinoin.

Glycolic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates accumulated surface skin cells to improve dullness, rough texture, and uneven tone.

Salicylic Acid: An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps exfoliate within pores, making it particularly useful for oily, congested, and blackhead-prone skin.

Kojic Acid: A pigment-targeting ingredient that helps improve the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone by interfering with pathways involved in melanin production.

Citric Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid that contributes to the formula's exfoliating system and helps refine the appearance of uneven texture.

Lactic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid that supports surface exfoliation while also providing humectant benefits.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps support skin barrier function and improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation.

Urea, Sodium PCA & Sodium Lactate: Moisture-binding ingredients that help maintain skin suppleness alongside the formula's intensive exfoliating components.

How to Use

PM | After Cleansing

Shake well before use. Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin on the face or back, avoiding the eyelids, lips, and mucous membranes. Follow with an appropriate moisturizer.

Recommended Introduction:

• Before Starting: Establish consistent tolerance to Vivant Exfol-A (Level II) before progressing to Exfol-A Forté.

• Weeks 1–2: Begin every other evening, or less frequently if recommended by your skincare provider.

• Week 3 and Beyond: Increase toward nightly application only if the skin remains comfortable and the overall regimen permits.

• If Irritation Occurs: Pause use until irritation resolves and reassess whether a reduced frequency or lower-strength formula is more appropriate.

AM: Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day and reapply when appropriate. For patients with melasma or persistent hyperpigmentation, tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides offers additional visible-light protection.

Amare Clinical Tip: Exfol-A Forté combines a retinoid with multiple exfoliating acids, making it one of Vivant's more intensive corrective formulas.

For patients with skin of color or pigmentation-prone skin, stronger exfoliation is not automatically better. Excessive inflammation can worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, even when the ingredients are intended to improve discoloration.

Introduce this product conservatively and avoid unnecessary layering with mandelic acid toners, additional exfoliating serums, prescription retinoids, or other potentially irritating treatments.

Important to Know

• Vivant classifies Exfol-A Forté as a Level III, Active Intensive retinoid treatment.

• Intended for skin already acclimated to Exfol-A.

• Contains retinyl propionate and multiple alpha and beta hydroxy acids.

• Contains denatured alcohol, which may increase dryness or irritation in susceptible skin.

• Temporary tingling, dryness, flaking, or peeling may occur.

• Visible peeling is not necessary for a product to be effective.

• Avoid use during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider regarding use while breastfeeding.

• Do not apply to broken, severely irritated, or compromised skin.

• Avoid combining with additional exfoliating acids or retinoids unless specifically directed.

• Daily sun protection is essential.

• Discontinue use if persistent burning, swelling, significant redness, or excessive peeling develops.

• Results vary depending on skin condition, tolerance, and consistency of use.

Full Ingredient List (Manufacturer Published)

Alcohol Denat., Ethoxydiglycol, Propylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Retinyl Propionate, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Citric Acid, BHT, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Glycine, Fructose, Urea, Niacinamide, Inositol, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid.

Ingredient formulations may change. Refer to the product packaging for the most accurate and current ingredient information.