Priori DNA Intense Recovery Crème: 24-Hour DNA-Repair Moisturiser Reviewed
The Verdict
A genuinely do-it-all moisturiser for delicate or sun-exposed skin that wants one step rather than a serum-plus-cream routine — just pair it with a separate SPF, since this formula doesn't include one.
Priori DNA Intense Recovery Crème | Anti-Ageing Face Cream | 50ml
£114.99
Priori DNA Intense Recovery Crème is an oil-free, balm-textured moisturiser built on the same DNA-repair-enzyme technology as the brand's fx221 serum, combined with Soliberine (butterfly bush extract) for blue-light and pollution defence, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and vitamins C and E. It's designed to be worn day or night — Priori positions it as effective enough to use on its own, without a separate corrector underneath.
What it is
This is Priori's "does it all" moisturiser step: a single 50ml balm-textured crème meant to replace a serum-plus-cream routine. It sits in Priori's DNA Complex line, alongside the fx221 serum and the DNA Eye Recovery Crème, sharing the same enzyme technology.
The texture is a luscious balm, but the formulation itself is oil-free and intended to absorb without a greasy finish. Priori suggests it's particularly suited to delicate, sun-damaged or recently-treated skin (for example, after a professional peel), alongside general everyday use.
Key ingredients
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Micrococcus Lysate & Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract | DNA-repair enzyme complex, the technology this Priori range is built around |
| Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract (Soliberine) | Botanical extract marketed for protection against blue light and pollution exposure |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Humectant that draws and holds moisture in the skin |
| Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) | A stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative with antioxidant properties |
| Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | Antioxidant that works alongside vitamin C in the formula |
| Plankton Extract | Marine-derived ingredient included alongside the DNA-repair enzymes |
Priori markets the enzyme complex and Soliberine together as working to help improve the appearance of skin affected by everyday environmental stress — UV exposure, pollution and blue light — rather than as a treatment for any specific skin condition.
Who it's for
- Anyone who wants a single moisturiser step instead of layering a separate serum underneath it
- Delicate, sun-exposed or recently-treated skin (Priori specifically calls out post-professional-treatment use)
- People already using other products from Priori's DNA Complex range, such as the fx221 serum or the eye crème, who want a matching final step
- Anyone who spends long hours in front of screens and wants the Soliberine blue-light angle alongside a standard moisturiser
Who should skip it
- Anyone with broken or irritated skin — Priori explicitly lists this as unsuitable
- Anyone wanting an SPF-inclusive day cream: this formula contains no sun protection, so it needs a separate sunscreen such as Priori's TETRA SPF 50 over the top
- If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.
How to use it
Priori's directions call for one to two pumps from the airless jar, massaged into cleansed skin, once or twice daily, morning or evening or both. It's positioned as the final step in a routine, sealing in any serums used beforehand, or standing alone on clean skin. A patch test on the inner forearm, left for 24 hours, is recommended before first use.
How it compares within the Priori range
The closest comparisons are the DNA fx221 Recovery Serum, which delivers the same enzyme technology in a lighter serum format, and the DNA Eye Recovery Crème, which adds retinol for the eye and lip area. If dryness or dehydration is your main concern, see our Priori moisturisers for dry and dehydrated skin roundup. For the full range, see our Priori brand overview.
FAQs
Can I use Priori DNA Intense Recovery Crème instead of a serum?
Priori positions this crème as effective enough to use on clean skin without a separate corrector or serum underneath, so yes — it's designed to work as a standalone step. It also layers over a serum as the final step if you prefer a fuller routine.
Is Priori DNA Intense Recovery Crème oily?
No. The texture is a rich balm, but the formula itself is oil-free and is designed to absorb without leaving a greasy residue.
Can I use DNA Intense Recovery Crème morning and night?
Yes. Priori describes it as a 24-hour formula suitable for once- or twice-daily use, in the morning, the evening, or both.
Does Priori DNA Crème contain retinol?
No. This formula is built around the DNA-repair enzyme complex, Soliberine, hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E. If you want retinol from the same DNA Complex range, that's found in the separate DNA Eye Recovery Crème.
Priori DNA Crème vs Barrier Restore Complexe — which should I choose?
This crème is built around DNA-repair-enzyme and antioxidant technology for general daily use. Priori's LCA fx140 Barrier Restore Complexe is formulated specifically around ceramides and barrier lipids for reactive or compromised skin. If your skin is reactive or barrier-compromised, the Barrier Restore formula is the more targeted choice.
Is Priori DNA Intense Recovery Crème suitable for sensitive skin?
Priori markets it as suitable for delicate and overtreated skin, but it's explicitly not suitable for broken or irritated skin. If your skin is currently reactive, a patch test first is recommended, and if you're unsure, contact our team for advice before use.
Does Priori DNA Crème have SPF?
No, this formula doesn't contain SPF. Priori recommends pairing it with a separate broad-spectrum sunscreen, such as the brand's TETRA SPF 50, during the day.