Priori Q+SOD fx240 Moisturising Crème Review
The Verdict
A well-built final-step moisturiser for dry, dehydrated skin that also wants a low-key active ingredient routine. The combination of 15% lactic acid and retinol in a cushioning, humectant-rich base makes it more of a targeted treatment cream than a plain moisturiser — good for people who want fewer steps, less ideal for retinol beginners or anyone who prefers to keep hydration and actives separate.
Priori Q+SOD fx240 Moisturising Crème | Antioxidant Face Cream | 50ml
£119.99
Priori's Q+SOD fx240 Moisturising Crème is built around what the brand calls its Q+SOD Complex: CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) and superoxide dismutase paired with 15% lactic acid and retinol, in a rich but lightweight moisturiser base. It's positioned as a 24-hour hydrator for dehydrated, dry and normal skin, worn day or night, and doubles as the final, treatment-carrying step in a routine.
What it is
This is a multi-functional moisturiser rather than a single-job hydrator. Alongside its humectant and emollient base, the formula carries an antioxidant complex (CoQ10 and superoxide dismutase), a chemical exfoliant (15% lactic acid) and a retinol. Priori's own positioning describes it as supporting visibly smoother-looking skin texture and tone with consistent use, and helping improve the look of skin texture over time — we've kept that framing rather than adding claims Priori doesn't make.
Key ingredients
| Ingredient | Role in this formula |
|---|---|
| CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) | Antioxidant support, part of the Q+SOD Complex |
| Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) | Antioxidant enzyme, part of the Q+SOD Complex |
| 15% Lactic Acid | Gentle chemical exfoliation for a smoother, more refined look |
| Retinol | Supports refined-looking texture with ongoing use |
| Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose | Humectants providing the formula's 24-hour hydration |
Texture and feel
Priori describes the finish as a cushioning texture that absorbs readily without heaviness, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and comfortable rather than oily or sticky. It's formulated to sit comfortably under makeup or through the night, which is why it's positioned for both day and night use.
Who it's for
- Dry, dehydrated or normal skin looking for intensive hydration
- People who want antioxidant support, gentle exfoliation and a retinol in one step rather than layering separate products
- Established retinol/lactic acid users comfortable with an active-carrying moisturiser as their last routine step
It's a less obvious first choice for complete retinoid beginners, given the retinol and 15% lactic acid are combined rather than introduced separately — see the gentler alternative below if you'd rather build up slowly.
How it fits a routine
As a retinol- and lactic-acid-containing moisturiser, this is designed to be the final step of a routine — applied after any serums and before sunscreen (in the morning) or as the last product at night. Because it combines an exfoliating acid with a retinol, we'd suggest patch-testing and introducing it gradually rather than using it nightly from day one, particularly if your skin isn't already used to either ingredient. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is a sensible pairing with any retinol- or acid-containing moisturiser used in the morning.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
This formula contains retinol and a high percentage of lactic acid. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.
Alternatives to consider
- LCA fx140 Barrier Restore Complexe — a gentler Priori option if you want to build tolerance before introducing an active-carrying moisturiser like this one
- DNA Intense Recovery Crème — for a repair-focused night cream without retinol or lactic acid
- Q+SOD fx220 Brightening Serum — the lighter serum layer from the same Q+SOD line, for those who want the antioxidant complex without the moisturiser's acid and retinol
For a wider view of moisturisers suited to dry, dehydrated skin across brands, see our best moisturisers for dry skin roundup. For the full Priori range, visit the Priori brand hub.
FAQs
Is Q+SOD fx240 a day cream or a night cream?
Priori positions it as suitable for both, thanks to its 24-hour hydration base — though because it contains retinol, most people prefer it at night and use a lighter, retinol-free moisturiser under sunscreen by day.
Can I use this with other actives?
Because it already combines 15% lactic acid and retinol, layering additional exfoliating acids or retinoids on the same night is likely to be more than dry, dehydrated skin needs. Keep other actives to separate nights, or contact our team for a routine check.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
The combination of a chemical exfoliant and retinol makes this a treatment-strength moisturiser rather than a plain comfort cream, so it isn't the obvious first pick for reactive or sensitised skin. The LCA fx140 Barrier Restore Complexe is a gentler starting point.