The most important ingredients

Retinol

The gold standard in anti-ageing - a form of vitamin A that accelerates skin renewal.

Function: Can support the skin's resilience, ease wrinkles, brighten pigment spots and refine skin texture.

Ceramides

Skin-identical lipids that form the "mortar" between skin cells - essential for an intact skin barrier.

Function: Can repair and strengthen the skin barrier, reduce moisture loss and protect sensitive skin.

Peptides

Short chains of amino acids - signalling molecules for the skin.

Function: Can support resilience and skin structure, ease wrinkles and firm the skin.

Squalane

Skin-identical moisturising factor - the skin produces squalene itself, and production declines with age.

Function: Can care for the skin without clogging pores and replenish the natural lipid layer.

Application

Apply a pea-sized amount to clean skin of face and neck. Distribute evenly and massage in gently.

Morning use in the morning and/or evening. Especially suitable as moisturising care in combination with retinol products, to soften initial reactions.

Frequently asked questions

Recovery Crème or Renewal Crème — which do I need?

Recovery Crème is richer and contains retinol plus ceramides — for moderate retinol users who want repair and a gentle anti-ageing effect in a single product. Renewal Crème is lighter and retinol-free — for daily moisturisation in a normal routine. If you are new to retinol, Renewal Crème is the right starting point.

Why is Recovery Crème richer than Renewal Crème?

Recovery Crème has higher concentrations of shea butter, squalane, and other emollients — these create a more intensive moisture barrier. It is specifically formulated for dry, retinol-irritated skin that needs maximum barrier support. Renewal Crème contains similar ingredients but in a lighter concentration for normal to combination skin.

Can I use Recovery Crème as a morning face cream?

Not ideal in the morning, because it is too rich — make-up does not sit optimally and the skin can feel greasy. It is specifically designed as an evening product to support the skin's nocturnal repair phase. For the morning, Renewal Crème or a lighter moisturiser is the better choice.

Is Recovery Crème also suitable for the neck and décolleté?

Yes, ideal for this. The neck and décolleté have fewer sebaceous glands than the face — they are structurally drier and more sensitive to retinol. Recovery Crème provides rich moisture and the ceramides strengthen the thinner skin barrier in these areas. Use in the evening after your face routine.

How long does it take for Recovery Crème to soothe dryness and redness?

Immediate relief (less tightness): within 1–2 weeks. Visible improvement (less redness, smoother texture): typically after 3–4 weeks of consistent evening use.

About the brand

ZO Skin Health was developed by Dr. Zein Obagi - one of the world's most renowned dermatologists, with over 35 years of research in Beverly Hills. His principle: the skin is not “repaired” from the outside; instead, the cells themselves are activated. Because collagen, elastin and cell renewal decline with age, ZO products work in a targeted way across different skin layers - as system skincare following established treatment protocols, not as a single product.

Transparency & Mandatory Information

Ingredients (INCI)

Aqua, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Arachidyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Squalane, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Polyacrylate-13, Glyceryl Stearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, PEG-100 Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Linoleic Acid, Arachidyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Melilotus Officinalis Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Sterols, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinol, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyisobutene, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Ceramide NG, Polyglutamic Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3, Phospholipids, Lecithin, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Micrococcus Lysate, BHT, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Dextran, Trehalose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Instructions for use

Contains small amounts of vitamin A compounds (retinol and retinyl palmitate). Consult a doctor before use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Daytime sunscreen with at least SPF 30 recommended. For external use only.

Product Safety & Contact

NOVVIA GmbH ,

Am Lohmühlbach 17
85356 Freising
Deutschland
,

info@NOVVIA.de , +49 8161 96994-0