ACTIVATE
Cleanse and follow with your African Botanics mist, essence, and serum. Intensive Recovery Cream is the final treatment step in the evening ritual — designed to work synergistically with the actives layered beneath it.
Intensive Recovery Cream
Regenerative Nocturnal Treatment
Benefits
Visibly reduces wrinkles and refines texture
Restores the appearance of firmness and density
Reinforces the skin barrier and moisture reserves
Reveals smoother, more luminous, resilient skin
Restores the appearance of firmness and density
Reinforces the skin barrier and moisture reserves
Reveals smoother, more luminous, resilient skin
Suitable For
Visible lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness
Dryness and weakened barrier function
Uneven texture, tone and diminished luminosity
Mature, photo-aged or stress-fatigued skin
Dryness and weakened barrier function
Uneven texture, tone and diminished luminosity
Mature, photo-aged or stress-fatigued skin
Key Features
Biotech Retinol + Precision Peptide Complex
Encapsulated Stem Cell-Derived Actives
3 Ceramides + Cholesterol + Phytosphingosine
Stabilized Vitamin C + Multi-Level Hydration
Encapsulated Stem Cell-Derived Actives
3 Ceramides + Cholesterol + Phytosphingosine
Stabilized Vitamin C + Multi-Level Hydration
1
How to Use
PM ONLY
REPAIR
One to two pumps into clean palms. Warm briefly between the hands to activate — the concentrated formula transforms into a silky, sculpting texture on contact with warmth.
REGENERATE
Press into the face, neck, and décolleté in slow, upward sweeping motions. Allow a moment to settle before rest — the formula continues to work throughout the night, when the skin's regenerative activity is at its peak.
REVIVE
Begin twice a week for two weeks. Then every other night for two weeks. Then nightly, as tolerance builds. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF during the day. AS A PRO TREATMENT MASK: Once a week — or whenever the skin asks for it — Intensive Recovery Cream can be applied as a nocturnal treatment mask. Layer generously across the face, neck, and décolleté. Leave on for 15–20 minutes. Rinse and reveal skin visibly restored, plumper, more luminous.
The Formula
Regeneration, engineered for night
The Technology
Multi-pathway regenerative technology
The Source
Resilience, cultivated in extremes
The Ingredients
Structure. barrier. moisture.
Why This Formula Matters
I.
RENEWAL + STRUCTURE
Retinol and precision peptides address complementary dimensions of visible aging — supporting epidermal renewal while improving the appearance of wrinkles, firmness and density. Rather than relying on a single corrective pathway, the formula approaches skin renewal as an interconnected process.
II.
BIOMIMETIC BARRIER REPAIR
Three essential ceramides, cholesterol and phytosphingosine replenish lipids naturally present within the skin barrier. This biomimetic architecture helps reduce moisture loss and restore the conditions required for stronger, more resilient skin.
III.
BIO-ADAPTIVE DEFENSE
Kigelia, Baobab, Bulbinella and antioxidant botanicals provide complementary support against environmental stress while helping soothe and condition the skin. Their role is not to replace biotechnology, but to strengthen the environment in which renewal takes place.
IV.
MULTI-LEVEL HYDRATION
Polyglutamic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid and humectants replenish water across the skin's surface while the lipid system helps limit its loss. The result is sustained hydration that supports suppleness, comfort and a visibly plumper complexion.
Active Ingredients
Bio-Retinol + Peptide Architecture
[ 1% biotech-derived retinol · Precision peptide system · Nocturnal renewal ]
A concentrated renewal system pairing 1% biotech-derived Retinol with precision peptides selected to address multiple signs of structural aging. Retinol supports epidermal turnover and refines visible texture, while complementary peptides help improve the appearance of firmness, wrinkles and skin density. Together, they form the corrective core of this nocturnal treatment.
II
CERAMIDE BARRIER COMPLEX
III
BIO-ADAPTIVE BOTANICALS
IV
MULTI-MOLECULAR HYDRATION
FUNCTIONAL BIO-ACTIVES: VITAMIN A: a next-generation biotech retinol: Smooths fine lines & boosts collagen, improving wrinkles, texture, and tone. Encapsulated Stem Cell Exosomes: Support cellular regeneration and skin longevity. Bio-Optimized Collagen Hexapeptide P6: Encourages dermal remodeling and collagen production. THD Ascorbate (Vitamin C): Highly stable form of Vitamin C for brightening and antioxidant protection. 3 Essential Ceramides + Phytosphingosine: Rebuild the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. Tetrapeptide-21: Boosts skin density and firmness. Polyglutamic Acid + Sodium Hyaluronate: Intense multi-level hydration and plumping. Kigelia + Baobab Bio-Extracts: South African botanicals known for firming and skin renewal. Calendula, Jasmine & Rose: Soothe, repair, and enhance skin radiance. INCI LIST: Aqua, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Carbomer, Cholesterol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Algin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phyto Collagen, Mannose, Glucose, Collagen Amino Acids (Hexapeptide P6), Maltodextrin, Polyglutamic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Tetrapeptide-21, Zinc Oxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Isoamyl Laurate, Cetyl Alcohol, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Extract, Lycium Barbarum Callus Cell Culture Extract, Isomalt, Lecithin, Retinol (Vitamin A), Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Azelaic Acid, Lactic Acid, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Leaf Extract, Bulbinella Nutans Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. Contains ethically and responsibly sourced ingredients. 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free. CAUTION: FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. DISCONTINUE USE IF IRRITATION OCCURS. THIS INGREDIENT LIST IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR PRODUCT PACKAGING FOR THE MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION.
Complete The Ritual
(3)
Complete your regimen with formulas selected to layer beautifully.
DISCOVER MORE
REVIEWS
5.0
2 reviews
FAQ
African Botanics Intensive Recovery Cream is a regenerative anti-wrinkle night treatment designed to improve the skin’s natural repair processes. It uses bio-optimized peptides, plant stem cell-derived exosomes, and 1% retinol to visibly reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity, and restore youthful skin.
African Botanics Intensive Recovery Cream is a regenerative anti-wrinkle night treatment designed to improve the skin’s natural repair processes. It uses bio-optimized peptides, plant stem cell-derived exosomes, and 1% retinol to visibly reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity, and restore youthful skin.
Intensive Recovery Cream contains bio-retinol (vitamin a): a next-generation biotechnology ingredient produced through a precision fermentation process combining plant sugars with natural antioxidants. It delivers retinol-like anti-wrinkle efficacy to help support skin renewal and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture—while maintaining optimal skin comfort.
Yes, but retinol should be introduced gradually. The formula includes soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, phytosphingosine, calendula, rose, and baobab to minimize irritation.
Apply 1–2 pumps to clean skin in the evening after your serum. Massage gently upward over face, neck, and décolleté. Start slowly: Twice a week for 2 weeks, every other night for 2 weeks, then nightly.
Hydration and glow may appear within days. Visible improvements in wrinkles, firmness, and skin texture typically occur within 2–4 weeks of consistent use.
Yes, but not in the same routine. Use vitamin C in the morning and Intensive Recovery Cream at night. Avoid layering with strong exfoliating acids on the same evening.
Yes. Retinol increases sun sensitivity. Always use a broad-spectrum SPF during the day when using this product.
Yes. This formula is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and made with ethically sourced ingredients.
No. It is free from parabens, sulfates, and harsh synthetic fillers.
Yes. Apply a thick layer to face, neck, and décolleté. Leave on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse. This provides an intensive repair treatment.
Unlike standard moisturizers, this cream works at a cellular level using regenerative biotechnology, peptides, and retinol to actively remodel skin structure rather than simply hydrate.
Yes. It is suitable for normal, combination, dry, and mature skin types. Oily skin types may use a smaller amount.
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