beauty sleep is not just a myth – it's a real thing! While you sleep, your skin works hard to repair itself and reverse damage caused by pollutants, UV rays, breakouts, and dehydration. That's where night creams come in. They are the unsung heroes of your skincare routine, encouraging cell turnover and protecting your skin's barrier from moisture loss. The best part? Your skin is most permeable and absorbent at night, making it the perfect time to slather on those nourishing ingredients.
How to choose the best night creams
Choosing the right night cream is essential for maximizing its benefits. According to skincare expert Christina DiFerdinando, it's important to use a night cream specifically tailored for evening use. While regular moisturizers provide hydration, night creams go a step further by offering the necessary nutrients to enhance your skin's repair mechanisms.
But how do you know if you need a night cream? According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Justine Park, night creams are integral for most skincare routines, providing an opportunity to address specific skincare needs and provide hydration. However, not everyone needs to use a night cream, and it should be individually tailored. For example, those with eczema or allergic rashes may use night creams to hydrate and protect their skin, while those with mature skin may seek a night cream that can hydrate, exfoliate, and stimulate collagen production. It's important to consider your skin type and specific needs before choosing a night cream.
Ingredients to look for
The effectiveness of a night cream depends on its ingredient composition. Common ingredients in night creams include hyaluronic acid for hydration, retinol for anti-aging, peptides for skin repair, and ceramides to reinforce the skin barrier. It's important to look for ingredients that suit your specific concerns. For example, antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage.
Factors to consider
In addition to your specific skin concerns, you should also consider other factors when choosing a night cream. For example, the season can impact your skincare routine. During the winter months, it's crucial to choose a night cream that provides hydration and prevents moisture loss. In contrast, warmer months require a night cream that helps repair and protect the skin from daytime damage.
Top night cream picks
With so many night creams on the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming. To make your search easier, we've compiled a list of top night creams recommended by experts for various skin concerns:
1. Best lightweight moisturizing night cream: Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer Cream
This cult-favorite cream is loved by skincare enthusiasts and beauty editors alike. It contains ceramides, antioxidants, and honey, making it suitable for all skin types, including mature skin. The cream provides deep hydration and nourishment without harsh chemicals, appealing to clean beauty enthusiasts and those with sensitive skin.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Buckwheat honey with propolis and royal jelly blend, ceramides, shea butter, vitamin E, fig fruit extract
- Texture: Extra thick
- Benefits: Protects the moisture barrier, moisturizes, hydrates, plumps, reduces fine lines
- Fragrance-free: No added fragrances
- Clean: Yes
- Cruelty-free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Price: $48
Pros:
- Contains buckwheat honey, which is rich in chicoric acid, a powerful antioxidant
- Indie brand with a solid reputation in the skincare community
- Sustainable packaging
- Comes with a mini spatula
Cons:
- Small amount for the price
- Faint honey scent due to the natural ingredients
The bottom line: Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer Cream is a reputable and popular night cream suitable for all skin types. Its nourishing ingredients and clean formulation make it a top choice for hydration and protection.
2. Best antioxidant night cream: Peach and Lily Overnight Star Night Cream
This lightweight night cream is a powerhouse of antioxidants. With ingredients like acai berry and black ginseng, it brightens and nourishes the skin without causing irritation. Created by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon, Peach and Lily is a Korean skincare brand known for its gentle and clean solutions.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Acai berry extract, black ginseng extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, niacinamide, peptide complex, jojoba seed oil, squalene, hyaluronic acid
- Texture: Gel-like
- Benefits: Firms, brightens, hydrates, treats hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen, reduces fine lines, anti-inflammatory, calming
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Clean: Yes
- Cruelty-free: Yes
- Size: 2.7 ounces
- Price: $45
Pros:
- Formulated by a skincare expert
- Cult following among skincare enthusiasts
- Korean skincare brand known for clean and gentle products
- Lightweight and great value for money
Cons:
- May not be rich enough for those who prefer a thicker night cream
- Antioxidant moisturizers can oxidize quicker than traditional moisturizers
The bottom line: Peach and Lily Overnight Star Night Cream is a lightweight and antioxidant-rich night cream that brightens, firms, and nourishes the skin. Its clean formulation and effectiveness make it a top choice for all skin types.
3. Best brightening night cream: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
Skincare veteran Sunday Riley created a night cream rich in vitamin C, a potent brightening ingredient. The cream repairs damage from environmental pollutants and is ideal for those looking to improve their skin's texture and clarity.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Vitamin C (5% THD ascorbate), hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E, shea butter, lime pearl extract, bisabolol, exopolysaccharides, turmeric
- Texture: Thick and creamy
- Benefits: Brightens, firms, repairs free radical damage, suitable for all skin types
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Clean: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Price: $65
Pros:
- Contains interesting and dermatologist-recommended ingredients
- Packaging is partially recyclable
- Gluten-free
- Pleasant scent
Cons:
- Small amount for the price
- Vitamin C can be irritating to sensitive skin
- Antioxidant moisturizers can oxidize quicker than traditional moisturizers
The bottom line: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream is a luxurious night cream that brightens, firms, and repairs the skin. It's suitable for most skin types and contains powerful ingredients to achieve visible results.
4. Best night cream to improve texture: SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight
Dermatologists highly recommend SkinCeuticals, making this night cream a top choice. It contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) known for their exfoliant properties, improving skin texture and clarity. The cream combines glycolic acid, phytic acid, jojoba oil, and sunflower seed oil for a powerful effect.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Glycolic acid, phytic acid, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil
- Texture: Medium weight and creamy
- Benefits: Anti-aging, improves texture and clarity, treats hyperpigmentation, treats sun damage, minimizes pores, can be used on acne-prone skin
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Clean: No
- Cruelty-Free: No
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Price: $90
Pros:
- Dermatologist-loved brand
- Can be used nightly despite its active ingredients
- Encourages cell turnover, reducing fine lines and signs of aging
Cons:
- Contains salicylic acid, which can irritate sensitive or dry skin
- Best used in conjunction with a richer night cream
- Cannot be used with retinol products
- Small amount for the price
The bottom line: SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is a dermatologist-recommended night cream that improves texture and clarity. While it may not be suitable for all skin types, it provides effective results when used correctly.
5. Best budget night cream: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
CeraVe is a popular drugstore brand recommended by dermatologists and skincare specialists. Their Skin Renewing Night Cream is enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, making it suitable for different skin types. Its affordability makes it an excellent option for those on a budget seeking a high-quality night cream.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, shea butter
- Texture: Thick and creamy
- Benefits: Hydrates, moisturizes, protects skin barrier, soothes, boasts anti-aging properties
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Clean: No
- Cruelty-Free: No
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Price: $24
Pros:
- Contains patented MVE Technology for extended release of moisturizing ingredients
- Developed with dermatologists
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Thick texture may not suit breakout-prone or oily skin types
- Chance of bacteria contamination if not used with clean hands
- Small amount for the price
The bottom line: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream is an affordable and effective option for all skin types. Developed with dermatologists, it provides hydration, soothes the skin, and protects the skin barrier.
6. Best luxury night cream: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Augustinus Bader, a German biomedical scientist, created The Rich Cream, an anti-aging night cream. It gained popularity overnight among celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow. This cream is known for its visible anti-aging benefits and ability to repair environmental damage.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: TFC8, evening primrose oil, squalene, vitamin E
- Texture: Thick and creamy
- Fragrance-free: None
- Size: 1 ounce / 1.7 ounces
- Benefits: Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation; supports cell renewal; hydrates; plumps; protects skin barrier; improves skin texture; firms; reverses damage from environmental pollutants
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Price: $180
Pros:
- Contains TFC8, a patented ingredient that supports cell renewal and adapts to skin's individual needs
- Effective at evening out tone and texture
- Unique texture due to water-based ingredients suspended in oils
Cons:
- High price tag
- Bottle is not recyclable
- Oils may not suit certain skin types
The bottom line: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is a luxurious night cream that improves skin tone, texture, and firmness. While expensive, it contains patented ingredients and is highly effective.
7. Best retinol alternative night cream: OLEHENRIKSEN Goodnight Glow Bakuchiol Sleeping Creme
Looking for a retinol alternative? Look no further than OLEHENRIKSEN Goodnight Glow Bakuchiol Sleeping Creme. This vegan night cream combines bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that mimics the effects of retinol, with alpha hydroxy acids for a gentle exfoliating effect. It's suitable for all skin types.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Bakuchiol, edelweiss stem cell, glycolic acid, lactic acid, hibiscus flower extract, red algae extract, licorice root, chamomile extract
- Texture: Gel-like and creamy
- Benefits: Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation; firms; improves skin texture; moisturizes
- Fragrance-free: Contains less than one percent fragrance
- Clean: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Price: $60
Pros:
- Bakuchiol provides retinol-like benefits without the irritation
- Suitable for all skin types
- Trendy ingredient in skincare
- Can reduce the appearance of blemishes
Cons:
- May be drying on some skin types
- Could cause breakouts for certain individuals
- Small amount for the price
The bottom line: OLEHENRIKSEN Goodnight Glow Bakuchiol Sleeping Creme is a vegan and alternative to retinol. It provides multiple benefits, including reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
8. Best night cream for combination skin: EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer is perfect for those with combination skin. Its oil-free formula balances moisture levels, providing hydration where needed without clogging pores. The cream contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients to soothe and protect the skin.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed rice protein, thioctic acid, vitamin E, linoleic acid
- Texture: Thin to medium-weight creamy
- Benefits: Protects from moisture loss; reduces signs of aging; regulates oil production; encourages cell turnover; promotes collagen; firms; reduces inflammation
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Cruelty-Free: No
- Price: $41
Pros:
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free
- Lightweight texture
- Affordable
Cons:
- May cause irritation for sensitive skin
- Texture may not be as "creamy" as some night creams
The bottom line: EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer is a lightweight and affordable option for those with combination skin. It hydrates, soothes, and regulates oil production without clogging pores.
9. Best night cream for dry skin: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask with Squalane
If you have dry skin, Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is a game-changer. This lightweight gel cream contains squalane, which locks in moisture and provides deep hydration. It works best when applied over your regular night cream and washed off in the morning, leaving your skin soft and bright.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid, probiotics
- Texture: Gel-like
- Benefits: Hydrates, supports the skin barrier, softens, brightens
- Fragrance-free: Less than one percent fragrance
- Clean: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 2.3 ounces
- Price at publish: $32
Pros:
- Reef safe
- Packaging updated to use less plastic
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Best used in conjunction with another night cream
- May not provide enough hydration on its own
The bottom line: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask with Squalane is a gentle Korean beauty product that provides deep hydration for dry skin. It works best when used in combination with another night cream for maximum effectiveness.
10. Best night cream for extremely dry skin: Barrier Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
If you have extremely dry skin, Barrier Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream is here to rescue you. With a combination of humectants and emollients like shea butter, this heavy-duty night cream locks in moisture and soothes parched, irritated skin. It's perfect for treating flakiness and improving overall skin texture.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Lipids, shea butter, comfrey leaf, oat extract, panthenol
- Texture: Extra thick
- Benefits: Hydrates, moisturizes, brightens, treats fine lines and wrinkles
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Clean: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Price: $54
Pros:
- Contains hyaluronic acid particles for deep penetration
- Dermatologist-tested and award-winning
- pH balanced and refillable jar
- Sustainable and recyclable packaging
Cons:
- Some find it has a funny smell
- May clog pores for acne-prone skin types
- Small amount for the price
The bottom line: Barrier Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream is an excellent choice for extremely dry skin. Its intensive hydration and soothing properties make it perfect for treating dryness and improving overall skin quality.
11. Best firming night cream: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream
If you're looking to firm and tighten your skin, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream is your go-to product. It not only provides visible firming results but also reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. The cream contains soothing oatmeal and other nourishing ingredients.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide
- Texture: Rich and buttery
- Benefits: Firms, hydrates, moisturizes, treats fine lines and wrinkles, improves texture
- Fragrance-free: None
- Clean: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Price: $44
Pros:
- Dermatologist-tested
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Addresses dark circles
- Contains coenzyme Q10
Cons:
- Emollient ingredients may stain pillows
- Rich texture may trigger breakouts for oily skin types
The bottom line: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream is a popular choice for firming and tightening the skin. It addresses multiple signs of aging and is safe for most sensitive skin types.
12. Best for all skin types: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer with Ceramides
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer is a versatile night cream suitable for all skin types. Its rich and thick texture provides intense hydration and nourishment, thanks to ingredients like ceramides, African oils, and plant-derived lipids. The cream also contains antioxidants to protect against free radicals.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Ceramides, African oils, phytosphingosine, glycerin, green tea extract
- Texture: Rich and creamy
- Benefits: Moisturizes, protects the moisture barrier, soothes, restores, combats fine lines, firms
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Clean: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.69 ounces
- Price: $62
Pros:
- Clean skincare brand
- Refillable container
- Potent blend of nourishing ingredients
- Non-greasy
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Oils may trigger breakouts for certain skin types
The bottom line: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer is a luxurious night cream suitable for all skin types. Its rich formulation and potent ingredients provide intense hydration and nourishment.
13. Best night cream for sensitive skin: COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream
For sensitive skin, COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream is a top choice. Snail mucin, a trendy ingredient in skincare, is incredibly soothing to irritated skin. This cream helps soften and reduce the appearance of blemishes, making it a favorite among skincare enthusiasts.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid
- Texture: Thin and creamy
- Benefits: Soothes, moisturizes, hydrates, plumps
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Clean: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 3.52 ounces
- Price: $26
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Non-greasy
- Trendy ingredient in skincare
- Can reduce the appearance of blemishes
Cons:
- Can dry out certain skin types
- Limited availability in some regions
The bottom line: COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream is a trendy and affordable night cream suitable for sensitive skin. Its soothing and moisturizing properties make it a great choice for those with easily irritated skin.
14. Best night cream for acne-prone skin: Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer
Acne-prone skin requires a water-based night cream that won't clog pores. Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer is an excellent choice for acne-prone skin, as its lightweight and antioxidant-rich formula provides just the right amount of moisture without causing breakouts. It contains ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and licorice root to reduce breakouts, clear pores, and minimize redness.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, licorice root, pumpkin, blueberry antioxidant
- Texture: Gel-like
- Fragrance-free: No
- Clean: No
- Benefits: Reduces breakouts, clears pores, minimizes redness
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 2 ounces
- Price: $29
Pros:
- Uses natural antioxidants
- Packaging is recyclable
- Lightweight texture
- Helps protect against breakouts and clear pores
Cons:
- May not be hydrating enough for some individuals
- Contains fragrance, which can irritate sensitive skin
The bottom line: Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer is a water-based night cream specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Its lightweight and non-comedogenic formula help reduce breakouts and clear pores without causing irritation.
15. Best organic night cream: Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate Glow Dream Overnight Face Mask
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Overnight Face Mask is an organic and clean overnight face mask loved by beauty experts and skincare lovers. It's worn over your regular night cream and washed off in the morning, infusing your skin with moisture and antioxidants. The cream's potent blend of superberries provides deep hydration and a healthy glow.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: Vitamin C, squalene, hyaluronic acid, superberries
- Texture: Thick and creamy
- Benefits: Plumps, hydrates, moisturizes, brightens, improves texture, fights free-radical damage
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Clean: Yes
- Cruelty-free: Yes
- Size: 2 ounces
- Price at publish: $52
Pros:
- Has won beauty industry awards
- Cult following among skincare enthusiasts
- Recyclable packaging
Cons:
- Best used in conjunction with a more traditional night cream
- May not provide enough hydration on its own
The bottom line: Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Overnight Face Mask is a clean and organic product that provides deep hydration and a healthy glow. Its antioxidant-rich formula nourishes and protects the skin overnight.
How we selected the best night creams
Our selection of the best night creams was based on extensive research, including interviews with skin specialists and dermatologists. We considered the most common skincare concerns and identified key ingredients that effectively address these issues. We also assessed reputable brands and formulations that align with these concerns.
To ensure the credibility and quality of our selections, we scoured reviews and customer feedback for each product, considering the overall satisfaction and visible results reported by users.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Which brand of night cream is best?
The best brand of night cream varies depending on individual skin type, concerns, and goals. Some recommended brands include SkinCeut
