Make the most of your beauty sleep.
Let’s talk about night creams—why are some formulas better suited for your PM skincare routine than your AM? Well, thanks to the thick consistency, night creams contain a high concentration of ingredients that work while you sleep to assist the skin’s natural self-repair and regeneration. Aka, you get to sleep soundly, knowing your skincare is highly effective.
For help uncovering which night cream is best for your complexion, we chatted with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, MD, who shared tips like: “Look for nongreasy and noncomedogenic formulas to avoid clogged pores and breakouts.” She loves formulas that include retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and antioxidants, which “stimulate skin cell turnover and collagen production, correct hyperpigmentation, and even skin tone.” And she’s all about moisture-rich formulas that feature hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier, plumpness, and youthfulness.
With that knowledge, we conducted an in-depth test in which we tried over a dozen night creams and used them consistently for eight weeks. We evaluated the night creams on overall feel, absorption, and effectiveness. The ones that impressed us the most appear on this list—and they truly give new meaning to the term beauty sleep.
Best Overall
Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer
You might know about Differin from their popular and effective acne-fighting products, but this night cream is great for all skin types—not just those dealing with acne. It’s incredibly hydrating thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid (a nourishing molecule), ceramides (a fatty acid found in skin cells), and allantoin (a plant extract known for its moisturizing and soothing benefits).1 The texture is ideal—rich enough that it provides sufficient moisture but not too thick and heavy on the skin. It layers beautifully with other products in a nighttime skincare routine, and we love that it’s fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, making it a fantastic choice for even those with sensitive skin. Once applied, it absorbs within five minutes without leaving a greasy residue behind.
We found it provided long-lasting hydration that could be felt well into the next morning. Over the course of the testing period, it worked to completely get rid of dry patches and flakiness. It’s a simple formula (in the best way) that effectively moisturizes the skin and leaves it looking smooth. And considering how budget-friendly and accessible it is, we truly can’t recommend it enough.
Best Overall, Runner-Up
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
The rich texture of this cream by CeraVe feels like a quenching treatment on the skin sans the greasy residue that other thick night creams can leave behind. It’s made with a blend of peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid—all powerhouse moisturizing ingredients. This is a great choice if you’re dealing with a damaged skin barrier due to the included ceramides, which help to strengthen and protect the skin.2
We love that while it applies like a thick cream, it absorbs pretty quickly and doesn’t pill when combined with serums and treatments. We found it to be effective for improving dry patches on the skin, as well as for creating a smooth, even-looking complexion. It’s also fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, so it’s safe for sensitive skin types.
Best Firming
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Collagen Cream
This First Aid Beauty pick is great if you’re hoping to firm your skin. Of course, it’s excellent for moisturizing thanks to the inclusion of glycerin in the formula, but this cream is different in how it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides and collagen can promote a youthful complexion, while niacinamide helps to even the skin tone. Colloidal oatmeal is also in the formula to help calm dry or irritated skin.
The texture is thick and whipped—picture a dense meringue-like consistency—but it’s ultra-spreadable and absorbs well without looking or feeling oily. Over the course of the eight-week testing period, we saw a minor but noticeable improvement in the appearance of fine lines near the eyes, as well as a significant reduction in dry patches. This cream is also fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin.
Best Firming, Runner-Up
Osea Collagen Dream Night Cream
Another great firming option is this pick from Osea, which is formulated with bio-retinol (a plant-derived retinol alternative). This ingredient, paired with vegan collagen, works to keep the skin soft and supple. The anti-aging formula has hydrating and plumping properties, and can smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. We also love that it has a lovely, lavender scent and a rich consistency that can deeply hydrate all skin types.
Best With Retinol
Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream
If you’re new to retinol or you have dry or sensitive skin, opting for a night cream formulated with retinol, like this one, is a great option for you. Creams that include retinol tend to be less harsh than straight-up retinol formulas that you can get from a dermatologist. We’re quite impressed with this one because it’s equally as hydrating and effective for smoothing skin texture and firming. It’s formulated with ceramides to support the skin barrier and green tea and licorice root extracts to help even the skin tone.3 Plus, retinol, of course, for its anti-aging benefits.
The texture is rich but nongreasy and fast-absorbing, but it’s worth noting that it can pill when combined with other skincare products. Overall, we were very pleased with how it improved the look and feel of the skin, making it a Byrdie-approved choice for those on the hunt for a hydrating night cream containing retinol.
Best for Oily Skin
Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream
Moisturizers and oily skin can be tough to pair. While some formulas are simply too heavy and, therefore, lead to even more oil and shine, others are so light and watery that they don’t provide enough hydration. This one is a great middle-ground—it has a lightweight but creamy texture that absorbs quickly and provides enough moisture to last through the night. It’s powered by some of our favorite moisturizer heavy-hitters—glycerin for hydration and niacinamide to smooth the skin.
But while we saw great results from a moisture perspective, we did not notice a visual improvement in the plumpness of fine lines, as the brand claims it will do. However, if you have oily skin and you’re simply looking for a nourishing night cream or lightweight formulas are your preference, no matter your skin type, this is a solid option. It’s fragrance-free and accessible at the drugstore.
Best for Dry Skin
SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry Nighttime Face Moisturizer
If you have dry skin, you know how good it feels to apply a rich moisturizer before bed. This one is great because it has a thick, hydrating formula that will keep your skin happy all through the night, but it also contains a blend of gentle acids to exfoliate lightly. We wouldn’t say it’s super fast-absorbing, which isn’t a terrible thing for those with dry skin, but it doesn’t create an oily or tacky residue that feels uncomfortable or sticks to your pillow.
Over the course of eight weeks, we noticed a real improvement in skin hydration, gradually making the skin feel healthier and look more radiant. It also helped to mildly exfoliate the skin to reveal a more even texture and treated dullness for a more illuminated complexion. If you’re looking for a deeply moisturizing night cream with gentle exfoliation benefits that won’t further dry out your skin, this is a product we suggest you try.
Best for Mature Skin
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Night Cream
Moisturizing products with retinol are great for people with mature skin since the complexion can naturally lose hydration and firmness as you age. This night cream is a great pick for youthful-looking skin because it has a rich texture that treats dehydration and works to heal dry patches over time. It also contains retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While it does feel a bit greasy when you first apply it, that slippery film seems to dissipate after a few minutes, making it totally comfortable to sleep while you have the cream on.
After using it consistently, we noticed a significant improvement in skin dryness and an overall more even-looking complexion. We also appreciate that it contains centella asiatica, also known as tiger grass, a popular skincare ingredient known for its soothing benefits.4
Best for Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream
Simple, hydrating night creams that are free of allergens and fragrance are optimal for those with sensitive skin—and we love this one. The dermatologist-tested formula is safe for easily irritated skin and ideal for people with sensitive, dry, or balanced skin types whose main goal is hydration. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin combine to give the skin a necessary moisture boost without being heavy or sticky.
It doesn’t pill when layered with serums, eye creams, or treatments, and we love that it acts like a sealant for the rest of your skincare routine. The moisturizing benefits you get from this cream last well into the next morning, and we saw a major reduction in dryness and flaking when using it consistently.
Best for Textured Skin
The Outset Restorative Night Cream
Bumpy, uneven skin can be really tricky to alleviate without causing dryness. While acids and other exfoliants are great for smoothing texture over time, they can lead to dry patches or become potentially irritating. We recommend this moisturizer if you’re having this problem—it can hydrate while smoothing due to the inclusion of bakuchiol, a gentler retinol alternative, in the formula. Bakuchiol works to even texture, target fine lines, and promote cell turnover similar to retinol—just without irritation.
The brand describes the texture as “buttery-soft,” which couldn’t be more accurate. The formula is creamy and soft, and it spreads out like butter—sans the greasiness. While we didn’t notice a major difference in terms of skin radiance during the testing period, we did see a real improvement in the skin’s hydration levels and smoothness. If you’re looking for a formula to address uneven texture gently, this is a perfect place to start.
Best for Dull Skin
Fresh Lotus Antioxidant Night Moisturizer
Do you ever feel like your skin just looks a bit lifeless? If the answer is yes, finding a radiance-boosting moisturizer like this one can be a game changer. This night cream is ideal for dull skin because the brand harvests the beneficial components of the entire lotus plant, which is known for its antioxidant properties and radiance-enhancing capabilities.5 The formula also contains shea butter and vitamin E to deliver moisture to the skin. The texture is smooth and creamy and falls somewhere in between airy and rich, making it feel really comfortable on a wide range of skin types.
A little bit goes a long way, and it absorbs completely after about one minute. With consistent use, we saw a noticeable improvement in the skin’s softness and hydration. One thing to note is that it does contain synthetic fragrance, so beware of this if you have sensitive skin or are sensitive to fragrance.
Best Hybrid
Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair
Sticking to a multi-step skincare routine can sometimes be challenging, especially when you’re mentally ready to head to bed. That’s why we love two-in-one products—like this serum/night cream hybrid from Tatcha. As the name suggests, it works to repair your complexion while you sleep with ingredients that are able to heal and hydrate. It contains ceramides to treat damage as well as Japanese indigo extract, which can soothe irritated and inflamed skin.6
It has a rich and creamy consistency, and we love that it comes with a tiny spoon to remove the cream from the container (so you won’t contaminate the product with your fingers). The result will be skin that looks visibly softer, smoother, and more nourished than it did the night before.
Best for Hyperpigmentation
Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer
Picking your skin only lasts a moment, but the dark spot it leaves behind (can seem like it) lasts forever. So while a more targeted treatment like a serum is the most effective at treating them, having a routine where every product can contribute to lifting the spots is the most ideal. If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation and looking for a night cream, we recommend this pick from Eadem.
Not only does it deeply hydrate, repair, and soothe the skin, but it’s also able to target dark spots for a clear complexion. This is due to the niacinamide and peptides in the formula, which are both able to boost radiance in the skin. It also contains nourishing ingredients like ceramides and squalane to protect the skin’s barrier and add moisture. We love that while it has a thick, creamy texture, it sinks into the skin easily without leaving a tacky residue behind.
Best for Discoloration
Skin Better AlphaRet Overnight Cream 30ml
Skin discoloration becomes more common as we age and can be caused by a variety of reasons (sun damage, hormones, and more). While there are more invasive ways of treating it—like laser or microneedling—this night cream can help even out your skin tone without causing you any pain. It has a powerful formula full of actives, with the main ingredient being a combination of retinol and lactic acid to promote smooth, clear skin. It also contains glycolic acid, peptides, niacinamide, as well as vitamin C for antioxidant protection.
While it may be too strong of a product if you have very sensitive skin, it’s specifically formulated to be gentle on the complexion without causing irritation. The variety of active ingredients also work together to deliver noticeable results in a short period of time.
What to Look for in Night Creams
- Retinol and bakuchiol: Retinol and bakuchiol have a laundry list of benefits according to Dr. Green—they hydrate, firm, smooth skin. Plus, they increase elastin and collagen production, which minimizes fine lines and discoloration and boosts cell turnover for a more youthful glow. “Retinol is especially a great ingredient for night creams because it makes your skin photosensitive, so it is best to use it at night instead of daytime. SPF 30+ should be used the following day to protect your skin from sun damage,” adds Dr. Green. People with retinol sensitivity can consider retinol alternative bakuchiol, which has similar benefits without the irritation.7
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs are a type of chemical exfoliant that helps get rid of dead skin cells and clean out pores to provide anti-aging benefits. Dr. Green explains, “Glycolic acid, the strongest of the AHAs due to its small molecular size, penetrates deeper into the skin to stimulate collagen production.” AHAs are also effective at treating acne as well as hyperpigmentation as they remove excess sebum and reveal healthy new skin.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E are great for addressing redness and sun damage. “Antioxidants work by fighting free radical damage and protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays,” Dr. Green explains. “This means that antioxidants in night creams will help prepare the skin for the sun during the day. Vitamin C also aids collagen production, boosts radiance, and reduces discoloration.”
- Hyaluronic acid: Hydration is a key ingredient in a night cream because it helps to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. “Hyaluronic acid is a popular moisturizing ingredient often found in night creams,” says Dr. Green. “It’s a humectant that seeps into the skin and pulls water from the environment to hydrate the skin.”
FAQ
Why should you use a night cream?
According to Dr. Green, “Night creams work on a cellular level to repair the skin as you sleep.” She explains that nighttime is when your skin has a chance to restore and repair the damage that occurs during the day. “Using the right night cream for your skin type will provide nutrients for the skin to prepare and withstand free radical damage endured during the daytime.”
Do night creams really work?
The short answer is: yes. Night creams are effective because of their high concentration of active ingredients. “Night creams typically provide intense hydration and concentrated ingredients to fight signs of aging and other concerns,” Dr. Green explains. “They are usually formulated with active ingredients designed to correct skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, acne, dryness, and aging.”
How do you use night cream?
Night cream is the final step in your skincare routine and is best applied with your hands after any night serums you use, explains Dr. Green. “Because night creams tend to be thicker in consistency and have ultra-hydrating ingredients, applying them after serums will lock in moisture and the beneficial ingredients in the serums. If you don’t use any serums, you can skip to the night cream after cleansing.”