11 Best Drugstore Night Creams to Quench the Thirst of Dehydrated Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 19, 2024
Best Drugstore Night Creams
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Night creams can be a blessing for dehydrated, dry and damaged skin that cannot be cured by just a typical moisturizer. Now, if you ask the basic difference between a moisturizer and a night cream, we have to say that it is nothing but the formula! A night cream is much richer in texture than your regular moisturizer and thus, helps in addressing skin problems related to dry skin more effectively and repairs and replenishes it at the same time! Now, if you are wondering where to start, these best drugstore night creams can come to your rescue when you are done searching for a solution for your flaky skin.

"We lose water in the skin at night, so nighttime is all about locking in moisture," says Mona Gohara, MD and dermatologist. Now, that you know how revolutionary the product can be for your skin, take a look at our top recommendations -

11 Best Drugstore Night Creams

With a convenient packaging, the Olay Regenerist Night Recovery cream restores your original beauty by smoothing out the fine lines, blurring the pores, and hydrating flaky skin. Addedly, packed with an effective formulation, the non-greasy product penetrates 10 layers deep into the skin to replenish it overnight. Also, enriched with niacinamide and amino peptide-complex, the cream claims to regenerate the surface skin cells with its supercharged ingredients. After trying out this product, we also found that it helps the skin retain its youthfulness if followed by a proper skincare routine.

Pros
  • Penetrates 10 layers deep
  • Effective formulation
  • Smoothes fine lines
  • Long-lasting benefit
  • Non-greasy texture
  • Regenerate the skin surface
Cons
  • Packaging could be better
  • Supercharged Ingredients

    BURT'S BEES Gentle Night Cream

     BURT'S BEES Gentle Night Cream
  • Packed with the goodness of aloe vera, squalane, bakuchiol, ceramide, and rice milk, the nutrient-rich formula of this affordable night cream boasts off smoothing out the imperfections and fine lines. Plus, free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, and petroleum, the skin-friendly formula is truly gentle for your face. The plus point is that it equally works on sensitive skin due to its clinically-tested formulation and helps in restoring the skin barrier by soothing irritation and redness.

    Pros
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Improves moisture barrier
    • Nutrient-rich
    • Works on sensitive skin
    Cons
    • Sticky
  • Most Moisturising

    CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

    CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
  • Infused with MVE technology, the ceramide-enriched night cream ensures hydration all day long while restoring your skin's natural barrier. Plus, loaded with hyaluronic acid that is known to be the most potent ingredient for moisturization(1), the cream retains water in your skin for a healthy glow. To note, it is developed by dermatologists and has even received the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Furthermore, formulated without any fragrance, the cream is also allergy tested and considered the best for sensitive skin.

    Laying emphasis on MVE technology, our contributor, Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam, says, “MVE Technology, or MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology, is a delivery system in skincare that allows for a slow, continuous release of hydrating ingredients over time. Encapsulated ingredients are gradually released layer by layer, ensuring prolonged hydration for the skin. This leads to improved skin moisture levels and overall skin health.”

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Oil-free
    • Gentle formula
    • Fragrance-free
    • Developed by dermatologists
    Cons
    • Sticky consistency
  • Non-comedogenic

    L'OREAL PARIS COLLAGEN Moisture Filler

    L'OREAL PARIS COLLAGEN Moisture Filler
  • This revolutionary cream, loaded with collagen, claims to replenish your skin with a daily dose of hydration. Plus, its lightweight and non-greasy texture absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any sticky residue or making it uncomfortable. To top off, the cream fills into the open pores, fine lines, and wrinkles to deliver a plumper and younger-looking skin in 4 weeks of use. Still confused? Well, don’t be. Get overnight results when applied correctly and paired with a gentle cleanser and toner with this product in your stash.

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Lightweight
    • Non-greasy
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Fills in wrinkles
    • Restores skin's cushion
    Cons
    • Scented
  • Paraben-free

    VANICREAM Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin

     VANICREAM Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin
  • Specially formulated for sensitive skin, Vanicream’s moisturizing cream comes with a clean formula that claims to be free from dye, lanolin, paraben, botanical extracts, and gluten. It is also non-greasy and helps to restore the natural barrier of your skin while soothing the redness, and irritation. Furthermore, owing to its non-comedogenic formula, this best drugstore night moisturizer has been awarded the seal of acceptance by the National Eczema Association. To reap its maximum benefits, all you need to do is to apply a generous amount before bed everyday!

    Pros
    • Restores natural barrier
    • Fragrance-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Paraben-free
    • Gluten-free
    Cons
    • Leaves residue
  • Versatile

    WELEDA Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

    WELEDA Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
  • It is an ethically-sourced ultra-nourishing cream that is loaded with calendula, pansy, and chamomile to soothe your senses while leaving the skin soft and nourished. With a rich base consisting of beeswax and botanical oils, it also works wonders as a makeup base. The cream is a versatile product that can be used to tame your frizzy mane and hydrate the drying ends as well. Last but not the least, formulated without any nasty preservatives or chemicals, it imparts a much-needed healthy glow.

    Pros
    • Ultra-nourishing
    • Deeply penetrates into the skin
    • Versatile
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • No synthetic fragrance
    Cons
    • Greasy
  • PETA-approved

    St. Ives RENEWING COLLAGEN & ELASTIN Moisturizer

    St. Ives RENEWING COLLAGEN & ELASTIN Moisturizer
  • One of the most lovable brands of America, St. Ives, the products of which are loaded with the goodness of natural safflower seed oil, elastic protein, and collagen, has come up with a collagen and elastin night cream for everyday use. The dermatologically-tested cream is PETA-approved and maximizes the chances of you spending happy time with your skin at night. With a lightweight consistency, the hydrating moisturizer gets quickly absorbed into the skin and lends you the skin of your dreams the next day.

    Pros
    • Works on sensitive skin
    • Little goes a long way
    • Lightweight
    • PETA-approved
    • Natural ingredients
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Unsealed
  • Sulfate-free

    JASON VITAMIN E Moisturizing Creme

    JASON VITAMIN E Moisturizing Creme
  • Let your inner radiance shine through with this moisturizing cream loaded with the goodness of vitamin E. This best budget night cream penetrates into your skin to minimize the signs of aging gracefully. Plus, packed with the effectiveness of avocado oil, it helps in restoring the elasticity and moisture for a smooth and supple skin. Well, there is something more — the cruelty-free cream is made without parabens, sulfate, phthalates, and petroleum to provide overall care to your sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Minimizes signs of aging
    • Provides long-lasting hydration
    • Cruelty-free
    • Free of parabens
    • No sulfate
    • Restores moisture
    Cons
    • Feels like a wax
  • Clinically-tested

    Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream

    Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream
  • Loaded with the goodness of potent skin-friendly ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and allantoin, Cetaphil Soothing Gel cream is one of the best OTC night creams that are loved by dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts. Along with soothing and hydrating dry and stressed skin, the gel cream also protects it from environmental stressors. With a quick-absorbing formula, the cream penetrates into the skin for an immediate relief to chapped and flaky surfaces. All in all, it indeed deserves a place in your stash for uncovering healthy skin with regular usage.

    Pros
    • Dermatologically-recommended
    • Long-lasting hydration
    • Clinically tested
    • Work on sensitive skin
    • Provides hydration for 24 hours
    • Absorbs quickly
    Cons
    • Rancid smell
  • Weightless Formula

    JERGENS Whipped CLOUD Creme

    JERGENS Whipped CLOUD Creme
  • Unleash ultra-smooth skin with this deeply hydrating cloud cream that feels weightless and makes your skin breathe at night! It is perfect for those who want all the benefits from a night cream moisturizer and non-sticky lotion! Packed with the goodness of hyaluronic acid, the whipped hydrating cream stays with you the next 24 hours without irritating the skin’s surface. Furthermore, the dermatologically-tested formula is free of parabens and dyes to ensure your skin an all-in-one benefit.

    Highlighting the benefits of hyaluronic acid in a night cream, our contributor, Dr. Anna Chacon says, ”Hyaluronic acid is a real game changer when it comes to skin care. Its unique ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water helps to draw and lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. When applied topically through skincare products, it essentially acts as a sponge, absorbing moisture from its surroundings and retaining it in the skin. This not only provides immediate hydration, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple, but also helps to enhance the skin's overall texture and appearance. Moreover, by boosting the skin's moisture content, hyaluronic acid also fortifies the skin's natural barriers, which in turn, helps to protect against environmental stressors and lock in hydration, preventing moisture loss throughout the day.”

    Pros
    • Provides softness to skin
    • Locks moisture for 24 hours
    • Non sticky
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Paraben-free
    • Dye-free
    Cons
    • Overpowering smell
  • MAJESTIC PURE WHIPPED ARGAN OIL HYDRATING Face Cream

     MAJESTIC PURE WHIPPED ARGAN OIL HYDRATING Face Cream
  • Majestic Pure has come up with a hydrating face cream that is loaded with plant-derived components to lend you the skin of your dreams! Rich in ceramides, coconut oil, vitamin A and E, the antioxidant complex cream deeply infuses moisture into the skin and promotes a youthful texture with superb tone. Furthermore, it takes the upper hand in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and acne marks and claims to have an effective formulation that helps in reducing the free radicals from the skin. To note further, it works well when applied before bedtime to reap maximum benefits. 

    Pros
    • Reduces fine lines
    • Rich in antioxidants
    • Hydrates the skin
    • Fights free radicals
    • Non-greasy Brightens the complexion
    Cons
    • Overpowering chemical smell

    Now, that you are aware of the top drugstore night creams, take a look at how you can choose the best one amongst them

    How to Choose the Best Drugstore Night Cream?

    Here are a few factors to consider before vouching for the best drugstore night cream:

    a) Skin Type- If you have oily skin, pick a night cream with non-comedogenic features. Similarly, for dry skin people, it is best to pick one that is loaded with ingredients like glycerine, shea butter, lanolin, and other hydrating components like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, cocoa butter, etc. People with mature skin can pick a cream with retinol, Vitamin C, peptide, and ceramide.

    b) Formula- Pick a product that is formulated without parabens, sulfate, dyes, and other harsh ingredients that don't deserve a place in your stash. Also, you shouldn't pick a cream with ingredients that can cause inflammation or irritation on your skin.

    c) Texture- Since night creams are formulated differently to address specific problems as compared to traditional moisturizers and they are thicker in consistency, you can choose a product with a non-greasy and lightweight texture. One of the benefits of the same is that your skin will soak all the necessary ingredients quickly without leaving any greasy residue behind.

    These best drugstore night creams are drops of elixir packed in a container to provide you with an intense hydration that lasts for a really long time! As per our expertise, they are excellent products to retain moisture and provide your skin the youthful glow that it deserves. Plus, loaded with effective ingredients, they can be your longtime buddy if used properly following a routine. So, which one is making its way to the cart? Let us know in the comments section below.

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D. Dermatologist, MyPsoriasisTeam

    FAQ's

    Are night creams good for your skin?
    Night creams are excellent for dry and chapped skin that deals with tightness, roughness, and flakiness every other day. Lather it well and spread it evenly on your skin for excellent results!
    Can I apply night cream during the day?
    No. You can't leave your night cream all day long since it is formulated differently that doesn't work at day time. To get the maximum benefits, apply it before you go to sleep followed by cleanser and toner to fetch the best results.
    What are the disadvantages of night cream?
    Night creams are mostly thicker in consistency that can work adversely for oily and acne-prone skin. However, if you choose a non-comedogenic one, the problem can be curbed.
    Can we use night creams daily?
    Yes. You can use night creams daily to moisturize your dry, flaky skin, and address specific problems. Apply a generous amount and massage it well for an evenly hydrated skin.
    Do night creams contain retinol?
    Yes. Some of the night creams that address mature skin problems contain retinol. It is a potent ingredient that keeps the aging problems at bay.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    According to Anoushka, our skincare specialist, investing in a night cream can help you repair various concerns like dehydration, loss of elasticity, fine lines, dark spots, and puffiness. To find out which creams really work, she rigorously tested the best-selling night creams to check their efficacy. After a thorough analysis of all the products, she has come up with this list of the best drugstore night creams that can help seal moisture in, restore the pH balance, and add a natural glow to your skin. Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream is one cream she regularly uses — it provides intense long-lasting hydration, doesn’t feel sticky, and suits sensitive skin. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014181301833770X

    2. Allantoin – healing and anti?inflammatory properties- https://www.proquest.com/openview/793b63eae26a9dac21837a836c2d2591/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=554046

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More