13 Best Night Creams for Healthy And Hydrated Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Apr 29, 2024
Best Night Cream
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To lend your skin some extra dose of love and care, incorporating one of the best night creams into your everyday skincare routine can be a terrific decision. It is the key to sprucing up your skin’s natural radiance and maximizing the benefits of your beauty sleep. Enriched with a plethora of natural and active ingredients, a good night cream can seamlessly boost your skin’s regenerative and reparative process while you sleep. Drawing from our experience, it is not only a smart way to treat and heal your skin but most address concerns like dehydration, free radical damage, pigmentation, etc. 

We carried out intensive research and found that a night cream is mostly thicker in consistency as it contains a high concentration of anti-aging and hydrating ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, peptide, glycerin, glycolic acid, vitamin E, etc. The blend of these potent ingredients also helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and tired skin. Since night creams moisturize and hydrate your skin by penetrating deeper, they boost your radiance and unveil glowing and healthy skin every morning. 

To witness a significant change in the texture of your skin, roll your eyes over and kickstart your shopping spree straight away!

13 Best Night Creams

Formulated with a potent blend of active ingredients and essential ceramides, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Night Cream is what will help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles with ease. Backed with MVE Technology, a revolutionary delivery system that makes formulas highly effective, the cream aims to provide much-needed skin hydration. What we love is its intensely rich formula designed that renew the look of your tired skin overnight. Plus, the non-greasy feel and velvety texture make it a real deal!

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptide complex, and hyaluronic acid

Skin Types: Dry, sensitive, oily, and acne-prone

Cruelty-free: No

Size: 1.7oz

Pros
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-greasy feel
  • Non-irritating formula
  • Developed by dermatologists
Cons
  • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Editor’s Pick

    Neutrogena Triple Age Repair Moisturizer

    Neutrogena Triple Age Repair Moisturizer
  • By incorporating Neutrogena’s Triple Age Repair Moisturizer into your everyday skincare routine, you can seamlessly target the common signs of aging and reduce their appearance. Be it the look of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, or the matter of skin firmness, the cream will address it all. With Hexenal Technology, it is also clinically proven to boost your skin’s ability to reveal smoother and younger-looking skin. Use it consistently every night and revive your skin while you sleep. 

    Key Ingredients: Water, glycerin, shea butter, vitamin C

    Skin Types: Mature skin

    Cruelty-free: No

    Size: 1.7oz

    Pros
    • Creamy texture
    • Quick absorbent
    • Lightweight formula
    • Non-sticky
    Cons
    • Some might find its scent overwhelming
  • Best Ultra-hydrating Formula

    Olay Regenerist Retinol Night Moisturizer

    Olay Regenerist Retinol Night Moisturizer
  • Achieving smoother and youthful-looking skin is easier with Olay’s Regenerist Retinol Night Moisturizer. With the potent blend of anti-aging ingredients, it penetrates deeply into the surface of your skin for overnight regeneration. We highly appreciate that it visibly enhances skin texture and diffuses the appearance of dark spots and pores. A happy user shares, “I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin since I started using this night cream. Fine lines and dull skin have visibly reduced, and my skin feels smoother and more vibrant. It has completely changed the game for me!”

    Key Ingredients: Water, glycerin, vitamin B3, niacinamide, and retinoid complex

    Skin Types: Dry, oily, and normal skin types 

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Size: 1.7oz

    Pros
    • Phthalates-free
    • Unscented
    • Quick absorbent
    • Rejuvenates the skin
    Cons
    • Might flake
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream

    Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream
  • Nourish your skin overnight with Cetaphil’s Rich Hydrating Night Cream which features a dermatologically-tested formula. In addition to hydrating your skin thoroughly, the cream strengthens weakened skin barrier and defends against roughness. Secondly, it doesn’t get peeled when applied with a serum, eye creams, and treatments. The cream is gentle and packs a skincare-infused punch to wake up to healthy and radiant skin every morning. The best part — it won’t clog your pores! 

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, vitamins E and C, olive extract

    Skin Types: Dry to normal

    Cruelty-free: No 

    Size: 1.7oz

    Pros
    • Non-greasy
    • Unisex
    • Non-irritating formula
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Hypoallergenic
    Cons
    • Consistency is not very thick
  • Best Skin Renewing Properties

    Derma-E Vitamin C Intense Night Cream

    Derma-E Vitamin C Intense Night Cream
  • The moisturizing and skin-brightening properties of Derma-E’s Intense Night Cream make it a remarkable skincare product. Once you begin applying it, you will notice a significant improvement in your skin’s overall texture. All credit goes to its potent blend of beneficial ingredients whose goal is to renew skin tone, texture, and appearance. Users label it as the best night cream for aging skin due to the cream’s impeccable anti-aging formula that aids in supporting collagen health while diminishing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. All in all, this one is a real deal! 

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, and rooibos

    Skin Types: Combination

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Size: 2oz

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Doesn’t contain mineral oil
    • Recyclable packaging
    • Recommended by dermatologists
    Cons
    • Some may find its texture slightly sticky
  • Best Anti-aging Formula

    Eight Saints Up the Anti Night Cream

    Eight Saints Up the Anti Night Cream
  • The luxurious formula and skin-loving benefits of Eight Saints Skin Up the Anti Night Cream will leave you stunned. Worth calling your skin’s BFF and ally, it plumps, refreshes, hydrates, and smoothens your skin deeply. The high potency of the ingredients lends your skin the best beauty rest it deserves. So, for anyone who wants to get ahead of your skincare game by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging, this night cream is a reliable choice.

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides 

    Skin Types: All

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Size: 2oz

    Pros
    • Stimulates collagen production
    • Promotes skin elasticity
    • Balances uneven skin tone
    • Refreshing green tea fragrance
    Cons
    • Little pricey
  • Best Non-comedogenic Cream

    Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle + Pro-Retinol Night Cream

    Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle + Pro-Retinol Night Cream
  • Improving the appearance of your skin tone by diminishing wrinkles and fine lines is easier with the Anti-Wrinkle and Pro-Retinol Night Cream introduced by Eucerin. With a gentle and non-irritating formula, the cream works on night duty allowing you to unveil healthy and hydrated skin the next morning. Furthermore, it is free of fragrance, alcohol, and dyes and hence, recommended by dermatologists. A user shares, “My face feels and looks so nice in the morning. The texture is way smoother and I look less tired with no more dry patches.”

    Key Ingredients: Water, glycolic acid, vitamin E, macadamia nut oil, pro-retinol, and coenzyme q10

    Skin Types: Sensitive and dry

    Cruelty-free:

    Size: 1.7oz

    Pros
    • Unisex
    • Creamy texture
    • Spread evenly
    • Great moisturizing properties
    Cons
    • Some might find it greasy
  • Best for Dry Skin Types

    Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream

    Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream
  • This rich and nourishing night cream introduced by Elemis is truly an overnight superhero that delivers up to 12 hours of intense moisture. It targets the signs of aging and seamlessly improves skin suppleness, firmness, and elasticity, revealing a more radiant and youthful-looking complexion. Enriched with a luxe blend of key ingredients, it aids in maintaining optimum skin condition. A user shares, “I've tried many face moisturizers, and this by far is my favorite. My face is so subtle and it definitely keeps skin hydrated and my face in top condition which reduces the appearance of aging.”

    Key Ingredients: Laminaria digitata, red algae, padina pavonica, and sesame and avocado oils

    Skin Types: Dry and mature

    Cruelty-free: No

    Size: 1.60z

    Pros
    • Long-lasting results
    • Good consistency
    • Non-greasy texture
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Quick Tip:

    Take a pea-sized amount of the cream, and rub it with your palms. Apply it over your face and neck after toning your skin.

  • Most Refreshing Fragrance

    No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream

    No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream
  • The next on our list of recommendations is No7’s Advanced Nigth Cream which we love for its astounding anti-aging and skin-benefiting properties. It visibly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smoothens your skin. What makes this night cream stand apart from the rest is its refreshing and mood-eliciting fragrance of white flowers and zesty bergamot. On Amazon, a user shares, “I use this No7 night moisturizer and love the way it’s absorbed into the skin. It’s very hydrating and makes my skin feel softer and smoother and therefore youthful.”

    Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, ascorbyl glucoside, shea butter

    Skin Types: Mature

    Cruelty-free: No

    Size: 1.69oz

    Pros
    • Soothing almond scent
    • Gluten-free
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Gender-neutral formula
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best for Replenishing Lost Moisture

    E.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Nourishing Night Cream

    E.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Nourishing Night Cream
  • E.l.f.’s Skin Holy Hydration! Nourishing Night Cream is a magical potion packed in a bottle. It flawlessly replenishes your skin’s lost moisture and leaves it super soft and hydrated. The potent formulation and creamy texture soothe the skin and reduce puffiness. Apply it regularly overnight, massage a little, and wake up with a dewy, radiant, and totally restored complexion. What bowled us over is the fact that it is extremely light in weight, fragrance-free, and non-greasy! 

    Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, jojoba oil, cucumber extract, and shea butter

    Skin Types: All

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Size: 1.76oz

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Absorbs well
    • Budget-friendly
    • Safe for sensitive skin
    Cons
    • Fades away too quickly
  • Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

    Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
  • While on our quest to find the best retinol night cream, we bumped into the Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream by Murad. Backed with a Retinol Tri-active technology, it helps to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the cream strengthens the skin’s protective natural barrier, ensuring a firmer and more lifted appearance. According to the brand’s consumer research, 86% of the users found their skin more revitalized in just 4 weeks.

    Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, dipeptides

    Skin Types: Oily, combination, and dry 

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Size: 1.7oz

    Pros
    • Creamy texture
    • Fragrance-free
    • Non-greasy
    • Paraben-free
    • Sustainable packaging
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • DRMTLGY Peptide Night Cream

    DRMTLGY Peptide Night Cream
  • Renew, refresh, and rejuvenate your skin with DRMTLGY Peptide Night Cream every night. With an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula and anti-aging benefits, it works towards tightening, brightening, and plumping your complexion by visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, it enhances the texture and elasticity of your skin. This dermatologist-recommended collagen peptide cream is no wonder skincare essential that you can’t resist indulging. Bonus — it not only builds a layer of hydration but also aims to repair damaged skin!

    Key Ingredients: 5 Peptides, 3 ceramides, vitamin E, and allantoin

    Skin Types: Dry, normal, sensitive 

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Size: 2.1oz

    Pros
    • Gentle
    • Unscented
    • Unisex
    • Lightweight formula
    • Doesn’t leave residue behind
    Cons
    • Thin consistency
  • Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Night Cream

    Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Night Cream
  • Bid adieu to wrinkles, saggy skin, and dullness by incorporating Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Night Cream into your everyday routine. Designed to address skin affected by hormonal changes and aging, the cream comes with a powerful formula to restore lost density and firmness of your skin. Moreover, it also aids in protecting your skin against free radical damage and age-inducing environmental aggressors. All in all, this night cream is the key to attaining a youthful appearance. Bonus — it has an enchanting fragrance of lavender that promotes relaxation and quality sleep.

    Key Ingredients: Water, butylene glycol, glycerin, dimethicone

    Skin Types: Mature

    Cruelty-free:

    Size: 1.6 oz

    Pros
    • Well packed
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Little goes a long way
    • Lightweight formula
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Quick Tip:

    Apply the cream as dots on 5 points of your face: forehead, nose, chin, and both cheeks. Spread it evenly and massage a little until absorbed for desirable results.

    That was our comprehensive list of the best night creams for dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Now, let us run you through a detailed buying guide.

    How to Choose the Best Night Creams?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best night cream for face:

    Skin Type: Make sure you analyze your skin type before investing in any of the best anti-wrinkle night creams or hydrating moisturizers. For those who possess oily and acne-prone skin, a non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic night cream can be a reliable choice. Likewise, for anyone who is dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, it is advisable to invest in a firming night cream enriched with anti-aging formulas. Avoid purchasing creams that are not meant for your skin as they may cause adverse effects. 

    Ingredients: Always pay heed to the list of ingredients before getting your hands on the best overnight cream. Below are a few ingredients that you should look for in creams. 

    • Retinol and Bakuchiol: Based on our first-hand research, these two ingredients help in firming and smoothening your skin. Retinol is widely used in night creams as it penetrates right into the outermost layer of your skin and neutralizes free radicals. It also boosts skin cell turnover, balances skin tone, and diminishes pigmentation. Bakuchiol is an alternative to retinol, performing a similar function. If your skin is sensitive to the potency of retinol, then do splurge on ingredients with bakuchiol.
    • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs are chemical exfoliants. One of the AHAs that is widely used in the formulation of night cream is glycolic acid. After carrying out our intensive research, we found that AHAs stimulate collagen production and are highly effective in treating acne-related woes. They also reveal healthy skin and control excessive sebum production.
    • Antioxidants: When antioxidants come into the picture, vitamins C and E are what one can think of. Experts say these antioxidants help in fighting against free radicals and sun damage. We also found that vitamin C aids in collagen production and thereby boosts the radiance and reduces skin discoloration if any.
    • Hyaluronic Acid: Another widely used key ingredient in day and night creams is hyaluronic acid. It is a humectant that penetrates deeply and restores the natural protective moisture barrier of your skin. Addedly, it is one of the most hydrating and moisturizing ingredients found in the majority of skincare products, especially night cream. 

    Texture: Last but not least, analyze the texture of the night cream. Pick a cream that is light in weight, easy to spread, and doesn’t leave behind any residue.

    After taking note of the above-mentioned aspects, get to know the benefits of using the best night cream daily.

    Benefits of Using Night Creams

    Below are a few benefits of using a night cream daily: 

    • Boosts collagen production
    • Hydrates and moisturizes the skin
    • Slows down skin aging
    • Leaves your skin smooth and soft
    • Diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
    • Enhances blood circulation
    • Heals, repairs, and soothes damaged and irritated skin
    • Enhances complexion and corrects uneven skin texture
    • Strengthens skin barrier

    Steps to Apply Night Cream

    Following are a few steps that you need to consider while applying a night cream:

    Step 1: Take off your makeup if applied and cleanse your face and neck with a good-quality face wash. 

    Step 2: Apply a toner followed by a serum.

    Step 3: Apply eye cream or any other treatment, if any.

    Step 4: Take a pea-sized amount of night cream and apply dots on your forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and neck.

    Step 5: Spread it gently and massage until fully absorbed.

    Tada, you are done!

    Conclusion

    With one of the best night creams in your everyday routine, you can seamlessly bid adieu to the majority of your skin woes and wake up to healthy and glowing skin. Enriched with skin-nourishing and soothing properties, the cream hydrates your skin deeply and boosts its renewal process. Packed with a punch of anti-aging moisturizing ingredients, it helps your skin feel tighter, healthier, and refreshed. After considering a plethora of factors like active ingredients, texture, formula, consistency, and reviews, we managed to curate a comprehensive list of the best night creams for you. For anyone who wants to revitalize their skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream is an excellent choice for you. There are so many more on our list that you just can’t resist appreciating. So, wait no longer, and vouch for your skin’s new BFF. Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Why should you use a night cream?
    You should use a night cream to boost your skin’s natural regenerative process.
    What is the difference between a night cream and a regular moisturizer?
    The night cream is crafted to help revitalize your skin overnight, and the formula is usually much richer and thicker than a daily moisturizer.
    Do I need to use a moisturizer with a night cream?
    It depends upon your skin and its needs. Using a moisturizer with a night cream may not be a necessary step for everyone.
    Should night creams be used year-round?
    Yes, night creams should be used year-round every day to attain desirable results.
    How does night cream differ from day cream?
    Day creams have a more lightweight formula compared to night creams. Night creams are loaded with active ingredients whereas a few of the day creams are loaded with a dollop of SPF.
    Can I use the same night cream every night?
    Yes, you can use the same night cream every night.
    How long does it take to see results from using a night cream?
    You may see results from using a night cream after one to three months of consistent use.
    Can I use night cream if I have sensitive skin?
    Yes, you may use night cream which is mild and gentle if you have sensitive skin.
    Should I use a separate eye cream along with night cream?
    Yes. It is important to use a separate eye cream because the skin around the eye area is a lot thinner and more sensitive.
    Is it necessary to use night cream if I have oily skin?
    It is up to you and your preference. If you have oily skin, a night cream may not be necessary, or you may need to choose a lighter, oil-free formula.
    Does night cream cause acne?
    No. Night cream doesn’t cause acne.
    How long does night cream last?
    It lasts up to 6 to 12 months once opened.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified skincare coach, Anoushka, has meticulously researched the best night creams for a variety of skin types. She believes that using a night cream is important to elicit the regenerative process of your skin. Hence, she went ahead and considered a plethora of factors like ingredients, texture, formula, and reviews to help you make an informed decision. Personally, she is quite impressed with Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream for its impeccable barrier-strengthening abilities and nourishing blend of ingredients. You may also find your skin’s match and wake up to healthy, glowy, and hydrated skin every morning. 

    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!

    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