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There are many night creams available online that a person can use as part of their nighttime skin care routine. They often have hydrating and healing properties, and the skin may absorb them better when a person applies them at night.
This article explains how night creams can benefit the skin and how to choose the right product. It also reviews some night creams and describes when to speak with a doctor about skin conditions.
Quick links
- Best for dry skin: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
- Best for wrinkles: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Overnight Cream
- Best for sensitive skin: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Best for intense hydration: Burt’s Bees Truly Glowing Night Cream Unisex
- Best CBD cream: cbdMD Renewal Night Cream
- Best for firming the skin: Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream
- Best for all skin types: ROSE Ingleton MD Signature Moisturizer
- Best for skin irritation: Neutrogena Hydro Boost
- Best herbal ingredients: Annmarie Facial Oil for Sensitive Skin
- Best for reducing signs of aging: Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream
- Best lavender and chamomile formula: Cleen Beauty Lavender Chamomile Night Cream
- Best fragranced cream: IT Cosmetics Confidence In Your Beauty Sleep Night Cream
- Best choice of scented and unscented products: Facetheory Relaxing Night Cream M10 Pro
- Best lightweight formula: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Botanical Night Cream
- Best personalized formula: Proven Personalized Night Cream
During deep sleep, the body enters into repair mode to regenerate the skin, muscles, and blood cells. Skin cells in particular are
As a result, many companies offer night creams that people can apply to their skin before going to sleep. They are usually thicker and more hydrating than daytime moisturizers.
Individuals who have difficulty maintaining consistent sleep patterns may experience
There are different products to suit different skin types. Northwestern Medicine recommends applying the moisturizer to slightly damp skin, as this can help lock in moisture.
Below are some factors that can guide individuals in choosing the best night cream.
- Ingredients: A person should carefully check a product’s ingredients to determine its suitability. Some creams contain niacinamide, which may reduce acne and the appearance of fine lines.
- Scent: Some people may opt for a fragrance-free cream to avoid irritation.
- Budget: Night creams come in various price ranges. Some brands offer a subscription plan for those who wish to purchase the same product regularly.
- Additional features: There are night creams that may have other desirable features, such as being vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. These products do not contain animal products and are not tested on animals.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products that clearly list all ingredients.
- Skin concerns: Where appropriate, MNT selects products that target a specific skin concern, such as dryness, oiliness, or aging.
- Safety: MNT chooses products that contain ingredients safe for topical use.
- Reputable: MNT selects products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
There are many night creams available for purchase online. Below is a list of the 15 best night creams.
Best for dry skin: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
| Main ingredient | Hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Acne-prone, dry, oily |
| Weight | 1.7 ounces (oz) |
| Price | $16.99 |
This CeraVe night cream is formulated to soften and hydrate the skin and help it retain its natural moisture. It aims to support the skin’s elasticity as it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
CeraVe writes that it is gentle on the skin, as it is fragrance-free and does not contain irritating chemicals. There appears to be no added fragrance.
It does not contain parabens, but it does contain a sulfate.
Based on customer reviews, some of the advantages and drawbacks of this product include:
Pros
- fragrance-free
- does not clog pores
- reduces dryness
Cons
- has no tamper-proof seal
- may cause acne breakouts
- not clear if suitable for vegans
Best for wrinkles: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Overnight Cream
| Main ingredients | Primrose oil, ceramides, and olive-derived squalane |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All skin types |
| Weight | 1.7 oz |
| Price | $75 |
This night cream contains ingredients that help replenish and restore the skin, which its makers claim reduces the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles while a person sleeps.
The company writes that it contains no synthetic fragrance, parabens, silicones, phthalates, or sulfates.
Pros
- vegan
- cruelty-free
- contains organic ingredients
- provides immediate results
Cons
- has a high price tag
- can reportedly feel heavy on the skin
- can feel greasy, according to some reviewers
- may not suit acne-prone skin
Best for sensitive skin: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
| Main ingredients | Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All skin types |
| Weight | 3 fluid ounces (fl oz) |
| Price | $15.99 |
CeraVe’s moisturizing lotion claims to calm the skin, promote hydration, and retain the skin’s moisture.
It is free of fragrances, parabens, and oils, and it is also allergy tested. However, the product does contain a sulfate.
Pros
- fragrance-free
- suitable for sensitive skin
- easy to spread
- lightweight
Cons
- may cause dryness and acne breakouts, according to reviewers
- not clear if suitable for vegans
Best for intense hydration: Burt’s Bees Truly Glowing Night Cream Unisex
| Main ingredients | Jojoba oil and squalene |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Combination skin |
| Weight | 1.8 oz |
| Price | $15.99 |
This cream may best suit the facial area and is said to provide intense hydration, boosting moisture above and below the skin’s surface.
The product contains natural fragrance and the company claims that it only uses non-toxic, clean ingredients.
Pros
- promotes smooth skin
- nongreasy
- has a light texture
Cons
- reportedly has a stickier texture
- heavily scented, according to some reviewers
- may lead to breakouts
- contains beeswax so not suitable for vegans
Best CBD cream: cbdMD Night Shift
| Main ingredients | Rosehip seed oil, shea butter, glycerin, green tea, sacha inchi, rosemary extracts |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and mature |
| Weight | 2 oz |
| Price | Around $55 |
This cream contains 600mg broad-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD).
This means it has the cannabis plant’s naturally occurring compounds but little to no delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the formulation.
THC is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. According to the
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
This product contains added fragrance. Its other main ingredients include rosehip seed oil and shea butter to hydrate the skin.
The pros and cons of this product a person can consider may include:
Pros
- cruelty-free
- gluten-free
- not greasy
- suitable for vegans
- non-GMO products
Cons
- pricey
- contains fragrance
Best for firming the skin:
| Main ingredients | Purslane, shea butter, skullcap, and vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Oily, combination, and normal |
| Weight | 0.5 oz per 15 millilitres (ml) and 1.69 oz per 50 ml |
| Price | $68–215 |
This product claims to have anti-aging properties to improve the skin’s firmness, reduce signs of irritation, and maintain moisture.
It may suit individuals who have fine lines, wrinkles, a loss of elasticity, and an uneven texture.
The company claims it uses non-toxic ingredients.
Pros
- fragrance-free formulation
- cruelty-free
- vegan friendly
- may reduce inflammation
Cons
- reportedly has an unpleasant smell
- may lead to more breakouts
- expensive
Best for all skin types: ROSE Ingleton MD Signature Moisturizer
The company claims that this cream does not have a heavy texture and aims to leave the skin looking smooth. It suits all skin types and comes without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and fragrance.
Pros
- lightweight
- nongreasy
- works on acne-prone skin
- vegan-friendly
- fragrance-free
Cons
- may cause breakouts
- has long shipping times
Best for skin irritation: Neutrogena Hydro Boost
| Main ingredient | Hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All skin types |
| Weight | 1.7 oz |
| Price | $19.59 |
This is a water gel lotion that, according to the manufacturer, can keep the skin hydrated for 48 hours.
It claims to absorb quickly, and individuals can use it before applying their makeup. It contains hyaluronic acid to lock moisture in.
In addition, this product may suit individuals who typically experience irritation from eczema and rashes.
Pros
- lightweight
- does not clog the pores
- nongreasy
- cruelty-free brand
- fragrance-free
Cons
- may cause a burning sensation
- may increase dryness
- may cause additional irritation for some individuals
- contains added parabens
- not a vegan-friendly brand
Best herbal ingredients: Annmarie Facial Oil for Sensitive Skin
| Main ingredients | Sacha inchi oil, squalene, and camellia seed oil |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All skin types, including dry and sensitive |
| Weight | 15 ml |
| Price | $45 |
The ingredients present in this herbal facial oil may help retain the skin’s moisture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and soften the skin.
An individual can use this product on potentially troublesome areas, such as their nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead.
Pros
- may reduce inflammation
- should not cause breakouts
- light in texture
- does not contain harmful chemicals
- vegan-friendly
- fragrance-free
Cons
- may cause blackheads
- could clog pores
- may leave an oily residue
Best for reducing signs of aging: Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream
This hydrating skin cream can regenerate the skin’s surface to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
The manufacturer recommends that people use this product less frequently or stop altogether if it causes skin irritation.
Pros
- has no fragrance
- works for sensitive skin
- evens skin tone
Cons
- may cause acne in some people
- may cause irritation
- has a greasy texture, according to some reviewers
- not a vegan-friendly brand
- not clear on the cleanliness of the products
Best lavender and chamomile formula: Cleen Beauty Lavender Chamomile Night Cream
| Main ingredients | Lavender oil, chamomile extract, snow mushroom, sodium hyaluronate |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry, combination, sensitive |
| Weight | 2 fl oz |
| Price | $24.41 |
This product restores and hydrates the skin. The snow mushroom and sodium hyaluronate aim to lock moisture in overnight.
A person should apply this product daily before going to bed.
Best fragranced cream: IT Cosmetics Confidence In Your Beauty Sleep Night Cream
This product has added fragrance and a lavender scent. The ceramides included in the formula aim to restore the skin barrier.
The company claims it exfoliates to make skin appear younger. It also states that the cream will not transfer onto a person’s pillow and the formula is free from parabens and harmful substances.
This product comes in three sizes.
Pros
- does not clog pores
- cruelty-free
- will not transfer onto bedding
Cons
- fragrance may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin
- may not be suitable for vegans
Best choice of scented and unscented products: Facetheory Relaxing Night Cream M10 Pro
A person can choose between an unscented formula or a lavender scent for this product.
This night cream contains melatonin, vitamin E, and peptides, which work overnight to regenerate the skin. The melatonin aims to promote the production of antioxidant enzymes, and cutaneous tissue, prevents oxidative stress, and reduces inflammation and signs of aging.
Melatonin may not be safe for everyone. A person should check with a doctor before using melatonin products.
Pros
- vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties
- fragrance is optional
- free from parabens, silicones, and mineral oils
- cruelty-free
- suitable for vegans
- high concentration so a small amount is needed per use
Cons
- affordable
- shipping only free for orders over $50
Best lightweight formula: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Botanical Night Cream
| Main ingredients | Omega fatty acids, botanical blend, squalane |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All skin types |
| Weight | 1.7 oz |
| Price | $53 |
This product is formulated to be lightweight and absorb into the skin easily. It contains omega fatty acids that aim to replenish, plump, and strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier.
It has a lavender fragrance to promote relaxation.
Pros
- suitable for all skin types
- recyclable jar
- made with 100% renewable energy sources
- free from parabens and mineral oils
Cons
- lavender scent may not be suitable for sensitive skin
- brand is not cruelty-free
- unclear if suitable for vegans
Best personalized formula: Proven Personalized Night Cream
This company provides an online assessment about a person’s skin type, environment, lifestyle, and age. Proven then generates a personalized formula based on a person’s answers.
Proven claims its formula provides moisture, increases the skin’s elasticity, and helps the skin to recover.
Pros
- cruelty-free
- clean and non-toxic
- personalized to each individual
- made in the USA
- suitable for vegans
Cons
- expensive
- costs extra if a person would like the full personalized skincare package
- unclear if it contains fragrance
Below is a table comparing the products included in this article.
| Main ingredients | Skin types | Price | Weight | Vegan | Added fragrance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Skin Renewing | hyaluronic acid | • acne-prone • dry • oily | $16.99 | 1.7 oz | no information available | no |
| Juice Beauty | • primrose oil • ceramides • olive-derived squalane | all | $75 | 1.7 oz | yes | no |
| CeraVe PM | • hyaluronic acid • niacinamide | all | $15.99 | 3 fl oz | no information available | no |
| Burt’s Bees | • jojoba oil • squalene | combination | $15.99 | 1.8 oz | no | natural |
| cbdMD | • rosehip seed oil • shea butter • glycerin • green tea • sacha inchi • rosemary extract | • dry • oily • combination • sensitive • mature | $55 | 2 oz | yes | yes |
| • purslane • shea butter • skullcap • vitamin E | • oily • combination • normal | $68–215 | 0.5 oz or 1.69 oz | yes | no | |
| ROSE Ingleton | • lemon extract • orange extract • hyaluronic acid • sugar maple extract | all | $85 | 1.7 oz | yes | no |
| Neutrogena | hyaluronic acid | all | $19.59 | 1.7 oz | no | no |
| Annmarie | • sacha inchi oil • squalene • camellia seed oil | all | $45 | 15 ml | yes | no |
| Olay | • vitamin B • vitamin E • olive oil extract | mature | $24.94 | 1.7 oz | no | no |
| Cleen Beauty | • lavender oil • chamomile extract • snow mushroom • sodium hyaluronate | • dry • combination • sensitive | $24.41 | 2 fl oz | yes | natural |
| IT Cosmetics | • ceramides • hyaluronic acid • adenosine | all | $20–82 | 0.47–4 fl oz | no information available | yes |
| Facetheory | • melatonin • vitamin E • peptides • chroNOline • shea butter extract • rice bran oil • lavender | • combination • dry • aging • normal • sensitive | $25.99 | 1.7 fl oz | yes | yes, optional |
| Kiehl’s | • omega fatty acids • botanical blend • squalene | all | $53 | 1.7 fl oz | no | yes |
| Proven | variable formula may contain: • retinol • vitamin C • green tea • promegranate • curcumin extract | all | $99.99 | 30 ml | yes | varies |
Sutter Health recommends that individuals speak with a dermatologist if they are concerned about their skin health or develop any of these signs:
- acne that does not improve with over-the-counter products
- inflamed, itchy, and swollen skin
- dry patches or flaky skin
- new or changing moles
- skin discoloration
A doctor can provide a diagnosis and, if needed, suggest an appropriate treatment plan.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about night creams.
Are night creams or night gels better?
A person can use a night cream or a night gel for the same purpose. However, gels may be lighter than creams. This may mean that creams are most suited to nighttime use so they have time to absorb, whereas gels can be more suitable for the day.
Is it safe to use night cream every night?
Most night creams are suitable for daily use. A person should check the individual instructions on the product label and stop using their chosen product if it causes any skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Do dermatologists recommend night creams?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states that dermatologists suggest a person establish both a morning and nighttime skin care routine, which can include night creams. However, the AAD writes that a person should not use more than one anti-aging product at a time as this can cause skin irritation. If a person uses an anti-aging product during the day, they may wish to avoid anti-aging night creams.
Many companies produce night creams that can help repair the skin, improve firmness, and increase hydration.
Before committing to a purchase, individuals should check the product’s ingredients, cost, and customer reviews.
A person should consult their doctor as soon as possible if they think they have a skin condition or do not see improvement in their condition with over-the-counter treatments.