What are the benefits of using a night cream?
After taking the day off with a soothing cleansing balm or foamy face wash and adding any targeted serums, applying a night cream is usually the last step in your evening skincare routine, and for very good reason.
“Night creams are specifically designed to work with your skin’s natural repair process, which happens while you sleep,” says Azzopardi. “They provide deep hydration, thanks to moisturising ingredients, which keep your skin soft and smooth overnight.”
“Many night creams also contain hero ingredients like retinol or peptides that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Some even have antioxidants to protect your skin and help it regenerate, improving its texture and firmness,” she adds.
Why should I apply a night cream?
If you want to wake up with restored and hydrated skin, we can’t think why you wouldn’t want to apply a night cream!
“While you sleep, your skin’s blood flow increases, and cell regeneration is at its peak, making it the perfect time to boost hydration and address specific skin concerns such as dryness, pigmentation or premature ageing,” explains Azzopardi.
“Night creams lock in moisture and create a barrier to help you wake up with skin that looks fresh and revitalised.”
Which night cream is best for my skin type?
These are some of the ingredients to look out for if you want to tackle specific skin types and concerns, according to Azzopardi.
Oily skin
Blemish-prone and excessively oily skin won’t fare well with a heavy night cream, as it may cause further breakouts. Instead, it’s best to look for non-comedogenic creams, as they’re lighter in texture, often sebum-controlling (managing the skin’s natural oil production process) and, crucially, won’t block your pores.
“For oily skin, choose a night cream with lightweight, non-clogging ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide,” says Azzopardi. “These hydrate without leaving too much build-up or residue.”
Dry skin
“Dry skin needs richer creams with ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides or oils like squalane to provide deep moisture,” explains Azzopardi.
These ingredients also act as emollients, which means they help repair the skin barrier. Not only will your face get a boost of hydration, but your skin’s ability to naturally trap moisture should slowly improve over time. Sounds good, huh?
Mature skin
Here at GH, we’re not fans of the term “anti-ageing” and we’re not looking to turn back the clock; it’s about what helps you feel and look your best. If you want to reduce the appearance of fine lines or changes in skin texture, then a night cream with resurfacing ingredients could be what you’re looking for.
Retinoids lead the way in this category, thanks to their ability to encourage cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, leaving behind smooth, supple skin. The super-ingredient can also reduce the signs of pigmentation such as age or sunspots.
“Mature skin can benefit from retinol, peptides and antioxidants like vitamin C to target wrinkles and uneven skin tone,” says Azzopardi.
How to add a night cream into your routine
As a general rule of thumb, you should apply your skincare products in order of consistency, from the thinnest to the thickest. While you may not use all of the below as part of your evening regime, the correct order for your nighttime skincare routine is:
To apply your night cream, take a small amount of product (about pea-sized) and, with your fingertips, gently massage it into your face and neck in an upward motion.
How we test night creams
We put 19 market-leading night creams to the test over four weeks with the help of over 360 panellists. We asked them to give detailed feedback on a range of areas, including ease of use, packaging design, texture and how well each night cream hydrated their skin.
Back in the GHI beauty lab, we used our specialist hydration metre machine to measure the hydration level of the skin immediately after application and again after a four-hour period, to see how effective they were at delivering both instant and lasting results.
Shop our winning night creams below, then simply apply, slip on your eye mask, and sleep your way to smoother, glowing skin.
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1
Best night cream
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
Score: 88/100
This peptide-packed daily cream from Medik8 will have your skin feeling instantly hydrated. The glass pot contains the perfect trifecta for moisturised skin: humectants (hydrating hyaluronic acid), emollients (nourishing ceramides and lipids), and occlusives (moisture-locking pre-biotic peptides).
It’s suitable for all skin types, thanks to the ultra-hydrating formula, which helps replenish dry skin, and its non-comedogenic properties, which mean it won’t clog pores for those with oily skin.
“The smooth, cream texture was lightweight, and felt extremely nourishing,” was the glowing feedback from one (equally glowing) panellist.
This is a real round-the clock hero, too, excelling in our night-cream tests but equally well suited as a daytime moisturiser.
2
Best for skin barrier repair
The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer
Score: 86/100
Ceramide-infused creams are one of the latest trends to hit the skincare scene, and it’s no surprise they’re so popular, due to the ultra-hydrating and protecting properties they offer.
They help repair and restore damage to the skin barrier, which in turn prevents water loss and locks in moisture. And our lab results speak for themselves – it scored highest for moisture retention four hours after application.
Testers also praised this cream for its plumping properties, with many saying they’d seen a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. One tester told us they’d noticed a visible improvement in their skin since integrating it into their nighttime routine. A real multi-tasker, this one also works as a day cream.
3
Best for smoothness
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
Score: 86/100
Retinoids are a powerhouse ingredient for smoothing and restoring skin. However, due to their potency, they can cause redness and irritation, especially for those who suffer with sensitivity. But Olay has formulated its cream with Retinyl Propionate, a stable form of vitamin A, which tends to be better tolerated by our skin. Indeed, one tester said this cream “soothed irritation and redness,” rather than causing it.
The formula works extra hard as you sleep, with multiple testers saying their skin felt “softer and more hydrated” when they woke up.
As retinoids are mostly known for their resurfacing properties, we made sure to ask testers for their feedback on texture. And with the whole panel agreeing that their skin looked smoother after use, it’s safe to say this retinol moisturiser lived up to the hype. “I could see less lines on my face,” one tester told us at the end of the trial period.
4
Best nourishing night cream
Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream
Score: 85/100
This night cream works tirelessly to rejuvenate and rehydrate your skin while you sleep, tackling the signs of the big three on skin: ageing, stress and fatigue. It’s formulated with ingredients such as niacinamide, which helps improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of pores, and sea holly extract, which works to restore the skin’s barrier function, helping it retain moisture.
Testers were delighted with the results of this fast-absorbing, non-greasy cream, with one tester saying it left their skin feeling “smooth, soft and rehydrated.”
“My fine lines seemed less noticeable, and skin looked brighter,” added another.
We tested the version that’s suitable for all skin types, which scored nearly full marks for its hydrating properties, but there is also one formulated specifically for dry skin.
5
Best luxury night cream
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
Score: 84/100
Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream is iconic, so we had high hopes for the brand’s ceramide-saturated moisturiser, and it didn’t disappoint.
Testers loved the premium look, awarding it full marks for its chic jar. But we know not to judge a book by its cover, or a night cream by its packaging, as it’s what on the inside that counts. And it delivers here too – thanks to the rich formula packed with reparative ceramides, firming tetrapeptides and firming Edelweiss extract, expect your complexion to look lush and lifted.
Some testers found it a little on the thick side, but this isn’t uncommon with night creams as they’re formulated to deliver a deep dose of hydration. As an added benefit, one tester reported a “noticeable reduction in puffiness and fine lines around the eyes in the morning.”
6
Best for reducing the appearance of fine lines
Pai Skincare Bonne Nuit Night Cream
Score: 84/100
As a part of Pai’s Age Confidence range, this night cream has been developed to care for mature skin and restore a dry complexion. The peptide-packed formula works to boost collagen production, thus helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all while being gentle on sensitive skin.
Promising a good night’s sleep in a bottle, the cream also includes actives, which the brand claims will regulate the circadian rhythm to help you drift off. Sounds dreamy.
Most of our panel noticed an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and one said they woke up “uplifted and glowing with a satisfying tightness.” Overnight facial anyone?
7
Best lightweight night cream
You’re Looking Well Night Cream
Score: 82/100
If you prefer a lighter cream, then this one’s for you. One tester found it lightweight while still being “super nourishing and softening.” Despite the gentle feel, the next-generation formula still packs a punch. You’re Looking Well has enlisted the evening and smoothing power of bio-retinoids to help promote glowing and fresh-looking skin.
The formula also includes hyaluronic and amino acids to help boost hydration and protect the skin barrier. “The effects were long-lasting and, overall, it was an impressive moisturiser,” said one of our panel members. You’ve done well, YLW.
8
Best night cream for dry skin
Curel Replenishing Night Cream
Score: 82/100
This thick and ultra-hydrating cream went down well with our testers prone to dry skin. As we age, our skin’s ceramide content decreases, which can weaken the skin barrier – this is the perfect antidote. The formula contains highly concentrated ceramides that work to repair the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and defend against bacteria that can cause breakouts.
This one is also suitable for sensitive skin, thanks to the fragrance-free formula. Expect plump and bouncy-looking skin at the breakfast table.
9
Trinny London Bounce Back Moisturiser
Score: 81/100
Trinny Woodall says she created Bounce Back for anyone who looks in the mirror and thinks, “I’m really feeling my age.” She describes it as “youth-boosting”, thanks to the peptide-packed formula.
A key ingredient is Phytosphingosine (we know, it sounds complicated) but its purpose is simple – it helps to firm skin and prevent the breakdown of collagen, which happens naturally as we age. Alongside this, super hydrator, hyaluronic acid, works with barrier-boosting oat lipids and squalane to plump and replenish.
None of our testers reported any signs of irritation or redness after use, saying it left their skin “soft and smooth”. Note, we tested this as a night cream, but it can be used both AM and PM, making it a great all-rounder.
10
Best non-greasy night cream
Olay Retinol 24 Max Night Cream
Score: 81/100
Olay claims this Max version of its night cream delivers 24-hour hydration with 40% more hydrating ingredients than its Retinol24 serum. And though we didn’t directly compare the two, panellists did praise the formula’s hydrating properties, which one tester said they noticed immediately.
As well as glycerin, which is what helps the skin retain moisture, this cream contains Retinyl Propionate, which works to smooth the complexion, and vitamin E to help combat damage from external aggressors such as pollution.
Our testers found their skin felt firmer after a week of use, and there was no greasy or sticky residue left behind with this one either, so you can hit the hay asap.
11
Best softening night cream
Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Night Cream
Score: 80/100
As a part of Weleda’s wider Skin Food range, this cream contains a mix of ultra-nourishing and replenishing ingredients. There’s calendula, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, along with barrier-protecting fatty acids and shea butter, which helps reduce moisture loss to keep your skin feeling supple.
It’s a thick cream, so you don’t need to apply much, but you can expect to wake with softer, fresher-feeling skin, according to one of our testers. Now there’s some food for thought!
12
Best hydrating retinol night cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration
Score: 78/100
Smooth skin without any irritation is just what we want from a retinol night cream, and that’s exactly what testers experienced with this RoC formula. This is down to the combination of hard-working, resurfacing retinol and hydrating hyaluronic acid – the dream team for rejuvenating skin.
The majority of our testers agreed that this velvety cream from the French powerhouse brand left their skin looking more radiant after use. Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, RoC retinol?
13
Best budget night cream
Nivea Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Night Cream
Score: 78/100
After over 110 years in the skincare game, Nivea products are not to be slept on. Unless we’re talking about its firming night cream of course. Its formula contains Q10 and creatine, two ingredients key to firming skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
“It felt lovely on the face when applied and my skin felt smooth when cleansing in the morning,” said one tester. It worked a charm on another panellist’s dry skin too – they told us their face felt nourished and moisturised the next morning.
At under £15, it’s an affordable buy. Plus, one tester told us a little went a long way, offering real value for money.
14
Best collagen-supporting night cream
Elemis Pro-collagen Night Cream
Score: 77/100
From cleansing balms to creams and face masks, Elemis knows its stuff when it comes to collagen-supporting skincare. Collagen is a protein our body produces naturally to give cells structure and it’s crucial for keeping skin elastic, supple and strong. As we age, the levels of collagen in our skin start to decline, which can cause dryness and fine lines.
That’s why Elemis formulated its pro-collagen range, infused with hydrating and firming ingredients to help support and maintain production of this vital protein.
This night cream includes uber-nourishing sesame and avocado oils, which are rich in antioxidants to help create firmer-feeling and radiant-looking skin. You can expect added suppleness come morning too, thanks to the addition of hydrating padina pavonica.
The proof is in our results, as testers said their skin looked brighter and smoother after a month of use, while some noticed the effects immediately, with one panellist saying it seemed to “heal skin overnight.” Some found the scent rather strong, but others praised it for being spa-like, so it will come down to personal preference.
15
Best budget collagen night cream
Aldi Lacura Caviar Illumination Anti-age Night Cream
Score: 74/100
Another collagen-infused cream, but this one from Aldi comes with added hyaluronic acid and caviar extract. When caviar is used in skincare (and not served on your canapés), it acts as an emollient, helping to protect the skin and encouraging the production of collagen.
The cream is rich in texture, without any greasy residue. Instead, one tester told us it left their skin feeling hydrated, and “renewed and soft.” Another said they could definitely feel the hydrating on their skin the next morning.
Expect caviar-calibre results at a tinned tuna price with this affordable supermarket option.
16
Best night cream for hydrating menopausal skin
Tropic Skin Dream Firming Night Cream
Score: 72/100
This night cream contains three key nourishing ingredients: ceramides (to help retain moisture), bio-retinol (to help smooth fine lines and uneven texture), and murumuru butter (a plumping fatty acid to soothe the skin). Although retinol can sometimes cause irritation, bio-retinol is a naturally derived, gentler version, which Tropic says is safe for sensitive skin – and the fact that none of our testers reported any breakouts or irritation backs that up.
Our panel found this cream hydrating and smoothing, and it worked a charm on one tester’s “often dehydrated” menopausal skin.
17
Best hypoallergenic night cream
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream
Score: 70/100
The simple design of this bottle reflects the simple formulation within, which is specifically formulated for those with sensitive and allergy-prone skin. It’s another one enriched with nourishing niacinamide, but it also combines the power of the brand’s patented thermal spring water for extra hydration, and vitamin B6, which helps regulate sebum production and reduce breakouts.
Some testers said this left a tacky residue, so you may want to apply a little ahead of bedtime to allow it to sink in. But otherwise, it’s a lightweight cream that hydrated skin “throughout the night and into the morning,” according to one happy tester.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Denny is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has an in-depth knowledge and background in beauty and PR. She has spoken on panels with Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) and has worked with many beauty brands as a commercial model. Since joining in October 2022, she has worked on numerous testing categories including over 18 different brands for vitamin C serums, scalp scrubs, shampoos for dry hair and many more. She has over 20k followers on TikTok where she shares beauty and fashion tips otherwise better known as Denny Daily.
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