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Regardless of whether you possess an extensive bedtime Whether you opt for a comprehensive skincare regimen or prefer to keep things simple, nighttime routines are essential. creams Are key items that everybody should have in their medicine chest.
When it comes to night creams, not all products are made alike; therefore, we sought advice from various skincare experts to determine what constitutes an excellent nightly option.
We've also obtained their suggestions for night creams that warrant a spot on your beauty shelf.
What to consider | Top nighttime moisturizers recommended by professionals | Top nighttime moisturizers recommended by experts | What makes nighttime moisturizers crucial? | How we chose | Meet the experts
When buying night creams, what factors should you keep in mind?
When purchasing a night cream, it can be useful to go through this list of characteristics to keep in mind:
- Hydration benefits: "These moisturizers aim to hydrate and include components like hyaluronic acid "ceramides or squalene to help retain moisture in your skin," explains Dr. Jennifer Sawaya, a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Scottsdale.
- Anti-aging benefits: “A common ingredient is retinol A type of vitamin A particularly beneficial for anti-aging is retinol. However, it increases your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight; therefore, use it exclusively at nighttime," advises Sawaya. "Additional components you might consider seeking out for their anti-aging properties consist of antioxidants, peptides, and niacinamide. Although they could also be applied during daylight hours."
- You skin type: "It’s crucial to comprehend your skin type (for instance, sensitive , oily, dry, etc.) before choosing a night cream,” Dr. Noah Gratch, a board certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology, says.
Top nighttime moisturizers recommended by professionals
Budget option: Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer
Restorative Night Moisturizer

Restorative Night Cream $10.49 at Ulta
Product Specs
Size: 2.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, allantoin, ceramides | Skin type: Dry, acne-prone | Fragrance? No
Discovering a night cream that keeps your breakout-prone complexion hydrated without blocking pores may seem daunting, yet Differin has consistently proven itself capable of meeting this test head-on. This specific moisturizer goes above and beyond to calm and nourish parched skin, improving overall texture.
"It features ceramides to support your skin barrier, along with allantoin—which possesses soothing and anti-irritation benefits—and niacinamide to minimize redness and inflammation. Skin irritation often occurs when employing specific acne treatments, and the condition itself might cause redness and sensitivity; hence, the inclusion of allantoin works well," explains Dr. Robert Anolik, who is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Multiple experts approve: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
Skin Renewing Night Cream

- Rejuvenating Night Cream $15.99 at Amazon
- Renewing Night Cream for Skin $23.99 at Ulta
- Renewing Night Cream for Skin $21.99 at Target
Product Specs
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Biomimetic peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? No
The Boston-based dermatologist Ranella Hirsch approves of this affordable nighttime moisturizer. She comments, "This worthy competitor is quite difficult to top when considering its cost."
Anolik concurs and points out that the ingredients distinguish this product from its competitors.
"He mentions that besides including ceramides to enhance the skin's natural protective layer, this product also has peptides which might aid in stimulating collagen generation. Additionally, it is abundant in hyaluronic acid, known for attracting and retaining moisture within the skin," he explains.
Non-comedogenic: Eucerin Face Intensive Moisture Night Cream
Immersive Hydrating Night Cream for Face

- Facial Intense Moisture Overnight Cream $17.45 Amazon
- Facial Intense Moisture Overnight Cream $25.79 CVS Photo
Product Specs
Size: 2.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Provitamin B5 | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? Yes
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner describes this night cream as “the foundation” of a good skin care routine since it provides “both moisturizing and anti-wrinkle benefits.”
"It features a dual molecular weight hyaluronic acid complex. The large molecule size of hyaluronic acid remains on the skin’s surface to provide an immediate plumping effect, whereas the smaller molecules penetrate deeper into the skin layers for intense moisturization," he explains.
The non-comedogenic formulation boasts a light consistency and offers long-lasting moisture.
Deeply moisturizing: RoC Multi Correction Anti-Aging Overnight Face Cream
Anti-Aging Multi Correction Facial Night Cream

Anti-Aging Multi Correction Facial Night Cream $20.99 Amazon
Product Specs
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, dimethicone | Skin type: Dry | Fragrance? Yes
This multifunctional facial moisturizer helps to enhance skin tone, address discoloration, and provide hydration. Infused with Roc’s Hexyl-R Complex technology, it is both hypoallergenic and free from parabens.
"I'm fond of how this product includes active components that aid in anti-aging and offers intensive hydration," states board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angela Lamb.
This is particularly important because skin's natural repair processes are more active overnight.
Lamb states that night creams assist in delivering nutrients and active components that encourage cell renewal and mend harm inflicted by environmental stressors.
Oil free: The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer
Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer priced at $23.99 Amazon
Product Specs
Size: 3.38 oz. | Key ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, niacinamide | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? No
Hirsch loves this moisturizer packed with beneficial components.
She mentions that it includes ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin, all of which are excellent for mild soothing and effective moisturizing.
The moisturizer is sought-after not only for the ingredients it lacks—such as oil, parabens, fragrances, and alcohol—but also because it can restore your skin’s protective layer within an hour. Additionally, it provides up to 48 hours of hydration.

"Good for dry skin": First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream
Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Overnight Moisturizer

Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream $44.00 Sephora
Product Specs
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Oat extract, hyaluronic acid, nicotinamide | Skin type: Normal, dry, combination | Fragrance? No
Ideal for tackling fine lines and wrinkles, this night cream helps firm skin while addressing dryness and skin tone. One key ingredient, colloidal oatmeal , also aids in soothing skin tones.
Lamb states that this product is especially beneficial for dry skin,
The multitasker: EltaMD PM Restore Facial Moisturizer
PM Restore Face Moisturizer

- PM Restore Facial Moisturizer $44.00 Amazon
- PM Restore Facial Moisturizer $44.00 Dermstore
- PM Restore Facial Moisturizer $44.00 Bluemercury
Product Specs
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Nicotinamide, hydrolyzed rice extract, hyaluronate acid | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? No
No matter if you're tackling fine lines, wrinkles, or dry skin, this multifunctional formula can help restore your skin’s appearance.
"This moisturizer contains niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) that helps to reduce inflammation and improve the skin barrier. It also includes ceramides, which are lipids that help to restore the skin’s natural barrier and retain moisture. Additionally, the inclusion of antioxidants helps to protect the skin from free radical damage," Anolik says.
Does "double duty": Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer
Magic Cream Moisturizer

- Magic Cream Moisturizer $65.00 Sephora
- Magic Cream Moisturizer priced at $65.00 at Ulta
- Magic Cream Moisturizer $65.00 at Charlotte Tilbury
Product Specs
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and E, Bionymph peptide complex | Skin type: Normal and dry | Fragrance? Yes
This nighttime moisturizer does not contain any detrimental substances like parabens and phthalates and is both gluten-free and cruelty-free.
"This product serves two purposes: moisturizing and providing skin firmness. It includes a special peptide that fills out the skin along with brightening antioxidants and calming linoleic acid to safeguard the skin barrier," according to Zeichner.
Antioxidant infused: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Retinol-Free Firming Overnight Moisturizer
Resveratrol Lift Retinol Substitute Tightening Evening Hydrator

Resveratrol Lift Retinol Alternative Firming Night Moisturizer priced at $72.00 Sephora
Size: 1.6 oz. | Key ingredients: Resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, plant-based collagen | Skin type: Normal, dry | Fragrance? Yes
When it comes to anti-aging night creams, this one stands out as the best of the best.
"This item includes resveratrol, an excellent antioxidant for reducing wrinkles, along with hyaluronic acid to provide moisture," states Lamb.
This cream smoothly tackles issues like reduced firmness and elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness to indulge various skin types.
Top nighttime moisturizers recommended by experts
Extra hydration: Hydramemory Rich Sorbet Cream
Rich Sorbet Cream

Rich Sorbet Cream $47.00 Comfort Zone
Product Specs
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Cactuspear extract, macromolecular hyaluronic acid, betaine | Skin type: Dry | Fragrance? Yes
Shop Pawonation.com’s senior editor Jess Bender depends on this moisturizer whenever her skin requires additional hydration.
When I don't consume sufficient water, which happens quite frequently, you wouldn't notice because this moisturizer excels at hydrating and illuminating my complexion," she explains. "Although the company recommends applying it both morning and night, its rich texture makes it more suitable for nighttime use for me. Additionally, I value how committed they are to improving environmental conditions through meaningful collaborations with groups dedicated to establishing fair ecological practices and promoting recycling programs.
Personalized pick: Prose Custom Moisturizer
Custom Moisturizer

Custom Moisturizer $52.00 at Prose
Product Specs
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Varies by formula | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? Optional
Shop Pawonation.comassociate editor Kamari Stewart Has been really into this adjustable skincare line for the last several months.
"The customization quiz for your formula poses specific questions ensuring they address all of your needs. Since I have oilier combination skin, I chose a lightweight moisturizer which works wonderfully throughout both day and night," she explains.
This moisturizer caters to your specific skin type and provides up to eight hours of hydration along with firming effects.
A "standout" option: The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream
Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream

Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream $54.00 Sephora
Product Specs
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluroset complex, niacinamide, bakuchiol | Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Fragrance? No
Shop Pawonation.comcommerce writer Emma Stessman has become addicted to this nighttime cream from Scarlett Johansson's skincare collection, The Outset , ever since the brand provided her with several items to test out.
She has been genuinely impressed by everything. With celebrities venturing into skincare lines, one can be uncertain about the quality, yet this nighttime cream proved exceptional," she notes. "My skin tends to become extremely dry, particularly during colder months, leading to more flakes. However, when I use this cream before bed, my skin remains smoother. The product is deeply hydrating and just a small amount suffices for noticeable benefits. Additionally, because my complexion is quite delicate, I appreciate how mild and soothing the formulation feels.

Splurge-worthy: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Wrinkle Defense Cream
Advanced Wrinkle Interrupter A.G.E. Cream

AGE Interrupter Advanced Anti-Aging Wrinkle Cream $185.00 at Dermstore
Product Specs
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, shea butter | Skin type: Dry, normal, combination, sensitive | Fragrance? No
If you want to truly pamper your skin, this premium choice has won over Senior Commerce Writer at ShopPawonation.com. Danielle Murphy .
"She mentions that it feels incredibly soothing on her skin. She prefers using it in the evening as it has a rich texture and seems to lock in all previous skincare products, allowing for better absorption. Her skin remains noticeably soft, even by the next morning," she notes.
This wrinkle-reducing lotion is designed to address fine lines, wrinkles, and various noticeable indications of aging while offering moisture for up to 24 hours.
What makes nighttime moisturizers crucial?
Ever pondered the reason we use night creams? It typically becomes a reflex action in our nightly rituals, much like brushing your teeth. However, according to Zeichner, there's a scientific rationale supporting this habit.
"The skin follows daily cycles known as circadian rhythms, with certain processes happening predominantly in the morning and others mainly at night. We understand that skin hydration tends to decrease during the afternoon and keeps declining towards the evening. This makes it biologically sound to use a moisturizer right before going to sleep," he explains.
Hirsch explains that the phrase "night cream" can refer to various types of creams, including those with "heavier consistencies" as well as formulations containing numerous active components.
“The overall idea of using something rich at night, whether it is marketed as such or not, is a good one. At night, the skin does some reparative work. Allowing gentle ingredients that keep skin well moisturized is wise,” she says.
Your skin goes through a lot during the day, so night creams have to work hard to help it repair while you catch some zzz’s.
"Night creams assist in rejuvenating the skin from the previous day’s stresses, soothing inflammation, and enhancing nighttime moisturization," explains Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what point should you incorporate night cream into your skincare regimen?Serums, moisturizers, ahoy! The sheer number of skincare options available makes determining the correct sequence of use quite tricky. Initially, ensure your face is thoroughly cleansed prior to using any night-time treatments.
"At the close of the day, every cosmetic product should be taken off, succeeded by a mild cleanse. After eliminating all contaminants from your skin, you should apply a nighttime moisturizer. Should you be using any local treatments or potent essences, they ought to be applied before the night cream," according to Sawaya.
Generally speaking, you should always apply night creams as the final step.
Typically, overnight moisturizers serve as the final step in your evening skincare regimen," explains Camp. "They aid in retaining moisture within the skin and locking in other products like serums and treatments that you've used.
How we chose
Your skin merits only the finest care; hence, we sought advice from various skincare experts to compile this selection of nighttime moisturizers tailored for different skin types and price ranges. Our team at ShopPawonation.com frequently evaluates these items as well, which led us to include some personal favorites to complete our lineup.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Robert Anolik, MD is a dermatologist certified by the board and holds fellowship at the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Dr. Brendan Camp , MD is a dermatologist certified twice over, practicing at MDCS Dermatology.
- Dr. Noah Gratch is a dermatologist who has received board certification MDCS Dermatology .
- Dr. Ranella Hirsch , MD is a dermatologist certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Boston.
- Dr. Angela Lamb, MD is a dermatologist certified by the board of directors and is located in New York City.
- Dr. Jennifer Sawaya is a dermatologist who is board-certified U.S. Dermatology Partners Scottsdale .
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD She is a board-certified dermatologist located in New York City and serves as an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
This piece was initially released on Pawonation.com
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