Along with drinking enough water, eating antioxidant-rich food (especially when it's high in vitamin C) and limiting sugar intake, a night cream can give you rejuvenated and glowing skin. It's worth taking a small step every day for big results, right?
Night creams promote collagen production which causes the skin to remain firm and supple while keeping wrinkles in check. The more collagen, the firmer your skin will become – so let's help our skin produce this powerful protein. In this article, we have partnered with Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu to review and fact-check the article so that we can deliver you the best information, as well as share our top tips on how to choose a night cream from Amazon, ASOS, Boots and more.
Quick List - Top Night Creams
Felipe Partarrieu is a dermatologist, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
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Felipe Partarrieu is a final year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
Dry skin commonly looks a bit dull and can feel rough and tight, which is due to a lack of sebum. For skin to retain moisture it needs lipids to stop it from going dry – without sebum and lipids, there won't be enough moisture in the skin.
This is where night cream steps in to save the day! For those with dry skin, applying an extra-hydrating night cream formulated to combat dryness could do the trick, as it will help build up sufficient protection against outside influences and improve your complexion. Creams for 'all skin types' might be fine for occasional dryness, but specially-formulated ones will be even better.
There are plenty of moisturising formulations to suit all tastes and needs and the choice can be overwhelming at times. People with dry skin benefit from creams with thicker consistencies and/or contain active ingredients that help to retain moisture, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and shea butter.
For those who have an oily skin type, you may be familiar with a glossy shine and visible pores. You also might be cautious of using thicker moisturisers and night creams as you don't want the risk of blocked pores.
However, oily skin needs to be moisturised and looked after just as much as any other skin type and there are many suitable creams that will work their magic overnight. It's just a case of finding the right one for you, which usually means checking for creams that are lightweight and non-comedogenic (non-pore blocking).
Breakouts got you down? Here are our best face masks for acne.
Many products nowadays are labelled as "oil-free" or "for oily skin" and, if properly chosen, can offer a lot of benefits to people with oilier complexions. However, the industry is not always as strict as it should be.
Ingredients such as glyceryl tribehenate, lanolin, waxes, petrolatum and squalene do not have the word "oil" in their name but have an oil-like effect on the skin so they shouldn't be included in an "oil-free" formulation. Therefore, it's advisable to read the ingredients list before purchasing an "oil-free" product. Fatty acids, fatty alcohols, sterols, and silicones are considered acceptable in oil-free preparations.
Having combination skin means your skin acts differently on different parts of your face, usually between the cheeks and the T-zone. For example, you might be prone to dryness on your cheeks but have an oily forehead, nose and chin.
If you have combination skin you can always mix and match creams, using one on your oilier areas and one on the drier ones, or you can find a moisturising product suitable for all skin types. There are plenty of night creams that cater for skin that's oily, dry, normal or a combination.
Combination skin features two or more different skin types on the face, and the condition of the skin may fluctuate between seasons. Typically, the combination skin type is characterised by dry, flaking skin on the cheeks, while excessive oil and shine appears on other areas of the face such as the T-zone.
The key in these cases is balance: finding products that offer extra moisture to already dry areas, without increasing shine and oil in others. Most people with combination skin types find it best to add two different moisturisers to their beauty routine.
Two of the most common beauty concerns are dehydrated and dull skin, and glow-boosting skincare products of every variety are hugely popular at the moment. Vitamin E and resveratrol are both beneficial ingredients to look for in a night cream if you have skin that needs brightening up. Vitamin E is an antioxidant so will definitely keep your skin looking rejuvenated!
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) also work wonders for dull skin as they help to exfoliate and soften. They might sound scary, but don't worry, they're commonly derived from plant-based citric and fruit acids.
Vitamin C is another amazing ingredient, check out our best vitamin C serums!
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid with distinctive pharmacologic properties that recommend it for topical use in a range of skin disorders, including ageing and dull skin. In lower concentrations (2 - 8%) it acts as an excellent moisturiser (humectant), whereas in higher concentrations it has peeling properties, gently removing the upper layers of the epidermis and leaving your skin with a brighter complexion.
If you're in your 30's, 40's, 50's or over, you'll be able to identify anti-ageing products quickly as lots of brands advertise the wrinkle-defying properties of their creams. It's a great selling point – who doesn't want to look younger?
Keep an eye out for products that include retinols for anti-ageing and fine lines. Retinol is best used at night as it is photosensitive, which means it will increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is also known to smooth over wrinkles while plumping up skin that's lost firmness.
Browse more retinol serums here!
Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that belongs to a class of compounds called "Retinoids". It is the precursor of retinoic acid, so it has less irritating potential than prescription retinoids, but also requires a longer and continous use to see the benefits.
All retinoids can reverse some of the features of photo-ageing and photodamage, and improve postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. They also promote collagen growth beneath the skin and have anti-oxidant properties, diminishing wrinkles over time.
It depends on how sensitive your skin is, but many night creams include calming ingredients like lavender and elderflower that smell delightful as well as maximising repair while you sleep. Alongside these soothing, redness-calming ingredients, you might also like to go for a fragrance-free night cream to be on the safe side and avoid reactions.
It's usually sensible to stay away from strong perfumes or fragrances if you have very sensitive skin on your face, but this can also apply if you have acne-prone skin. Another thing to keep an eye out for to minimise irritation and acne is whether the cream has been dermatologist tested.
Some products require the use of fragrances to mask the unpleasant scent they might otherwise have and would detract people from applying them on a continuous basis. Most people with "normal" skin will not have issues using scented products.
However, if you have a history of sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis, it is advisable to stick to fragrance-free products. To identify fragrant ingredients, look out for other words in the ingredient list like eugenol, geraniol, citronellol, linalool and limonene.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cetaphil Rich Night Cream | ![]() | Hydrating Night Cream for All Skin Types at an Affordable Price | |
2 | Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream | ![]() | Avoid Dark Spots and Wrinkles With This Anti-ageing Cream | |
3 | Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream | ![]() | Plump, Brighten and Minimise Pores With Retinol | |
4 | Neal's Yard Vitamin E & Avocado Night Cream | ![]() | Nourishing and Repairing Night Cream With Vitamin E | |
5 | Lancome Hydra Zen Night Cream | ![]() | Calming and Rejuvenating Overnight Treatment for Tired Skin | |
6 | Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Rescue Cream | ![]() | Luxury Night Balm With a Youth-Boosting Stem Cell Elixir | |
7 | Lumene Nordic Hydra Hydration Recharge Overnight Cream | ![]() | Hydrating Cream Made With Pure Arctic Spring Water for Dry Skin | |
8 | No7 Essential Moisture Night Cream | ![]() | Wake Up Refreshed With This Hypoallergenic Night Cream for Sensitive Skin | |
9 | REN Clean Skincare V-Cense Revitalising Night Cream | ![]() | Smooth Fine Lines and Even Out Your Skin Tone Overnight | |
10 | Oh K! Chok Chok Rejuvenating Night Cream | ![]() | Moisturising Shea Butter Cream With Lavender Oil to Help You Relax |
Absolutely anyone can use this rich night cream, even those with very sensitive skin. Cetaphil have certified this product as dermatologist tested and fragrance-free, meaning it's highly unlikely to cause any reactions or the slightest irritation. That's always going to be a win with any product!
Using non-comedogenic night creams like this one also means your pores won't get blocked up and you're guaranteed to wake up to smooth, hydrated skin. On top of all this, how can you say no to this product at such a bargain price?
Suitable for all skin types but specifically for ageing skin, the Clarins Super Restorative Night cream targets wrinkles and dull skin challenged by hormonal changes – ideal if you're looking to brighten up your skin and have that healthy glow return.
The key ingredients, Montpellier rock rose, Ginko Biloba and organic Harungana extract, combine to work their magic and replenish the skin thoroughly. Give your face that coveted 'bounce back' by applying gently every night and prepare for a new radiant complexion.
No matter what your beauty goal is, Murad have you covered with this Youth Renewal Night Cream. Applying every night will transform your skin whether it's tightening, minimising pores and blemishes, hydrating, plumping or boosting radiance you would like to focus on.
This night cream contains naturally-derived ingredients and retinol, one of the top ingredients used in skincare to tackle and minimise signs of ageing. Its formula also makes it great for acne sufferers. This isn't the cheapest night cream product on the market, but you definitely get what you pay for!
If you're keen on organic natural products, Neal's Yard Remedies are the perfect brand to choose for your night cream, especially this product that's suitable for all skin types. A convenient 50 g size, it's ideal for travelling or keeping in your bathroom.
The vitamin E will brighten your skin as an antioxidant and the oils from the avocado will help smooth and rejuvenate. Not to mention the organic almond and jojoba oils and toning blend of lemon and geranium, which give it a beautiful, natural scent.
Prepare your skin for daily skin stressors like weather and pollution with this Lancome Anti-Stress Moisturising Night Cream, which is suitable for all skin types including oily skin. Apply every night to maximise the strength of your skin and help it fight off unwanted irritants.
Your skin will be immediately soft after applying the cream at night and by the morning you will notice a fresh and relaxed complexion – keep repeating for a strengthened, moisturised face. As it's dermatologist-tested too, this is the perfect way to calm your skin in the evening, even if it's sensitive.
If you don't know about Charlotte Tilbury products, it's definitely time to get to know them. This particular cream is suitable for all skin types and will plump up your skin and keep it firm, leaving you with a refreshed face and unbeatable results.
With this magical moisturiser, you can feed your skin overnight with a live stem cell elixir made up of a powerhouse of 8 youth-boosting ingredients including vitamin E, castor seed oil and olus oil. This is a luxury cream with a luxury price tag, so if you're on a budget this might not be the best option for you.
Lumene Lähde are known for their hydra-technology products that enable lasting hydration through naturally-derived moisture, complimenting the complexion if used regularly. This is their vegan-friendly overnight cream which can help you achieve your beauty goals of hydration and tackling dry skin.
Nordic Hydra is rich in minerals and 100% natural, made with pure arctic spring water, organic Nordic birch nap, shea butter and almond oil. It's also free from alcohol and formaldehyde donors (preservatives). Natural ingredients are prioritised over scent, so if you're looking for fragrance over quality of ingredients, you might like to search for a different cream.
This No7 night cream can be used on all skin types but is particularly beneficial for dry skin, as it is very hydrating and moisturising. It's also ideal for sensitive skin as it's free from any fragrances and is hypoallergenic, which means is very unlikely to cause any reactions.
If you're looking to replenish all the lost moisture from your face and achieve bright smooth skin, this is the product for you! As a bonus it's not too expensive, especially for the size and the results you'll see. However, if you have very dry skin you might run out quite quickly as you will need to apply a larger amount than someone with normal skin.
The best thing about this revitalising night cream is the antioxidant protection it provides for all skin types, but particularly for ageing skin. It will hydrate and revitalise your face, beat fine lines and even out your skin tone. Then, wake up in the morning to smooth, supple and radiant skin!
The 50 ml bottle is the ideal size to carry around, store in a wash bag when travelling or pop on your bathroom shelf with other skincare products. However, a downside of this product is the scent, as it's quite neutral and doesn't smell as good as other creams, which might be a dealbreaker if you like to feel pampered at night.
Pamper yourself after a long day by applying this Rejuvenating Night Cream aimed at those with dry skin who want to rehydrate and relax. You'll be able to recharge your glow while you're sleeping and keep the moisture locked into your face to maximise brightness come morning.
The shea butter and lavender not only smell amazing but also work wonders to calm down the skin and to end the day in a relaxed way. It's also a bargain for a 70 ml pot, as this size will last you a few months if you're applying every night. If you have sensitive skin this may not be the best option for you, however, as not all the ingredients are natural.
Written and researched by Charlotte Lillington
We partner with specialists across various fields to proof-read our buying guides to deliver accurate and reliable information. Our specialists do not endorse any products that we recommend.
- mybest UK
No. 1: Cetaphil|Rich Night Cream
No. 2: Clarins|Super Restorative Night Cream
No. 3: Murad|Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
No. 4: Neal's Yard|Vitamin E & Avocado Night Cream
No. 5: Lancome|Hydra Zen Night Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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