I like to think of night creams as my skin’s trusted after-hours crew – clocking in for the night shift to leave me with the glowiest and smoothest complexion by the crack of dawn. Paired with my retinol serum, they work hard to support the skin’s cell turnover and repair its delicate moisture barrier. Think: double the hydration of a standard moisturiser, with texture-refining and firming benefits as an added bonus.
Don’t think you need both? I’ve interviewed enough dermatologists to know that our skin – being our largest organ – operates based on our body clocks. Which is precisely why it needs a special night cream during the, well, night. According to Caglar Odabasi, Head of Education at Fresh UK & Europe, “at night, our skin shifts into a regenerative and receptive mode, recovering from daily activity, and is far more responsive to nourishment and active ingredients. This is when skin cells work at their most efficient level to repair, recover and de-stress, preparing to function at its best the next day.”
So, while your morning routine may call for something more lightweight in texture, using a richer night cream before bed is essential, regardless of your skin type. Dr Marko Lens, founder of Zelens also reiterates the importance of active ingredients that have an impact on skin regeneration: “I always recommend looking for formulas with peptides and botanicals, which will also support the skin’s natural collagen production and renewal.”
And there’s an option for everyone – whether you’re looking for the best moisturiser for mature skin, you’re dealing with dryness, or hyperpigmentation is your bugbear, there’s something on the market to suit your unique skincare needs. Below, I’ve curated a definitive guide to the best night creams around, including those that have been loved by GLAMOUR editors for years.
Meet the experts:
- Caglar Odabasi, head of education at fresh UK & Europe.
- Dr Marko Lens, founder of Zelens and consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
- Kirsti Shuba, skincare expert and co-founder of Katherine Daniels.
- Nadia Aminian, senior aesthetician at the Taktouk Clinic.
- Dr Christine Hall, aesthetic doctor and GP.
- Kimberley Medd, head of clinic at Face The Future.
All your night cream questions, answered:
What are the benefits of using a night cream?
“Night creams work with your skin’s natural repair process whilst you sleep, providing deep hydration and supporting cell renewal,” says Kimberley Medd, head of clinic at Face the Future. “By using a night cream regularly, you can wake up with smoother, more hydrated, and healthier-looking skin. I recommend the Medik8 Advanced Night Restore, which is formulated with ceramides and peptides to strengthen the skin barrier and boost collagen production.”
What’s the difference between a night cream and a day cream?
“A day moisturiser is designed to protect the skin from free radical damage, pollution and sun damage,” says Nadia Aminian, senior aesthetician at the Taktouk Clinic. “Daytime moisturisers normally include brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, and are usually lighter in texture. A night cream is designed to nourish and heal, is usually richer in texture, and has more active ingredients, such as retinol.”
How do I choose the best night cream for my skin type?
According to skincare expert and co-founder of Katherine Daniels, Kirsti Shuba, choosing the right night cream for your skin type requires an understanding of your skin’s unique needs.
“For those with dry or dehydrated skin, it’s important to choose a rich, nourishing cream that’s packed with moisture-locking ingredients like shea butter or ceramides. These help to restore the skin’s natural barrier function, preventing moisture loss throughout the night,” she says.
“Or if you have oily or combination skin, a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that hydrates without overwhelming the skin is ideal. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin without leaving a greasy finish.
“For those concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, opt for a night cream that includes anti-ageing ingredients like retinol, peptides, or vitamin C. These ingredients work to promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin elasticity.”
The expert continues that the best night cream for you is one that supports your skin’s natural function and helps it perform at its best.
“For the best overnight recovery, I’d recommend our Nurturing Night Balm, which is packed with omega oils and vitamins A, C, E, and B to defend skin against oxidative stress and environmental damage, while deeply nourishing the skin,” she finishes.
Where in my skincare routine should my night cream be applied?
Kimberley advises to always apply your night cream as the final step in your evening skincare routine.
“After cleansing, apply a toner if you use one, followed by serums or targeted treatments. Once those have fully absorbed, seal everything in with your night cream. This locks in moisture and enhances the effectiveness of your entire routine for the best results.”
Nadia advocates for the importance of a nighttime treatment. “A serum or a gel based product is great to apply at night on clean skin before your night cream as the cells heal. The SkinCeuticals Resveratol B E Treatment is a great option, as it fights free radical damage while your skin heals itself at night, and is suitable for all skin types.”
What should I avoid when choosing a night cream?
Dr Marko Lens, founder of Zelens, advises to avoid night creams containing botanical oils or plant butters if you have oily, sensitive or acne-prone skin, so as not to exacerbate sebum levels or increase the risk of breakouts.
And although you want a night cream with active ingredients to treat your skin concerns, you need to ensure these same ingredients are not in your cleanser, toner or serum, since layering too many actives can lead to skin irritation and sensitivity.
How we tested the best night creams:
In true GLAMOUR fashion, our team of beauty editors has been reviewing dozens of night creams to deliver the most comprehensive edit — including OG formulas that come from science-backed brands like Medik8 to trending Korean moisturisers that double up on innovation. In keeping with our testing guidelines, we aim to test each formula for a minimum period of four-six weeks before even considering recommending it our readers.
Since we all have different skin types and skin concerns, we take careful note of how each formula performs and whether or not it causes any irritation, flare-ups or breakouts. That’s why we always check whether or not a moisturiser is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free or if its ingredients pair well with all skin types. When testing, our editors also assess the formula based on other equally important factors, including the cream’s texture (lightweight or rich) and if its formulation actually justifies the price. Of course, our final verdict heavily relies on whether said night cream genuinely lives up to its claims – particularly if we notice any visible improvement to our skin’s hydration levels, texture, hyperpigmentation. or the appearance of our fine lines and wrinkles.
Find out more about how we test here.
Meet our testers:
- Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR’s Associate Beauty Director: Fiona is an award-winning beauty editor with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Previously a senior beauty editor at Marie Claire, Fiona has also contributed to other magazines, including Stylist, Allure and Cosmopolitan. When it comes to skincare, she’s all about finding truly simple yet innovative formulas. She’s also interviewed dozens of dermatologists and aestheticians to support her articles in an effort to deliver the most elaborate, expert-led coverage.
- Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR’s Contributing Beauty Writer: Denise has half a decade’s worth of product testing experience under her belt, especially when it comes to skincare. Having written for esteemed international publications like Vogue, GQ, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, she’s particularly passionate about spotlighting formulas that help with rosacea or sensitive skin.
- Fiona Ward, GLAMOUR’s Contributing Website Editor: Fiona is a highly experienced journalist and editor who’s tested hundreds of skincare products – from vitamin C serums to toners and everything in-between. She’s dedicated to finding the best formula that helps lock in moisture and nourish the skin without triggering any inflammation or irritation.
- Hattie Cotmore, GLAMOUR’s Contributing Commerce Writer and Former Associate Visuals Editor: Previously an Associate Visuals Editor at GLAMOUR, Hattie is an experienced shopping writer that covers everything from fashion and beauty to interiors and travel. When it comes to skincare in particular, she prefers gentle and fragrance-free formulas that would also be able to deliver lasting hydration.
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