Which is the best night cream for glowing skin? Our tried-and-tested picks

An effective night cream can enhance the rejuvenating effects of your beauty rest. These overnight solutions are more than just a regular moisturiser; they aid the skin’s natural nighttime healing process, so you can wake up to smooth, supple skin.

An effective skincare regimen incorporates a reliable cleanser, SPF protection with one of the finest sunscreens for the face(opens in new tab), a facial oil(opens in new tab), and moisturiser. However, what about using a night cream? Would the best skin moisturizers(opens in new tab) be sufficient to support your skin overnight, or do you require a sleep-specific formula? Your skin’s demands change during the day and night, so your facial moisturiser should do more than just supply moisture. In order to combat the damaging effects of the sun, pollution, and other environmental factors, your skin goes into defence mode during the day. The finest night cream will help you get the most out of your beauty sleep and will aid your skin in its natural healing process as you sleep.

When shopping for a night cream, “the first thing you should consider is your skin type, requirements, and concerns,” says Dr. Sonia Khorana(opens in new tab), Clinical Dermatology GP and Expert for Olay. Since the skin’s natural rejuvenation process is more active at night than during the day, a common component that works well in a night cream is Retinol, which stimulates surface cell regeneration while you sleep. Our top picks for night creams can help your skin look and feel better by morning, whether you’re looking to lock in moisture or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Things to think about while choosing a good night cream

Our own internal grading scale is based on the opinions of our staff and other experts, and is shown as a star grade. They’ve evaluated the top night creams and rated them based on criteria including formula, active ingredients, consumer comments, awards, and value for money. Products that have gotten a perfect five-star rating from our reviewers are extraordinary in every way.

Active components: A night cream’s contents should work to boost the skin’s natural healing mechanisms, which in turn improves the skin’s health and look. Antioxidants, peptides, and even mild skincare acids are just a few of the effective active components found in the finest night serums, all of which work together to hasten skin rejuvenation. When used in the evening, retinol is one of the most effective actives since it aids in the skin’s healing process and encourages the creation of collagen.
Cruelty-free: Many cosmetics companies have come to see that animal experimentation is neither compassionate nor practical. Brands like Skin Proud, Lumene, Green People, and Medik8 that share this philosophy are ones we’re excited to stock up on. Unfortunately, the cruelty-free certification is not available for all of the companies mentioned here since they are offered in countries that authorise animal experimentation.
Packaging: Most night creams are sold in tubs or jars, making it easy to use only the quantity you need. Because of this, you won’t waste any cream as you would with squeeze bottles. Also, we take environmental concerns very seriously, thus we only provide items that are at least somewhat recyclable.

Should I use a night cream, and if so, what is the best one?

IT Cosmetics Sleep Skin-Transforming Pillow Cream Moisturizer

1: Have Faith in Your Beauty

If you want skin that is healthy, smooth, and feels great, protecting it from the elements is essential. You may have dry, sensitive, and rough skin if this is impaired. This cream is loaded with ceramides, which work to rebuild the skin’s barrier, and Hyaluronic acid, a great skin quencher. This is the end outcome. There is a noticeable improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, dullness, and loss of firmness.

The difference in my skin’s quality since I’ve started using this night cream is remarkable. If you’ve tried and abandoned night cream due to its heaviness and occlusiveness in the past, this is the recipe to get you back on board. It has a spa-like aroma that helps put your mind in the sleep zone, and it is light and springy, more like a gel than a typical cream. My dry skin went from being flaky and harsh to smooth and bouncy in just a few weeks. That’s because it’s formulated with MemoryBounce Technology, which not only keeps your pillow from absorbing your night cream (because, hello, who wants to waste good product?! ), but also seals in all of the other skincare products you’ve used that day.

Second, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Retinol and Niacinamide Pressed Cream
What is the most effective anti-wrinkle night cream?
By stimulating cell-level elastin and collagen synthesis, retinol promotes overall skin smoothness and fullness. In addition to lightening and brightening the skin, it also reduces the appearance of pores and speeds up cell turnover. Together, retinol and niacinamide deliver a devastating blow to wrinkles and lacklustre skin. In just 10 applications, you’ll notice a difference in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the effectiveness of this smooth, fragrant night cream.

This product is a favourite of Senior Beauty Editor Rhiannon Derbyshire(opens in new tab). What she has to say is included below. To paraphrase the manufacturer, “We all know and adore retinol for its plumping, skin-refining, and wrinkle-busting properties, but it comes with the disadvantage of dryness and irritation. Not so with this particular night cream. This is because it contains skin-soothing Niacinamide in addition to Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin, which together mitigate the potentially harmful effects of the strong retinol. After using this, my normally sensitive skin is always silky and radiant the next morning. The airless pump dispenser is great because it prevents the active components from deteriorating due to exposure to air. The push-applicator is very convenient, as it dispenses the correct amount with each press.

For the third spot, we have ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN OVERNIGHT MATRIX.
The finest in high-end bedtime moisturiser
The ageing process is sped up by stress, and it’s not only harmful for your intellect. As fantastical as it may sound, smart drone technology is coming to the rescue (and addressing the visible symptoms of stress on the skin). Together with peptides, it’s employed in this miracle lotion to alleviate tension in the regions of the face where it shows up most visibly. Peptides, which are made up of amino acid chains, serve like tiny messengers, instructing skin cells to do certain tasks like increasing collagen and elastin production and so diminishing the appearance of deep wrinkles. Independent User Trials gave Overnight Matrix a flawless grade, proving the efficacy of the innovative technology. After using the product for four weeks, all thirty participants felt that it significantly reduced the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sarah Cooper-White(opens in new tab), Elemis’s Beauty Director, adds that the products’ aromas are “wonderful” if you’ve ever been fortunate enough to visit the Elemis spa or check in for a relaxing Elemis facial. Saying, “This is fantastic, and the aroma is divine. You’ll pay a king’s ransom for this sumptuous cream, but be assured that the recipe is worthy of the splurge. The smoothness it imparts to the skin makes one want to brush their face endlessly. It’s like a mini vacation for my skin, thus I nickname it “holiday in a jar” cream.

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24-Hour Night Cream,

No. 4
The most effective overnight moisturiser for beautiful skin.

Dermatologists advocate retinol as an anti-aging agent. Why? It has been shown to stimulate collagen formation, which in turn can aid in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. Because it boosts cellular turnover, it’s a great component for maximising the skin’s natural regeneration as you sleep. This, in turn, causes the skin to seem more even in tone and texture and to radiate health.

Dermatologist Dr. Sonia Khorana says retinol “helps to minimise the effects of ageing and brighten your skin to enhance your complexion.” Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is another wonderful element to search for since it increases the skin’s capacity to retain water and strengthens the barrier that keeps moisture in. Because it includes these potent chemicals, Olay Retinol24 night cream is a fantastic option.

You have my undying support on this. Maybe it’s because I always saw Olay (or Oil of Ulay, as it was known back then) bottles on my mom’s vanity, but it’s a brand I’ve always trusted. Regnerist Retinol 24’s fast-absorbing composition is ideal if you want a lighter texture than what a dense night cream may occasionally provide. It removes all traces of moisture and oil from the skin, making it seem as if nothing is on. It has made a huge difference in the softness of my skin.

Fifth, a sleep mask called the SKIN PROUD SLEEP HERO OVERNIGHT SLEEP MASK

What I use at night (and recommend) for dry skin

This multitasker is a lifesaver if you’re short on time before bed but big on radiance. For a silky smooth night cream, simply apply a little amount at the end of your regimen. When your skin is feeling dry and tight, you may apply this mask as a therapy. Spread a thick coating all over your face, sit for 15 minutes, and then wash it off. It’s loaded with anti-aging antioxidants that work to fortify the skin’s barrier and shield cells from harm caused by free radicals as we age.

To begin, the quality of this item well exceeds the asking price. The Skin Proud products are excellent. This one isn’t going to appeal to everyone due to its tangy odour reminiscent of yoghurt or a Cupcake Doll (does anybody else remember those?). This night cream is quite lightweight, yet it still performs an excellent job of hydrating the skin, making it seem full and healthy in the morning. For me, this is most interesting because of the mask feature. When my skin is looking particularly lifeless, a fast 15-minute session beneath a heavy coating of makes a huge difference.

6. FRUITFUL NIGHTS NIGHT CREAM FOR GREEN PEOPLE

Best oily/combination skin night cream

Nighttime is the best time to use a mild exfoliator if you have dull, rough, or uneven skin because cell turnover increases during this time. Here, pores are refined, pigmentation is progressively reduced, and younger-looking skin is revealed thanks to pineapple extract’s ability to break down the bonds that hang on to dead skin cells. There is some good news between all the bad news and muck. Rosehip oil, rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, promotes skin regeneration and diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Thanks to its multifaceted excellence, Fruitful Nights has received almost 500 five-star ratings on Amazon.

According to Jess Beech, the beauty editor, “if you’re someone with combination or oily complexion, I would 100% suggest this” (opens in new tab). You just need a small amount because of its luxurious velvety texture; this is healthier for your skin and your money. My complexion is smoother and more evenly toned, and I don’t feel like my skin has been resqueezed or redrawn in any way.

KIEHL’S OMEGA-RICH MIDNIGHT RECOVERY CLOUD CREAM 7

The Most Effortless Night Cream

Try Kiehl’s famous Midnight Recovery line if you want to maximise the rejuvenating effects of your beauty rest. Supporting the skin barrier, the layer responsible for retaining moisture (hello, plump, dewy skin!) and preventing the entry of irritants, is the Omega-rich fatty acids included in this fluffy whipped cream. This night cream targets fine wrinkles and dull skin by bolstering the lipid barrier, and the results can be seen in as little as seven days.

It’s called a cloud because it looks like a cloud and feels like a cloud on the skin: a lovely blue, fluffy whip that dissolves into the atmosphere like raindrops. It smells like a relaxing day at a spa and is a luxurious spa experience in a jar. This night cream is on the lighter side of the night cream range due to its airy texture, therefore it may not be enough to satiate the moisture needs of skin that is persistently dry and tight. By morning, my skin is noticeably more radiant after using it, and it does a great job of smoothing.

Eighth, LUMENE Nordic Ageless Radiant Youth Night Cream

The best night cream for reviving dull skin

When compared to other night creams, this one truly does it all, whether your skin’s main issue is a lack of firmness, wrinkles, or a bit of pigmentation. How? To tighten, smooth, and brighten the skin overnight, a mix of copper peptides (smart skin messengers) and Nordic biotechnological components including antioxidant lingonberry cells and arctic spring water is used.

Sarah, the director of the beauty department, swears by it. That buoyant cream had done wonders for my skin by morning. My skin drinks it right up, and the resulting smoothness and hydration are like a welcome sip of water. Plus, it’s loaded with tenacious Nordic ingredients like lingonberries and cloudberries to boost glow and soften fine lines and wrinkles.

To refresh your skin as you sleep, try MEDIK8’s Advanced Night Restore Multi-Ceramic Emulsion (No. 9).

Top Choice for a Nighttime Cream After Retinol Use

Medik8’s high-end formulas are based on the trifecta of vitamin C, UV protection, and vitamin A to achieve and maintain healthy, young skin (aka retinol). This night cream is like a warm embrace for your skin after using retinol; it restores moisture and prevents further dryness. Ceramides are like the mortar that keeps the “bricks” of the skin’s moisture barrier together, helping to increase the barrier’s overall integrity. This night cream is best used as a “top coat” over your nighttime retinol treatment to maximise effects and leave skin as soft as a pillow.

This is meant to be used in conjunction with retinol products to keep skin from being too dry, but Senior Beauty Editor Rhiannon says she often uses it alone for her “nights off” active components. “It’s a pleasant hydrating moisturiser that keeps my delicate skin healthy and happy. It’s rich without feeling heavy, and it contains a combination of peptides and ceramides to enhance hydration. It works well in a variety of situations.

Number Ten. BOOTS Q10 ANTI-AGING NIGHT CREAM

Most effective low-cost face cream for the evening

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring vitamin that has been shown to increase stamina and performance. It aids in wrinkle reduction due to its ability to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Because of its antioxidant properties, it helps preserve skin cells from environmental harm, which in turn slows down the ageing process. However, as supplies decrease, the skin’s natural defences become less effective. This night lotion strengthens the skin’s protective barrier and leaving it feeling more toned and supple.

The feedback from customers on the website has been quite positive. As one buyer put it, “It’s great stuff and all the more so since it’s so inexpensive. […] In the winter, when my skin is very dry, the heavier night cream is perfect. After only a few weeks of use, my skin was noticeably more radiant, and I no longer had any crow’s feet or any tiny creases around my eyes. […] Congrats, Boots. That’s your greatest cream ever.

When should one begin using a night cream?
If you want to keep your appearance in top shape, it’s best to avoid problems rather than try to fix them. The greatest sunscreen will prevent wrinkles, age spots, and pigmentation because of its sun protection factor (SPF). However, what about using a night cream?

Dr. Sonia advises that everyone begin using night creams in their twenties because that’s when collagen synthesis in the skin begins to drop. Dullness and fine wrinkles on the skin are outward signs of this process. The use of a night cream might be a fantastic preventative measure. The earlier you begin taking care of your skin, the less problems you’ll have later on.

When applying night cream, which comes first?
It’s vital to apply your skincare products in the correct order to get the best results. That implies you should apply your night cream last, as you would the lightest formulations first and work your way up to the richest ones in the end.

Skin doctor Dr. Sonia Khorana recommends using night cream last. “Apply your nighttime moisturiser after cleansing, followed by your eye cream and serums.”

Is there a recommended serving size for a nightly scoop of ice cream? Put a little bit of night cream on your face and neck, around the size of a pea. Dr. Sonia explains, “A little goes a long way.” If your night cream contains retinol, begin using it a couple times a week and gradually increase the frequency as you see your skin’s reaction. ‌

One effective method is the recently popularised practise of “Skin Cycling,” which involves including nights of rest after exfoliation and retinoid treatment. To get the best results from your skincare routine, you need to be consistent without overdoing it.