19 best night creams 2025, reviewed by editors
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Instead of counting sheep, I've always counted on the best night creams to soothe my senses, as well as nourish and hydrate my skin while I'm snoozing. Compared to the best moisturisers for daytime, my go-to night creams are not only richer in texture, but they also differ in terms of ingredients, too. While my morning skincare routine calls for a dose of vitamin C for brightening purposes, my nighttime regimen relies on retinoids to support healthy cell turnover. This is because our skin's needs differ depending on our sleep cycles.
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.”
Dr Marko Lens, founder of Zelens, concurs. “When choosing a night cream, it's important to look at active ingredients that have an impact on skin regeneration. I always recommend looking for peptides and botanicals that have repairing activity, like the Zelens Peptide Complex Restructuring Cream. It's formulated with a unique complex of six high-performance peptides, which 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.
SKIP TO: Our full reviews | What are the benefits of using a night cream? | What’s the difference between a night cream and a normal moisturiser? | How do I choose the best night cream for my skin type? | Where in my skincare routine should my night cream be applied? | What should I avoid when using a night cream?
How we tested the best night creams:
In true GLAMOUR fashion, our team of beauty editors has taken the time to test the below formulas first-hand to take note of their long-term benefits and value for money. We've made sure to review said creams over a minimum period of six weeks on different skin types, while documenting our progress and noting down any pros and cons. We judged on criteria including consistency, results over six weeks, whether they caused any irritation and packaging. Find out how we test here.
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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.
Enter: our edit of the best night creams to add to your routine…
- Best for: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin A (retinol), antioxidants, ceramides.
- Size: 12.5ml and 50ml.
- Tester: Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
Why we love it: For dry skin, ceramides are your best friend, and this luxurious, buttery soft cream from Medik8 has a multi-ceramide complex that replenishes and restores the skin barrier with lipids. Not only that, but it also feature the brand's midnight repair complex (saskatoon berry, peptides and dragon fruit extract), which delivers deep nourishment and helps to protects your complexion from environmental aggressors in the day. We also love that the antioxidant-rich formula has been created to soothe skin after retinol application to avoid irritation.
You can shop exclusive offers on some of the best night cream with these Sephora discount codes.
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Night Cream
- Best for: All skin types, including oily skin.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vine resveratrol, vegan collagen.
- Size: 50ml.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: This Caudalie cream contains resveratrol, which works to neutralise damaging oxidants and smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles, so you wake up to glowing, firmer-looking skin.
The patented combination of 98% natural origin ingredients (including resveratrol derived from vine shoots, vegan collagen and hyaluronic acid) results in increasing the skin’s own collagen and hyaluronic acid production for improved skin texture that is plump, hydrated and radiant. And there's more goodness too, including nourishing grape seed oil, hydrating hyaluronic acid and calming squalane.
You can shop exclusive offers on some of the best night cream with these Sephora discount codes.
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Cream
- Best for: Combination skin.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin B3 (niacinamide), glycerin.
- Size: 50ml.
- Tester: Chrissie Moncrieffe, GLAMOUR's Creative Producer.
Why we love it: We’re always shouting from the rooftops about the benefits of using one of the best retinol serum formulations (a vitamin A derivative), with it being proven to stimulate collagen production, encourage cell turnover, reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots and unclog pores, making it ideal for almost all skin types when used correctly.
Sunlight can decrease its efficacy, and it also makes skin more sensitive to UV so it should always be used at night, making it a great ingredient to be included in your retinol night cream. This rich cream from Olay combines retinol with powerhouse ingredient niacinamide for brighter skin and improved skin tone.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream
- Best for: Sensitive and dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
- Size: 50ml.
- Tester: Hattie Cotmore, GLAMOUR's Associate Visuals Editor.
Why we love it: The iconic Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery range needs no introduction, with the Midnight Recovery Concentrate renowned across the globe. And this new addition to the family stars a decadently rich formula with a unique whipped texture, using oil in water for plumping hydration.
With a blend of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier, and seed, plant and flower oils to smooth and boost your natural radiance, this cream is said to show results in just one week - and we can see why. This cream also has a soothing lavender scent, which when combined with the texture, creates a sensorial experience sure to help you unwind before bed.
You can shop exclusive offers on some of the best night cream with these Sephora discount codes.
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Intensive Restorative Night Creme
- Best for: Firming, hydrating, refining.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, almond oil.
- Size: 50ml.
- Tester: Fiona Ward, GLAMOUR's Acting Website Director.
Why we love it: Although this night cream is certainly floating on the pricier side of the spectrum, it features a multifunctional formula that works to firm, nourish and plump your skin while you snooze. With a rich texture that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, almond oil and cucumber extract (everything you need to stay well-hydrated until the morning, tbh), you'll wake up to lit-from-within skin with a reduced appearance in fine lines and wrinkles. It also features powerhouse ingredient moringa, which assists in replenishing and refining.
You can shop exclusive offers on some of the best night cream with these Sephora discount codes.
111SKIN Repair Night Cream NAC Y²™
- Best for: Repairing, restoring, firming, soothing.
- Key ingredients: The brand's proprietary NAC Y2 complex, sea moss extract, pink rock rose extract.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: We frequently dream longingly of relaxing at an opulent spa, and this facial-in-a-pot is the perfect accompaniment. It's brimming with 111SKIN's signature reparative complex, NAC Y²™, to encourage skin cell turnover, support healthy collagen production and improve elasticity, so you wake up looking positively glowing.
And there's more – pink rock rose extract soothes any redness or sensitivity, whilst anti-bacterial tara and sea moss extract prevent overnight blemishes from occurring, and balance sebum production. Created to work in harmony with your natural regenerative rhythm whilst you sleep, this moisturising essential is your answer to a firm, renewed and radiant complexion come morning.
Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Ectoin-Infused Cream
- Best for: Hydrating, calming, protecting.
- Key ingredients: Ectoin, ceramides, argan oil.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: Delivering up 139% more moisture, this hydration essential contains five different ceramides, plus ectoin to shield your skin from environmental aggressors. Protecting the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss, this hardworking cream is ideal to replenish sensitive or dry skin.
“When applied onto the skin, ectoin creates an invisible, protective film over the skin’s surface, which is created by the molecule’s ability to bind and attract water. Ectoin has also been proven to significantly increase hydration, reduce skin redness and sensitivity, offer protection against UV light and even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says aesthetic doctor, Dr Christine Hall.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream
- Best for: Plumping, firming, hydrating.
- Key ingredients: Red algae, avocado oil, shea butter.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: Elemis has long been one of our go-to brands and their Pro Collagen Night Cream imparts a youthful glow to skin through plumping, firming and hydrating skin but maintaining a lightweight formula that doesn’t feel thick on the skin. Infused with shea butter, sesame and avocado oils and red algae, this overnight cream has been clinically proven to deliver 24-hour hydration and significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
“This is such a classic, and a night cream I always refer back to. The fragrance makes me feel like I'm getting a facial in a spa, and the lightweight creamy texture is so luxurious.” Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
You can shop exclusive offers on some of the best night cream with these Sephora discount codes.
The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
- Best for: Repairing, plumping, strengthening.
- Key ingredients: Bio-active ceramides, gransil blur.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: The INKEY List never fails to deliver innovative formulas that won't break the bank, and this moisturiser is no exception. Its star ingredient is bio-active ceramides, which provide up to 4x visible fine line and wrinkle reduction. And compared with traditional ceramides, bio-active ceramides are made with a novel structure that allows ingredients to absorb deeper into the skin's layers. That's not all - it also features gransil blur to smooth and deliver a soft-focus effect to the skin.
“I turn to this whenever I feel my skin needs extra TLC. It's velvety soft and smooth, sinks in instantly (because greasy textures gives me the ick), and I like to take it down to my neck and chest to reap the fine line and wrinkle reducing benefits.” Emma Hobday, Freelance Commerce Writer.
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream
- Best for: Soothing, nourishing, hydrating.
- Key ingredients: Bilberry seed oil, omegas 3 and 6, allantoin.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: If you're someone who has a damaged or irritated skin barrier, we urge you to consider this night cream offering from Murad. It delivers up to 24 hours of hydration, thanks to the nourishing blend of bilberry seed oil, essential fatty acids and allantoin. And not only does it visibly help even out the skin tone and soften the skin's texture, but it also helps target and relieve irritation and dryness.
“Murad's Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream landed on my desk a couple of weeks ago and I've been using it every night since, in conjunction with the overnight mask from the same range – when I fancy an even bigger pamper. I love the pump dispenser which disposes the exact right amount of product for your entire face, and I love the lightweight formula (which never feels heavy, like some other night creams I've tried). My skin looks so much glowier and plumper – I'll be repurchasing it again for sure.” Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
IT Cosmetics Confidence Beauty Sleep Night Cream
- Best for: Hydrating, repairing, plumping.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, adenosine, ceramides.
- Size: 15ml and 60ml.
Why we love it: Suitable for all skin types, this deeply hydrating night cream is powered by the brand's proprietary Rest and Restore technology, which works to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. Starring a gentle exfoliating action to encourage skin cell turnover, its fusion of hyaluronic acid, adenosine and ceramides works in tandem to hydrate, smooth and boost the production of collagen and elastin.
“This night cream really stands out to me for two reasons; one being its absolutely divine scent, and the other being its texture. Its fragrance is a fusion of creamy vanilla and sweet lavender, which is really soothing and relaxing. If you're not a fan of scent, you don't need to worry about it being too heady or strong, as it dissipates immediately after application. The texture is really unique - the formula uses Memory Bounce Technology to seal in the ingredients, but it also gives it this truly bouncy texture, which makes it fun to apply!” Emma Hobday, Freelance Commerce Writer.
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
- Best for: Strengthening and plumping.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, tetrapeptides and edelweiss extract.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: After a rich night cream that will deeply replenish, firm and strengthen your skin overnight? Meet the Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm formula from Elizabeth Arden – a nighttime moisturiser that's enriched with a whole host of skin-loving ingredients (think: strengthening ceramides, plumping tetrapeptides and soothing edelweiss extract). This ultra-hydrating cream is proven to deliver noticeable results in as little as a week, leaving your skin soft, supple and visibly lifted.
Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream
- Best for: Soothing, smoothing, hydrating.
- Key ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid, citric acid.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: Delivering deep hydration that works into your skin all throughout the night, the Rich Cushion Cream is extremely nourishing and soothing. Made with ingredients such as chamomile and allantoin, it works genuine wonders for your complexion, particularly when it comes to helping your skin rest and recover.
“I'm a big fan of Summer Fridays and their hardworking, kind-to-skin formulas - shout out to the Jet Lag Mask which I always have on stand-by. I'm equally impressed with the brand's moisturiser, which literally cocoons your skin in silky-smooth moisture. I veer on the side of caution with rich formulas due to having an oily skin type, but I find this is perfect for when my skin needs more hydration (yep, oily skin types still need moisture) or when I want a boost of radiance.” Emma Hobday, Freelance Commerce Writer.
Save when you shop for the best night cream with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Curél Restorative Ageing Care Night Cream
- Best for: Hydrating, strengthening, soothing.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, succinic acid.
- Size: 40ml.
Why we love it: If you're someone with sensitive skin, then you'll be familiar with the challenge of finding a hydrating night cream that doesn't irritate or cause a flare of sensitivity. Well, here it is. This lightweight formula is specially designed for sensitive skin, and is infused with the brand's Ceramide Care Technology to seal in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Promoting soothed, soft and supple skin, you can expect to wake up to a nourished complexion with lit-from-within luminosity.
La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Riche
- Best for: Soothing, moisturising, nourishing.
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: We recommend that those with dry skin or sensitive skin add this to their bag, like now. La Roche-Posay is quite frankly a god-send for those who know the struggles of very dry skin, and this intensely rich cream helps to soothe, comfort and hydrate in one.
100% hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and tested on the most sensitive skin, this formula envelops your complexion in a protective veil of moisture, instantly reducing that tight, stripped feeling. Infused with shea butter, niacinamide and the brand's Thermal Spring Water, it's a great choice for a damaged skincare barrier too.
L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Golden Age Cooling Night Cream Moisturiser
- Best for: Cooling, moisturising, nourishing.
- Key ingredients: Calcium B5, peony extract, shea butter.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: -1.3°C on application, this clever night cream has a cooling formula that sees skin temperature drop upon application, giving relief to flushed and overheated skin. Enriched with imperial peony extract and iris flower to hydrate, it also stars fortifying calcium B5 and nourishing shea butter for a healthy, fresh complexion. It also contains natural pink pigments to recover your natural glow, repairs the skin barrier, and protects the skin from environmental stressors.
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm
- Best for: Soothing, calming, repairing.
- Key ingredients: Beta-glucan, jojoba oil, almond oil, sunflower seed oil.
- Size: 15ml and 30ml.
Why we love it: This nourishing balm uses the power of linseed oil and almond oil to help soothe stressed and irritated skin, while jojoba and sunflower oils help to protect, repair and regenerate. Absorbing quickly (there's no sticky or greasy residue here), the balm transforms into a nourishing oil upon application that gets to work at calming, soothing and replenishing the moisture barrier. With a 100% natural fragrance, this balm-oil hybrid will leave you waking up with much healthier-looking skin that feels comfortable and happy.
"For those who suffer with sensitive or inflamed skin, this is a great product that is lipid rich and contains beta glucan. We've all heard of hyaluronic acid and its hydrating abilities, but beta glucan is 20% more hydrating," says aesthetic doctor, Dr Christine Hall.
Paula's Choice Anti-Aging Intensive Repair Moisturiser
- Best for: Repairing, smoothing, brightening.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, jojoba oil.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: If you're concerned with fine lines and wrinkles (although they're completely natural), we recommend a retinol night cream like this one. Formulated to rejuvenate your skin overnight, this ultra-rich cream is infused with 0.2% retinol to smooth, restore and improve the look of hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide joins the party to lessen the look of dullness and uneven skin tone and texture, while jojoba oil creates a supple, soft complexion. This is your smoothest, firmest skin yet.
“Retinoids are one of the few ingredients that are proven to work in the field of anti-ageing, promoting collagen and thickening the skin's layers, resulting in reduced pigmentation, the smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, and the even-ing of texture and tone,” says Dr Christine.
Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream
- Best for: Calming, strengthening, soothing.
- Key ingredients: 2% niacinamide, organic sea holly and glycerin.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: Did you know that stress can impact your skin's firmness, hydration, and radiance, as well as cause signs of fatigue? Stop those signs right there with this staple from Clarins, which is clinically proven to fight the signs of stress on your skin.
It's enriched with 2% niacinamide and organic sea holly extract to encourage collagen production and smooth fine lines, as well as reinforce your skin's resistance to signs of stress. Helping to restore radiance, definition and even skin tone and texture, we also love it for its calming scent, which is said to improve sleep quality.
Your night cream FAQs, 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 normal moisturiser?
“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 formula 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.
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Looking to revolutionise your skincare routine? Check out our guides on the the best face SPFs, best face masks and best glycolic acids. And don't forget about other bestseller skincare products such as eye creams, best hyaluronic acids serums and vitamin C serums.
