8 Best Night Creams for Every Type of Skin (2023)

RD.COM Skincare

Give your skin a much needed boost of overnight hydration with the best night cream for every type of skin, and budget.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

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Best overall night cream

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

According to Dr. Jaliman, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Cream is an excellent face cream at an amazing price point. It has a non-comedogenic light formulation and contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which helps bind water molecules, she explains. It also has niacinamide, which helps even out skin color. “It’s a good moisturizer for when the weather starts getting cold and your skin starts losing moisture,” she adds. Now that you’ve found the best night cream to finish your evening skincare routine, be sure you’re starting with the best face wash.

Pros

• Dermatologist recommended
• Won’t leave skin feeling greasy
• Affordable
• Easy to find in drug stores and big box stores

Cons

• Only available in one size

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See Also

Top 29+ Best Night Cream Brands in the World -BeNextBrand.comExperts say a hardworking night cream is essential for skin repair—these 20 are the best around

Best value night cream

Olay Night of Olay Firming Night Cream

A quality night cream doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. When it comes to affordable drugstore picks, Dr. Jaliman recommends this Olay night cream. “It contains glycerin, which is very moisturizing without clogging pores,” she explains. Better yet, this rich night cream won’t leave skin greasy, and is formulated for all skin types. And speaking of value, if you love affordable skincare products, then you’ll definitely want to try this top-rated clay mask.

Pros

• Under $10
• Contains glycerin to keep skin moisturized
• Doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy

Cons

• Does not contain any collagen-stimulating ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide

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Another great pick? The Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Moisturizer.

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Best splurge night cream

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream

From her Pillow Talk collection to the always sold out highlighter, Charlotte Tilbury has more than just a few cult-favorite products under her belt. Add her Magic Night Cream to the list, too. Like its name suggests, this cream is like magic for your complexion. It contains time-released retinol to visibly firm and plump skin. Plus, Winter Daphne stem cell extract, which smooths, tones and firms.

It’s also infused with red-algae marigel, castor seed and olus oils, which infuse extra moisture and softness to dry skin. At $145, it’s definitely an investment, but the best night creams are worth the splurge. Once finished, save some money on your next batch by purchasing a refill instead of a brand new jar. Looking for another splurge-worthy skincare product? You won’t regret treating yourself to the Foreo Luna Mini 2.

Pros

• Contains retinol, a night cream’s hero ingredient
• Tones, firms and moisturizes skin
• Comes in a refillable jar

Cons

• Pricey at $145 for 1.6-ounces
• Not recommended for oily or acne-prone skin

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Best night cream for dry skin

Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream

During cold winter months, anyone who battles dry skin knows the importance of finding an effective moisturizer. Dr. Jaliman recommends this Curel intensive moisture facial cream for people with dry skin. It contains both glycerin and ceramides, which prevent moisture loss and protect the outer layer of skin. And here’s a fun fact: This happens to be one of the best-selling face creams in Japan! If global skincare products are your jam, you may also love these Korean beauty products.

Pros

• Ideal for dry, sensitive skin and winter weather
• Formulated with ceramides and glycerin, which protect the outer layer of skin and retain moisture
• Lightweight formula won’t leave skin greasy or shiny

Cons

• Not easy to find in stores

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Best night cream for oily skin

Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Jaliman recommends this Paula’s Choice oil-free moisturizer. This cream, which should be used as the last step in your nighttime skincare routine, is oil-free and won’t clog your pores. Additionally, Dr. Jaliman points out that it contains ceramides, which protect the outer barrier of your skin, and provide moisture without causing breakouts.

More ingredients to love: Naturally soothing antioxidants, sourced from pumpkin and blueberry, calm redness. Plus niacinamide, a pore minimizer, improves tone and quenches dryness. Once you’ve added this moisturizer to your cart, don’t check out without a bottle of this tried-and-true Paula’s Choice exfoliant.

Pros

• Specially formulated skincare for oily and blemish-prone skin
• Contains pore-minimizing niacinamide
• Dermatologist recommended

Cons

• Not available in drug stores

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Best night cream for aging skin

Isdin Age Contour Night Cream

If you’re concerned with fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness, then you’ll want a night cream that addresses concerns surrounding aging skin. This restorative night cream is specially formulated for the face and neck and is safe for all skin types. It boasts a blend of antioxidants, melatonin and peptides to repair daily damage, calm skin and reduce signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid gives skin an extra boost of hydration. Here are even more anti-aging creams dermatologists trust.

Pros

• Formulated for aging skin on the face and neck
• Safe for all skin types, including oily and combination skin
• Contains hyaluronic acid

Cons

• More expensive than other brands

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Best retinol night cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

Adding retinol to your skincare routine is a proven way to fight signs of aging. Dr. Zeichner recommends RoC night cream, which contains a stabilized form of retinol in an ultra-hydrating formula. “It can help stimulate collagen production, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all in a rich formula that is not irritating, and can be used daily,” he explains. If you’re looking for more retinol options, you may want to try adding this affordable retinol serum into your skincare routine.

Pros

• Contains pure RoC Retinol that won’t irritate skin
• Has hydrating glycerin and shea butter
• Dermatologist recommended
• Affordable

Cons

• Only offered in a small, 1-ounce tube

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Best lightweight night cream

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream

Most night creams tend to be richer and thicker than daytime moisturizers. But if you can’t stand the feeling of anything heavy on your skin, then opt for a lightweight cream. This antioxidant-rich night cream contains super lotus, peach leaf extract, vitamin E and shea butter, which work together to minimize signs of aging. These natural ingredients keep skin nourished and hydrated, and also soothe and protect. They also work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by making the skin look plump.

Pros

• Lightweight formula won’t leave skin feeling smothered or greasy
• Contains a blend of antioxidants along with moisturizing shea butter and glycerin
• Has a mild, fresh scent

Cons

• Not formulated for oily or acne-prone skin

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How we found the best night cream

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.

FAQs

Does night cream actually work?

Yes. As Dr. Jaliman explains: “Your cells regenerate themselves while you sleep. Your skin is most able to absorb topical treatments more efficiently—and DNA repair is boosted—at night.” Additionally, Dr. Zeichner points out that the evening is an ideal time to apply active ingredients, since they can also work to treat other skin issues like breakouts.

Do you have to use night cream every night?

Since your skin undergoes natural circadian rhythms—with nighttime being a time of cell regeneration, it is beneficial to use night cream every night.

How much does night cream cost?

With so many options available, there’s a night cream for every budget. A quality night cream can cost anywhere from under $10 to upwards of $200.

Sources:

• Debra Jaliman, MD, board-certified NYC dermatologist and author of the book,Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, Associate Professor, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

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Marisa Hillman is a freelance writer and product expert covering product reviews, gift guides and sales for RD.com. She is a former educator turned professional shopper dedicated to finding the best sales and products on the market. When she's not on deadline, she can be found exploring the East Coast or curled up at home with her nose in a book. She lives in New England with her husband, three children and two dogs.