When I get home after a long workday, the first thing I do is jump into a silky pair of PJs—then I remove my makeup and hop in the shower. By the time I'm out and crawling into bed, my brain is ready to switch off—but my skin? That's when it gets busy. Before I became a beauty editor, I used to think a quick face wash was enough before lights out. Turns out, I was seriously underestimating the power of the best night creams.
"When you sleep, your skin goes into repair mode," says board-certified dermatologist Connie Yang, MD. Processes like cellular turnover, collagen production, and DNA repair go into hyper speed. It makes sense: At night, you're not fighting off UV rays and environmental aggressors. The skin gets hours to breathe and absorb all the good stuff without interruption. The 'good stuff' in question? "Reparative actives like retinoids, peptides, ceramides, and growth factors," says Dr. Yang.
And while all of this sounds great, the trick is choosing the right night cream formula. Some provide hydration while others focus on building collagen for firm, youthful-looking skin, and most have a heavier texture that acts as a seal to lock in moisture. So, to make it easier, I consulted a few board-certified dermatologists to share their top moisturizer picks for every skin type. Ahead, the best night creams to boost skin radiance while you sleep peacefully.
The Best Night Creams
- Best Overall Night Cream: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment
- Best Night Cream for Sensitive Skin: Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
- Best Firming Night Cream: Naturium Multi-Peptide Rich Cream
- Best Reparative Night Cream: La Mer The Night Recovery Concentrate Treatment
- Best Moisturizing Night Cream: Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich
This nighttime reparative moisturizer pulls its weight. It combines three powerful effects: hydrates with plumping humectants, strengthens and soothes the skin barrier, and delivers cell-signaling peptides to boost collagen production for a firmer, smoother complexion. And unlike most night creams, it has a silky texture that doesn't feel suffocating—instead it soaks in upon contact and you'll wake up to soft, not greasy, skin.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid (hydrates); Peptides (boosts collagen); Shea butter (moisturizes)
What I Love: Lighter texture and consistency that's almost like second-skin; Does the job of a moisturizer and a serum
What I Don't: Doesn't come with an applicator spatula, which can be unsanitary
Review for MC: "Beauty Director Hannah Baxter praises the corresponding serum from the same line, so I knew this formulation had merit. When I applied it, it felt incredibly silky, a big change from other heavy night creams, and blended like butter. I woke up with skin that was so healthy-looking and supple, I was blown away." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Before, during, and after application of the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment.
You've likely heard from any of your beauty-obsessed friends that this is the crème de la crème of moisturizers. It works for any skin type, any time of day, and soothes the complexion while supporting overall skin health. (Not to mention, it also won the Best Overall Moisturizer in Marie Claire's Skin and Hair Awards.) Especially ideal for sensitive and reactive-prone skin, it's not only accepted by the National Eczema Association but also features the brand's proprietary thermal water and protein-rich postbiotics to restore a damaged barrier and lock in moisture.
Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water (soothes); Glycerin (hydrates); Amino acids (boosts skin barrier)
What I Love: Can calm itchiness and redness; Safe for any skin type; Can be used anywhere on the body that's irritated
What I Don't: Super thick texture that takes a minute to rub in before the white cast is blended in
Review for MC: "There are very few skincare products that I keep in my everyday rotation, which is saying a lot considering I'm a beauty editor who tests every new launch and trending product. This one is a staple that never leaves my shelf, and it's my do-it-all cream that feels ultra-luxe and I can always count on. There's a reason it's a holy grail in the beauty community."— Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Before, during, and after application of the Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream.
For just $25, you can get a luxury ingredient formulation that's comparable in price to a drugstore cream (at least these days). Naturium's latest moisturizer contains a slew of peptides that act as tiny messengers, signaling the skin to amp up collagen production, defend the skin barrier, and even heal wounds. The result? Smoother, firmer, more elastic skin with a youthful glow upon waking.
Key Ingredients: Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, copper tripeptide-1 (boosts collagen); Glycerin (hydrates); Ferulic acid (protects with antioxidants)
What I Love: Affordable price tag with a luxury formulation; Targets aging, dry, and sensitive skin
What I Don't: Can be used in the morning per the directions, but may be too heavy
Review for MC: "My face gets really dry after I wash it at night, so this is something that I like to use as the last step in my skincare routine before bed. It's really thick and has kind of a balm consistency that you have to work into your skin, so I would say this is ideal for anyone who frequently struggles with dryness or dry patches. Also, for it to be a product that you can find in a drugstore, it feels pretty expensive and comes in really nice packaging. I'd say that my only gripe with it is that, because of its thickness, it doesn't glide or spread on your skin as easily as you might expect a moisturizer to (that's why it's called a "rich" cream), and if you're someone whose skin can get a little oily at times (like me) you may struggle with it feeling heavy or greasy on your skin." — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
Before and after application of the Naturium Multi-Peptide Rich Cream.
La Mer sits pretty on your favorite celebrities' vanities, complete with a hefty price tag that makes you wonder if it's all just fancy packaging and hype. I hate to break it to you—it's worth every penny. In fact, it's one of the only moisturizers that healed my skin after retinol-induced irritation. The luxurious formula is especially ideal for calming and repairing skin after dermatologist treatments like facials, microneedling, or lasers.
Key Ingredients: Miracle Broth (brand's proprietary complex); Antioxidants (protects from environmental aggressors); Glycerin (hydrates); Probiotics (soothes)
What I Love: Time-released actives for prolonged effectiveness while you sleep; Soothes redness
What I Don't: Most expensive option on this list
Review for MC: "I've always loved La Mer's signature Crème de la Mer, I mean, how could you not? But after hearing the industry hype, I knew I had to try this treatment, and it did not disappoint. With its potent actives and delivery system, it's more of a treatment than a cream. It's pure magic, and I use it every time after a facial treatment at my dermatologist's office or whenever I increase my retinol strength." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Before, during, and after application of the La Mer The Night Recovery Concentrate Treatment.
There's a reason every beauty girlie is posting pictures of Barbara Sturm products lined up in their bathrooms—they just work. Fun fact: Dr. Sturm is trained in anti-inflammatory medicine and takes a scientific approach to her skincare line. This means that her formulations are rooted in facts and research. Take this cream, for example: it contains ingredients that support skin renewal at a deep, cellular level, while its rich texture and hydrators deliver visible, immediate results on the surface.
Key Ingredients: Urea, panthenol (soothes); Glycerin (hydrates); Antioxidants (protects from environmental aggressors)
What I Love: Comes in weights for different skin types; Works to strengthen sensitive skin; Fragrance-free
What I Don't: A little goes a long way; however, I still run through it pretty quickly; pricey
Review for MC: "I have rosacea, dermatitis, and just generally sensitive, dry skin. I've tried a lot of moisturizers over the past decade as a beauty editor, but this is my holy grail. When I'm using it religiously, my skin behaves, my redness vanishes, and I adopt a glowy, hydrated finish that no serum or facial has ever been able to accomplish. If you know me, you know I think this is magic in a jar—I recommend it to everyone." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
French beauty never misses—and nothing proves that more than the iconic Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. It combines dozens of products in one; my favorite nighttime uses include the essential moisture cream, a sleep mask, a makeup remover, and an aftershave soother. It's also made with moisturizing fatty acids to boost elasticity and create firmer skin. I'll call that a win, no?
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera (soothes); Fatty acids (boosts skin barrier)
What I Love: Can also be used as a makeup primer in the AM; A true multi-hyphenate; Lovely texture
What I Don't: Contains fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin types
Customer Review: "I’ve used many different moisturisers but always come back to this one. It leaves skin looking healthy and plumped, providing the perfect makeup base. It also doubles as a hydrating mask and a cleanser, so it's perfect for travelling." — Dermstore
I've learned that if there's anyone's skincare routine worth emulating, it's a dermatologist's—obviously. This gem of a cream lives in the bathroom cabinet of board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Melanie Palm, MD. It delivers a powerhouse combo of actives: "proteins, peptides, growth factors, and exosomes to help with cellular repair, renewal, and provide a more youthful appearance to the skin," says Dr. Palm. In short, it's basically the secret to a flawless, plump, glowing complexion.
Key Ingredients: Proteins (boosts skin barrier); Peptides (boosts collagen); Growth factors (cell renewal); Niacinamide (improves skin tone and texture)
What I Love: Targets dark spots and aging marks; Protects against future damage with antioxidants
What I Don't: Not available on mass retailers
Customer Review: "I thought I was using an effective home care regimen, and then discovered INVO Aesthetics Rejuvenating Complex. It has been a game-changer for my aging skin! I noticed quickly that my skin looked and felt firmer, more hydrated, smoother, and had an overall glow to it! The clinical strength ingredients really have made a difference, very happy with the results!" — INVO
Those with oily and acne-prone skin might shy away from heavy night creams, worried they could clog pores or trigger breakouts. This one, however, tackles dead skin buildup and grime that contribute to breakouts with its chemical exfoliants. "The combination of retinol and PHA helps encourage skin turnover and gentle exfoliation while combating blemishes," says Dr. Yang. The result: smoother skin that slows signs of aging while keeping breakouts at bay.
Key Ingredients: Retinol (smoothes fine lines); PHA (chemically exfoliates); Hyaluronic acid (hydrates); Vitamin E (protects from environmental aggressors); Squalane (seals in moisture)
What I Love: Hydrating ingredients mitigate dryness from the chemical exfoliants and retinol; PHAs are the gentler cousins to AHAs/BHAs; Great mess-free, sanitary pump design
What I Don't: May need to incorporate it into routine slowly over time
Customer Review: "I have post-acne skin with some scarring and discoloration, so I’m always on the lookout for the perfect retinol—many are just too harsh. This one, though, is gentle yet effective. I really like the container—it’s easy to use and keeps things mess-free. The cream itself is super light, which I love, and it absorbs quickly without any sticky or heavy feeling. My skin feels smoother and more balanced with each use. OBAGI did it again!" — Dermstore
If you want the very definition of glass skin, any of U Beauty's products will deliver. This barrier-boosting overnight treatment, in particular, has transformed my complexion with its brightening and lifting powers. I wake up with skin that looks deeply hydrated and a glow that screams not eight, but a full 10 hours of sleep. The ingredients behind the magic? Exfoliating urea and fruit acids, plus peptides and antioxidants for supple, soft-looking skin.
Key Ingredients: Urea, fruit acids (exfoliates); Peptides (boosts collagen); Antioxidants (protects from environmental aggressors)
What I Love: Great for all skin types; Only needs to be used a few times per week; Creates plump and bright skin
What I Don't: Some testers noted that it transfers to their pillow
Customer Review: "I love how moisturizing this product is, will use it for the rest of my life. I’m 60 and my skin looks so fresh and dewy." — U Beauty
There are countless retinols on the market, each promising a return to youthful skin. It's hard to discern between marketing fluff and facts, but this one comes with a dermatologist's backing—Dr. Palm even uses it as a staple in her own routine and highly recommends it for mature skin. The secret? Its encapsulated retinol is paired alongside bakuchiol, one of the only retinol alternatives scientifically shown to deliver similar results. "This results in an increased tolerance of the retinol and a reduced amount of redness, dryness, and irritation," she says.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol (smooths fine lines); Vitamin C (brightens)
What I Love: Time-release retinol improves efficacy and reduces irritation; The brand provides different retinol strengths tailored to each stage of your retinol routine
What I Don't: Not a face cream texture, more of a serum that you combine with face creams
Customer Review: "I have been using this product for the last 2 years after seeing results almost instantly after my first use. Revision is my favorite brand of skincare ever. And this product is hands down my favorite. Not only does it erase my fine lines, but it also clears up breakouts while leaving my skin smooth and tight. An absolute staple in my skincare routine." — Dermstore
Is it pretty? Not really. Would I want it in my bathroom vanity solo-shot? Absolutely not. But does it work better than some of the most expensive moisturizers out there? Without a doubt. Behind its unassuming packaging is a powerhouse formula: ceramides that strengthen the skin's barrier and lock in moisture, hyaluronic acid for plumping hydration, and the National Eczema Association seal for gentle, irritation-free use. It deserves more hype—it's that good.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrates); Ceramides (boosts skin barrier)
What I Love: Most affordable option on this list; Lightweight, silky texture that packs major moisture without the heaviness; Can be worn at all times of the day
What I Don't: Unassuming packaging
Customer Review: "This moisturizer has good, clean ingredients that leave my skin feeling hydrated and soft. It's definitely nothing fancy or trendy, but IT WORKS BEAUTIFULLY!" — Ulta
Does Night Cream Really Work?
Yes, night creams work beautifully to achieve healthy, glowy skin. "There are many processes that become more active during sleep, including cell turnover, DNA repair, collagen synthesis, and barrier recovery," says Dr. Yang. While our minds rest, our bodies are in overdrive—preparing us for the next day and targeting skin repair.
Dr. Palm notes that studies suggest keratinocytes, or skin cells, "regenerate at a more rapid pace during nighttime sleep due to human growth hormone (HGH) levels naturally increasing at night." She also points out that melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, is elevated at night and is believed to play a role in skin repair.
What’s the Difference Between a Night Cream and Day Cream?
The difference between a day moisturizer and a night cream is usually the consistency of the product and whether it protects you from the sun. Most AM moisturizers provide both hydration benefits and sunscreen to block UV rays.
“Generally speaking, but not as a complete rule, morning moisturizers tend to be lighter in consistency,” says Dr. Zeichner. “The skin undergoes daily circadian rhythms, where specific activities occur in the morning and others at night. We know that skin hydration levels start to decline in the afternoon and into the evening, which is why an evening moisturizer is important. These products tend to be thicker in consistency to address the dryness of the skin in the evening.”
How to Find the Best Night Cream
- Ingredients
Night creams typically contain three components: occlusives, humectants, and emollients. “Occlusives are ingredients (think: petrolatum or dimethicone) which form a protective seal over the skin to prevent water loss,'' says Dr. Zeichner.
“Humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, act like sponges and grab onto water to hydrate the other skin layer. Emollients are ingredients that soften rough cells on the skin surface and fill in cracks. Common emollients used in skin care products are natural oils and fatty alcohols.”
- Skin Type
"The types of ingredients you should look for in a night cream should be contingent on your skincare needs," says Dr. Palm. Here, she breaks them down by skin type.
Dry: Dry skin benefits from hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, and glycerin, all of which provide hydration and support a healthy skin barrier.
Sensitive and Irritated: Look for creams with anti-inflammatory ingredients, like niacinamide or Matrixyl 3000 (a trademarked peptide). Formulas containing centella asiatica can soothe and repair sensitive skin. Avoid products with fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, or known allergens.
Mature: Night creams with retinol—a vitamin A derivative proven to accelerate skin turnover—paired with humectants like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, help retain moisture and support firmer, smoother skin.
Oily & Acne-Prone: Lighter formulations with salicylic acid help prevent breakouts, while niacinamide calms redness and irritation without clogging pores.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Marie Claire Beauty Editor, Siena Gagliano, along with other beauty editors and writers, went through a vigorous testing period where they reviewed dozens of night creams. After determining the top picks alongside dermatologists and skincare experts, they tested each cream overnight over a series of multiple days.
Meet The Experts
Dr. Yang is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, known for her dedication to helping patients achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful skin. Dr. Yang is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Dermatology.
Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist serving the San Diego, California area. With over ten years of dermatology experience in both Chicago and San Diego, she founded Art of Skin MD in Solana Beach, CA, to bring to life her vision of an environment where patients receive a superior medical and cosmetic experience from a team of caring professionals in a beautiful, state-of-the-art clinic. In addition to Art of Skin MD, Dr. Palm is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego, and an affiliate staff physician at Scripps Encinitas Memorial Hospital. She is a medical author, clinical investigator, physician trainer and contributing dermatology expert for various national media outlets. Her vast experience, extensive training, artistic eye and gentle touch contribute to the exceptional care she provides to her patients.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He is one of the country's key opinion leaders in treating acne and rosacea, and is an expert in cosmeceuticals, skin care, and cosmetic Dermatology.
