We Tested Dozens of Night Creams—These 12 Actually Made a Difference (2025)

TL;DR

Our top pick for the best night cream is the Fresh Lotus Dream Night Cream. It provides long-lasting hydration, making the skin look radiant and smooth. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay’s Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Lotus, vitamin E, peach leaf extract, polyglutamic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This luxurious cream from Fresh came out on top because it can truly do it all—it plumps the skin, boosts radiance, fades hyperpigmentation, and more. Formulated to brighten and treat signs of fatigue and aging, Associate Editorial Director Ally Hirschlag saw noticeable results in her complexion after a couple of weeks of use. It has a silky, lightweight consistency that absorbed completely in about 30 seconds, and she loved that it layered well with her other nighttime serums—no pilling whatsoever. Her combination skin leans dry in the winter, and this cream efficiently provided hydration for skin that looked smooth and plump. The formula contains vitamin E and various plant extracts to treat signs of aging, as well as polyglutamic acid—a humectant rich in amino acids to fortify the skin barrier.

Hirschlag loved how well it hydrated her skin overnight, and it even made her dark spots look less noticeable. She wasn't a fan of the strong floral scent, but the results made it worth it.

Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, glycerin, niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water | Skin Type: Normal, combination, dry, sensitive | Size: 1.3, 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

La Roche-Posay products are popular among drugstore options, and this particular cream leaves the skin feeling soft, supple, and nourished. After using it consistently before bed over several weeks, wefound that our skin felt far less sensitive overall. Although it’s appropriate for all skin types, it struck the perfect balance when we tested it on combination skin: Its ceramide-packed formula hydrated the skin barrier and calmed irritation without clogging pores. The result was nourished, revitalized skin by morning. One thing to note is that its richer texture—slightly thicker than a gel cream—takes about 10 to 15 minutes to absorb, so plan accordingly in your nighttime wind-down routine. While we had no issue with it pilling, some online reviews mentioned that it pilled a bit on their skin.

Key Ingredients: Amino acids, peptides, ceramides | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dry skin types need a night cream that hydrates and protects the complexion. Ole Henriksen’s Strength Trainer Moisturizer, which is packed with skin barrier-reinforcing ceramides and strengthening peptides, is that cream. When we tested this moisturizer, it left our dry patches feeling smooth and hydrated in the morning, even when layered over retinol, which can cause some flaking around our nose and chin. Its texture, which is balm-like but thins out as it melts into the skin, felt thick and nourishing without leaving a film on the pillow; it wasn’t greasy, sticky, or tacky, either. While its price point is on the higher end of this list, we feel it’s a worthwhile investment for hydrated, resilient skin.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalene, ceramides, green tea extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding the right night cream for sensitive skin can be tricky; it needs to be nourishing without irritating the complexion or clogging pores, which can cause breakouts. Enter Derma-E’s Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Night Cream—a rich cream that walks the line perfectly. The formula's hydrating trio of hyaluronic acid, squalene, and ceramides leaves our skin feeling soft, refreshed, and revitalized in the morning. It also has a pleasant scent. (FYI: Although this cream doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin types, it does contain natural fragrance oils. If that might be a concern, we’d recommend a patch test on the arm before jumping in.) Bonus: Although it has a thicker texture, it absorbs easily and feels comfortable on the skin.

Key Ingredients: Probiotic extracts, alpha-hydroxy acids, vitamin C | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If glazed donut skin is the goal, Tula’s Overnight Repair Cream is the way to achieve it. When we tested this rich cream on combination skin with dry patches, it hydrated, plumped, and smoothed the complexion, giving it an I-woke-up-like-thisglow each morning. This formula, which includesprobiotic extracts, alpha-hydroxy acids, andvitamin C, is rich without feeling greasy and absorbs quickly. Although the cream doesn't visibly address the appearance of dark spots or wrinkles, its hydrating, glow-boosting effects were second to none. This product is priced on the higher end of the spectrum, but because it’s so effective, you can use it for a while. We definitely believe it’s worth the investment.

Key Ingredients: TET8 patent, bio-ceramides, shea butter, micro-hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Caudalíe’s Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer epitomizes luxury, full stop. The creamy texture feels like pure silk on the skin without becoming too heavy or oily. Over time, its moisturizing benefits were exceptional. After several weeks of testing, the overall hydration of combination/oily skin improved. Once it absorbs fully (in about two minutes), its rich formula—featuring ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and the brand's proprietary anti-aging ingredient TET8—delivers peak softness and smoothness. It's one of the best night creams we've ever used.

Key Ingredients: Pentavitin, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.53 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

When we tested the Vital Hydra Solution Hydro Plump Night Mask from Korean brand Dr. Jart+, we were beyond impressed with how effectively it hydrated acne-prone skin—all without clogging pores or causing breakouts or irritation. This hyaluronic acid-packed formula, which is thick but melts into a gel application, immediately boosts moisture without feeling watery or too thin. It takes about 15 minutes to absorb fully, though, so make sure to apply it well before hitting the hay. Overall, Dr. Jart+’s formula looked and felt similar to Neutrogena’s budget-friendly, bestselling Hydro Boost moisturizer, but we feel its $35 price point was more than fair given its slightly larger 2.53-ounce size. Plus, it’s a shortcut to plump, smooth skin upon waking.

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, panthenol | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Farmacy’s night cream contains 10% niacinamide, or vitamin B3, which helps nourish the skin while improving its texture and tone. During our testing process, we found that this cream ticked all of our boxes. We tested it on combination skin prone to breakouts and irritation. The morning after each application, it left skin with a moisturized, glowing complexion, calmed any burgeoning breakouts, soothed dry or irritated areas, and—perhaps most impressively—refined the appearance of pores without clogging them.

The texture of this cream is pretty rich but still breathable, and a thinner layer absorbs quickly—but we noted that a thicker, mask-like application may take up to several hours to absorb. We also observed it had a slightly greasy finish. Ultimately, we felt this wasn’t a deal-breaker, though; this is the product to reach for whenever the skin needs a little extra love.

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane | Skin Type: All, including sensitive | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Of the night creams we tested, the texture of Medik8’s Total Moisture Daily Face Cream was second to none; the lightweight, bouncy cream felt cooling and soothing on the skin. Its formula also boosted hydration, thanks to a combo of peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane. We noticed a serious glow the morning after each application.We were also impressed with how quickly this product absorbed—roughly how long it takes to brush your teeth—and that it left a dewy, nongreasy finish on combination skin. Bonus: Although this cream is appropriate for all skin types, it’s fragrance-free and has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so it’s great for sensitive skin types, in particular.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalane, saccharide isomerate, watermelon rind, lentil fruit, apple skin | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Summer Fridays may be best known for its Jet Lag Mask, but don’t sleep on the brand’s Rich Cushion Cream, which lives up to its name. After the testing period, our skin felt more buoyant, hydrated, and plumper overall. (Although this product is designed for all complexions, its fragrance-free formula is appropriate for sensitive skin, too.) Another plus? It softened the appearance of fine lines with consistent nighttime use. It absorbed within 30 seconds and left no residue on the skin. Lastly, its 1.7-ounce jar lasts several months, increasing its value and exceeding our expectations.

Key Ingredients: Immortelle essential oil, marjoram extract, acmella oleracea extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Okay, so we cheated. L’Occitane’s Immortelle Overnight Reset is technically a serum, but its gel formula felt—and worked—more like an overnight mask during testing. Case in point: It has a light consistency, but once applied, it feels as nourishing as a face mask would on its own—no need to layer additional products. The only drawback was its packaging: Its small bottle looks beautiful, but it is slippery when the serum is on your hands. However, we appreciate that L’Occitane also offers refill pouches, which are less expensive than the original product and promote sustainability.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, ceramides, adenosine | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 oz, 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This cream from It Cosmetics is a great pick if you're looking to temporarily reduce the look of fine lines for a plump, dewy complexion. Our tester, Saleam, prioritized treating signs of aging, and he loved that this formula gave his skin a youthful appearance. It's packed with some of our favorite anti-aging ingredients—hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and more. It also contains adenosine, a powerful ingredient that helps treat wrinkles and smooth the skin.

The texture is rich and luxurious, but it settles into the skin easily without leaving a greasy residue behind. Upon waking, his skin felt noticeably softer and smoother—the cream creating a subtle plumping effect that lifted his lines and made them less noticeable.

FAQ

• Why should you use a night cream?

  According to Dr. Green, "Night creams work on a cellular level to repair the skin as you sleep." She explains that nighttime is when your skin has a chance to restore and repair the damage that occurs during the day. "Using the right night cream for your skin type will provide nutrients for the skin to prepare and withstand free radical damage endured during the daytime."

• Do night creams really work?

  The short answer is yes. Night creams are effective because of their high concentration of active ingredients. "Night creams typically provide intense hydration and concentrated ingredients to fight signs of aging and other concerns," Dr. Green explains. "They are usually formulated with active ingredients designed to treat hyperpigmentation, acne, dryness, and signs of aging."

• How do you use night cream?

  Night cream is the final step in your skincare routine and is best applied with your hands after any night serums you use, explains Dr. Green. "Because night creams tend to be thicker in consistency and have ultra-hydrating ingredients, applying them after serums will lock in moisture and the beneficial ingredients in the serums. If you don’t use any serums, you can skip to the night cream after cleansing."