The 16 Best Night Creams of 2024, According to a Dermatologist

• Active ingredients: Aqua, glycerin, caprylic, butyrospermum parkii
• Texture: Rich and creamy
• Fragrance-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 1.7oz
• Benefits: Restores nightly function of your skin and replenishes complexion
• Price at time of publish: $78
• What our dermatologist likes: Obagi Hydrate Luxe is a luxurious, rich balm cream that I love for overnight use. My skin is dry, especially transitioning into winter, and this cream hydrates my skin and keeps it hydrated with Tara Seed Extract, Biomemtic Peptides, and Shea and Mango Butter. When I wake up my skin is restored and moisturized feeling much softer and smoother and looking plump. Sometimes with thicker creams and night creams there’s concern that it will clog pores but this cream is non-comedogenic (a skincare product specially formulated to not cause blocked pores) which is why I’m a huge fan of this product.
• What to consider: May not work for your skin type

If you've gone through your fair share of night creams and still haven't found the perfect match, we highly recommend you give Obagi a try. Obagi's main mission is to provide transformational skin care products, and they are known for being the first brand to clinically test their products on all skin types and tones. Obagi's products are lightweight and restorative, and the same is true of their Medical Hydrate Luxe. Designed to work collaboratively with your natural nightly function of your skin to hydrate and replenish your complexion, the result is wake up with refreshed skin even if you didn't get a full night's rest. The formula is a nourishing and filled with shea butter, biomimetic peptides, and hydromanil to further improve your overall skin condition.

While the shea butter softens and moisturizes the skin and the hydromanil retains the moisture, the biomimetic peptides mimic naturally occurring peptides to form the barrier on your skin that retains moisture while supporting cell repair. It's also gentle enough to work with sensitive skin types. All you have to do is smoothly apply and massage into your skin in the morning, evening, or as needed.

• Active ingredients: L-Ascorbic acid, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, arbutin, PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate
• Texture: Rich
• Fragrance-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 2oz
• Benefits: Brightens and evens skin tones as you sleep
• Price at time of publish: $110
• What our dermatologist likes: This night cream is formulated with Arbutin, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C to address mild hyperpigmentation and help brighten skin and reveal a more-even-looking complexion. This product is best for people experiencing skin discoloration/uneven skin tone and dry skin, because Arbutin and Vitamin C work together to brighten skin and Vitamin E works to moisturize skin.
• What to consider: May not work for your skin type

While the Lightening Night Cream from Obagi is designed to work for all skin types, if you suffer from dehydrated skin in particular, this night cream could be the solution you've long been searching for. The Therapy Night Cream contains Arbutin, Vitamin C and Vitamin E (all of which brighten the skin), and together they brighten and even your skin tone as you sleep. Additionally, the cream contains  L-Ascorbic acid as one of its active ingredients, which according to Obagi neutralizes free radicals while minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

The instructions are very simple: you'll use only in the evening, and after washing your face, you'll apply a pea-sized amount onto your fingertips and massage gently into your skin until the entire cream is absorbed. Once you go to sleep, the Lightening Night Cream will take care of the rest.

• Active ingredients: Retinol
• Texture: Rich ultra-creamy formula
• Fragrance-free: No
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 1.7oz
• Benefits: Promotes a firmer younger looking complexion
• Price at time of publish: $30.40
• What our dermatologist likes: This moisturizer is good for repairing your complexion and hydrating the skin as you sleep
• What to consider: May not work for dry sensitive skin types

Another night cream that impressed us was the Paula's Choice Intensive Repair Cream, which is a good option for sensitive skin if that is something you are specifically looking to target. The formula has a lightweight but still luxurious-feel as it's designed with a rich ultra-creamy nature. The ultimate goal of the Paula's Choice Intensive Repair Cream is promote a firmer younger looking complexion, which the formula does through smoothing and hydrating the skin as you sleep. Additionally, the cream's main ingredient is retinol, which is what adds in the anti-aging component. Understanding that some have concerns about retinol, the cream only contains 0.01%, which means there's just enough to get the job done, but not too much if you catch our drift.

The absorption is very good and has your skin looking great in the morning when you wake up. Just use this in the evening as the last step of your night routine, and you should be good to go.

• Active ingredients: 10% Hydroxy acid complex, aloe, chamomile, evening primose extracts
• Texture: Plump, supple texture
• Fragrance-free: No
• Cruelty-free: No
• Size: 2oz
• Benefits: Provides moisture to normal and dry skin types
• Price at time of publish: $76
• What our dermatologist likes: Removes dead skin cells through the the hydroxy acid blend ingredients as you're sleeping
• What to consider: May not work for oily skin

From our testing, the SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry Cream is powered with 10% hydroxy acid blend, aloe, chamomile, and evening primose extracts, which in turn helps with skin exfoliation and hydrating the skin to restore to a healthier state. Through our testing, we were most impressed with the hydroxy acid blend, as we could literally feel the dead skin cells being removed immediately. The aloe, chamomile, and evening primose extracts are what helps with restoring moisture as you are resting, and we can say that we woke up in the morning with our skin feeling much more smooth and energized. Our skin also felt much softer as well which is something we greatly appreciated.

The instructions for the SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry Cream are relatively simple, all you have to do is take a small amount after cleansing, and gently apply to your face, neck, and chest area.

• Active ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, biomimetic peptides, hyaluronic acid
• Texture: Creamy
• Fragrance-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: No
• Size: 1.7oz
• Benefits: Helps with softening and hydrating the skin through niacinamide
• Price at time of publish: $15.38
• What our dermatologist likes: Contains biomimetic peptides, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides
• What to consider: Could cause irritation for certain skin types

The process of testing and experimenting to see what products work for your skin and what it doesn't can get pretty pricey. If you don't want to spend too much, it wouldn't hurt to try the $15 CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream which has worked well for plenty of people. The formula contains biomimetic peptides, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides that provide individual benefits and ultimately combine to leave your skin refreshed and moisturized. The biomimietric peptides help with improving the appearance of fatigued skin, the ceramides restore and retain the skin barrier, the hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, the niacinamide calms the skin, and the MVE technology actively releases moisturizing ingredients through a 24-hour period.

We were most impressed by the non-greasy element of the cream, and how easy it was to apply. As we said earlier, this cream may not work for everyone, but if you've exhausted all of your options or are unsure where to begin, it wouldn't hurt to try this one out considering you're only parting ways with $15.

• Active ingredients: Water, glycerin, squalane, shea butter, jojoba, palmitic acid, resurrection plant
• Texture: Creamy
• Fragrance-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 1.7oz
• Benefits: Restores dry and damaged skin, softens and hydrates skin
• Price at time of publish: $64
• What our dermatologist likes: Carries cell-regenerating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties
• What to consider: Could take some weeks to see results

Our top choice for repairing is this Stabilizing Repair Cream from Dermalogica, which provides the benefits of restoring dry and damaged skin, all while softening and hydrating at the same time. Enriched with water, glycerin, squalane, shea butter, jojoba, palmitic acid, resurrection plant to hydrate your skin through rest, we have to call attention to the lightweight nature of the formula, which almost feels as though don't have any kind of cream on at all. We also appreciated how the cream works to reduce pores, wrinkles, and fine lines. Dermalogica calls out thetasmania lanceolota extract inclusion in the cream, and our favorite is the incorporation of the boerhavia diffusa root, which works to reduce the look of redness and discomfort, while promoting a calm and balanced complexion.

You'll need to give your skin some time to adjust, but you should begin to see results in about three to four weeks.

• Active ingredients: Water, glycerin, butylene glycol, propanediol
• Texture: Non-foaming cream
• Fragrance-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: No
• Size: 1.35oz
• Benefits: Repairs and moisturizes dry skin
• Price at time of publish: $30.99
• What our dermatologist likes: Free of parabens, fragrances, alcohol or anything else that could potentially cause irritation
• What to consider: May not work for other skin types

We're also fond of the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream, which we recommend as another option if you happen to suffer from dry skin. In addition to containing ingredients like water, glycerin, butylene glycol, propanediol, the cream is free of parabens, fragrances, alcohol or anything else that could potentially cause irritation. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream is recommended by over 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, and the process of applying is very easy. The formula is also very gentle, and your skin will be refreshed upon waking up in the morning.

• Active ingredients: Water, dimethicone, glycerin, tapioca starch, dimethicone crosspolymer, retinol
• Texture: Cream
• Fragrance-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: No
• Size: 1.7oz
• Benefits: Helps with fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles
• Price at time of publish: $26.99
• What our dermatologist likes: Combines ingredients that replenish, correct, and cleanse overnight
• What to consider: Could irritate/not work for your skin type

If fine lines, dark spots, uneven skin tones/textures, or wrinkles are a problem/concern, then you might want to consider giving the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer a chance as well. The combination of ingredients is what serves to moisturize, replenish, correct, and cleanse overnight, and we're most fond of the niacinamide, peptides, and retinol in particular, as the retinol is what directly combats any effects of aging on the skin. The cream is also fragrance-free, which helps with preventing any type of irritation for those that suffer from sensitive skin. This cream is only about $27, so if it doesn't work you can feel comfortable knowing that you didn't part ways with too much money.

• Active ingredients: Copper peptides, algae and plankton extracts, microencapsulated hyaluronic acids
• Texture: Cream
• Fragrance-free: No
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 1oz
• Benefits: Corrects uneven texture, loss of firmness, and redness, anti-aging
• Price at time of publish: $225
• What our dermatologist likes: The High Performance Face Cream works for redness/itchiness and properly hydrating the skin
• What to consider: The high price point, may not work for all skin types

If you fully know your skin type, what works/doesn't, and want to make a splurge purchase, we suggest the MACRENE Actives High Performance Face Cream which is available via Sephora and other outlets. The cream can work for all skin types, but it is especially helpful for those that suffer from sensitive and easily-irritated skin and its effects. The High Performance Face Cream worked for our redness/itchiness, and properly hydrated our skin through the evening to help us with a more moisturized feel and appearance the following morning. The cream contains 50 plant-derived actives that's clinically proven to work, and comes dermatologist-recommended.

The absorption of the cream is rapid with an easy appliance, and works beautifully with the other skin care products in your lineup without causing irritation. It's also fragrance-free which is another step to limiting bad reactions. Worth every single penny of that $225 by our estimation.

• Active ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, glycerin
• Texture: Cream
• Fragrance-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 2oz
• Benefits: Corrects and removes dry and flaky skin
• Price at time of publish: $13.99 - $54
• What our dermatologist likes: The formula contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and glycerin amongst others to provide relief
• What to consider: May not work for oily skin

There's lots of benefits to using the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream which has been very popular and well received for a long time. While all skin types can technically use this cream, it's targeted to address those who deal with dry and flaky skin on a regular basis. The formula contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and glycerin amongst others, and is meant to provide instantly relief if you are suffering from redness, itchiness, or burning. There's also a long-term benefit to using the cream as it meant to eventually correct the problem of dry and peeling skin altogether.

In addition to being vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free, the application is an easy process in which you can apply as needed. If you've been searching for relief for a long time, The First Aid Beauty Cream could be the answer to your problems.

• Active ingredients: Shea butter, squalane, peptides, acai, niacinamide
• Texture: Cream
• Fragrance-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 1.7oz
• Benefits: Comforts, removes, and restores skin
• Price at time of publish: $29
• What our dermatologist likes: Hydrate the skin in a buttery smooth manner and easy to apply
• What to consider: May not work for dry skin types

If you suffer from oily skin, then you've probably been on the hunt for a quality product that works as well. Consider the barrier restore cream from Rhode an option to add onto your list. Priced at just $29, the texture of the cream is whipped, airy, and full of valuable ingredients including shea butter, squalane, peptides, acai, and niacinamide, which all work together to  comfort, soothe, and restore the skin barrier. We're most impressed with the cream's ability to hydrate the skin in a buttery smooth manner, and while the texture is light, it still delivers firm results. We were very pleased with the results we got from the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream, and have it as our recommendation for oily skin.

The application process is super easy as well, all you have to do is apply a half finger length to your skin after cleansing in either the morning and/or night, and you should be good to go!

• Active ingredients: Aqua, glycerin, isonoyl, caprylic, shea butter
• Texture: Creamy texture
• Fragrance-free: No
• Cruelty-free: No
• Size: 1.6oz
• Benefits: Targets fine lines, revitalizes, and tones
• Price at time of publish: $62
• What our dermatologist likes: Encapsulated Teasel extract that targets the areas where your skin needs it the most
• What to consider: May not work for all skin types

If you want a cream that's a little on the stronger side, then you can also try out Clarins' Multi-Active Night Cream which is somewhere in the middle between being thick and light formula wise. While labeled as a night moisturizer for normal to combination skin, those with oily skin have gotten great benefit from using this cream thanks to its multi-active properties. The formula contains an Encapsulated Teasel extract that targets the areas where your skin needs it the most, along with Ginger Lily extract to replenish tired skin. Additionally, the cream contains Clarins' Anti-Pollution Complex, which helps your skin to battle the effects of pollution and free radicals.

We found the application and absorption process easy, and there was a visual improvement in the overall energy of our skin (which was previously tired). Not to mention, the cream is fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and non-greasy.

• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, omega 3 fatty acids
• Texture: Whipped
• Fragrance-free: No
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 1.7oz
• Benefits: Firms and defends climate-stressed skin
• Price at time of publish: $107.20
• What our dermatologist likes: Boosted with Vitamin C and E, along with hyaluronic acid and omega 3 fatty acid
• What to consider: Higher price point

If you suffer from dry skin that gets particularly irritated when the weather is cold, we present to you the SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream, which directly addresses firming and protecting climate-stressed skin. The cream is boosted with Vitamin C and E, along with hyaluronic acid and omega 3 fatty acids which help with replenishing moisture as it is deplenished. If you have skin that dries out during the winter like some of us, then this the Dermal Repair Cream will have your skin looking and feeling like its summertime even when it isn't. All you have to do is apply the cream twice a day to your face, neck, and decolletage.

• Active ingredients: Water, propanediol, glycerin, phenyl trimethicone, sorbitol, sodium citrate, tocopherol
• Texture: Cream
• Fragrance-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 1.1z
• Benefits: Provides skin rejuvenation
• Price at time of publish: $34
• What our dermatologist likes: The Mixturizer has all of the necessary components needed to fight and address skincare issues
• What to consider: Comes in a smaller bottle

You'll have to shell a little more money than some of the others night creams we've included on this list, but it's worth it because Jillian Dempsey's Mixturizer has all of the necessary components needed to fight and address issues such as lines, uneven tones, wrinkles, and texture. The product contains water, propanediol, glycerin, and phenyl trimethicone some of its main ingredients, and is free of potentially irritating properties (parabens, fragrances, dyes, etc.). What's more, the cream melts into your skin and is pretty gentle in its overall makeup, which means a bad reaction is unlikely.

Give it a couple of weeks and you should start seeing noticeable results in no time!

• Active ingredients: Peptides, hydrosella, squalane
• Texture: Light cream
• Fragrance-free: No
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 1oz
• Benefits: Provides intense hydration
• Price at time of publish: $58
• What our dermatologist likes: The peptides enables the formula to result in fuller more plump skin without clogging pores
• What to consider: May not moisturize properly for your skin type

An excellent choice for all skin types, the Shani Darden Skin Care Hydration Peptide Cream contains peptides, hydrosella, and squalane, which work together to give you up to 72 hours of intense hydration. The peptides in particular is what enables the formula to result in fuller more plump skin without clogging pores, and can also help with getting rid of acne and blemishes. The effects are almost immediate, and you definitely a more moisturized and balanced look to your skin the next morning. Just apply after cleansing your skin, and you should be all set for the remainder of the day without any worry or issues.

• Active ingredients: Proxylane, wild fruit flavonoid blend of blueberry, 4.25% pomegranate extracts, 0.1% glycyrrhetinic acid
• Texture: Light cream
• Fragrance-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Size: 1.7oz
• Benefits: Reverses aging, restores the skin, hydrates and moisturizes
• Price at time of publish: $185
• What our dermatologist likes: That it is combined with antioxidants and skin calming ingredients to reduce the appearance of lines and maintain youthful skin
• What to consider: Your skin type main not take to it

According to Dr. Camp, the A.G.E Interrupter Advanced is a favorite of dermatologists due to being formulated with a proprietary skin hydratingagent called Proxylane, along with being combined with antioxidants and skin calming ingredients to reduce the appearance of lines and maintain youthful skin. Working the best for dry, normal, combination, and sensitive skin types, the A.G.E. Interrupter also contains 4.25% wild fruit flavonoid blend of blueberry and pomegranate extracts that blends together with 0.1% glycyrrhetinic acid—all of which work together to target the five main facial zones.

Over time, you'll see a decrease in fine lines along with other symptoms of aging skin, and your skin will appear to be more hydrated and silky. The $185 investment might seem like a steep one, but considering its results, the price point is one that's very much worth it.