Skincare

17 best night creams for combating dryness, tried and tested

Beauty sleep at its finest.
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Condé Nast

Featured in this article

1. Best Night Cream Overall
Tatcha Recovery Indigo Overnight Repair
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2. Best For Increased Collagen Production
Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream
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3. Best Rated
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore Rejuvenating Multi-Ceramide Night Cream
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How I tested the best night creams

I've spared no effort in reviewing all the self-proclaimed best night creams on the market, having tested dozens of products (from science-backed brands like Medik8 to trending Korean moisturisers that double-down on innovation). In keeping with our testing guidelines, I aimed to test each formula for a minimum period of four-six weeks before even considering recommending it our readers.

Since we all have different skin types and skin concerns, I also enlisted the help of Glamour's wider team to see how each of my favourite formulas performed on them (read: whether or not it causes any irritation, flare-ups or breakouts).

I always like to double check whether or not a moisturiser is non-comedogenic or fragrance-free. When testing, our editors also assess the formula based on other equally important factors, including the cream's texture (lightweight or rich) and if its formulation actually justifies the price. Of course, the final verdict heavily relies on whether said night cream genuinely lives up to its claims – particularly if there's any visible improvement to our skin's hydration levels, texture, hyperpigmentation, or the appearance of our fine lines and wrinkles. Find out more about how we test here.

Why you can trust me

As an experienced beauty journalist, I have half a decade's worth of product testing experience under my belt. Having written for esteemed international publications like Vogue, GQ, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, I've also interviewed countless dermatologists and even quizzed a handful of celebrities on their best-kept beauty secrets. Plus, as someone who has rosacea, I'm also particularly passionate about spotlighting formulas that work for various skin conditions.

I also regularly work alongside my brilliant colleagues at Glamour to tap into their own expertise:

  • Fiona Embleton, Glamour's Associate Beauty Director: Fiona is an award-winning beauty editor with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Previously a senior beauty editor at Marie Claire, Fiona has also contributed to other magazines, including Stylist, Allure and Cosmopolitan. When it comes to skincare, she's all about finding truly simple yet innovative formulas. She's also interviewed dozens of dermatologists and aestheticians to support her articles in an effort to deliver the most elaborate, expert-led coverage.
  • Fiona Ward, Glamour's Contributing Writer: Fiona is a highly experienced journalist and editor who's tested hundreds of skincare products – from vitamin C serums to toners and everything in-between. She's dedicated to finding the best formula that helps lock in moisture and nourish the skin without triggering any inflammation or irritation.
  • Hattie Cotmore, Glamour's Contributing Commerce Writer and Former Associate Visuals Editor: Previously an Associate Visuals Editor at Glamour, Hattie is an experienced shopping writer that covers everything from fashion and beauty to interiors and travel. When it comes to skincare in particular, she prefers gentle and fragrance-free formulas that would also be able to deliver lasting hydration.

Denise Primbet testing the Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair Cream.

Denise Primbet reviewing the Dr. Althea Rapid Firm Sculpting Cream.

Ahead, my full edit of the best night creams.

All your night cream questions, 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 day cream?

“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 moisturiser 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.


Night cream comparison chart:

Comparing featured formulas:

ProductIdeal forFragrance free?Key ingredients
Tatcha Recovery Indigo Overnight RepairCombination skinNoBiomimetic ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, Japanese indigo extract
Medik8 Advanced Night RestoreMature skinNoN-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG), antioxidants, ceramides.
Rhode Barrier ButterSensitive skinYesHyaluronic acid complex, polyglutamic acid, isosorbide dicaprylate, murumuru butter
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Night CreamMature skinNoHyaluronic acid, vine resveratrol, vegan collagen
Dr Althea Rapid Firm Sculpting CreamDry skinYesBeta-glucan, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, Edelweiss extract.
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Intensive Restorative Night CremeMature skinNoHyaluronic acid, glycerin, almond oil
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night CreamCombination skinYesRetinol, vitamin B3 (niacinamide), glycerin
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud CreamSensitive skinYesOmega 3 and 6 fatty acids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid
Clarins Multi-Active Night CreamDry skinNoNiacinamide, organic sea holly and glycerin
Belif The True Cream Moisturizing BombCombination skinYesComfrey leaf, vitamin B, oat husk
111SKIN Repair Night Cream NAC Y²™Combination skinYesThe brand's proprietary NAC Y2 complex, sea moss extract, pink rock rose extract
Elemis Pro-Collagen Night CreamMature skinYesRed algae, avocado oil, shea butter
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair CreamDry skinYesBilberry seed oil, omegas 3 and 6, allantoin
LANEIGE Bouncy & Firm Sleeping MaskCombination skinYesPeony-collagen complex, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid
Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight RescueCombination skinNoBio-fermented ectoin, squalane, peptides & magnesium
La Mer The Rejuvenating Night CreamMature skinYesMiracle Broth™, marine-derived actives, antioxidant-rich oils

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.