Molly Tellekson / Gallery StockSave this storySave this storyThere’s beauty sleep as a noun, and then there’s beauty sleep as a verb. The best night creams offer added assurance that you’ll wake up with the most radiant, smooth, and plump complexion possible (other than getting your eight hours of shut-eye in). And while you may think that your daily moisturizer does the trick, night creams do actually serve their own purpose—they’re more like supercharged formulas, designed to target fine lines, pigmentation, and hydration concerns.
“While both aim to hydrate the skin, night creams typically contain ingredients that specifically address skin concerns that are more prevalent at night, such as repairing and rejuvenating the skin,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen tells Vogue. Plus, she adds, “the body’s natural repair processes are more active” while we sleep.
With that in mind, these often richer textured creams can serve as both a moisturizer and an anti-aging treatment, with the inclusion of ingredients like retinols, vitamin C, and peptides. “Additional ingredients may help address concerns associated with aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, tells Vogue. And in an era of over-the-top nightly routines (see: mouth taping and castor oil stomach wraps), perhaps just one multitasking product is all you really need to simplify matters.
Key Ingredients: Melatonin, peptides, cross-linked hyaluronic acidBest For: A reparative cream calms and soothes the skin while you sleep. It’s also hydrating and improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles.Fragrance: YesSize: 1.8 oz.Love ItLeave ItDeeply hydratingSome find the fragrance to be strong.Skin-brightening with anti-aging benefitsBest Affordable: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple PowerL'Oréal Paris
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, pro-retinol, vitamin C, caffeineBest For: An affordable nightly moisturizer, rich in hydration and anti-aging benefitsFragrance: NoSize: 1.7 oz.Love ItLeave ItAffordableMay cause pilling if layered with other productsBoosts hydration and skin-cell turnoverBest for Tech Neck: Medik8 Advanced Night CeramideMedik8
Key Ingredients: Multi-ceramide complex, antioxidant complex, N-acetyl glucosamineBest For: The cream is meant to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles while softening the skin and plumping it up with hydration.Fragrance: Yes (natural fragrance)Size: 1.7 oz.Love ItLeave ItBarrier-supportive formulaAntioxidant-richBest for Everyday: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, natural cholesterol, fatty acidsBest For: Suited for mature skin of any type, the cream boosts the radiance of dull skin while minimizing the appearance of pores and promoting a softer, smoother texture.Fragrance: Yes (natural fragrance)Size: 1.6 fl. oz.Love ItLeave ItRich in lipids and cholesterolEssential oils can be heavy for acne-prone or sensitive skin.Well suited for compromised skinBest for Wrinkles: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night CreamRoC
Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, shea butterBest For: The cream treats wrinkles and locks in moisture for softer, smoother skin.Fragrance: YesSize: 1.0 fl. oz.Love ItLeave ItStabilized form of retinolCan be slightly irritating for sensitive skin typesOil-free, noncomedogenicBest for Dry Skin: Augustinus Bader The Rich CreamAugustinus Bader
