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The key to maximizing your beauty sleep? Adding a night cream to your evening skincare routine, dermatologists say. "Night is the best time to treat skin and repair concerns such as water loss, skin aging and dark spots," says Howard Sobel, M.D., clinical attending dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and founder of Sobel Skin. "This uninterrupted state is the optimum time for ‘rest and repair’ since you don’t have to protect skin against daily assaults such as UV damage, blue light exposure and pollutants, and skin is free of makeup and other pore-clogging residue that disrupts the repair process."
To find out which night creams really work, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists, who have decades of experience rigorously testing night creams, assess efficacy both in the Lab using technical instruments that can measure skin hydration and changes in wrinkles and dark spots, as well as on consumers at home, who evaluate them on ease of use and cosmetic factors.
In the Beauty Lab's most recent night cream test, over 11,200 data points were tallied to find the number one formulas, below. For more top-tested creams, check out our guide to the best neck-firming creams that actually work.
Pros
- Top performer in Lab tests
- Firmed skin by 27%
- Makes skin look brighter and feel softer
Cons
- A few users noted it took time to absorb
The winner of the GH Beauty Lab's most recent night cream test, Olay's light formula featuring gold-standard anti-aging ingredients retinol, niacinamide and peptides outperformed the rest at making skin look brighter and feel softer. It increased skin firmness by 27% according to measurements with the Lab’s Cutometer device, which measures skin laxity.
A tester favorite, an impressive 100% of users agreed it made skin feel softer, although a handful said it didn't soak in quickly. “This seemed to work as well as my prescription retinoid,” a tester marveled. “My face was firmer and smoother when I woke up each morning,” a second said.
RELATED: Our Beauty Lab Pros Put Olay's Regenerist Retinol24 Entire Line to the Test
Key Ingredients | Retinol, niacinamide, peptides |
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Main Benefits | Firming, brightening, softening |
Best For | Aging skin |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Reduces wrinkles, including on the eye area
- Minimizes dark spots and boosts radiance
- Can be used night and day
- Affordably-priced
Cons
- Could irritate sensitive skin
This retinol-packed drugstore cream from Roc, a GH Seal star and GH Beauty Award winner, is perfect for overnight use, even around the eye area. It made skin look 32% smoother and more radiant after just one week of use — after four weeks, users reported fewer fine lines and eye wrinkles, and after eight weeks, lessened deep wrinkles and dark spots. Some users reported reactions to the product, so GH Beauty Lab pros suggest using it every other night to start to mitigate any irritation.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, caffeine |
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Main Benefits | Line smoothing, brightening |
Best For | Dull, aging skin |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
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Pros
- Increased skin hydration levels by 37% and firmness by 29% in Lab testing
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Not as strong wrinkle reduction
Smooth on this "creamy" Clarins formula to wake up to more hydrated skin. In GH Beauty Lab Corneometer testing, it raised skin moisture levels by 37% over six hours, one of the highest measurements in the Lab's most recent test. Though it didn't perform as well at reducing wrinkles, the night cream upped skin firmness by 29% over four weeks in Lab Cutometer readings. It also ranked at the top among users for not causing redness or irritation.
"It made my skin so soft and hydrated that I stopped using my daytime product," a tester noted. Another said: "Family and friends told me I looked younger and more rested and wanted to know what I was doing differently."
RELATED: 13 Best Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin, According to Testing
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, vitamin E, plant extracts |
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Main Benefits | Moisturizing, firming |
Best For | Dry and sensitive skin |
Size | 1.6 oz. |
Pros
- Highest score for brightening skin
- Raised skin hydration 35% and firmness 33% in Lab tests
- Reduced wrinkles by 7%
Cons
- Expensive
Counteract dull skin and much more with this indulgent Dior night cream, made with exotic plant extracts. Although it's a splurge, it excelled in GH Beauty Lab testing at brightening, hydrating, smoothing and firming. In calculations with the Corneometer and Cutometer respectively, it boosted skin moisturization by 35% in six hours and firmness by 33% in four weeks of use. Visia Complexion Analyzer measures found it reduced wrinkles by 7% in the same time period.
It's pricey, but testers also gave it the best score for brightening skin and improving tone. "After a week or so, I noticed my skin seemed brighter when I looked in the mirror in the morning," one marveled. Another agreed: "In the morning, my skin looked much more radiant and plump, like baby skin."
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, vitamin E, plant butters and extracts |
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Main Benefits | Brightening, hydrating, firming |
Best For | Dull skin, uneven tone |
Size | 2 oz. |
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Pros
- Measurably smoothed skin texture
- Increased firmness by 28% in Lab testing
- Soaks in fast
Cons
- Not as moisturizing as other night creams tested
SkinBetter Science's night treatment, a GH Beauty Award-winner, is supercharged with age-fighting actives including retinol, glycolic and lactic acids, and peptides to smooth skin's surface. GH Beauty Lab testing with the Cutometer machine showed that it increased skin firmness by 28% in four weeks. It also earned the top score for smoothing texture in Visia Complexion Analyzer measurements, however it was not very hydrating compared to other formulas.
Testers gave it high marks for absorbing quickly. Two reported that their "fine lines were diminished." Another echoed that it "minimized some fine forehead lines."
Key Ingredients | Retinol, glycolic and lactic acids, peptides |
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Main Benefits | Firming, smoothing |
Best For | Aging skin |
Size | 1 oz. |
Pros
- Oil-free, lightweight gel
- Doesn't clog pores or irritate skin
- Reduces wrinkles
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for dry skin types
An oil-free, gel-like formula infused with soothing chamomile and antioxidants makes GH Seal Star Mary Kay's night treatment the perfect match for oily skin types. GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed that it is non-comedogenic (not pore-clogging) and doesn't cause skin irritation, while significantly decreasing wrinkles, including on the forehead, starting at two weeks of use. Note that the lightweight texture may not feel hydrating enough for those with dry skin.
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, niacinamide, vitamin C, resveratrol, peptides |
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Main Benefits | Soothing, line-smoothing |
Best For | Oily, combination or acne-prone skin |
Size | 1 oz. |
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Pros
- 2-in-1 retinol treatment and night mositurizer
- Contains ingredients to minimize irritation
Cons
- Expensive
Malini Fowler, M.D., a dermatologist in San Antonio, Texas, recommends this Revision Skincare formula, which acts like an anti-aging retinol treatment (with a 0.25% concentration) and night cream in one. It is a splurge, but also "a true retinol that's formulated with moisturizers and antioxidants to help with irritation," she says.
Key Ingredients | Retinol, peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid |
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Main Benefits | Anti-aging |
Best For | Aging skin |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Highly hydrating
- Rich formula to nourish dry skin
Cons
- May be too heavy for oily skin
This Origins mask, applied like a night cream as a last step in your skincare routine, was a winner in the GH Beauty Lab's overnight masks test. In Lab moisturization measurements with the Corneometer machine, it improved skin hydration by 36% over a course of six hours.
Ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid help moisturize skin and niacinamide can improve skin discoloration and elasticity. "I really noticed a difference the next morning in my super dehydrated skin when I used it; it felt soothed and much softer," says our expert who is a personal fan of the product. The thick formula may be too heavy for oily skin, though.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin |
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Main Benefits | Moisturizing, hydrating |
Best For | Normal to dry skin |
Size | 2.5 fl. oz. |
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9
Best Night Cream for Sensitive Skin
Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker+ Line-Correcting Overnight Cream
Pros
- Deeply hydrates and effectively firms skin
- Doesn't irritate or cause redness
Cons
- May take time to absorb
This Philosophy formula, packed with skin-softening, nourishing hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane, was a GH Beauty Lab night cream test winner thanks to strong moisturization without irritation. It raised hydration by 34% over six hours, and it upped firmness by 29% in four weeks in Lab assessment.
The cream rated best for smoothing texture and being gentle on skin; it also earned high marks for firming. Almost 100% of testers said the fragrance-free formulation didn’t irritate or cause redness, however some said it didn't soak in quickly. “My skin looked better after the first night,” one remarked.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin |
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Main Benefits | Moisturizing, firming |
Best For | Sensitive, dry skin |
Size | 2 oz. |
Pros
- Gentler retinol formula
- Reduces wrinkles and evens skin tone
- Lasting moisturization
Cons
- Slight medicinal scent
A GH Seal star, Mary Kay's night cream hydrates and fights top signs of aging, like deep lines and uneven skin tone. And even though it’s formulated with powerful retinol, it’s still gentle enough if you have sensitive skin. Data revealed that when applied nightly, the overnight treatment effectively smooths wrinkles and improves skin tone, while leaving skin moisturized for up to 10 hours. While the scent is subtle, it does have a slight medicinal aroma.
RELATED: 10 Best Retinols for Sensitive Skin, Tested by Experts
Key Ingredients | Retinol, peptides |
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Main Benefits | Wrinkle smoothing, skin tone evening, hydrating |
Best For | Dry, aging skin |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
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Pros
- Minimized wrinkles by 13% in Lab tests
- Increased skin firmness and hydration
Cons
- Not as strong dark spot reduction
Formulated with retinyl palmitate, a powerful, proven anti-ager, No7’s night cream was highly effective at addressing several mature skin concerns in GH Beauty Lab testing. The formula reduced wrinkles by 13% and increased firmness 34% over four weeks per measurements with the Visia Complexion Analyzer and Cutometer, respectively. It also raised skin moisturization by 32% in six hours, however it didn't perform as well at fading dark spots.
Testers gave it high marks for not causing irritation, absorbing quickly and having an appealing texture that wasn't too sticky or greasy. "It made my skin look younger and supple," a user reported.
Key Ingredients | Peptides, hyaluronic acid, retinol |
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Main Benefits | Line-reducing, softening |
Best For | Dry, aging, sensitive skin |
Size | 1.6 oz. |
Pros
- Increased skin hydration by 43% in Lab tests
- Not oily or irritating
- Contains plant-derived ingredients
Cons
- Botanical scent can be polarizing
A GH Beauty Lab test winner, Caudalie's cream delivered real moisturization results in evaluations — boosting skin hydration by 43% in just six hours and was best at smoothing texture. It’s formulated with plant-derived ingredients like moisturizing grapeseed oil and resveratrol, a free-radical fighting antioxidant.
Six testers reported how “smooth” the cream felt as it went on and made their faces feel. “It moisturized my skin into the morning,” one raved. “I woke up looking refreshed,” another said. They also gave it perfect marks for not being greasy or irritating, and while many found the herbal scent "pleasant", a few said it was "off-putting".
Key Ingredients | Plant oils, resveratrol |
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Main Benefits | Moisturizing, smoothing |
Best For | Dry, combination, sensitive, aging skin |
Size | 1.6 oz. |
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Pros
- Formulated with lightly hydrating rose water
- Pampering formula and scent
- Can be used day or night
Cons
- Pricey
A GH Beauty editor favorite, this Sisley cream has a lightweight gel-like texture infused with rose water that soaks into skin, so it's not too heavy or rich. Although it's a serious splurge, the formula can be applied day or night. "The rose water's scent makes it a luxurious aromatherapy treatment too — it really feels like a pampering indulgence at the end of a long day," GH's beauty director says.
Key Ingredients | Botanical oils |
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Main Benefits | Softening |
Best For | Dry, combination skin |
Size | 1.6 oz. |
Pros
- Top Lab performer for firming skin and evening skin tone
- Increased skin firmness by 33% and hydration by 28%
Cons
- Thick formula may not soak in quickly
Tighten sagging skin with Algenist’s dense balm, made with fortifying ceramides and fatty acids. It was the strongest of all night creams evaluated at firming skin and evening out skin tone over four weeks of use, according to Lab assessments.
Cutometer calculations showed that it boosted skin elasticity and firmness by 33% over four weeks, and hydration increased by 28% in six hours in Corneometer readings. Two testers reported that it faded their dark spots, but some found the thick texture didn't absorb fast. “I could really tell a difference in my skin — it was more firm and moist 24/7,” another raved.
Key Ingredients | Ceramides, amino acids, fatty acids |
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Main Benefits | Firming, moisturizing, evening skin tone |
Best For | Dry, aging skin |
Size | 2 oz. |
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How we test night creams
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab regularly tests night creams to find the most effective formulas. The Lab evaluates night creams on how well they hydrate skin short- and long-term using a Corneometer device, which gauges skin moisture levels. Lab scientists also measure changes in testers' skin over four weeks or more of daily use, including firmness with a Cutometer machine (pictured) and reduction in wrinkles and dark spots via digital imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer.
In addition, consumer testers rate the night cream formulas on factors such as texture, scent, absorption and irritation, plus the look and feel of their skin after use. In the GH Beauty Lab's most recent test, Lab experts sent night creams to nearly 200 consumer testers for their feedback and recorded over 11,200 data points to find the best night creams on the market.
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How to shop for a night cream
When searching for a night cream, consider both your skin type and goals, then look for ingredients tailored to your complexion like the ones below, recommended by Dr. Sobel and Tonya McLeod, M.D., a dermatologist in Charlotte, North Carolina:
✔️ For glowing skin, brightening acids (like glycolic, lactic and azelaic), retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide will help stimulate skin cell turnover, promoting radiance.
✔️ For aging skin, shop for night creams with proven anti-agers like peptides, retinol, epidermal growth factors and hydroxy acids (like glycolic) to help smooth wrinkles. Also look for protective antioxidants (such as vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and niacinamide).
✔️ For dark spots and hyperpigmentation, choose products with brightening vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, licorice root extract or glycolic, kojic, lactic, azelaic and ferulic acids to help brighten and even skin tone.
✔️ For dry skin, seek out a richer formula like a cream or balm and look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, aloe and plant butters (i.e. shea) and oils (i.e. coconut) to replenish moisture.
✔️ For oily, combination or acne-prone skin, look for a lighter formula such as a lotion or gel in a formula that contains balancing and oil-reducing acids like salicylic, glycolic, azelaic and lactic; retinol can also help minimize breakouts.
✔️ For sensitive skin, try calming ingredients like allantoin, oat extract, glycerin, bisabolol and cucumber extract, which soothe skin without irritating. Avoid fragrance, acids and alcohol, which can irritate reactive skin.
Do you actually need a night cream?
A night cream really is different than your typical daytime face moisturizer. "Whereas regular moisturizers focus on improving the natural moisture barrier of the skin only, night creams contain active ingredients that assist with improving the skin beyond adding moisture," explains Dr. McLeod. Night creams are packed with effective skincare ingredients and powerful anti-agers that aim to address skin concerns like lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, leading to a more hydrated, youthful-looking complexion over time.
While these creams can hydrate and brighten your skin, they work best in tandem with a good night's sleep, the body's natural repair process. "Growth hormone, produced during deep sleep, plays a role in protein synthesis, which helps our bodies heal damage to cells, including skin," explains Christopher Winter, M.D., a sleep medicine specialist in Charlottesville, Virginia.
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What's the best way to use a night cream?
For optimal results, apply a night cream during your evening routine after makeup removal, face cleansing and any other treatments, such as serums and eye cream, Dr. Sobel advises. It may seem like more is better when it comes to night cream, but there's no need to slather it on as if you're icing a cake: "Smooth a pea-sized amount all over the face in a thin layer," Dr. McLeod recommends.
And don't forget sun safety: "When using a night cream with strong actives such as retinol and alpha hydroxy acids that can sensitize skin, be diligent about applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more during the day," says GH Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek. "Keep night cream bottles and jars tightly closed to keep the product fresh and avoid accelerated degradation of the ingredients."
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek conducted the most recent night cream test, utilizing both lab instrumentation and consumer feedback to recommend the best products on the market. She also provided expert commentary for this story.
GH Beauty Director April Franzino worked with Wnek to report the GH Beauty Lab's testing data and expert insights in this article. She has over 15 years of experience researching, writing and editing skincare-related content and is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, including night creams.
GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Columbia University and years of experience as a cosmetic chemist formulating skincare products for a variety of beauty brands. She reviewed this article for accuracy.
Additional reporting and writing by Nicole Saporita
April Franzino
Beauty Director
April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.
Tested byDanusia Wnek
Senior Chemist
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.
Reviewed byChiara Butler
Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst
Chiara (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she conducts hands-on testing of health and beauty products. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Columbia University. Before joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims.