16 of the best night creams - one step that could make the world of difference to your skin

You've landed on this page because you are in search of a new night cream and want to know which one is best. But really there isn't a single best night cream for everyone. It's about figuring out what it is you want to happen to your skin whilst you sleep.

There are certain night moisturisers that do just that - they moisturise - and if that's all you're after in your nighttime skincare routine then there's nothing to say your day cream can't be used in the evening too. There are also a plethora of excellent overnighters that help tackle specific skin issues, like dullness.

Crucially though, it's important to know that our skin is affected by our circadian rhythm and effectively goes into repair mode after dark, so finding a decent night cream that can help support your skin through this can be incredibly beneficial. "A number of physiological changes occur in the skin overnight," explains consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. "The skin blood flow rate has been shown to increase in the late afternoon and evening," she continues. "Higher melatonin levels at night are associated with hair growth, suppression of ultraviolet (UV) damage in skin cells and better wound healing."

Dr Kluk also said that whilst you're catching up on your sleep, the repair of skin cells with DNA damage appears to peak at night. "Skin permeability is also higher in the evening than in the morning, leading to increased moisture loss. By understanding the basic principles of the circadian rhythm, including skin changes throughout the day, we can better organise our routines by applying skin care products at optimal times of the day," Dr Kluk continues. "For example, sunscreen during the day to reduce UV damage, retinol at night for optimised DNA repair and richer moisturisers at night to remedy increased transepidermal moisture loss."

Best night cream 2024 at a glance: 

• Best night cream for lines and wrinkles: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturiser | £35 at Sephora
• Best night cream for oily skin: The Inkey List C-50 Night Treatment | £15.90 at Sephora
• Best affordable night cream: L'Oréal Paris Dermo Expertise Triple Active Hydrating Night Moisturiser | £7.49 at LookFantastic
• Best night cream for dry skin: Liz Earle Skin Repair Night Cream | £26 at Sephora
• Best night cream for sensitive skin: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream | £58 at Sephora

How we tested the products:

In order to make sure that we are collating a thorough list of options for the best night cream, we enlisted the help of multiple Marie Claire editors - each one with a different skin type and concern. Here's who put these creams to the test:

• Ally Head - Senior Health & Sustainability Editor: has oily, blemish-prone skin and is getting married next year so is conscious not to aggravate her skin in the leadup
• Katie Thomas - Senior Beauty Editor: has dry skin that is often plagued by dehydration, so as a result often complains about dullness and fine lines
• Shannon Lawlor - Executive Beauty Editor: has oily skin and suffers from hormonal cystic acne flareups
• Mica Ricketts - Freelance Beauty Editor: is a mum of two, so often thinks her skin looks lackluster and often has to tend with blemishes
• Valeza Bakolli - Junior Shopping Editor: has sensitive skin that starts to get oily as the day goes on

We paid close attention to the key ingredients, the texture, price and, most importantly, the results. Did the night cream perform as promised? How did our skin look and feel come morning? We put everything through its paces for a good few weeks, but you can find out more about how we test our products here.

Best night cream 2024: chosen by experts

1. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturiser

If your main concerns are fine lines and uneven skin tone, then this little pot of joy promises to take away those worries. We all know that retinol is one powerful anti-ageing ingredient, and when that's combined with vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) you've got an all guns blazing formula. The retinol takes care of those pesky lines, whilst vitamin B3 improves skin tone with every use.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "This is such a brilliant and affordable night cream. It has a velvety texture that I can't get enough of and I love that I wake up to skin that looks and feels healthier. I have been known to stockpile this in the past."

2. L'Oréal Paris Dermo Expertise Triple Active Hydrating Night Moisturiser

If skin is eternally parched, there are three key ingredients that can reverse the situation: glycerin, which is deeply moisturising, plus omegas 3 and 6 to calm and help improve skin texture. You'll find them all in this non-greasy gel/cream.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "Cheap and cheerful is the expression that comes to mind with this night cream. Cheap because how incredible to find a skincare product this effective for under £10. And cheerful because that's exactly what I am when my really dry skin is soothed oh-so-beautifully by this night cream."

3. Liz Earle Skin Repair Night Cream

If you're looking for a no-fuss night cream that just makes your skin feel plump, soothed and hydrated, this one is for you.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor: "My dry skin sings in the morning after I've used this. Gone are my dry patches and flakes, but what has appeared is a bright and glowy complexion. It's rich, but not heavy so sinks in beautifully. I like to put a dot on my forehead, each cheek, my chin and then work the excess into my neck and décolletage."

4. No7 Future Renew Night Cream

If you're after a relatively affordable night cream that delivers luxury results, look no further. No7's Future Renew range promises to reverse the signs of skin damage harnessing the power from its 'super peptide' blend.

Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor says: "I've actually named this as my favourite night cream of the year. And we're not in December yet. I like my skincare products to do it all—I can't be bothered with layering product after product. The No7 Future Renew Night Cream has proven to be the best addition I've made to my skincare routine this year. With a whole bunch of peptides, it makes my skin look more alive, plump and healthy."

5. The Inkey List C-50 Night Treatment

Cult skincare brand The Inkey List is loved both for its straightforward approach to skincare and the purse-friendly price tags. The C-50 Night Treatment is a two-pronged attack against blemishes: sodium ascorbyl phosphate (AKA a form of vitamin C) works to reduce the visibility of blemishes, while salicylic acid helps to decongest pores and reduce oil production. It's just as important to use a night cream specifically for your skin type, as it is using the best moisturiser for oily skin.

Ally Head, Health & Fitness Editor says: "I'm always cautious about night creams as I am constantly trying to reduce the amount of layer of skincare products that I apply to my oily skin. However, this is actually such a joy to use. It's lightweight and actually helps with oil production and my breakouts."

6. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Yes, yes, we know – *technically* this is a serum, but seeing as this wonder nighttime product is one of the best-loved in existence and sells 10 per minute around the world, it's deserving of a mention. Enriched with super hydrator hyaluronic acid and non pore-clogging, you'll wake to smoother fine lines and plumper skin.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I couldn't put together a list of best night products and not include ANR. Why does it have such a cult following? Well because it really does work. It's like a magic potion that tackles uneven skin tone, firmness, hydration, lines and radiance. I love it. Whilst it's heavenly alone, it works beautifully under all of the night creams on this list."

7. Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Glycolic Night Cream

Skin pigmentation is a common issue for many people in the UK. This is why so many night creams contain glycolic acid, as it's the ideal overnight exfoliator. It's the smallest AHA molecule, so is able to penetrate deep into the skin and encourage cell turnover for a smooth finish.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I have a few areas of pigmentation, nothing that warrants specialist skincare, but definitely areas where I know are only there because I've neglected my sun care and actives in the past. I love using this because of how soft my skin feels when I wake up the next morning. Baby's bottoms spring to mind."

8. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream

Charlotte Tilbury launched her Magic Cream to huge praise. She said she had created a tester to use on models backstage and on shoots and they all wanted a pot of their own. Since then we have seen the iconic product branch out to an eye cream, serum and this night cream. It works in a similar way to the day cream - plumps, firms and blurs - but but has retinol and peptides inside to further improve skin's texture and look.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "Oh my goodness, if I could bathe in this stuff I absolutely would. If I have a big event coming up - a wedding, party, work presentation - I will use this a week in the lead up. It banishes dullness, drenches my skin in moisture and restores its much-needed bounce. You wake up with very happy skin. This is hands down one of the best moisturisers for dry skin."

9. Formula Sleep & Replenish Ultimate Sleep Cream

This is the night cream that M&S customers have been raving about for years. In a way, it's like the beauty industry's hidden little secret. Why is it so brilliant? Well because it's been labelled eight hours sleep in a pot, for its remarkable ability to basically recharge your skin's batteries. There are essential peptides and antioxidants in the formula that help to improve your skin's overall appearance so that you wake up looking like you've had your full eight (even if you haven't).

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "Last year, I moved house and couldn't find any of my skincare amongst all of the boxes. I found this at work and took it home and honestly, I was hooked. At the time I was pregnant with my second child and was exhausted all the time, but my skin never gave the game away. I would wake up and look like I'd had hours of sleep. I know have a toddler and a baby, so am more tired than ever. And still this cream keeps me looking well rested. It's my #1 mum recommendation."

10. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

If you think of your skin as bricks and mortar, ceramides are the mortar that seals in moisture. They are integral for a healthy and balanced skin barrier, which you need intact for happy and glowy skin. You'll find plenty of these in there – plus marula oil, which is like a tall drink for thirsty, sensitive skin.

Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor says: "There are times, especially come autumn/winter, when my oily skin has what can only be described as an almighty wobble. I'm talking tightness and bouts of redness. It's not nice, but after a couple of days swapping out my normal night cream for this and suddenly everything starts to improve. And quickly. I always keep a pot of this in my bathroom cabinet."

11. Elemis Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Night Genius

This night-time moisturiser from Elemis is an important all-round restorative addition to your night routine. It helps to boost and repair skin that has been damaged by daily external aggressors. And being 'Ultra Smart' helps to build up your skin’s resilience over time.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "This is not a cheap night cream. But then it's also not your average night cream. It has been rigorously tested in clinical trials and has been proven to reinforce your skin's barrier, reduce the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles, help improve firmness and support your skin's natural defence against free radical damage. It works hard. If you're over the age of 40, I couldn't recommend this enough."

12. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

So skin goes into recovery mode when you're asleep. Fact. Augustinus Bader's The Rich Cream is made up using the brand's famous patented Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8), which heals skin. Fact. So when you put a healing cream onto the skin that's repairing, you have a winning combination. A third and final fact.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "Yes, it's a punchy price and we only recommend you spend this much on beauty if you can. However, it is a brilliant product and I trust the science completely."

13. Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream

This is a really impressive cream. HPR stands for high performance retinol and it's the latest vitamin A technology. It's 10x more potent than pure retinol (excellent news), doesn't cause irritation (hooray), and is safe to use it during the day (gamechanger). Arden's consumer testing reports that 100% of people said their lines and wrinkles were visibly reduced and the tone and texture of their skin improved.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor: "I've been using this night cream for nearly three months and it has me hook, line and sinker. Despite being a water cream it's more on the nourishing side so slightly richer than I expected, but my skin drinks it in. My skin is glowier upon waking, and generally bouncier and tighter and feels softer."

14. Wildsmith Skin Super Hydrating Overnight Mask

Wildsmith's Overnight Mask has been developed to repair a damaged skin barrier so that it can get back to doing what it's supposed to. More of a rich cream than a thick mask, this doesn't provide instant results but overtime will improve the look and feel of irritated skin.

Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor says: "My skin suffers the repercussions of my mental stress quite significantly, so it is often in need of some intense overnight treatment. This leave-on mask (so, essentially it's a cream) from my go-to skincare brand Wildsmith is an absolute treat. It takes down redness and irritation in seconds and has dull, stressed-out skin looking glowing, plump and full of life come morning. I'm in love with this stuff."

15. Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream

Clarins has identified eight specific signs of ageing that are made worse with stress - fine lines, signs of fatigue, lack of luminosity, uneven skin tone, blurred features and dehydration - and has come up with a skincare line to address all of them. The Multi-Active Night Cream is formulated with a tetrapeptide, niacinamide and sea holly extract to smooth lines, improve texture and minimise the appearance of pores. But the brand has also worked with a fragrance house to create a scent that reduces stress.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I love this range from Clarins. As a 30-something living in a city with two small humans to care for I am in a constant state of stress and my skin is the first thing to show that. This night cream is heavenly (I use the richer texture for dry skin) and I have noticed that my skin is visibly less dull, bouncier and more hydrated in the mornings. I wish they would bottle the scent too, as I would 100% wear it as my daily perfume."

16. REN Radiance Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream

Lots of moisturisers tend to infuse their formulations with actives like AHAs when it comes to brightening skin, but REN have created an impressively hard working night cream using some more unusual ingredients to target dullness. This hydrating cream harnesses encapsulated algae complex—a naturally-derived organism that helps to hydrate and minimise discolouration in the skin—alongside corn-derived glycogen to lock in moisture overnight. The result is skin that is more even in tone, has less dark spots, and a natural radiance that shines through by morning. And if you’re impatient then good news—the clinical trials proved that results could be seen within just 7 days.

Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire contributor says: “Although I have a few areas of pigmentation on my skin—mainly from old spots and a patch that emerged during pregnancy—the fact that my skin looks permanently tired is my main concern right now. Thankfully, this night cream tackles both issues with ease. It’s skin-quenching, yet lightweight enough for my oily skin, and I always look immediately brighter and fresher the morning after using this. I can’t attest to the 7 day claims, but with persistent use I definitely have noticed the pigmentation around my eye looking brighter and more lifted. It’s a real gem for restoring glow.”

17. Eucerin Anti-Pigment Face Night Cream

If you are prone to hyperpigmentation, it can feel like a constant battle trying to keep it under control. Which is why this night cream from Eucerin is a great option. It contains a patented active ingredient, Thiamidol, which reduces the amount of melanin produced. So it helps to minimise the appearance of active pigmentation and dark spots, whilst also working to prevent any more occurring in the future.

Why is night cream so important?

Can't I just use the best moisturiser from my morning skincare routine, we hear you ask? Our skin actually behaves quite differently while we sleep, so your nighttime formula should be tailored to those needs.

What's the difference between day and night cream?

Kate Somerville, Hollywood's go-to aesthetician, sums it up nicely: "Day creams tend to be lightweight and may have an SPF to protect your skin from the sun. They should also be less greasy, which is ideal for make-up application. Night creams tend to be heavier, with no SPF, and include ingredients such as retinol and glycolic acid, which helps polish your skin and promote cell renewal."

Facial aesthetics specialist Dr Pamela Benito agrees: "Night is when cells need nutrients the most and when their anti-ageing benefits have maximum impact," she explains. "Skin sebum production is lower at night and, when you don’t have a protective layer of natural oils on your skin, you lose more water."

What's more, "Due to their slow-absorbing nature, night creams can gradually penetrate the skin throughout the night. This means they're able to moisturise, repair and rebalance the skin for a clear and healthy complexion."

Now that you're well-versed in the importance of night cream, you're probably now wondering which ingredients to look out for on the label. "I look for ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, emollients, antioxidants, retinol – depending on your skin type of course," says Somerville.

"Those with dry skin look for something really creamy, while if you have oily skin, I'd recommend an oil-free moisturiser. And for sensitive skin, you should use a product with ceramides," she adds.