The 14 Best Night Creams For Softer, Smoother and Plumper Skin

Don't dismiss the magic they can work while you sleep.

By Leiana Foye · Published: Mar 18, 2024

It’s incredible the effect a “leap forward” into daylight savings time (and subsequent “loss” of one hour of sleep) can do to my skin. I look tired. My eyes are darker, my skin looks lifeless—let’s just say I fully understand the term “beauty sleep.” Overnight is the ideal environment for skin to regenerate itself without everyday skin-stressors such as UV damage, blue light, pollutants and makeup.

The beauty benefits of an uninterrupted 8+ hours of sleep can’t be dismissed, but in that absence (or when an hour is cruelly taken from us) a designated night cream can work wonders. Adding an extra-hydrating formula with a high concentration of active ingredients keeps the skin barrier protected, stimulates cell turnover and ramps up collagen production. The result? Plumper, firmer-looking skin that looks more youthful than the night before.

Below, the 14 best night creams that impress beauty editors and dermatologists most.

Best Night Creams to Try Tonight

1 / 14

OSEA Collagen Dream Night Cream ($68)

This pick from OSEA is formulated with bio-retinol (a plant-derived retinol alternative) and vegan collagen to plump, soften and hydrate, smoothing the look of fine lines and wrinkles and reversing signs of skin fatigue.

“If you’re in the market for a luxurious night cream that won’t break the bank, aims to iron out fine lines over time with a natural retinol alternative, and calm you down before bed, look no further,” reports Danielle Fontana Dooley, NewBeauty‘s associate director, digital content.

Size: 1.9 oz | Key ingredients: bio retinol, vegan collagen, king of bitters, pink rock-rose extract, organic wild lavender | Best for: those who want to target major signs of aging, sans retinol

BUY NOW – $68

2 / 14

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream ($135)

This overnight cream has basically every ingredient needed to keep skin clear, smooth, even-toned and healthier. In addition to powerful actives retinol and lactic acid, the innovative formula incudes anti-aging heroes like peptides, ceramides, vitamins C and E, niacinamide and glycolic acid. Lest you think that list means it’s out of reach for sensitive skin types, think again. Bisabolol and green tea extract calm and counteract redness and irritation. “I am unable to use prescription strength and many OTC retinols, this one does not dry or irritate my skin, so I love it,” says Rochester, NY dermatologist Lesley Loss, MD.

Size: 1 oz or 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: retinol, lactic acid, glycolic acid | Best for: those who want to use only one anti-aging product

BUY NOW – $135

3 / 14

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($18)

This classic moisturizer is a dermatologist favorite, deeply hydrating pick for face and all-over body application. It’s packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration and softness and protect skin from external damage by strengthening its barrier. It’s also safe for eczema-prone and sensitive skin types.

Size: 19 oz | Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Best for: all skin types who want a multi-tasking mega moisturizer on a budget

BUY NOW – $18

4 / 14

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 ($150)

According to Riverside, RI dermatologist Tiffany Libby, MD, this moisturizer from SkinCeuticals is the one to splurge on. “Its patented lipid ratio of 2-percent ceramides, 4-percent cholesterol and 2-percent fatty acids intensely nourishes skin and repairs the moisture barrier,” she explains. This blend also minimizes the look of pores and improves skin tone, texture and overall radiance.

Size: 1.6 oz | Key ingredients: ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, vitamin E | Best for: those who have dry or dehydrated skin, or want to plump up and replenish aging skin

BUY NOW – $150

5 / 14

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream ($44)

Thanks in part to calming colloidal oatmeal, this night cream helps fight off signs of aging like dark spots, uneven texture, lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity without any irritation. It feels like air, but provides intense hydration that lasts all night.

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate | Best for: those with dry or sensitive skin that are concerned about signs of aging

BUY NOW – $44

6 / 14

Sand & Sky Tasmanian Spring Water Renewing Night Cream ($49)

For a mega dose of moisture, reach for this rejuvenating night cream made with three types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate, firm skin and improve elasticity, according to the brand.

Size: 2.1 oz | Key ingredients: Tasmanian spring water, hyaluronic acids, vegan squalane | Best for: dry and dehydrated skin

BUY NOW – $49

7 / 14

Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask ($52)

This one’s a hybrid cream and mask meant to be worn overnight to reap the full benefits of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, squalane and the brand’s proprietary strawberry complex (rich in antioxidants). Combined, the formula locks in hydration, visibly brightens skin and boosts overall radiance.

Size: 2 oz | Key ingredients: vitamin C, squalane, hyaluronic acid, strawberry | Best for: those concerned with dullness or uneven skin texture

BUY NOW – $52

8 / 14

The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream ($54)

This buttery-soft moisturizer uses botanical alternatives to improve the skin barrier, firm skin, improve the look of hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines and restore suppleness while you sleep sans redness and irritation. The Hyaluroset Complex is is clinically shown to outperform hyaluronic acid after 24 hours, according to the brand.

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: niacinamide, bakuchiol, evening primrose oil, botanicals | Best for: all skin types

BUY NOW – $54

9 / 14

Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream ($17)

For a fragrance-free, fast-absorbing, no-frills moisturizer that effectively boosts hydration for 24 hours, Cetaphil has you covered. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin keep the skin moisturized without being heavy or greasy, while vitamin C brightens for a radiant glow you’ll notice in the morning.

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E | Best for: sensitive skin, dry skin, normal skin

BUY NOW – $17

10 / 14

Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Night Cream ($395)

If you’re going to make a small investment in a night cream, let it be for the one that combines instantly-hydrating polyglutamic acid, soothing antioxidant purslane, antioxidant-rich avocado peptides and healthy oils. Wake up to noticeable dewier, fresher skin.

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: avocado extract, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, argan oil, sweet almond oil | Best for: dry skin, mature skin

BUY NOW – $395

11 / 14

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Retinol Alternative Firming Night Moisturizer ($72)

This vegan cream employs powerhouse antioxidant resveratrol (also found in red wine and dark chocolate) to reduce the look of wrinkles and mahogany bark extract, a collagen alternative, to visibly firm and smooth skin overnight. Two molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid round out the formula to keep skin soft and supple.

Size: 1.6 oz | Key ingredients: resveratrol, vegan collagen, hyaluronic acids | Best for: those concerned with loss of firmness, dry skin

BUY NOW – $72

12 / 14

The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer ($20)

While this affordable moisturizer isn’t specifically just for nighttime, it’s impressive enough to make the list. The velvety cream is powered by bioactive ceramides to support and strengthen the skin barrier. According to the brand, after 28 days, 100% of users saw a clinical improvement in six signs of aging: wrinkles, fine lines, plumpness, firmness, lift, elasticity and barrier function.

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: ceramides, glycerin, shea butter | Best for: dry skin, sensitive skin, those concerned with the first signs of aging

BUY NOW – $20

13 / 14

fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Radiance Renewal Night Cream ($58)

Smooth skin texture, recover and reduce signs of fatigue and improve your overall radiance with this “cocooning” moisturizer. Lifeless, dull skin is no match for Super Lotus, an antioxidant-rich plant that’s proven to help repair tired skin to a healthy glow. Shea butter and polyglutamic acid are also featured to deliver much-needed overnight moisture.

Size: 1.6 oz | Key ingredients: lotus, peach leaf extract, vitamin E | Best for: those concerned with dull skin

BUY NOW – $58

14 / 14

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer ($31)

Skin comfort is the main goal of this oil-free night, intensely hydrating night gel-cream. The formula is fragrance-free, fast-absorbing and made without any ingredients that may cause potential irritation or allergic reactions. Skin feels calm, refreshed and moisturized all night long.

Size: 1.35 oz | Key ingredients: vitamin E, shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin, thermal spring water | Best for: sensitive skin, allergy-prone skin types

BUY NOW – $31