15 Best Night Creams To Try, According To Skincare Experts

As with all skincare routines, it’s important to judge what’s right for you based on your individual skin needs; what is right for someone may not work for you and vice versa. “Not everyone needs a night cream; it largely depends on your skin type, concerns and your overall skincare routine,” agrees Dr Mahto. “For those with dry or mature skin, a night cream can provide great hydration while you sleep. However, individuals with oily or sensitive skin might benefit from lighter alternatives, like a gel-based serum or moisturiser, instead of a night cream which tends to be on the heavier side.”

“During the day our skin acts as a shield against environmental aggressors, and it is during this time that there is the highest skin barrier protection, thickness and sebum production,” explains Professor Badre. “Conversely, evenings and nights are the time for intense cleansing and regeneration, so it is during this time that you experience the highest DNA repair and cell proliferation.” As skin barrier function is at its very lowest during this time, it is important to protect it as much as possible.

“The skin is a barrier defending the body against microorganisms and environmental factors, many with widely diurnal variations (pollutants, light, solar ultraviolet radiation, humidity, temperature),” shares Professor Badre.

As moisture loss is typically higher during the night than day, a moisturiser with high ceramides, like the Medik8 Advanced Night Restore, is ideal. Daniel Isaacs, director of research for Medik8 shares: “Skin-supporting ceramides that are carefully optimised into a ratio with other skin lipids to help deeply restore the skin’s barrier boosts the skin’s natural protection against ageing, whilst visibly firming and nourishing the complexion.”

“It largely depends on your skin type, but generally, ceramides are excellent as they help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture,” says Dr Mahto. “Additionally, ingredients like hyaluronic acid can provide deep hydration, which benefits most skin types by keeping the skin plump and smooth. For specific concerns, you could consider options like retinoids for anti-ageing or niacinamide for calming and balancing.”

Consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite says, “Look for ingredients that hydrate, accelerate skin turnover strengthen and repair. Products with retinoids (retinol) and peptides help reduce wrinkles and boost collagen. Other beneficial ingredients include resveratrol, antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs), and soothing agents like niacinamide.”

“Apply as the final step in your evening skincare routine, after cleansing and applying any serums of using,” suggests Dr Mahto. “Ideally, it should be applied about 30 minutes before bedtime to allow for better absorption without it rubbing off on your pillow.”

There are more advanced ingredients that you may want to look out if you have mature skin. Dr Granite spotlights “retinoids and peptides to help with collagen and elastin production, hyaluronic acid and ceramides for hydration and barrier support, and antioxidants such as vitamins E and C to fight free radical damage.” She adds, “For mature skin, it’s also beneficial to find creams that support the skin’s natural repair processes and have a richer, more restorative texture.”

Much like you would a retinol serum, the idea is to get your skin used to the supercharged ingredient. Dr Granite stresses to “Start slowly.” She continues, “Introduce your retinol product two to three nights per week. Over 4-6 weeks increase to nightly use as tolerated.”

According to the expert dermatologist, “Price doesn’t always equal efficacy, but luxury creams often invest in advanced delivery systems, encapsulated actives, actives at a higher inclusion level and multiphase textures that enhance sensory experience and absorption. Budget creams can still be effective. However, they may simply have less sophisticated formulation technology, textures and/or packaging.”

To help you find the best night cream, we consulted the skincare experts for their advice on the most effective formulas, plus assembled the tried-and-tested picks that British Vogue beauty editors love. Assessing night creams on how well they absorb – nobody wants a greasy pillow – as well as their ability to give hydration that lasts until morning, only the best formulations made our shortlist. From rich, emollient formulas suited to drier complexions to the lightweight serums and lotions that work best for oily skin, scroll to shop our edit of the best night creams for every skin type.