What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (2024)

TL;DR

Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay’s Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.

Let's talk about night creams—why are some formulas better suited for your PM skincare routine than your AM? Night creams are typically thicker than daytime moisturizers, allowing them to deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients. These ingredients work while you sleep, aiding the skin's natural repair and regeneration process.

To help us determine which elements to consider in a night cream, we chatted with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, M.D., who suggested looking for nongreasy and noncomedogenic formulas to avoid clogged pores and breakouts. She recommends ingredients like retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and antioxidants, which "stimulate skin cell turnover and collagen production, correct hyperpigmentation, and even skin tone." And, most of all, she's all about moisture-rich ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to restore the skin barrier, plumpness, and youthfulness.

With that knowledge, we conducted an in-depth test, consistently trying night creams on our skin for eight weeks. The formulas that impressed us the most appear on this list and truly give 'beauty sleep' a new meaning.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Hydrates and calms skin

  • Absorbs quickly

  • A little goes a long way

What to Consider

  • Small size for the price

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, beta glucan | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Think of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream as the crème de la crème of night creams. It soothes and hydrates all complexions, including sensitive skin types (thanks to calming ingredients like colloidal oatmeal); it tamps down redness and irritation; and, best of all, absorbs quickly—no stickiness or tackiness here.

This cream feels like a drink of water for the skin—including on dry, itchy patches—even multiple layers absorbed within a few minutes. By the morning, we noticed a significant difference in the skin: It looked calmer and more comfortable without any tightness. Though this product’s size—a carry-on-friendly 1.7 ounces—is relatively small,a little goes a long way. Start with a pea-size amount to cover the face, but it's great for layering, too. We noted that it works well over serums and as a base for slugging.

The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream Tester

Adi Giesey, beauty editor with sensitive skin (not shown): "I rely on my nighttime routine to do a lot of the heavy lifting regarding eliminating redness, relieving dry and itchy patches, and healing my visibly irritated skin barrier. I find that this cream does all three. Upon application, my skin immediately feels like it is giving a sigh of relief. It is almost as if you are getting all the benefits of using a thick balm but in a much lighter and user-friendly consistency."

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (2)

What to Consider

  • Some people find that it pills a bit

Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, glycerin, niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water | Skin Type: Normal, combination, dry, sensitive | Size: 1.3, 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This cream leaves the skin feeling soft, supple, and nourished. After using it consistently before bed over several weeks, wenoted that our skin felt far less sensitive overall. Although it’s appropriate for all skin types, it struck the perfect balance when we tested it on combination skin: Its ceramide-packed formula hydrated the skin barrier and calmed irritation without clogging pores. The result was nourished, revitalized skin by morning. One thing to note is that its richer texture—slightly thicker than a gel cream—takes about 10 to 15 minutes to absorb, so plan accordingly in your nighttime wind-down routine. While we had no issue with it pilling, some online reviews mentioned that it pilled on their skin a bit.

The La Roche-Posay Double Repair Moisturizer Testers

Jasmine, tester with dry, combination skin: "The thicker moisturizer is rich and hydrating. It takes a bit to absorb into the skin but leaves no greasy residue. My skin feels soft, soothed, and appears dewy."

Holly Rhue, editorial director with combination skin (not shown): "With oil patches along my forehead and chin but dry, sensitive patches on my cheeks and around the mouth, my biggest concern is calming irritation without clogging my pores. This formula does just that, striking the perfect balance between supporting my skin barrier without causing breakouts. My skin feels less raw and irritated around the dry patches and looks firm and glowy overall."

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (4)

What We Like

  • Leaves skin hydrated and glowing

  • Nongreasy finish

  • Packed with barrier-reinforcing peptides

What to Consider

  • Not a ton of product for the price

Key Ingredients: Amino acids, peptides, ceramides | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dry skin types need a night cream that hydrates and protects the complexion. Ole Henriksen’s Strength Trainer Moisturizer, which is packed with skin barrier-reinforcing ceramides and strengthening peptides, is that cream. When we tested this moisturizer, it left our dry patches feeling smooth and hydrated in the morning—even when layered over retinol, which can cause some flaking around our nose and chin. Its texture, which is balm-like but thins out as it melts into the skin, felt thick and nourishing but didn’t leave a film on the pillow; it wasn’t greasy, sticky, or tacky, either. While its price point is on the higher end of this list, we feel it’s a worthwhile investment for hydrated, resilient skin.

The Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Tester

Shannon Bauer, associate editorial director with combination, oily skin: “This is a cream that you'll look forward to applying. It leaves skin glowy and hydrated without a greasy or overly thick texture. Even on lazy skincare nights, I can always convince myself to use this moisturizer.”

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (6)

What We Like

  • Rich texture that's not too heavy for sensitive skin

  • No sticky or greasy residue

  • Leaves skin feeling soft and supple

What to Consider

  • Contains natural fragrance oils, which some may not prefer

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalene, ceramides, green tea extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding the right night cream for sensitive skin can be tricky; it needs to be nourishing without irritating the complexion or clogging pores, which can cause breakouts. Enter Derma-E’s Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Night Cream—a rich cream that walks the line perfectly. The formula's hydrating trio of hyaluronic acid, squalene, and ceramides leaves our skin feeling soft, refreshed, and revitalized in the morning. It also has a pleasant scent. (FYI: Although this cream doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin types, it does contain natural fragrance oils, according to the brand; if that might be a concern, we’d recommend a patch test on the arm before jumping in.) Bonus: Although it has a thicker texture, it absorbs in record time—a matter of seconds—and doesn’t leave any greasy or sticky residue behind.

The Derma-E Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Tester

Cher Checchio, copy editor with dry, sensitive skin (not shown): "The night cream easily absorbs into my skin in a matter of seconds, leaving no grease or sticky residue behind. When I wake up in the morning my skin feels soft and looks refreshed."

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (8)

What We Like

  • Hydrates and leaves skin radiant

  • Rich texture but never greasy

  • A little goes a long way

What to Consider

  • Doesn’t address dark spots

Key Ingredients: Probiotic extracts, alpha-hydroxy acids, vitamin C | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If glazed donut skin is the goal, Tula’s Overnight Repair Cream is the way to achieve it. When we tested this rich cream on combination skin with dry patches, it hydrated, plumped, and smoothed the complexion for an I-woke-up-like-thisglow each morning. This formula (which includes probiotic extracts, alpha-hydroxy acids, and vitamin C) is rich without feeling greasy and absorbs quickly. Although the cream doesn't visibly address the appearance of dark spots or wrinkles, its hydrating, glow-boosting effects were second to none. Do note that this product is priced on the higher end of the spectrum but because it’s so effective it extends its life cycle, and we believe it’s worth the investment.

Tula Skincare Beauty Sleep Overnight Testers

Jada, tester with skin prone to hormonal breakouts: "The creamy, butter-like consistency left my skin feeling supple and even, once fully absorbed."

Lauren Pardee, senior commerce editor with dry, combination skin (not shown): "Since using this product, my skin has looked plumper and smoother. Rather than waking up dry and flaky, I always feel refreshed and ready for the day."

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (10)

What We Like

  • Silky and rich texture

  • Softens and smooths the skin

  • Noticeably improves hydration

What to Consider

  • Expensive for the category

  • Takes several minutes to absorb

Key Ingredients: TET8 patent, bio-ceramides, shea butter, micro-hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Caudalíe’s Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer epitomizes luxury, full stop. The creamy texture feels like pure silk on the skin, without any heaviness or oiliness. Over time, its moisturizing benefits were exceptional. After several weeks of testing, the overall hydration of combination/oily skin improved. Once it absorbs fully (in about two minutes), its rich formula—featuring ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and the brand's proprietary anti-aging ingredient TET8—delivers peak softness and smoothness. It's one of the best night creams we've ever used.

Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Tester

Alyssa Kaplan, associate commerce editor with oily skin (not shown): "It feels so luxurious, like a little treat before bed. It's a bit pricey, but I think it's worth it for people looking for a deeply nourishing cream that offers a sensorial experience."

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (12)

What We Like

  • Incredibly moisturizing

  • Gel-like texture melts into skin

  • Great value for the price

What to Consider

  • Slower to absorb

Key Ingredients: Pentavitin, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.53 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

When we tested the Vital Hydra Solution Hydro Plump Night Mask from Korean brand Dr. Jart+, we were beyond impressed with how effectively it hydrated acne-prone skin—all without clogging pores or causing breakouts or irritation. This hyaluronic acid-packed formula, which is thick but melts into a gel application, immediately boosts moisture without feeling watery or too thin. It takes about 15 minutes to absorb fully, though, so make sure to apply it well before hitting the hay. Overall, Dr. Jart+’s formula looked and felt similar to Neutrogena’s budget-friendly, best-selling Hydro Boost moisturizer, but we feel its $35 price point was more than fair given its slightly larger 2.53-ounce size. Plus, it’s a shortcut to plump, smooth skin in the A.M.

Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Hydro Plump Tester

Star Donaldson, social media director with acne-prone skin (not shown): “This product helps reset the moisture in my skin so that it feels plump and bouncy in the morning. The best part? It hasn't caused any new breakouts, either."

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (14)

What We Like

  • Reduces the appearance of pores

  • Leaves skin plump and radiant

  • Nourishing and hydrating

What to Consider

  • Slightly greasy finish

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, panthenol | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Farmacy’s night cream contains 10% niacinamide, or vitamin B3, which helps nourish the skin while improving its texture and tone. During our testing process, we found that this cream ticked all three boxes. We tested it on combination skin prone to breakouts and irritation. The morning after each application, it left skin with a moisturized, glowing complexion, calmed any burgeoning breakouts, soothed dry or irritated areas, and—perhaps most impressively—refined the appearance of pores without clogging them.

The texture of this cream is pretty rich but still breathable; a thinner layer absorbs quickly, though we noted that thicker, mask-like application may take up to several hours to absorb. We also observed it had a slightly greasy finish. Ultimately, we felt this wasn’t a deal-breaker, though; this is the product to reach for whenever the skin needs a little extra love.

Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Tester

Ali Webb, associate editor with combination skin (not shown): “It is rich and moisturizing yet also cooling and breathable, which I appreciate since my combination skin can require a delicate balance. It feels like I've given my skin a nourishing treat while avoiding the excessive, potentially pore-clogging feeling I sometimes get from other night creams."

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (16)

What We Like

  • Bouncy, air-like texture

  • Hydrates and plumps skin

  • Cooling and soothing feel

What to Consider

  • Might not be rich enough for super dry skin

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane | Skin Type: All, including sensitive | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Of the night creams we tested, the texture of Medik8’s Total Moisture Daily Face Cream was second to none; the lightweight, bouncy cream felt cooling and soothing on the skin. Its formula also boosted hydration, thanks to a combo of peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane. We noticed a serious glow the morning after each application.We were also impressed with how quickly this product absorbed—roughly how long it takes to brush your teeth—and that it left a dewy, nongreasy finish on combination skin. Bonus: Although this cream is appropriate for all skin types, it’s fragrance-free and has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so it’s great for sensitive skin types, in particular.

Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Tester

Bella Cacciatore, news editor with combination skin (not shown): “My skin feels bouncy, both right after I apply it and when I wake up the next day.”

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (18)

What We Like

  • Hydrates and plumps the appearance of fine lines

  • Lightweight feel

  • Absorbs quickly

What to Consider

  • May be too heavy for oily skin

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalane, saccharide isomerate, watermelon rind, lentil fruit, apple skin | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Summer Fridays may be best known for its Jet Lag Mask, but don’t sleep on the brand’s Rich Cushion Cream, which lives up to its name. After the testing period, our skin felt more buoyant, hydrated, and plumper overall. (Although this product is designed for all complexions, its fragrance-free formula is appropriate for sensitive skin, too.) Another plus? It softened the appearance of fine lines with consistent nighttime use. It absorbed within 30 seconds and left no residue on the skin. Lastly, its 1.7-ounce jar lasts several months, increasing its value and exceeding our expectations.

Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream Tester

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director with sensitive, combination skin (not shown): "It's kind of the best of both worlds: A thick cream that's somehow lightweight and pillowy and is very moisturizing but doesn't take much time to rub in and absorb."

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (20)

What We Like

  • A serum that works like an overnight cream

    Lightweight and cooling feel

  • Smooths and hydrates the skin

What to Consider

  • Feels heavier than a typical serum

Key Ingredients: Immortelle essential oil, marjoram extract, acmella oleracea extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Okay, so we cheated. L’Occitane’s Immortelle Overnight Reset is technically a serum, but its gel formula felt (and worked) more like an overnight mask during testing. Case in point: It has a light consistency, but once applied, feels as nourishing as a face mask would on its own—no need to layer additional products. The only drawback was its packaging: Its small bottle looks beautiful but is slippery when the serum is on your hands. However, we appreciate that L’Occitane also offers refill pouches, which are less expensive than the original product and promote sustainability.

L’Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum Tester

Bronwyn Barnes, vice president of commerce with sensitive, combination skin (not shown): "The consistency feels as if you have just taken off a face mask, and I have noted fewer acne breakouts and plumper skin when I wake up in the morning."

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (22)

What to Look for in Night Creams

We believe the ingredients are the most important of all the elements to consider before buying a night cream. With the help of a skin expert we trust, we narrowed down these ingredients as key players to look out for:

  • Retinol and Bakuchiol:Retinol andbakuchiolhave a laundry list of benefits, according to Dr. Green—they hydrate, firm, smooth skin. These anti-aging ingredients also increase elastin and collagen production, which minimizes fine lines and discoloration and boosts cell turnover for a more youthful glow. "Retinol makes your skin photosensitive, so it is best to use it at night instead of daytime. SPF 30+ should be used the following day to protect your skin from sun damage," adds Dr. Green. People with retinol sensitivity can consider bakuchiol an alternative to retinol, which has similar benefits without irritation.
  • AHAs: Alpha-hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells and clean out pores. "These acids penetrate deeper into the skin to stimulate collagen production," says Dr. Green. "They're also effective in treating acne and hyperpigmentation by removing excess sebum and dead skin to reveal healthy new skin."
  • Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as vitamins E and C are great for addressing redness and sun damage. "Antioxidants work by fighting free radical damage and protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays," Dr. Green explains. "This means that antioxidants in night creams will help prepare the skin for the sun during the day. Vitamin C also aids collagen production, boosts radiance, and reduces discoloration."
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Hydration is the most crucial element in a night cream because it helps to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. "It's a popular ingredient in creams because it seeps into the skin and pulls water from the environment to hydrate the skin," Dr. Green notes.

How We Tested Night Creams

We believe in using the products we recommend just like you would—which is why make it a priority to test products in real-life settings and in our NY-based Lab.

  • Night Creams Tested: 19
  • Testing Period: Eight weeks
  • Methodology: Night creams were tested over the course of eight weeks at home. Each product was tested by an editor or tester and was reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist.
  • Factors Considered: Hydration, absorption (including how long it took to absorb), formula (consistency), overall effectiveness

FAQ

  • Why should you use a night cream?

    According to Dr. Green, "Night creams work on a cellular level to repair the skin as you sleep." She explains that nighttime is when your skin has a chance to restore and repair the damage that occurs during the day. "Using the right night cream for your skin type will provide nutrients for the skin to prepare and withstand free radical damage endured during the daytime."

  • Do night creams really work?

    The short answer is yes. Night creams are effective because of their high concentration of active ingredients. "Night creams typically provide intense hydration and concentrated ingredients to fight signs of aging and other concerns," Dr. Green explains. "They are usually formulated with active ingredients designed to correct skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, acne, dryness, and aging."

  • How do you use night cream?

    Night cream is the final step in your skincare routine and is best applied with your hands after any night serums you use, explains Dr. Green. "Because night creams tend to be thicker in consistency and have ultra-hydrating ingredients, applying them after serums will lock in moisture and the beneficial ingredients in the serums. If you don’t use any serums, you can skip to the night cream after cleansing."

Meet Our Experts

We consulted with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist to understand what to look for in a night cream and to help evaluate the products we tested.

  • Dr. Michele Green, M.D., is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City.

Why Trust Byrdie

Avery Stone is a contributing writer for Byrdie and was previously the brand’s Commerce Editorial Director. She is an expert in the beauty industry and is a pro at covering all things skincare and beauty.

Alyssa Kaplan is an associate commerce editor at Byrdie, an experienced writer in the beauty industry, and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty and has tested products on this list including Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any probiotics from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.

What's the Ultimate Dream Cream? Byrdie Editors Tested and Reviewed Night Creams for 8 Weeks (2024)
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