The Results Are in: Skin Experts Say These Are the Most Effective Night Creams Ever Made

Best for: All-round efficacy

Why we love it: For those of us who use active ingredients in our evenings skincare routine, this night cream is a great pick as it's been formulated specifically to use alongside Vitamin A (aka retinol) skincare.

Expert recommendation: This night cream is recommended by consultant dermatologist, Dr. Alexis Granite due to its "lovely texture which is packed with ceramides to help support the skin barrier and boost hydration levels".

Best for: Basic but affordable hydration

Why we love it: A decent night cream doesn't have to break the bank, and this one is Dr Ejikeme's top pick as a suits-all option for every skin type.

Expert recommendation: "This silky, lightweight moisturiser is formulated to transform dull and tired skin while you sleep,” explains Dr Ejikeme. "It replenishes dehydrated skin and works naturally with your skin's hydration process.” The result? Plump, juicy skin come morning.

Best for: Those with a compromised skin barrier

Why we love it: Time and time again, CeraVe comes out on top as one of the skincare brands that skin experts and dermatologists swear by. And one of the cheapest night creams on the list, I would say it's a great place to start.

Expert recommendation: Dr Ejikeme particularly rates this for very young or very dry skin looking for a rich night cream. "It contains ceramides, niacinamide and slow-release technology for hydration that lasts,” says Dr Ejikeme.

Best for: Minimising fine lines

Why we love it: A lot of retinol serums and topical treatments can be intensely drying, but iS Clinical has come up trumps with this night cream which delivers all of those regenerating skin benefits alongside moisturising technology.

Expert recommendation: "It possesses the attributes of an anti-ageing powerhouse, like all retinoids do, but it also offers the added advantage of safeguarding skin well-being and enhancing moisture levels," explains Dr. Charlene Dehaven, Clinical Director at iS Clinical. "And all while avoiding the typical retinoid drawbacks such as dryness, irritation, and redness."

Best for: Firmer, softer skin

Why we love it: Now that I'm in my 30s, I've definitely noticed that my skin is losing some of its natural bounce and firmness, but this line from Caudalie is designed to help restore some of that.

Expert recommendation: "It's a lightweight night cream with the antioxidant Resveratol to combat skin-damaging free radicals, alongside hyaluronic acid and plant-derived collagen boosters to smooth and firm skin overnight,” explains Dr Granite.

Best for: A gradual exfoliating peel

Why we love it: This is a really hardworking night cream that uses a complex blend of ingredients to exfoliate skin for a fresher, brighter complexion when you wake.

Expert recommendation: "It's a hard hitter for the nocturnal hours,” says Kelly Saynor, Clinical Director at The Perfect Peel. "Glycolic, salicylic and lactic remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cellular turnover for radiant appearance, and the combination of azelaic acid, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, tranexamic acid and kojic acids work together to even out skin tone, diminish the appearance of dark spots and provide a more luminous complexion."

Best for: Lightweight hydration that also helps to improve skin texture

Why we love it: Technically speaking, this isn't marketed as a night cream, but Dr. Garshick thinks the impressive ingredients list means it doubles as a great evening moisturisers. It sinks into the skin with ease, soothes in seconds and leaves your complexion visibly more radiant come morning.

Expert recommendation: "It's a gel-cream that a combination of waterlocking fusion technology, niacinamide and a biopeptide complex to offer deep hydration while improving the appearance of skin tone and texture,” says Dr Garshick. "It's lightweight, absorbs easily without feeling heavy or greasy and it is fragrance-free making it a great option for those with dry skin."

Best for: Seriously luxurious, rich nourishment

Why we love it: What's not to love about a La Mer moisturiser? This one soothes, plumps and nourishes skin without leaving a greasy film behind. It's the epitome of luxury.

Expert recommendation: This is Dr Ejikeme's "splurge option" if you're after a night cream to really pamper yourself with. "This cream is enriched with barrier-supporting ingredients and is also an experience with aromachology,” says Dr Ejikeme. It has a sumptuous texture and is infused with vitamins, kelp, and sunflower and eucalyptus oils for a truly spa-like experience. 

Best for: Oily or combination skin that will benefit from oil control

Why we love it: Combination skin? This is the night cream for you. It keeps skin soft, nourished and hydrated while also working to balance oil levels and get a grip on sebum.

Expert recommendation: "It works well as a night cream as it’s super hydrating and balances the skin’s moisture barrier function,” says Caroline Ross, Head of Spa at Bramley. "Active ingredients including cloudberry oil, which is rich in vitamin C, and ferulic acid work to stimulate cell turnover to repair and regenerate skin while Hyaluronic acid also gives an intense hydration boost and enhances skin plumpness."

Best for: Soothing nightly nourishment

Why we love it: This night cream really soothes irritation while you sleep, as well as strengthening your skin's barrier with ceramides to prevent further irritation or moisture loss. It also replenishes your skin's moisture levels with hyaluronic acid. You'll wake with comforted, replenished skin.

Best for: Brightening, antioxidant benefits

Why we love it: This vitamin C night cream brightens the skin,and protects it against environmental aggressors due to its antioxidant function. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen production to minimise signs of premature ageing. Other ingredients nourish the skin and replenish its moisture levels, as well as neutralising damage caused by pollution with the addition of soothing botanical extract marrubium.

Best for: Mature skin that craves nourishment

Why we love it: This night cream does so much that it was hard to pick what it's best for. It works as you sleep to reduce signs of sensitivity and irritation, whilst also delivering deep hydration to the skin. If that wasn't enough, a unique peptide complex works to plump the skin to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Best for: Luxury hydration

Why we love it: This night cream is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals to nourish the skin overnight. It's also incredibly hydrating and moisturising due to its glycerin and cocoa butter. Prebiotics balance the skin's microbiome and reduce inflammation.

Best for: Perimenopausal skin

Why we love it: This creams targets the signs of ageing that comes with the hormonal changes of menopause, primarily sagging. It also hydrates, minimises lines and wrinkles, and reduces the appearance of dark spots. It contains a unique harungana extract, a plant active that stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid to firm, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and brighten.