These are the 15 best night creams chosen by beauty editors that care for your complexion whilst you sleep

So, you've done your homework on the correct skincare routine. You know exactly what to apply and when. You've bought a good cleanser, a serum that meets your skin's needs and found the best facial sunscreen that you gladly use every day – now you need the best night cream for your skin type.

This last step of your nighttime routine is arguably one of the most important, so it's vital that you find the right cream to suit your skin's needs. We recommend that you start using one from your twenties onwards. Trust us, your skin will thank you for it.

But before we get into what makes the best night cream, as experts in all things beauty, here on the Marie Claire UK beauty desk, we know that the best way to get into a routine with a product is to really understand its importance. To help shed some light on exactly why a night cream is so important to your evening routine, we've enlisted the help of some of the industry's most esteemed skin experts. Here's everything you need to know.

Best night cream 2024 at a glance: 

• Best night cream for lines and wrinkles: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturiser | £19 at Amazon
• Best night cream for oily skin: The Inkey List C-50 Night Treatment | £12.75 at Sephora
• Best affordable night cream: L'Oréal Paris Dermo Expertise Triple Active Hydrating Night Moisturiser | £4.50 at Amazon
• Best night cream for dry skin: Liz Earle Skin Repair Night Cream | £26 at Lookfantastic 
• Best night cream for sensitive skin: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream | £55.90 at Sephora

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.

"A number of physiological changes occur in the skin overnight," explains consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. Our skin is affected by our circadian rhythm. "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."

Essentially, your skin goes into repair mode while you're catching those all-important eight hours. Dr Kluk elaborates: "The repair of skin cells with DNA damage from the sun appears to peak at night. Skin permeability is also higher in the evening than in the morning, leading to increased moisture loss."

This is why what we apply to skin before we turn the lights off at night is so important. We need to ensure that the products we apply aid, rather than hinder, this process.

"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," she 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."

The best night cream 2024 according to our experts

Finding a good night cream is tricky and difficult to do, we get it. Luckily, our Beauty Editor has rigorously trialled and tested many, many in her time to try and give you a comprehensive round-up of the best night creams to suit you and your skin's needs.

Testing against the above criteria as outlined by skin experts, we've pulled together a list of the 16 best night creams out there are the moment. (Find out more about how we test the products.)

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 nightmare. 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.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "There are times, especially come autumn/winter, when my dry and often dehydrated skin has what can only be described as an almighty wobble. I'm talking flaking and tightness. 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."

What's the difference between day and night cream?

So, how different does my night cream need to be, we hear you ask? It's all about consistency and ingredient type.

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: "A nighttime moisturiser will help to maintain your skin's health and reduce the signs of ageing. With a thicker and richer consistency, night moisturisers tend to include a larger concentration of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol and peptides."

"Night is when cells need nutrients the most and when their anti-ageing benefits have maximum impact," she continues. "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."

What makes the best night cream... the best?

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.