Seals in hydration overnight to soothe tight, flaky skin and leave your face softer and plumper by morning.
We may earn a small referral fee
I used to pick night creams by how luxe they felt going on, then I would wake up with that tight, papery feeling around my mouth and a few new dry patches that made my hyperpigmentation look more noticeable. Once I started paying attention to barrier-supporting formulas instead of just texture, my mornings got a lot easier, less flaking, less urge to pile on extra layers just to feel comfortable. Now I judge a night cream by whether my skin feels calm and cushioned when I wash up, not by how pretty it looks on the nightstand.
In-depth Reviews
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
- Long-lasting comfort through the night
- Plumps and softens without a heavy residue
- Layers well with most simple routines
- Jar packaging is not everyone’s favorite
- Can feel a little too rich for very oily areas
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream (Extra-Dry Skin, Fragrance-Free)
- Absorbs quickly with a light, fresh feel
- Helps dehydration lines look softer by morning
- Easy to layer without heaviness
- May not be enough alone for very dry, flaky skin
- Can sting if your barrier is actively irritated
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
- Very gentle feel for easily irritated skin
- Excellent for rough, flaky patches
- Reliable moisture without fragrance
- Heavier finish can feel too occlusive for some
- Not the most elegant under layered skincare
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
- Skin looks smoother and more hydrated by morning
- Plush texture that feels comforting at night
- Works well when dryness and visible aging overlap
- Scent can be an issue for sensitive skin
- May feel too rich for acne-prone areas
Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream (with Hyaluronic Acid)
- Comforting moisture with an easy-to-wear finish
- Plays nicely with simple hydrating serums
- Good choice for a straightforward routine
- Not as intensely sealing as heavier creams
- Jar packaging may be less convenient
Buying Guide
Pro Tip: Make Any Night Cream Work Better (Without Buying Another Product)
Apply in the right order: dry skin usually needs water first, then oil and occlusion. After cleansing, apply your hydrating step (even just a splash of water left on the skin), then your night cream. If you still wake up dry, add a tiny bit of an occlusive just on the flakiest spots, think corners of the nose, cheekbones, or around the mouth.
Use the “comfort test” at bedtime: your face should feel comfortable and slightly cushioned, not tight and not slick. If you feel tightness after ten minutes, you probably need more product or a richer texture. If you feel greasy and your pillowcase is doing the moisturizing, use less, or switch to a lighter gel-cream and spot-treat dryness.
Keep your cleanser from undoing your progress: the best night cream cannot fully compensate for a harsh wash. If your skin squeaks, feels stripped, or looks red after cleansing, switch to a gentler, non-foaming option or shorten your cleanse time. Many “my night cream is not working” problems are really cleanser problems.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final Verdict: If you want one dependable, dry-skin-friendly night cream from the drugstore, CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream is the best all-around pick because it cushions skin, supports the barrier, and stays comfortable until morning. For lighter hydration, go with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream, and if your skin is easily irritated, keep it simple with Vanicream.
See also
For more wallet-friendly hydrators beyond nighttime use, start with Best affordable moisturizers for dry skin and pair it with gentle retinols to use at night for dry skin if you are adding actives.
- Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream review
- Hyaluronic acid for dry skin, The Ordinary review
- Vanicream Moisturizing Cream review for dry and sensitive skin
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Do I really need a separate night cream if I already have a good moisturizer?
Not always. If your regular moisturizer leaves you comfortable through the night and you wake up without tightness, you can keep it simple. A dedicated night cream becomes helpful when you need a richer texture, more cushioning, or better “seal” to reduce overnight water loss.
Should I apply night cream on dry skin or damp skin?
For dry skin, slightly damp is usually better. After cleansing, pat so your skin is not dripping, then apply any hydrating serum, then your night cream to lock it in. If you wait until your face is fully dry, the same cream can feel less hydrating.
My night cream pills when I layer it with serums or retinol. How do I fix that?
Use thinner layers and give each step a minute to settle. If you are using multiple silicone-heavy products, try switching either the serum or the cream, since that combo can ball up. Also, reduce rubbing, press and smooth instead of massaging aggressively.
Is fragrance in night cream a dealbreaker for dry skin?
It depends on how reactive your skin is. Plenty of people tolerate a light fragrance just fine, but if you deal with stinging, redness, or eczema-prone patches, fragrance-free options are the safer bet for consistent nightly use.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.