Smoothing retinol cream with a non-greasy finish—start with a pea-sized amount 2 nights/week to minimize irritation.
We may earn a small referral fee
Picking a night cream at Target is easy until you’re staring at 30 jars that all promise “visible results.” These are the formulas that actually perform, with clear trade-offs so you can choose confidently.
In-depth Reviews
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer (Fragrance-Free)
- Noticeable smoothing with consistent use
- Comfortable finish that is not overly sticky
- Easy to pair with a basic cleanser and SPF routine
- Can still cause dryness if you use too much too soon
- Jar packaging is not everyone’s favorite
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
- Excellent overnight comfort for dry or dehydrated skin
- Helps reduce flaking and tightness
- Plays well with actives in other steps
- Can feel a bit heavy on very oily skin
- Not a strong “treatment” if you want fast line-softening
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer
- Very gentle feel on reactive skin
- Comfortable hydration without heaviness
- Great “base” moisturizer when simplifying your routine
- Less targeted for wrinkles than retinol formulas
- Price can be higher than drugstore classics
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Night Serum Cream
- More hydrating feel than many retinol creams
- Good “one-step” night treatment and moisturizer combo
- Helps refine rough texture with steady use
- Still may irritate if you are very sensitive to retinoids
- May be too rich for very oily skin
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
- Strong track record for improving texture and radiance
- Creamy finish that seals in hydration
- Good choice when you want a more treatment-forward night step
- Higher irritation potential than peptide or ceramide creams
- May feel heavy if you dislike occlusive textures
Buying Guide
Pro Tip: A “Calm Skin” Retinol Schedule That Still Gets Results
If you’re choosing a retinol night cream, the fastest way to sabotage your skin is going from zero to every night. Start with a pea-sized amount, applied to fully dry skin, just 2 nights a week for two weeks. If your skin feels comfortable (no stinging, no new flaking), move to 3 nights a week.
On non-retinol nights, use a simple barrier-support moisturizer (ceramides, peptides, glycerin) and skip exfoliating acids. That alternation is often the difference between “retinol glow” and “why is my face so angry.”
One more practical trick: if you tend to over-apply, dot your night cream on your forehead, each cheek, and chin before blending. You’ll use less product, get a more even layer, and reduce the chance of irritation around the corners of your nose and mouth.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final Verdict: If you want the most reliable all-around Target night cream for smoother texture and brighter-looking skin, Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer (Fragrance-Free) is my top pick because it balances real results with a formula that’s usually easy to live with. If your skin is easily irritated or compromised, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night is the calm, consistent option that helps you wake up less red and less dry.
See also
If Olay is on your shortlist, check out our Olay Regenerist review, and for broader wrinkle-care comparisons, see Best anti-ageing creams: 2025 face-off.
- Best Korean night cream for glass-skin hydration without heavy residue
- Best peptide moisturizers for fine lines if you want smoothing without retinoid sensitivity
- Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin when clogged pores are your main concern
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Is a “night cream” actually different from a regular moisturizer?
Sometimes. Many night creams are richer, more occlusive, and more likely to include actives that can be irritating in daytime (like retinoids). That said, a lot of “night” labeling is marketing, so focus on ingredients (retinol, peptides, ceramides) and how your skin feels in the morning.
How do I pick a Target night cream if I want anti-aging results but I’m sensitive?
Start with either a retinol cream labeled fragrance-free, or go the gentler route with peptides and barrier-support ingredients (ceramides, niacinamide). Use it 2 to 3 nights a week at first, and keep the rest of your routine simple to reduce the chance of irritation.
Can I use retinol night cream every night?
Many people can, but it is not a requirement. If you are new to retinol, build up slowly and watch for tightness, stinging, or flaking. If your skin feels “crispy,” back off to every other night (or less) and prioritize a bland, moisturizing cleanser plus a barrier-supporting cream.
What order should I apply serum and night cream?
Go thinnest to thickest: cleanse, treatment serum (if you use one), then night cream. If your night cream contains your main active (like retinol), you often do not need a separate treatment step. Keeping layers minimal at night helps reduce pilling and irritation.
Should I avoid fragrance in night cream?
If you are acne-prone, reactive, or using actives like retinol or exfoliating acids, fragrance-free is usually the safer bet. If fragrance has never bothered you, it can be fine, but it is one of the easiest variables to remove when you are troubleshooting redness or bumps.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.