The best night creams are often the final step in a solid skincare routine, but their role is more crucial than a simple moisturiser. While day creams often focus on protection (think SPF and antioxidants), overnight creams are designed to support the skin while it carries out much of its natural repair work. As we sleep, the skin can lose moisture and becomes more receptive to richer, replenishing ingredients.
What to look for in a night cream
According to consultant dermatologist Dr Sina Ghadiri and aesthetic doctor Dr Sophie Shotter
- Dry or dehydrated skin types should look for night creams with ceramides, lipids and squalane
- Oilier complexions should look for more lightweight textures and avoid ingredients such as petroleum jelly. Hyaluronic acid is a good pick for shine-prone skin.
- Acids (PHAs, BHAs or PHAs) can also be an excellent inclusion
- Some night creams contain retinoids, and using these ingredients at nighttime can enhance absorption
Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic, explains: “It’s the only time our body, including our skin, really rests and restores. Skin is also prone to transepidermal water loss whilst we sleep, and this means it is losing water and can become dehydrated. For this reason, our skin often benefits from a richer night cream, whereas, in the daytime, our skin often needs less rich hydration but does need more protection from the sun and from pollution.”
According to consultant dermatologist Dr Ghadiri, the skin’s circadian rhythm also plays a role, with “hormonal variations within a 24-hour period […] impact[ing] inflammatory processes within the skin.”
With that in mind, I spent weeks testing a range of formulas in my evening routine to find the ones actually worth your while.
Read more: 13 best eye creams, tried and tested by a beauty editor
The best night creams for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Naturium multi-peptide rich cream: £27, Spacenk.com
- Best budget buy – Simple age-resisting night cream: £7.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for sensitive skin – SOS night cream: Was £18, now £16.02, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for acne-prone skin – La Roche-Posay effaclar A.Z. gel-cream: £24.75, Boots.com
How I tested
I tested each cream over a number of weeks to see how it would perform. I looked at many factors with each, particularly the texture, absorption and the results (if any) the following morning. My full testing criteria is listed at the end of this guide.
Read more: Best anti-ageing night creams for sleeping your way to a youthful glow
