There’s beauty sleep the noun, and then there’s beauty sleep the verb—as in applying every potion, serum, and cream before bed to wake up looking as preternaturally radiant, smooth, and plump as possible. Our favorite part of the ritual? The best night cream, which as the name suggests, are potent moisturizers to work while you rest—helping to hydrate, repair, and support your skin’s natural renewal process.

Vogue’s Guide to the Best Night Creams

Ahead, we asked experts to break down the benefits of using a night cream, the key ingredients to look for when shopping, and their top picks across price points and brands. Now all you need is mouth tape, heatless curlers, a chin strap, and a castor oil stomach wrap…

In This Story

Best With Peptides: Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night

• Why We Love It: Nara Smith recently told Vogue that her “holy-grail” beauty product makes her “look sweaty and dewy, but in the best way ever.” While Smith was speaking specifically about her beloved Chanel Baume, I let out a gasp of recognition when I heard her description of it, because this is exactly how I feel about my current favorite night cream. Infused with melatonin, peptides, and antioxidants, the cream also contains cross-linked hyaluronic acid. The plumping ingredient makes the face look radiant and firm with a touch of fresh-from-the-sauna dew. Thick yet silky, the nighttime salve also has a calming effect on the skin, just in time for bed.
• Key Ingredients: Melatonin, peptides, cross-linked hyaluronic acid
• How to Apply: Use the cream at night, as the last step in your skin-care regime. Apply it to clean, dry skin on the neck and chest, massaging it in until it’s fully absorbed.
• Best For: Suited for all skin types, the reparative cream calms and soothes the skin while you sleep. It’s also hydrating and improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Size: 1.8 oz

Best for Tech Neck: Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide

• Why We Love It: Medik8’s ceramide-infused formulation is a favorite of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, who recommends using it after a retinoid at night. “I love this cream because of its ultra-rich texture, ceramide-packed formula, and how it pairs perfectly with retinal to sustain and restore moisture overnight and provide elevated results,” Engelman previously told Vogue. It also has a secret superpower: tackling tech neck. “This visibly plumps, smooths, and firms the neck,” Engelman said. In addition to ceramides and lipids, the cream is formulated with peptides, antioxidants, and N-acetyl glucosamine to hydrate and smooth.
• Editor’s Experience: “There’s really nothing to not love about Medik8’s Advanced Night moisturizer. The ingredient composition is intelligent, addressing skin concerns (plumping, firming, smoothing) while delivering optimal moisture. The texture itself is silky and absorbs quickly, so all skin types can enjoy it.” — Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
• Key Ingredients: Multi-ceramide complex, antioxidant complex, N-acetyl glucosamine
• How to Apply: Use upward strokes to apply the cream to the face, neck, and chest at night, as the last step of your typical skin-care regime, or after a retinol serum.
• Best For: The cream is meant to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles while softening the skin and plumping it up with hydration.
• Size: 1.7 oz

Best for Everyday: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242

• Why We Love It: For those interested in a no-fuss everyday night cream, SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore is just the ticket. Why? It’s incredibly nourishing, yet gentle enough to couple with whatever skin-renewing actives the rest of your nighttime regime includes. As the name suggests, essential skin lipids are the stars here: ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids. “It mimics the ratio of different hydrators in the skin, which is where the ‘2:4:2’ comes from,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian says. “This is as close as a guaranteed drink for your skin when it’s super dehydrated.” These blend to restore and repair the skin barrier to promote improved radiance, refined pores, and smoother skin. The brand even shares that this composition can aid the adjustment of your retinol.
• Editor’s Experience: “This face cream is as infallible as they come. I was drawn to it for its remarkably gentle composition of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids which nourish, soothe, and moisturize all skin types—making it a great last step in any regimen, whether using actives like retinol or hyaluronic acid.” — Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, natural cholesterol, fatty acids
• How to Apply: According to SkinCeuticals, warm the cream between your fingertips, then apply it to the face, neck, and chest.
• Best For: Suited for mature skin of any type, the cream boosts the radiance of dull skin while minimizing the appearance of pores and promoting a softer, smoother texture.
• Size: 1.6 fl oz

Best for Wrinkles: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

• Why We Love It: RoC’s Retinol Correxion cream is a Vogue editor favorite to smooth fine lines; in fact, we named it one of the best wrinkle creams this year. What’s more, it’s earned Shokeen’s stamp of approval too: “This cream contains a high concentration of retinol, a potent ingredient for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and improving overall skin texture.” Glycolic acid, squalane, and shea butter are part of this non-comedogenic blend—working alongside retinol to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and hydrate sans irritation.
• Editor’s Experience: “What I love most about the RoC retinol is that it’s exceptionally gentle. While I normally experience some sort of purging when I switch to a new retinol, my skin remained calm throughout my initial tests of this one. The texture here is like a traditional cream; not overly rich, nor notably silky or tacky. You really only need a nickel-sized amount to treat the face and neck.” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
• Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, shea butter
• How to Apply: According to RoC, apply to the face and neck. Those new to retinol might want to use it every other night, increasing frequency as your skin gets used to the formula.
• Best For: The cream treats wrinkles and locks in moisture for softer, smoother skin.
• Size: 1.0 fl oz

Best for Dry Skin: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

• Why We Love It: Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream is one of the most sought-after face moisturizers out there. Highly concentrated and intensely moisturizing, this instantly quells dry skin through the brand’s TFC8 complex plus botanical oils, butters, and extracts. Because it’s so rich, we think it’s best to use at night when makeup or sunscreen will not be following. That way, its regenerative blend can soften fine lines, even skin tone, and soothe stressed skin by morning.
• Editor’s Experience: “I first discovered Bader’s best-selling face cream while staying with a friend who has an extensive collection of beauty products; most of which, unfortunately, she never uses. At 29, I’ve been considering incorporating retinol into my routine, but my sensitive skin often reacts poorly to it. Thankfully, Bader’s signature TCF8 Trigger Complex, rich in amino acids and vitamins, helps to boost cell turnover and even targets ‘tech neck’ without the irritation retinoids often impart. While I can’t use this formula on my face due to its shea butter content (that ingredient doesn’t agree with my acne-prone skin), it feels incredibly luxurious on my neck and décolletage for smoother skin there.” —Concetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
• Key Ingredients: TFC8 technology, evening primrose oil, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, argan oil, avocado oil
• How to Apply: According to Augustinus Bader, apply two pumps to the face, neck, and décolletage in upward, sweeping motions.
• Best For: Few face creams are as nourishing as Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream on normal to very dry skin types.
• Size: 1.0 fl oz

Best French: Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Night Cream

• Why We Love It: French pharmacy darling Caudalie can’t seem to keep this night cream on shelves. It’s formulated with the brand’s patented Resveratrol, which the brand claims is three times more powerful than retinol yet non-irritating. According to a board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, it also contains potent antioxidants, hyaluronic acid (a humectant that helps skin retain moisture), and plant-derived collagen to encourage firmness. The result is a rich, silky, anti-aging night cream that works while you sleep. With regular use, skin appears firmer and more lifted. Just don’t forget to apply it to your neck and décolletage too.
• Key Ingredients: Resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen alternative
• How to Apply: Apply every evening to face, neck, and décolleté after your serums.
• Best For: A well-regarded night cream praised for its firming, moisturizing abilities on normal to dry skin types.
• Size: 1.6 oz

Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer

• Why We Love It: Kobets instructs that an option for sensitive skin can have the tell-tale night cream ingredients, but should feature them in lower concentrations while avoiding fragrances and parabens. This formula by La Roche-Posay ticks all of those boxes and then some. Designed for allergy-prone, sensitive skin, Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer is as gentle as they come. The brand’s thermal spring water works alongside neurosensine, vitamin E, and a hydrating complex to soothe, protect, and condition skin. Having this on hand ahead of harsh winter conditions will do you well.
• Key Ingredients: Neurosensine, vitamin E, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
• How to Apply: According to La Roche-Posay, apply this to the face and neck in circular motions.
• Best For: The cream was designed to soothe and condition sensitive, allergy-prone skin.
• Size: 1.35 fl oz

Best Luxury: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream

• Why We Love It: La Prairie’s 1980s classic Skin Caviar Cream got an upgrade in 2023. In its latest formulation, powered by newly developed caviar micro-nutrients and bio-engineered caviar extract, the Luxe Cream promises to support the skin’s metabolic activities for a youthful-looking complexion. Specifically, one can expect a taut, lifted, and firmer visage with consistent use. Though the cream certainly offers skin benefits (botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids are also featured), the entire experience is a meditative one. Many believe one use of the luxe, indulgent cream is all it takes to be hooked.
• Editor’s Experience: “I’ve become quite accustomed to little indulgences in my skin-care regimen, particular on days when I want to make a ritual out of caring for my complexion. On such occasions, I love to round out my routine with La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Luxe Cream which boasts a lush, silky texture that leaves skin glowing and soft.” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
• Key Ingredients: Bio-engineered caviar extract, botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acids
• How to Apply: According to La Prairie, apply the cream to the face, neck, and décolleté in outward sweeping motions.
• Best For: The cult-classic cream lifts and firms the skin while gently exfoliating its surface.
• Size: 0.7 oz

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

• Why We Love It: Cerave’s formula is an excellent drugstore pick that has all the makings of a thoughtful night cream. Kobets explains that those with combination or “normal” skin should pair ingredients like ceramides with anti-aging actives like retinoids to maintain a healthy skin barrier. The Skin Renewing Night Cream does just that. Three essential ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and protect skin over time. Just pair it with your favorite retinol treatment for optimal beauty sleep.
• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid
• How to Apply: According to CeraVe, apply a small amount to the face at bedtime.
• Best For: The cream restores dull, tired skin by flooding it with hydration while you sleep. It also strengthens the skin barrier to keep moisture levels intact.
• Size: 1.7 oz

Best Korean: Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream

• Why We Love It: Hailing from South Korea, “this rich yet non-greasy moisturizer includes a blend of peptides to encourage collagen production, making it a great option for mature or dry skin,” says Dr. Camp of this Probioderm formula designed to target sagging areas and help restore volume and contour. Its secret lies in the brand’s probiotic ingredient, which strengthens the skin barrier and enhances elasticity for long-lasting results. Don’t just take our word for it—the clinical results show it’s proven to improve skin density, lift, and firmness in just two weeks. No facial fillers required.
• Key Ingredients: Probioderm, glycerin
• How to Apply: Smooth it evenly over your face and neck day and night.
• Best For: Great for mature skin types who need a hydration boost utilizing the K-beauty approach to glass skin.
• Size: 50 mL

Best for Oily Skin: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

• Why We Love It: Kobets explains that the secret to balancing oily skin is not using too many emollients (like botanical oils, butters, and fatty acids). Essentially, opting for something water-based, yet rich in weightless hydrators is best. Enter the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. Another editor favorite, this blends mineral water, probiotics, hyaluronic acid, and squalane into a hydrating gel to brighten and soften skin while you sleep.
• Editor’s Experience: “Particularly in the warmer months, I keep the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask in constant rotation. True to its name, it boasts a gel texture that’s delightfully cooling on the skin—exceptional at quenching dry, thirsty complexions without weighing it down or delivering excess shine.” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane, mineral water, probiotics
• How to Apply: According to Laneige, apply the mask after face cream, leave it on overnight, and rinse in the morning. (When my skin is particularly oily, I like to use this on its own a few times per week to achieve its promised benefits. Give it a go for yourself and alter your routine accordingly!)
• Best For: A salve for normal or dry skin, the Korean cream brightens and hydrates the complexion overnight.
• Size: 2.3 fl oz

For Dark Spots: RéVive Perfectif Night Even Skin Tone Cream

• Why We Love It: When it comes to diminishing dark spots and pigmentation, retinol and antioxidant-rich ingredients like vitamin C are two dermatologist-approved means to even skin tone. RéVive Perfectif Night utilizes both of these to brighten and balance skin over time. While the blend features potent amounts of the aforementioned actives, proteins, peptides, shea butter, ceramides, green tea, and CoQ10 are also featured to protect skin from free radicals, hydrate, and smooth.
• Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, CoQ 10, proteins, peptides
• How to Apply: According to RéVive, apply one to two pumps at night as the last step of your skin-care routine.
• Best For: The retinol-infused cream fades dark spots and smooths fine lines.
• Size: 1.7 fl oz

Best Japanese: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched

• Why We Love It: J-beauty fans will be pleased to know that Shiseido’s wrinkle cream slots easily into any nighttime routine. Dr. Camp notes that it can be used both day and night, so there’s no need for two separate moisturizers. He adds that this anti-aging formula, designed for dry to very dry skin, contains antioxidant-rich algae and turmeric extract, niacinamide to support the skin barrier, and yuzu seed extract to help boost collagen production.
• Key Ingredients: KOMBU-bounce complex, turmeric extract, niacinamide
• How to Apply: Apply daily, in the morning and evening.
• Best For: A classic wrinkle cream best for dry, mature skin types.
• Size: 1.7 oz, 2.5 oz

Everything You Need to Know