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You know you need to wear either a moisturizer with SPF or proper sunscreen during the day, but what should you apply before bed? The answer is a night cream—which you probably could've guessed from its name. "For most people, moisturization is the main endpoint in a night cream," says board-certified dermatologist, Sheilagh Maguiness, MD. Dr. Maguiness notes, "You don't need to spend a lot of money for a night cream to do its job—you just need to know what job you want the cream to do." In other words, in addition to hydrating the skin, evening moisturizers can address various concerns, like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, breakouts, or a damaged skin barrier.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
The best drugstore night cream you can buy is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. It contains key anti-aging ingredients, like niacinamide and glycerin for a smooth complexion, all while delivering moisture and healing the skin barrier. We also love the more affordable Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Overnight Moisturizer, which has avocado oil and shea butter to nourish your skin while you sleep.
Claire Wolinsky, MD, a New York dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation, says your evening skincare routine is also a good time to use retinoids as sun exposure could make them less effective. The good news: many night cream formulas contain retinol, as well as other ingredients that target signs of aging. "These anti-aging powerhouses prevent fine lines and increase collagen production while you sleep," she tells Byrdie.
Looking for an affordable, widely available formula to add to your arsenal? Dr. Maguiness says, "There are actually many great drugstore night creams," so you have a lot to choose from. We conducted hours of research and compiled expert recommendations to bring you the crème de la crème of, well, night cream. We considered dozens of formulas and brands, looking carefully at their active ingredients and targeted benefits. We tried out a couple top-rated picks, our product testers using the creams for weeks at a time and noting the results. After considering dozens of options and consulting testing insights, we landed on the following products.
Ahead, find the best drugstore night creams to repair skin while you sleep.
Best Overall
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
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Amazon
Replenishes skin barrier
Non-irritating
Hydrates skin
Can be used morning and night
Slightly gritty texture
Who else recommends it? Who What Wear also picked the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer.
What do buyers say? 89% of 20,800+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
Both dermatologists we interviewed stand behind this French pharmacy find, and we can see why. "La Roche Posay Double Repair is a hydrating yet non-pore-clogging over-the-counter moisturizer containing ceramides and glycerin that is safe for even the most sensitive skin," says Dr. Wolinsky. "I recommend it often."
Thanks to niacinamide (vitamin B3) and mineral-rich thermal spring water, this all-star cream works to soothe stressed complexions, smooth fine lines, replenish the skin barrier, and deliver a plumper look.
"I truly love the entire LaRoche Posay Toleriane line," Dr. Maguiness tells Byrdie. "I think they have a great range of products and are available at most drugstores."
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Thermal spring water, niacinamide, ceramides, glycerin | Size: 2.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca
What Our Testers Say
"I used this moisturizer at night with stronger anti-aging products and it kept my skin nourished and I glowed upon waking the next morning. I was most impressed that no matter what I was using or wearing, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer held up to its promise of immediately restoring the feeling of skin comfort." - Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester
Best Budget
Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Overnight Moisturizer
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Courtesy of Amazon
Airtight container
Unclogs pores
Helps prevent breakouts
Contains fragrance
Contains alcohol
If you don't want to spend more than a few bucks, your best bet is Yes to Tomatoes. This overnight cream calls on salicylic acid and fruit enzymes to exfoliate, clear pores, and prevent breakouts, while aloe vera, avocado oil, and shea butter moisturize and soothe.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, aloe, fruit enzymes, avocado oil, shea butter | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best With Retinol
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
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Amazon
Hygienic container
Gentle
Noticeable results
Small amount
Contains fragrance
A favorite among dermatologists and skincare aficionados alike, RoC Retinol Correxion is undoubtedly one of the best drugstore options. As its name suggests, this night cream contains retinol, a researched-backed anti-ager that tackles everything from fine lines and crow's feet to dark spots and crepiness.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin E, shea butter | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Leigh Weingus
What Our Testers Say
"Overall, I was very happy with RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. On top of being affordable, it didn’t irritate my skin, and I noticed a reduction in fine lines within a week." — Leigh Weingus, Product Tester
Best for Dry Skin
Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
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Courtesy of Cetaphil
Ultra-rich and hydrating formula
Not greasy
Fragrance-free
Unhygienic container
"If you have dry skin and need a lot of moisture, remember this rule of thumb: The thicker the cream, the better it will lock moisture in," says Dr. Maguiness. With this in mind, we recommend this ultra-rich (but not at all greasy) formula from Cetaphil, which delivers much-needed moisture with olive oil and hyaluronic acid while calming the skin with vitamin E.
Price at time of publish: $19
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, olive oil, vitamin E | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Testers Say
"As far as short-term results go, I saw a noticeable difference using Cetaphil's Rich Hydrating Cream after the first night. I went to bed with red, blotchy skin that had been acting up that day, but after a proper night’s sleep slathered in this, my skin was calm and balanced." — Bryan Levandowski, Product Tester
Best Natural
Burt's Bees Sensitive Solutions Calming Night Cream
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Target
Natural formula
Absorbs well
Fragrance-free
Unhygienic container
Those partial to earth-sourced formulas should go with Burt's Bees. Formulated with aloe and cotton extract, this calming cream soothes sensitive skin while shea butter and jojoba oil deliver moisture and nourishment.
Price at time of publish: $10
Active Ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil, cotton extract, aloe | Size: 1.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"I rarely turn to drugstore products for my skincare and didn’t foresee any drastic improvements. Welp, I was wrong. The very next morning after using this product my face felt plump, bouncy, soft, and moisturized." — Nicole Kliest, Product Tester
Best for Sensitive Skin
Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer
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Airtight container
Non-irritating
Fragrance-free
May not be ideal for oily skin
Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the human body. It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes. When used in skincare, it acts as a moisture binder, which means that it will attach itself to the water in the cells (while also attracting and holding water from the air), giving them a plumping effect.
You might know Differin for its once-prescription and now over-the-counter retinoid acne treatment, but the brand actually has a few notable retinol-free products. We're big fans of the Restorative Night Moisturizer, an exceptionally gentle cream that hydrates with humectants and emollients like hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and essential ceramides.
Price at time of publish: $15
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, allantoin, ceramides, shea butter | Size: 2.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Mature Skin
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Face Moisturizer
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Olay
Diminishes fine lines
Fragrance-free
Unhygienic container
Those looking to combat fine lines, dark spots, or loss of elasticity may want to consider a formula with retinol, like this sleek cream from Olay. A go-to for Byrdie associate general manager Lindsey Metrus, it also contains niacinamide to smooth, hydrate, and restore the skin barrier.
Price at time of publish: $40
Active Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, glycerin | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Stryke Club Calm Down Moisturizer
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Courtesy of Target
Generous amount
Calming formula
Lightweight
Slightly greasy
Dr. Maguiness recommends this "affordable, lightweight face moisturizer" from Stryke Club. Formulated for acne-prone complexions, it contains calming vitamin E as well as anti-inflammatory olive oil and non-comedogenic sunflower seed oil to prevent dryness and irritation.
Price at time of publish: $10
Active Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, rice bran extract, vitamin E, olive oil | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Oily Skin
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM
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CeraVe
Airtight container
Non-comedogenic
Dermatologist-recommended
Not as hydrating as other options
Key Ingredients
Ceramides are a part of a complex family of fats or lipids called a sphingolipid. They work to restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
"I'm also a huge fan of CeraVe," Dr. Maguiness tells Byrdie. Unlike some thicker creams, this oil-free, non-comedogenic formula is exceptionally lightweight, never greasy, and won't clog your pores. Even so, it's packed with hydrating, soothing, and barrier-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides.
Price at time of publish: $31
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Generally speaking, lotions are generally a better bet for oily skin than thicker creams.
Best for Eczema-Prone Skin
Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Creme
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Courtesy of Amazon
Rich formula
Reduces redness
Fragrance-free
Unhygienic container
For the eczema-prone set, Eucerin is the name of the game. It contains natural anti-inflammatory panthenol (vitamin B3) to minimize redness, along with skin-loving squalane and supremely soothing and radiance-boosting licorice root extract.
Price at time of publish: $11
Active Ingredients: Panthenol, licorice root extract | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for All Skin Types
Urban Hydration Nourish & Rehydrate Castor & Shea Night Cream
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Courtesy of Walgreens
Replenishes skin barrier
Fragrance-free
Suitable for all skin types
Unhygienic container
Good for all skin types and tones, this night cream from Urban Hydration is luxuriously rich and creamy yet notably gentle and soothing. Shea butter and castor oil help nourish stressed complexions, vitamin E and aloe calm inflammation, and unsung hero glycerin replenishes the skin barrier.
Price at time of publish: $10
Active Ingredients: Shea butter, castor oil, vitamin E, aloe, glycerin | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Uneven Texture
Pond’s Rejuveness Advanced Hydrating Night Cream
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Amazon
Retexturizing
Can be used on face and body
Generous amount
Contains fragrance
If you're dealing with uneven texture or dullness, Pond's Rejuveness is your best bet. The star of this night cream is lactic acid, an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) that gently exfoliates while you get your beauty sleep. You can also use it on your body to combat hyperpigmentation.
Price at time of publish: $15
Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycerin, collagen | Size: 7 to 14.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Nourishing
Alaffia Coconut Reishi Night Cream
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Courtesy of Amazon
Generous amount
Replenishes skin barrier
Somewhat greasy
Alaffia's take on night cream is this incredibly rich, extra-nourishing formula. It's got plant-based moisturizers like coconut oil and shea butter, plus reishi mushroom extract to heal and replenish damaged stressed skin.
Price at time of publish: $19
Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, reishi, baobab extract, green tea | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Gel
Base Butter Radiate Face Jelly
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Natural formula
Lightweight
Balances oil production
Unhygienic container
Base Butter's beloved Face Jelly boasts a rich yet lightweight gel-like consistency that's never greasy or sticky. Standout ingredients include moisturizing shea butter, redness-reducing aloe, oil-balancing witch hazel, and skin-clearing tea tree oil.
Price at time of publish: $29
Active Ingredients: Aloe, shea butter, glycerin, witch hazel, tea tree oil | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Treatment
Etude House Moistfull Collagen Sleeping Pack
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Courtesy of Amazon
Generous amount
Improves elasticity
Replenishes skin barrier
Contains fragrance
When your complexion craves some TLC, reach for this collagen-infused treatment from the Korean beauty brand Etude House. The leave-on sleeping pack is formulated to hydrate the skin barrier and deliver an elasticity boost while you doze.
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Collagen, glycerin, baobab oil | Size: 3.38 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Final Verdict
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is our pick for best drugstore night cream. Containing ceramides and vitamin B3, the dermatologist-recommended formula is light, hydrating, and gentle enough for sensitive skin. However, if you're on a budget, your best bet is the Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Overnight Moisturizer, a skin-healing night cream that won't dry you out.
Meet the Expert
- Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder of Stryke Club, a line of acne-treating skincare for teens.
- Claire Wolinsky, MD, is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation.
What to Look for in a Drugstore Night Cream
Moisturizing Ingredients
The main purpose of any type of face cream is to moisturize the skin, though, as Dr. Wolinsky notes, night creams are often richer than their daytime counterparts. With this in mind, you'll want to look out for formulas containing natural butters like shea, cocoa, or mango seed, along with plant oils, such as avocado, jojoba, squalane, castor, coconut, olive, and sunflower seed.
Additionally, humectants can help your skin retain moisture. A few of the most common include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, aloe vera, fatty acids, panthenol (vitamin B5), and vitamin E.
Anti-Aging Ingredients
Dr. Wolinsky tells Byrdie that overnight formulas often "contain important ingredients that work best at night, such as retinol, which can be deactivated by the sun." In addition to this vitamin A derivative, you're wise to look out for drugstore moisturizers containing niacinamide (vitamin B3) and peptides, all of which smooth the skin and help boost collagen production.
Fragrance-Free Formula
Dr. Maguiness recommends unscented formulas to avoid irritation, as some folks are sensitive or even allergic to synthetic fragrance (aka parfum) in skincare products. Added fragrance is generally unnecessary in night creams, and if you have sensitive skin, the last thing you want to do is introduce a potentially reactive substance.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and copyeditor specializing in beauty, lifestyle, and wellness. She interviewed two dermatologists for this story, asking for product suggestions and insight into which ingredients are best for nighttime use. She also referenced several peer-reviewed publications and researched various formulations. As a skincare enthusiast, Theresa has tried a handful of products on this list, including La Roche Posay, Olay, Etude House, CeraVe, Cetaphil, and RoC.
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