Branded content. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services.
Your skin regenerates as you sleep, working to repair damage and refresh the complexion so that it’s ready to take on the day. In order to give it the support that it needs during this phase, you need to use a quality moisturizer that enhances overall skin health, while plumping the skin with moisture. In order to help you find your perfect match, we’ve created this year’s ultimate guide to the 23 best night face moisturizers.
Regardless of skin type, or the specific concerns you’re looking to tackle, you’ll find an option that will fit seamlessly into your routine.
Night vs. Day Moisturizers: What’s the Difference?
The line between what makes a moisturizer a daytime or nighttime product is a bit blurred, but there are some differences between the two. A day moisturizer will typically have a lighter consistency, and may contain SPF to help protect the skin against UV rays. On the other hand, night moisturizers typically have richer formulas. They may also contain potent concentrations of more active ingredients (such as retinol or glycolic acid), to target specific concerns.
Ultimately, there are many moisturizers that you can use both in the morning and evening, even if marketing says they are best used during a certain time of the day (with one exception being SPF moisturizers, which should only be used in the morning). For many who take a more minimalist approach to their skincare routine, having just one product to use both day and night is ideal. While some of the options recommended below may be too rich for daytime use (especially for those with combination or oily skin), there are many that can easily transition from morning to night. Keep in mind, however, that some night moisturizers may have active ingredients that should only be used in the evening. For example, retinol (which is frequently used in anti-aging moisturizers) degrades when exposed to UV rays, and also increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. With this in mind, you’ll want to reserve these types of formulas for nighttime use.
Now, let’s go over our recommendations for the best night face moisturizers in 2023.
-
Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer
Our top recommendation for anyone looking for a moisturizer that works well both in the morning and at night is Blu Atlas’s Face Moisturizer. The nourishing, ultra-hydrating moisturizer is packed with powerful ingredients that banish dullness and fight signs of aging as you rest. It also has vegan, cruelty-free and clean formula that is free of synthetic fragrances, parabens or phthalates. One of the key active ingredients in this formula is ascorbic acid, which is a stable and highly effective form of vitamin C. It boosts radiance and provides antioxidant benefits, and at the same time stimulates collagen production for a more youthful complexion. The vitamin C is joined by seaweed extract, an antioxidant-rich ingredient that brightens and moisturizes the skin. Additionally, the formula is infused with moringa oil and mango seed butter. These nutrient-dense ingredients strengthen and nourish the skin while further moisturizing.
-
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream
If you’re on the hunt for a night moisturizer that will tackle dullness, dark spots and texture as you sleep, you’ll want to look at the Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream from Caudalie. Using the power of three different exfoliants, this powerful cream helps you achieve a smooth and even-toned complexion overnight. The star exfoliant in this formula is glycolic acid, which works alongside papaya enzymes and the company’s proprietary grapevine stalk sap. Together, these exfoliants quickly fade discoloration (such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and sun spots), while at the same time addressing textural issues. Additionally, this vegan and cruelty-free formula is crafted with shea butter, squalane and glycerin. These ingredients ensure the skin is soft, supple and optimally hydrated when you wake up.
-
EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
EltaMD may be best known for its cult-favorite sunscreens, but we’re equally as impressed by the company’s PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer. It’s the ideal choice for anyone who already uses potent treatments (such as retinoids or exfoliants) in their routine who is looking for a gentle night moisturizer to layer on top. The oil-free, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formula is designed to repair and restore the barrier, and is even mild enough for sensitive skin. This EltaMD moisturizer is infused with a ceramide and peptide blend that works to soften signs of aging and support the barrier. It also contains anti-inflammatory niacinamide, which soothes the skin, as well as hydrolyzed rice protein, which stimulates collagen formation and cell growth to improve elasticity. The PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer also contains antioxidants to effectively defend against free radical damage. Hyaluronic acid also works to hold moisture to the skin, minimizing flaking and boosting suppleness in the process.
-
Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide Cream
Another gentle yet high-performance night cream that we love is the Advanced Night Ceramide Cream from Medik8. This moisturizer plumps the skin with moisture while supporting barrier health, and has been proven to soften the appearance of fine lines in wrinkles in just seven days. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, and made without artificial fragrances, synthetic colors, parabens or phthalates. This Medik8 cream is formulated with a multi-ceramide complex. This complex restores the barrier, while locking moisture into the skin. It’s joined by an antioxidant complex that combines saskatoon berry and dragon fruit extracts with a powerful peptide. This complex is designed to enhance the skin’s overnight rejuvenation process. A final ingredient worth highlighting is n-acetyl glucosamine, which leaves the skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
-
Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask
If your skin is begging for an extra dose of hydration, we highly recommend checking out this moisturizer from Belif. It’s designed to restore dry and dull skin, promoting a glowing complexion with a soft and supple look and feel. This formula is also dermatologist tested, and made without fragrances or dyes. The Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask is formulated with Scottish heather. This herb has potent anti-inflammatory benefits, and works to promote a more comfortable complexion. It works alongside another herb called lady’s mantle, which moisturizes the skin. At the same time, a super hydrating blend of extracts – including oat kernel, calendula, raspberry leaf and chickweed extracts – increases hyaluronic acid in the skin for a plump, smooth and healthy complexion.
-
Drmtlgy Peptide Night Cream
Peptides have become some of the most sought-after skincare ingredients, as they help promote a younger-looking complexion. This Drmtlgy night cream uses the power of five different peptides to improve firmness and texture, while softening fine lines and wrinkles to restore a youthful glow. In addition to the peptides, this anti-aging night moisturizer features three ceramides that enhance barrier health and seal moisture into the skin. The rich and creamy formula also contains shea butter, which improves moisture levels and nourishes the skin, as well as vitamin E, a nourishing antioxidant that defends the skin against free radical damage that can contribute to signs of aging. This moisturizer is also made without oils, fragrances or parabens.
-
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream
This decadent First Aid Beauty night cream is created to plump the skin with moisture as it repairs itself overnight. The anti-aging formula works to soften and smooth while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and boosting firmness. While it’s powerful and effective, it’s still gentle enough for sensitive skin. The Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream is crafted with colloidal oatmeal, a high-performance soothing ingredient that minimizes irritation and general discomfort. It works alongside a peptide blend that smooths fine lines for a more youthful look, as well as glutaline-in-tense, which firms the skin. Sodium hyaluronate also draws moisture to the skin and seals it in, while acacia decurrens flower wax conditions the skin. We also love that this moisturizer has a clean formula, which is made without artificial fragrances, colorants, drying alcohols, parabens or phthalates. The dermatologist tested moisturizer is also vegan, cruelty-free and non-comedogenic.
-
Herbivore Moon Fruit Retinol Alternative Sleep Mask
As noted, many anti-aging night creams are made with retinol, a powerful yet aggressive ingredient that is known to cause irritation and dryness. For anyone who wants the effects of retinol without the…