So you’ve already got your skincare routine down pat, but did you include night creams as well? You’re probably thinking, great, just another product I don’t need. Not to sound too tita, but a night cream is good if you want to prevent premature skin aging.
You know what they say; prevention is better than cure. What better way to ensure you get youthful and plump skin than a night cream? With some advice from dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison, we’ve prepared a buying guide to serve as a little cheat sheet to acquaint you with night creams as well as our recommended products!
Quick List - Top Night Creams
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
From its namesake, it is a cream for nighttime use. They say that nighttime is where your skin gets maximum rest, so it is all the more ideal to apply skincare to allow your skin to soak in the product. It can contain ingredients not ideal for day use such as retinol, which can cause your skin to get sun damage.
The main difference between day and night cream is the lack of SPF. Day creams are geared to protect you from UV rays and the environment, and are much lighter in consistency, while night creams are heavier and aims to replace the loss of moisture during the day.
Night creams are often thought to be for those with mature skin, but it doesn’t hurt to start prevention early. It is useful for repairing your skin, boosting collagen production, and preventing signs of aging, so you can wake up to plumper, more moisturized skin.
Night creams are moisturizers that are applied at night to prevent transepidermal water loss from your skin. They contain emollients, humectants, and occlusives. They may also contain actives such as retinoids that target specific skin concerns like fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
To keep your skin moisturized while you sleep, it is good to incorporate a night cream into your skincare routine. Of course, there are a lot of factors to consider before getting a night cream. To know more about these factors, read through our buying guide below.
A night cream is excellent for restoring moisture that may have been lost during the day due to sun exposure or pollution. That is why you have to look for moisturizing ingredients to help hydrate your skin.
Ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and shea butter help hydrate your skin and allow it to retain moisture better. This is because your skin tends to produce less sebum at night, making you more susceptible to losing hydration.
Night creams should have the right balance of occlusives, humectants, and emollients. Humectants such as glycerin attract and bind water. They also aid in skin barrier recovery. Occlusives effectively seal moisture in the skin such as dimethicones and shea butter.
Emollients are used for their ability to soften and smoothen the skin and impart a silky feel. Examples are low molecular weight hydrocarbons and dimethicones, cetyl or Cetearyl alcohol, cetylcaprylic/ capric triglyceride, grapeseed oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil.
Different skin types have different concerns, just because one product worked for your friend, does not mean it will work the same for you. Check your skin type to see what works best for you.
Even if you have oily skin, it is still important for you to moisturize. Not moisturizing your skin can actually make it oilier because your skin will produce more sebum to make up for the lack of hydration.
Water-based and oil-free products help moisturize skin without the added layer of grease, so you don’t wake up looking shiny. Check the product; make sure it contains ingredients beneficial for oily skin such as tea tree and salicylic acid, which helps regulate your skin’s oiliness.
Night creams in gel format are water-based, and they do not impart a greasy feeling so they are ideal for oily skin. Newer gel formulations may contain the humectant glycerin, the emollient dimethicone, or hyaluronic acid to aid in skin hydration.
An emulsion format can also be used because it spreads very easily, is water washable and less greasy. Emulsions contain humectants such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or polyethylene glycol (PEG) to prevent the product from drying out.
A night cream is ideal if you have dry skin, as it is more susceptible to signs of skin aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. It can provide that much-needed moisture for your skin and keep it hydrated, so you'd wake up with plump and younger-looking skin.
Look for hydrating ingredients such as coconut or almond oil, hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, and peptides to boost collagen production and prevent premature aging.
Dry skin types would benefit more from night creams with emollients like ceramides and humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Cream types are also less greasy, spread easily on the skin, and provide a protective film of oil that remains on the skin as an emollient, while the slow evaporation of the water phase provides a cooling effect. Look for ingredients that help with repairing the skin barrier such as ceramides, squalane, fatty acids, and niacinamide.
Those with sensitive skin will benefit more from night creams that do not contain fragrances, as it is a potential skin irritant, especially if it is synthetic.
Your skin will benefit more form lightweight and hypoallergenic formulas that do not contain parabens, phthalates, or mineral oil, as these can cause itchiness and redness to your skin.
For sensitive skin, fragrance-free formulations are recommended to decrease the chances of skin irritation. Ceramides, squalane, fatty acids, niacinamide can help in maintaining the skin barrier while allantoin, Centella Asiatica, and green tea extract have soothing properties that are beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid can also be helpful because of their antioxidant as well as humectant properties.
Night cream is ideal for restoring moisture into aging skin, so it looks plumper and smoother. You can also benefit from richer and thicker creams to ensure the product seeps into your skin.
Look for anti-aging ingredients such as retinol, vitamin B5, and E to reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep skin soft, smooth, and healthy. Peptides are also beneficial as it increases the elasticity of the skin.
Mature skin types would benefit from night creams containing retinoids (retinol or retinal) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for antiaging, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide can also help in repairing the skin barrier and in hyperpigmentation. Peptides have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can also help in improving skin texture.
Try to look for products that are non-comedogenic to avoid clogging your pores, which can cause breakouts, uneven skin tone, and rough texture. This is especially helpful if you have oily skin as it could make your face greasier.
Choosing a night cream should be based on your particular skin type and skin concerns. In general lighter formulations are more suitable for oily skin, fragrance-free formulations are for sensitive skin, and richer formulations are more appropriate for dry skin.
Mature skin types would benefit from night creams if these have actives like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, niacinamide, and peptides. It can sometimes take a lot of trial and error to choose the right night cream so it's best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance in your skincare regimen.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skin Type | Key Ingredients | Highlights | Net Weight | |||||
1 | CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | ![]() | Oil-Free Moisturizer to Avoid Clogging Your Pores | Dry, Normal Skin Types | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide | MVE Technology - Hydration for 24 H | 89 mL | |
2 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | ![]() | Your Introductory Product to Night Creams | Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily Skin Types | Hyaluronic Acid, Electrolytes, Amino Acids | With Natural Moisturizing Factor Complex (NMF) | 50 mL | |
3 | Cetaphil Rich Night Cream | ![]() | Hypoallergenic Night Cream for Sensitive Skin | Dry, Normal, Sensitive Skin Types | Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olea europaea Fruit Oil, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Linoleic Acid, Marrubium Vulgare Extract | Non-comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-free | 48 mL | |
4 | Olay Total Effects 7 Benefits Night Cream | ![]() | Fights Off Aging While You Sleep | unknown | Niacinamide, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, BHT, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein | Anti-Aging Complex | 50 mL | |
5 | La Mer Crème de la Mer | ![]() | Rich Cream for Intense Hydration | All Skin Types | Miracle Broth, Lime Tea | Miracle Broth | 60 mL | |
6 | L'oreal Revitalift Anti-Aging Night Cream | ![]() | Say Goodbye to Skin Sagging With DermaLift | All Skin Types | Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid | Revitalift Triple Action | 50 mL | |
7 | It Cosmetics Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep Night Cream | ![]() | Gets Fully Absorbed to Help You Wake Up to Younger-looking Skin | Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive Skin Types | Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Adenosine, Hyaluronic acid | Memorybounce Technology | 60 mL | |
8 | Laneige Water Sleeping Mask | ![]() | For Skin That's Glassy and Not Oily | Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination Skin Types | Squalane, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Tranexamic Acid, Tocopherol, Malachite Extract, Acorus gramineus Extract | Sleeping Microbiome | 70 mL | |
9 | Céleteque Advanced Anti-Aging Rejuvenating Night Cream | ![]() | Lightweight Night Cream for Skin Cell Longevity | Dry Skin Type | Tocopheryl Acetate, Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Extract, Laminaria Digitata (Oarweed) Extract, Diatomaceous Earth, Sodium Hyaluronate | PhytoCellTec, Aqua-Shuttle Technology | 50 mL | |
10 | COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream | ![]() | A Soothing Moisturizer for Improved Skin Texture | All Skin Types | Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Allantoin | 92% Snail Secretion Filtrate | 100 mL |
Want to moisturize your skin but scared of clogging your pores? CeraVe’s facial lotion has an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula, so you can hydrate your skin without the fear of waking up to greasy skin or breaking out. It has an MVE technology that continuously releases moisturizing ingredients for 24-hour hydration.
This cream diligently hydrates and soothes the skin - restoring its natural barrier while you sleep. It contains niacinamide and ceramides, which repair your skin's barrier while improving its appearance. Plus, it has hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture in your skin. Another thing that many buyers love about it is its rich formula that remains lightweight and doesn’t feel suffocating.
Skin Type | Dry, Normal Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide |
Highlights | MVE Technology - Hydration for 24 H |
Net Weight | 89 mL |
Neutrogena’s water gel is ideal as a gateway product if you’re not quite prepared to take the plunge into night creams, as it can be used both during the day and at night. It is oil-free, which makes it lightweight and ideal for our hot weather. It's alcohol-free as well, so your skin won’t get dried out in the long run.
Moreover, it is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which is known for its ability to attract moisture to keep the skin hydrated. It also contains glycerin, which is helpful in sealing moisture into your skin and giving it a healthy glow. Plus, its gel formula quickly absorbs into your skin, making it ideal if you need an instant dose of hydration.
Skin Type | Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Electrolytes, Amino Acids |
Highlights | With Natural Moisturizing Factor Complex (NMF) |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Cetaphil is known for its gentle products, so this is an ideal night cream if you have a sensitive skin type. This cream aims to retain your skin’s natural moisture to prevent it from becoming dried out. It also soothes it in the process, so you can wake up to hydrated skin.
It contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant capable of retaining 1000x its weight in water, making it ideal if you have really dry skin. It is also formulated with a pro-vitamin complex, such as vitamins C and E, which are antioxidants that protect your skin against free radicals.
Skin Type | Dry, Normal, Sensitive Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olea europaea Fruit Oil, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Linoleic Acid, Marrubium Vulgare Extract |
Highlights | Non-comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-free |
Net Weight | 48 mL |
Some of its main ingredients are antioxidants that improve skin texture and appearance to fight off aging. What's even greater is that despite its jam-packed benefits, it is not heavy on the skin and is still comfortable to wear. Customers also rave about its formula, noting that it is non-greasy and absorbs easily into the skin.
Skin Type | unknown |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, BHT, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein |
Highlights | Anti-Aging Complex |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
If you want heavy-duty hydration, look no further than La Mer’s moisturizing cream. It is described as a luxuriously rich cream that provides deep soothing moisture suitable for both day and night. This product can visibly smoothen lines and wrinkles and make the skin feel supple, smooth, and soft to the touch.
It is formulated with a blend of plant extracts such as their own miracle broth that contains algae, an antioxidant with anti-aging properties that prevent the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. But keep in mind that it is a very thick cream, so you may have to warm it up in your hands before applying it to your face.
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Miracle Broth, Lime Tea |
Highlights | Miracle Broth |
Net Weight | 60 mL |
If you're struggling with signs of skin aging, this product by L'Oreal is a good addition to your skincare routine. It is ideal if you want your face to get that lifted effect, as it is enriched with Revitalift Triple Action, which is specifically created to help tighten the skin and address any sagging concerns.
Moreover, this product is formulated to stimulate your skin’s regeneration at night, courtesy of its ingredients. It also contains pro-xylene, which keeps the skin elastic, and LHA, which has skin-brightening and exfoliating effects. This is a good pick if you have mature skin that needs potent nourishing and firming benefits.
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid |
Highlights | Revitalift Triple Action |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Do you dread doing skincare because it will just end up on your pillow? Worry no more about that with this night cream! It is formulated with a memory bounce technology to ensure it works on your skin, and not on your pillow. It also features a rest and restore technology that visibly improves the top 5 signs of skin aging after just one sleep.
This product has a hydrating formula that is infused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. After 7 nights of sleep, it also claims to diminish fine lines and make your skin feel firmer and look plumper. Efficacy aside, what many reviewers love about this is its formula that's scented with lavender to provide a soothing effect and its ability to work on all skin types.
Skin Type | Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Adenosine, Hyaluronic acid |
Highlights | Memorybounce Technology |
Net Weight | 60 mL |
Since its introduction to the public, Laneige’s sleeping mask has become a cult favorite for its ability to provide intense hydration to your skin without the added feeling of heaviness. This is especially beneficial in our humid weather, where products can feel sticky on your skin instead of providing relief.
It has a gel-like consistency, which makes it more lightweight and non-sticky than traditional creams, though you have to rinse it in the morning. Its ingredients also help balance the skin's microbiome and protect it against environmental stressors, turning your skin smooth and bright the next morning.
Skin Type | Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Squalane, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Tranexamic Acid, Tocopherol, Malachite Extract, Acorus gramineus Extract |
Highlights | Sleeping Microbiome |
Net Weight | 70 mL |
Skin Type | Dry Skin Type |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Tocopheryl Acetate, Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Extract, Laminaria Digitata (Oarweed) Extract, Diatomaceous Earth, Sodium Hyaluronate |
Highlights | PhytoCellTec, Aqua-Shuttle Technology |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Popular in Korean skincare, snail mucin soothes dry, red, and sensitive skin with its natural moisturizing properties. It also strengthens the skin's barrier, preventing moisture loss and improving elasticity. This cream harnesses the power of snail mucin without the greasiness, making it comfortable for daily use even in the Philippines' hot climate.
Aside from snail mucin, this cream contains allantoin and hyaluronic acid, which lock in moisture in the skin. Its effectiveness extends beyond dry skin, making it perfect for combination skin as well. With its power to hydrate and prevent dryness, it's no wonder thousands of users have left 5-star reviews for this product!
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Allantoin |
Highlights | 92% Snail Secretion Filtrate |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Meg Sison.
It depends on how thick or thin the consistency of the night cream is. If it has a thick consistency, usually a pea-sized amount is enough, but if it has a thin consistency, you can apply an amount the size of a one peso coin. You can also apply more if you feel that this amount is not enough for you.
Yes, you can use a night cream every night after cleansing the face and neck.
Yes, you can use it during the day as long as it does not have any form of retinoid.
It’s the start of the “ber” months, and you know that means the weather is going to be cold soon. Prevent your face from looking dry and flaky and look glowing come Christmas time.
Author: Justine Cuizon
Re-editor: Valerie Lagura
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: CeraVe|PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
No. 2: Neutrogena|Hydro Boost Water Gel
No. 3: Cetaphil|Rich Night Cream
No. 4: Olay|Total Effects 7 Benefits Night Cream
No. 5: La Mer|Crème de la Mer
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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