Do you ever wake up with your face feeling dry and dull? You'd think that maybe it's just the lack of sleep or that your room is just not humid enough, but those may not be the only reasons. Maybe you didn't get the right beauty sleep—which you can achieve by adding a whitening night cream to your evening skincare routine!
In this article, we will help you choose the appropriate whitening night cream for your skin with our buying guide containing tips and insights from Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, as well as a list of the best products you can try. Get ready to wake up to beautifully bright skin with our recommendations below!
Quick List - Top Whitening Night Creams
Belo
Get Whiter Skin With This Powerful, Dermatologist-Tested Night Cream
Andalou Naturals
Prevents the Formation of Wrinkles and Fine Lines to Reveal Younger-Looking Skin
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
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.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
There are many cosmetic products that offer skin whitening benefits out there, but don't get tricked! Some of them may contain chemicals that can cause irritation or other negative effects on your skin. That said, it is important to know what ingredients are safe to use when whitening your skin.
Niacinamide and kojic acid are among the most commonly used ingredients for whitening. Kojic acid limits the production of melanin, giving you lighter skin. However, it may cause redness or skin irritation to individuals with sensitive skin.
On the other hand, niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is the safer option. Along with its many benefits, such as reducing wrinkles and providing hydration, it can also fade dark spots for brighter and lighter skin. Moreover, niacinamide is safe for daily use.
If your skin concern is brightening and/or lightening, niacinamide is a good choice as it not only helps reduce pigmentation, but it also hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier.
Contrary to popular belief, glutathione is a safe whitening agent that can give many benefits to the skin. Aside from whitening, it also serves as an antioxidant to protect your skin from external stressors. It works even better when paired with other whitening ingredients such as kojic acid.
Fun fact: Did you know that glutathione as a lightening agent was discovered by accident when cancer patients were being treated with glutathione to reduce the side effects of their chemotherapy? Its safety as a lightening agent, however, is still inconclusive as more studies are needed.
This whitening ingredient may be labeled as an acid, but it definitely isn’t a harsh one! It is found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye that help treat acne and other inflammatory diseases such as rosacea. Of course, it also works best in evening out your skin tone.
Azelaic acid is a multifunctional product that is anti-acne, anti-pigment, and even antimicrobial. One of its pluses is it's safe in pregnancy too! (Be sure to check in with your dermatologist or ob-gyn before adding it to your routine!)
Night creams may generally indicate that they work best for whitening skin while you sleep, but there are many products out there that have anti-aging and antioxidant properties as well. Watching out for these other benefits can help you get your money’s worth, and maybe even more.
When it comes to cosmetic products, most people look for ones with anti-aging properties. That's because as we grow older, wrinkles and fine lines may appear on the face. To combat this, use a night cream that not only whitens but also gives you younger-looking skin.
Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is an example of an ingredient found in night creams that repairs skin, reducing the risk of fine lines and wrinkles. Dermatologists recommend using products with retinol during your mid to late-20s, which is when collagen production starts to slow down.
Your skin can be easily damaged when you frequently go outside and get exposed to UV rays. To protect your skin cells from damage, look for antioxidants in your whitening cream. The best example of this is vitamin C, which removes free radicals from your skin. It can also stimulate collagen production, which adds more protection to your skin.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown that when paired with sunscreen, it boosts UV protection. Remember, though, that vitamin C is not a replacement for that sunscreen!
Our skin can sometimes be sensitive to cosmetic products which contain harsh chemicals, such as parabens, formaldehyde, and sulfates. These ingredients can cause breakouts or, in worst cases, irritation. With that in mind, getting a gentle whitening night cream is the safest option.
Some gentle creams contain plant extracts like aloe vera, wild rose, and cucumber that soothe the skin while hydrating it. In addition, you can also check the product’s label to see if it is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free to ensure that it will not harm your skin.
For those with sensitive skin, patch testing is something you wouldn't want to skip.
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening ingredient that prevents hyperpigmentation. Though it can reduce dark spots and freckles, it can potentially harm your skin. It is a strong ingredient, which may cause unnecessary lightening on perfectly fine parts of your skin. To be safe from harmful side effects, alternatives such as those mentioned above, niacinamide and kojic acid, would be preferable.
Hydroquinone is one of the holy grails for hyperpigmentation. But it is a prescription medication that needs close guidance from a dermatologist because of its potential side effects. Not to worry though, there are many great alternatives to it such as niacinamide, kojic acid, and arbutin, amongst others.
People have different skin types, therefore, products that can be used and work best for your skin may vary. One thing to consider is choosing the right consistency for your skin type. Depending on the whitening night cream you use, your skin may feel light or heavy, or even dry or dewy.
Moisture is a must when you have dry skin. If you have this skin type, look for a night cream with a creamier consistency. It might be quite heavy and difficult to mix with other products, but a night cream with this consistency will sit well on your skin and hydrate it while you sleep.
Dry skin means that your skin may lack oil. Thus, adding a night cream with moisturizing ingredients may do the trick. Ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides are some options. As for the formulation, lotions or creams are better suited for this skin type.
If you have oily skin, you're probably prone to acne breakouts. To get that dewy-looking, acne-free skin, night creams with lighter formulas are the way to go. Gel-like night creams with ingredients such as salicylic, glycolic, and azelaic acid can control oil production, making your skin feel less oily.
For those with an oily skin type, lotions or creams may be too heavy and/or greasy for their liking. Thus, a gel-type product may be a better-suited choice.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Belo Night Therapy Whitening Vitamin Cream | ![]() | Get Whiter Skin With This Powerful, Dermatologist-Tested Night Cream | |
2 | Garnier Bright Complete Brightening Night Cream | ![]() | Brighten and Protect Your Skin With Vitamin C | |
3 | Andalou Naturals Brightening Luminous Night Cream | ![]() | Prevents the Formation of Wrinkles and Fine Lines to Reveal Younger-Looking Skin | |
4 | Cetaphil Brightening Night Comfort Cream | ![]() | Brighten Your Skin Without Damaging Its Barrier | |
5 | Acure Brightening Night Cream | ![]() | 100% Vegan and Free From Harmful Chemicals | |
6 | Olay White Radiance Light Perfecting Night Cream | ![]() | Helps You Achieve a Radiant Glow | |
7 | Pond's Flawless Radiance Derma+ Night Cream | ![]() | Promises to Give You Flawless and Radiant Skin | |
8 | Neutrogena Bright Boost Overnight Brightening Cream | ![]() | Improves Uneven Complexion and Has Hydrating Properties | |
9 | iWhite Korea Rose Whitening Night Cream | ![]() | Achieve K-beauty Skin With Rose Water | |
10 | Bellic Brightening Night Cream | ![]() | Gives You Smoother, Well-Nourished Skin |
With a combination of great whitening ingredients such as glutathione, kojic acid, and niacinamide, this night cream guarantees whiter and well-moisturized skin after regular use. The best thing here is that it promises to give you lighter skin in just seven days!
It's also expertly formulated, so you wouldn't have to worry about irritation. Furthermore, it is hypoallergenic and has antioxidants such as fruit extracts that prevent the formation of free radicals. Hence, it can protect your skin from damage.
It is nutrient-rich, thus, it will restore your skin as you sleep. Last but not least, it also contains pentavitin and other skin vitamins to keep the skin plump and moisturized. For a brighter and whiter complexion, get this highly rated product from a trusted skincare brand!
Vitamin C is the most sought-out ingredient in skincare products, and Garnier's night cream can give you just that! This product helps lighten dark spots and acne marks, giving you even-toned skin. Plus, it contains lemon and yogurt extracts and a WhiteSpeed serum to increase its whitening action.
With the addition of niacinamide, this night cream can also nourish and repair your skin while you sleep. Moreover, because of its lightweight consistency, you can comfortably sleep without it feeling heavy on your skin. The best part is that it's suitable for all skin types, so anyone can use this to get a glowing complexion!
Wrinkles and fine lines commonly appear when we get older, but you can combat them with Andalou Naturals' night cream! This product makes the best use of nature's whitening and antioxidizing agents to give you younger-looking skin.
But wait, there's more! Its key ingredients, vitamin C and purple carrot, work on repairing over-exposed surface cells so that your skin transforms into a lighter, tighter, and brighter-looking with a luminous complexion.
If you have sensitive skin, Cetaphil's Brightening Night Comfort Cream is a gentle way to brighten and even out your skin tone. It contains niacinamide and sea daffodil extract to help fade dark spots. Plus, it hydrates overnight, so you wake up with soft, refreshed skin.
This cream even strengthens the skin barrier to prevent dryness and irritation. It’s also fragrance- and alcohol-free, making it gentle on all skin types. Reviews praise its non-greasy feel and visible brightening effects, giving users a radiant complexion in just four weeks!
This brightening night cream from Acure is all-natural, so it is free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, petrolatum, and formaldehyde. Its main ingredients include chlorella, echinacea, and argan oil, all of which are plant-derived. With these, you get well-moisturized, whiter, and healthier skin.
Because of its 100% vegan ingredients, this product is lightweight, so you don't have to worry about it feeling sticky on your skin. Not only that, but it's also very gentle on the skin, therefore, it's suitable for all skin types. Plus, it comes in a squeeze tube, which makes it easier to apply the product.
This night cream does not only whiten but also promises to improve the skin's renewal process as you sleep. With its niacinamide content and Olay's Cellucent Complex II formula, you're guaranteed to get a clearer and lighter complexion, especially when you use the product consistently.
Another noteworthy feature is its hydrating property, which gives you a dewy look. It is infused with Anastatica to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. In addition, it has a non-greasy formula that is easily absorbed by the skin.
You don't need to go to the dermatologist to get whiter skin because Pond's night cream has got you covered! With regular use, this product can give you blemish-free and radiant skin, just like your favorite celeb! It also has niacinamide and glutathione that can help even out your complexion.
Moreover, it is clinically proven to tighten your pores and prevent acne breakouts. Plus, it is infused with Pond's "DermPerfect" serum formula that helps you achieve poreless, spotless, and glowing skin. Thanks to this night cream, you can wake up with brighter, softer, and more nourished skin.
With neoglucosamine and recytein in its list of ingredients, this night cream promises to work overnight to brighten the skin and restore moisture, as well as even out the skin tone. It is dermatologically approved, so it's clinically proven to work on all skin tones.
It also contains citrus lemon peel extracts that are rich in vitamin C, which have antioxidant properties. It may be one of those that are on the pricier side, but this night cream is guaranteed oil and alcohol-free, making it gentle enough for everyday use.
Formulated with rose flower water, bamboo sap extract, and niacinamide, this product by iWhite Korea assures that you achieve kutis-Koreana skin! While the rose water and bamboo sap extract moisturize the skin, its niacinamide components work on whitening it.
Moreover, this whitening night cream has fast-absorbing botanical oils which would easily seep through your skin. It is also infused with a patented herbal mix that gives you a more youthful appearance. With White Korea's Rose Whitening Night Cream, you can guarantee a dewy, healthier-looking complexion!
Infused with daisy flower extract, this hypoallergenic whitening night cream from the local brand Bellic promises to give you moisturized and softened skin, all while lightening it. It also contains vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, to enhance its lightening action.
This product is mainly composed of natural ingredients such as fruit acids from citrus, apples, and sugarcane, vitamin E, and avocado extract—all serving as antioxidants and hydrating agents that are great for your skin. Furthermore, this product is the cheapest one on this list, so if you're on a budget, consider trying this one!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz.
Night creams tend to be heavier and may contain photo-unstable ingredients, while day creams typically are lightweight (allowing ease of application of makeup after) and have SPF incorporated. If you want to know if they can be used interchangeably, it is best to turn the product and check the ingredient list! For instance, if it contains retinoids, best to stick to using it at night.
This depends. It depends on the skin type, skin concern, and of course, the ingredient and its potency. Best to consult your dermatologist for this one for maximum benefits without the side effects.
Yes, it's possible to layer other products with a night cream. The key is just knowing the right order (from thinnest to thickest) to prevent pilling.
This depends on the ingredient incorporated into it. In general, there should be no problem in applying it in the morning if warranted and of course if your skin can tolerate it too!
Whitening night creams may offer great benefits for your skin, but you'd also need other products to achieve a perfectly smooth and bright complexion. Check out these links to bring your skincare routine to the next level!
Author: Maureen Kate Basa
Editor: Aprille Jarcia
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: Belo|Night Therapy Whitening Vitamin Cream
No. 2: Garnier|Bright Complete Brightening Night Cream
No. 3: Andalou Naturals|Brightening Luminous Night Cream
No. 4: Cetaphil|Brightening Night Comfort Cream
No. 5: Acure|Brightening Night Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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