




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

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.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
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 | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Hypoallergenic | Hydroquinone | Consistency | Other Benefits | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Sleeping Mask | ![]() | Overnight Vitamin Surge for Radiant Awakening | Niacinamide | Creamy | Vitamin C Provides Brightening and Overnight Repair | 50 mL | |||
2 | KOJIE SAN Dream White Anti-Aging Overnight Cream | ![]() | Brightness That Gently Fades Visible Aging Signs | Kojic Acid | Creamy | Milk Peptide Complex (MPC), Collagen, and Sodium Hyaluronate Provide Anti-Aging and Hydration | 30 g | |||
3 | LAIKOU Niacinamide Fade Spots Night Cream | ![]() | Deep Hydration to Lighten Persistent Spots | Niacinamide | Light Cream / Gel Texture | Niacinamide and Licorice for Spot Fading; HA, Shea Butter, and Trehalose for Moisturizing | 50 g | |||
4 | iWhite Korea All Night Whitening Repair Cream | ![]() | Continuous Tone Repair for Noticeable Evenness | Glutathione | Creamy | Niacinamide and Arbutin for Even Tone; Ceramide Precursors and Fatty Acids Support Barrier | 50 mL | |||
5 | Cetaphil Brightening Night Comfort Cream | ![]() | Brighten Your Skin Without Damaging Its Barrier | Niacinamide | Creamy | Sea Daffodil Extract Provides Dark Spot Reduction and Comforting Hydration | 50 g | |||
6 | L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Night Cream | ![]() | Glycolic Surge That Smooths and Illuminates | Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Glucoside | Gel | Glycolic Acid Provides Exfoliation and Overnight Glow | 50 mL | |||
7 | Pond's Age Miracle Night Cream | ![]() | Wake Up to Youthful, Radiant Skin | Niacinamide | Creamy | Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester (Peptide) for Wrinkles, Niacinamide and Vitamin C Complex Provide Luminosity | 10 g | |||
8 | iWhite Korea Whitening Sleeping Cream Mask | ![]() | Quick Brilliance From Whitening Sleep Therapy | Niacinamide, Arbutin | Creamy, Gel | Fast Whitening, Portable Mask | 6 mL | |||
9 | Bioten Skin Glow Whitening Night Cream | ![]() | Luminous Hydration Building Morning Glow | Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C), White Ten Extracts | Creamy | Niacinamide Strengthens Barrier; Silicones and Brighteners Deliver Silky Glow Effect | 50 mL | |||
10 | Watsons Collagen White Regeneration Illuminating Night Cream | ![]() | Regenerative Clarity Through Illuminating Renewal | Niacinamide | Creamy | Sr-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1 (Vegan Collagen) and Vitamin C Plus for Regeneration and Illumination | 50 mL | |||
Users report smoother skin texture upon waking. Many highlight its easy integration into nightly routines without stickiness. Visible brightness develops gradually over weeks of use. The lightweight feel makes it a preferred choice for busy evenings.
| Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Hydroquinone | |
| Consistency | Creamy |
| Other Benefits | Vitamin C Provides Brightening and Overnight Repair |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
Reviews mention:
Customers praise the affordable price and notice brighter, more even-toned skin after consistent use. Many enjoy waking up to smoother, radiant results that naturally lighten dark spots. While a few mention mild initial sensitivity, most report it is gentle for daily use with sunscreen.
| Whitening Ingredients | Kojic Acid |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Hydroquinone | |
| Consistency | Creamy |
| Other Benefits | Milk Peptide Complex (MPC), Collagen, and Sodium Hyaluronate Provide Anti-Aging and Hydration |
| Net Weight | 30 g |
Users appreciate the rich yet non-heavy texture that feels comfortable overnight. Many report visible fading of dark spots with consistent use. Most find it gentle for regular routines, especially when starting gradually with sunscreen.
| Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Hydroquinone | |
| Consistency | Light Cream / Gel Texture |
| Other Benefits | Niacinamide and Licorice for Spot Fading; HA, Shea Butter, and Trehalose for Moisturizing |
| Net Weight | 50 g |
Feedback highlight its comfortable wear through the night. Consistent hydration keeps skin smooth until morning. Many notice visibly brighter skin in the mornings. The gentle formula is appreciated for addressing daily skin concerns.
| Whitening Ingredients | Glutathione |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Hydroquinone | |
| Consistency | Creamy |
| Other Benefits | Niacinamide and Arbutin for Even Tone; Ceramide Precursors and Fatty Acids Support Barrier |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
Reviews mention:
Buyers consistently praise this night cream for leaving skin soft, hydrated, and noticeably brighter by morning. Those with sensitive or reactive skin report no irritation, and the rich texture is particularly appreciated by users with dry skin. Some with oilier skin types find the cream slightly heavy for nightly use, but overall, its gentle formula and visible brightening effects make it a favorite in evening routines.
| Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Hydroquinone | |
| Consistency | Creamy |
| Other Benefits | Sea Daffodil Extract Provides Dark Spot Reduction and Comforting Hydration |
| Net Weight | 50 g |
Reviewers love the fast-absorbing texture that feels light yet nourishing overnight. Many notice smoother, brighter skin after just one use. Most appreciate the gentle formula, even for sensitive skin when paired with sunscreen.
| Whitening Ingredients | Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Glucoside |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Hydroquinone | |
| Consistency | Gel |
| Other Benefits | Glycolic Acid Provides Exfoliation and Overnight Glow |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many praise the texture for being rich yet fast-absorbing without feeling greasy. The cream improves skin hydration and elasticity, resulting in a plumper, more youthful appearance. The fragrance may not be suitable for those prone to sensitivity or allergies.
| Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Hydroquinone | |
| Consistency | Creamy |
| Other Benefits | Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester (Peptide) for Wrinkles, Niacinamide and Vitamin C Complex Provide Luminosity |
| Net Weight | 10 g |
Customers enjoy an instant pick-me-up on tired days. The product layers effortlessly over daytime routines. The thin layer feels barely there overnight, and many highlight its speed for rushed evenings.
| Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide, Arbutin |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Hydroquinone | |
| Consistency | Creamy, Gel |
| Other Benefits | Fast Whitening, Portable Mask |
| Net Weight | 6 mL |
Buyers notice plump, hydrated skin each morning. Barrier support helps skin stay comfortable over time. The silky texture enhances the nightly routine. Consistent users report a lasting glow.
| Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C), White Ten Extracts |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Hydroquinone | |
| Consistency | Creamy |
| Other Benefits | Niacinamide Strengthens Barrier; Silicones and Brighteners Deliver Silky Glow Effect |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
Users notice renewed vigor each morning. A clearer complexion develops gradually over time. The breathable cream works well for warm nights. Many feel revitalized after weeks of consistent use.
| Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Hydroquinone | |
| Consistency | Creamy |
| Other Benefits | Sr-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1 (Vegan Collagen) and Vitamin C Plus for Regeneration and Illumination |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
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: Garnier| Bright Complete Vitamin C Sleeping Mask
No. 2: KOJIE SAN|Dream White Anti-Aging Overnight Cream
No. 3: LAIKOU|Niacinamide Fade Spots Night Cream
No. 4: iWhite Korea|All Night Whitening Repair Cream
No. 5: Cetaphil|Brightening Night Comfort Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.




























