All women want pretty much the same thing for their faces: smooth, glowing, flawless skin. Many women swear by night cream as a part of their daily beauty regimen. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 10 best drugstore night creams.
Almost every night cream will promise some of the same things: reduce fine lines and wrinkles, erase age spots, and hydrate all in a smooth, non-greasy feeling lotion; however, not all night creams are the same. Night creams can be an investment.
They can be a bit pricey and often last a long time, so it’s beneficial to know in advance which night creams are nearly magical and which ones are just over-priced lotions.
Not only did we look at ingredients and what the product promised, but more importantly, we looked at what others were saying about the product. Let’s dive right in to our list of the 10 best drugstore night creams.
Table of Contents
1. Pure Biology Anti-Aging Night Cream
Coming in at #1 is Pure Biology’s Enhanced Night Cream. What makes this night cream so amazing is that it contains 8% pure retinol. Retinol is basically Vitamin A, and it’s one of the most marvelous ingredients for skin rejuvenation.
When applied to the skin, it encourages new skin cell turnover. Dead, dry skin will disappear and new, smooth skin will take its place. It also stimulates collagen production. Collagen is a protein in our skin that helps it maintain its firmness.
As we get older (and by older, I mean starting at age 35!), collagen decreases and we start to get wrinkles and fine lines; increased collagen production reduces the lines and wrinkles.
Retinol also does wonders for reducing the visibility of sun and age spots. It’s even been known to help clear up acne.
This particular night cream also has many great ingredients like Vitamins B5 and E, but one of the more unique ingredients in Pure Biology’s night cream is Boabab Tein.
Boabab is a type of tree found in Africa, and it has a fruit that dries on the branch. The inside of the fruit contains a powder which Boabab Tein is derived from. It produces a natural oil that makes an excellent skin moisturizer. It relieves itchy, dry skin and is great for those with eczema.
Customers who have used the product have raved about its feel; it’s not too thick or too thin. It absorbs well and is great for all skin types. It’s not greasy or pore-clogging, so it works great for oily skin.
It also moisturizes dry skin very well, and it’s suitable for all ethnicities. Those who have used the product have noted fewer fine lines and wrinkles in as little as one week of use.
While Pure Biology’s night cream is non-toxic, some have noted that it burned or damaged their skin. This is likely due to the retinol. Retinol is an active ingredient and can cause redness and even a burning feeling. This can be especially true if you have sensitive skin.
If this is the case, try using a very small amount every other day to build up tolerance. It’s also advised that you don’t use a product containing retinol after a warm shower, as that can cause more irritation.
Benefits:
- Contains 8% pure retinol
- Works on all skin types
- Increases collagen production
- Moisturizes with Boabab Tein
2. e.raorganics Natural Face Moisturizer Cream
E.raorganics Natural Face Moisturizer Cream is a top choice because it’s mostly organic, it’s vegan-friendly, and it’s chock-full of amazing natural ingredients. This product is a great someone who is trying a night cream for the first-time because it has a 100% 60-day money back guarantee.
The company states it’s hypoallergenic and great for all skin types. It’s even safe for people with eczema, psoriasis, roseola, or dermatitis.
Some of these great ingredients include: organic aloe vera, Manuka honey, MSM, coconut oil, shea butter, blue green algae, olive oil, cocoa butter, and hemp seed oil. Some of these ingredients may look familiar and some may not.
Manuka honey comes from bees that pollinate the Manuka bush in New Zealand. The honey is used for many different purposes, including skin care. It’s said that it treats infections, so it may heal acne and keep acne bacteria from coming back. It may also reduce itching and redness caused from eczema or psoriasis.
MSM is naturally occurring sulfur found in our bodies. It can assist the collagen in our skin, smoothing lines and wrinkles. It can also brighten your skin.
Blue-green algae might sound like a strange ingredient, but it’s actually great for cleansing, helping your skin retain moisture, healing problem areas, and eliminating free radicals.
One thing to note about this product is that it contains coconut oil. Coconut oil is great because it softens skin and provides a protective shield. Because of this, it may work great for those with eczema or psoriasis.
For some people, however, coconut oil shouldn’t be used. If you have larger pores, extremely oily skin, or struggle with acne, coconut oil can actually clog your pores and worsen your condition.
Hemp seed oil is a great ingredient for dry and itchy skin as it relieves both of them. It helps improve the condition of the skin’s outer layer and makes it more water resistant.
The rest of the ingredients just add to the product’s ability to moisturize, increase collagen production, lighten blemishes, and protect the skin.
The only complaint people seemed to have about this product is the smell, which likely comes from the organic ingredients; however, the smell does go away after it’s rubbed into the skin, and the cream absorbs nicely into the skin.
Each application is supposed to keep doing its magic for 8-12 hours.
Benefits:
- Organic ingredients
- Great for oily or dry skin
- A little goes a long way
- 100% guaranteed 60-day money back guarantee
3. Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Restorative Facial Anti-Aging Night Cream
If you’re going to slather your skin with something and leave it on overnight, you definitely want to check out this Aveeno product.
We love it because Aveeno says you only need to give their night cream one week to start seeing younger and healthier looking skin.
This night cream is non-greasy, so it will absorb nicely into your skin without leaving a slippery feel. It’s also hypoallergenic, so it’s unlikely to cause any kind of reaction. Most people, even those with sensitive skin, will not have any problems like redness or irritation with this product. Not only that, but it has also been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you have oily skin, you may feel a little nervous using any product that is “intensely hydrating”. But with this product (and many night creams), while intensely moisturizing and hydrating your skin, it still won’t clog your pores.
Aveeno prides itself in finding natural ingredients that are proven to help skin look healthier, younger, and more beautiful. One great natural ingredient found in this night cream is blackberry complex.
Blackberries are known to reduce the signs of aging, they can help support collagen and elastin production, and they work to replenish the outer layer of the skin.
The blackberry complex also nourishes your skin while keeping it hydrated. It can even protect the skin from UVB damage. Blackberry complex is rich in antioxidants.
Oxidation is what causes deterioration in our cells; antioxidants can prevent or stop this damage, which is really important in regards to the skin on our faces.
Customers love this cream’s light and non-greasy feel. They have raved how soft and moisturized their skin feels almost immediately. It does have a fragrant smell which most people find very pleasant.
If you are sensitive to fragrances, however, you may want to try a different night cream. While it seems this night cream has mostly super-fans, everyone’s skin is different, and some people may have reactions to certain ingredients found in night creams.
Some users have noted that this night cream caused redness and irritation. You may want to test it on a small area before applying it all over your face.
Benefits:
- Great value
- Contains blackberry complex
- Hypoallergenic
- Light and non-greasy feel
4. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream
You can beat a product being dermatologist-recommended, and Neutrogena is just that. One of the great things about this anti-wrinkle night cream is that it’s free of oils.
For this reason, you can be sure that it will absorb quickly into your skin and it won’t clog any pores. It’s also hypoallergenic: free of the things that cause irritation like fragrances, oils, or drying alcohol. So if you have sensitive skin that easily reacts to skin products, this might be the one to try.
Neutrogena is another cream that contains retinol. Remember that retinol is one of the best anti-aging ingredients out there, it can make sun damaged spots less visible and reduce the amount of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.
Retinol has science to back up its wrinkle-reducing properties. It helps your skin quickly turn over old, dead skin cells, allowing new skin cells to appear. It even thickens the deeper layers of skin where wrinkles start.
People who have used this product have suggested using a very small amount at first. As we stated before, retinol is strong and can aggravate some people’s skin, especially if used incorrectly.
If you do have a problem with it, you may even want to use the product every other day until your skin becomes tolerant. Retinol is really effective, so it’s definitely worth the try.
The company does state that the product might cause some mild tingling and redness right after use, which is normal and temporary. There is no need to discontinue use unless you notice pain or moderate to severe irritation.
Reviewers love the feel of this silky night cream, saying it’s the right consistency and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Even people with roseola have stated that it works great on their skin without causing any irritation or further redness.
Some reviewers have stated things like, “You cannot beat the value”, “I wake up with my forehead wrinkles softened and my skin looks refreshed”, and “Best anti-aging cream I’ve found”.
Benefits:
- Great value
- Contains retinol
- Free of oils
- Great consistency
5. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Night Cream
Coming in at #5 is another retinol-containing night cream. RoC states their product is “clinically proven to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles in 12 weeks.”
You may start to notice improvements even earlier though. Crows feet start to reduce after just 4 weeks. You can expect fewer under-eye wrinkles at just 8 weeks, and you’ll finally notice a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles by the 12 week mark.
Another aspect of retinol we should understand is that it can lose its potency when exposed to light and air. When you use creams that contain retinol, make sure you don’t leave the tops off the containers for longer than needed, as this will cause the product to become ineffective.
RoC takes care of this for you by packaging their anti-wrinkle night cream in a special aluminum tube. This protects the product, keeps the air and light out, and keeps it working as it should.
The company does warn that if rash or irritation occurs, you should stop using the product and consult your doctor. If this occurs, it may be from the amount of retinol in the product.
While it’s a great ingredient, it can cause irritation. Again, you might want to try only using a very small amount every other day (or even every third day) to build up tolerance to the product.
This deep-wrinkle face cream is a great choice because it’s oil-free. The ingredients in RoC’s night cream are also non-comedogenic. Comedogenic ingredients clog the pores in your face, which can cause whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
Non-comedogenic means the ingredients do not clog pores or increase acne production. Those who have oily and acne-prone skin should take note and look for products that are non-comedogenic.
In general, customers absolutely love this product. The retinol does its magic just like it should by reducing wrinkles and dark spots.
Some users have even noticed a reduction in the appearance of scars. People have noticed their skin looking tighter and clearer. They especially love that it doesn’t have a greasy feel, and it absorbs nicely into the skin.
One reviewer even said, “Six months after I started using it I had people asking me what I was using because my skin looked so great.” That’s something we all want!
Benefits:
- Non-comedogenic ingredients
- Contains retinol
- Oil-free
- Great results
6. Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream
What’s great about Burt’s Bees night cream is that it’s 99% natural. It’s made without parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum. These three ingredients have been known to possibly disrupt hormone balance in the body.
Some of these have even been found in the tissue of cancerous tumors in the breast, so many women prefer to avoid these ingredients.
This night cream will intensely nourish and hydrate your skin without being too greasy. It contains a botanical extract called clary sage.
Clary sage has water retention properties. Water loss is the biggest reason people get dry patches on their skin, and this ingredient will help greatly with dry skin.
It works best with normal and combination skin, but even so, it may still works for all skin types: dry, oily, combination, and even acne-prone.
Burt’s Bees Night Cream also uses probiotic technology. Probiotics are not just good for your gut, but they can help your skin as well. Probiotics have been known to assist with acne treatment by actually reducing the number of skin lesions.
It can also create a barrier that protects bacteria (that causes pimples) from entering your skin. Probiotics can also assist with clearing up eczema, controlling rosacea flare-ups, and may even assist with collagen production.
Those with sensitive skin have raved about this product. The ingredients are gentle, and it’s unlikely that they will cause any rashes, redness, or irritation. People like the light, pleasant smell.
And while it’s creamy, it does absorb well and gets rid of dry patches just like it’s supposed to. One reviewer even stated: “OMG, it’s unbelievable! Last few days my chin was dry and flaky for no known reason. I tried multiple lotions including a rich body lotion, none of which worked. Then I bought this and put it onto my face yesterday night. At 6:00AM, I check myself in the mirror: my dryness is gone overnight! My skin feels smooth and confident. It’s unbelievable.”
Benefits:
- Very affordable
- Great for those with sensitive skin
- Ingredients 99% natural
- Intensely hydrates dry skin
7. Tree of Life Retinol Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
It’s not easy to rank these night creams when there are so many great choices! Tree of Life’s goal as a company is to provide spa-quality beauty products that are accessible and affordable to everybody.
They make sure their products have powerful active ingredients that work. Tree of Life’s (ToL) retinol moisturizer not only contains clinical-strength retinol (2%), but also contains natural and organic ingredients, is vegan, and paraben-free.
This formula is great for those with sun- or age-damaged skin, loose or sagging skin, or want to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also works to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and crows feet.
While many people start to see positive results within a few days, ToL recommends using the product for 30-60 days so it can reach its full effectiveness.
Besides retinol, which prevents collagen from breaking down while stimulating new collagen, this cream contains hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is something that is naturally found in the body.
It replenishes moisture and improves the skin’s overall texture and appearance. It’s great for hydrating dry skin and reducing wrinkles. It also contains excellent moisturizing elements like Jojoba oil (which has been used to treat acne and psoriasis), green tea, B5, and shea butter.
While it moisturizes dry skin well, it can also be used daily on oily and combination skin. It’s non-greasy and leaves no sticky residue. It will leave your face feeling soft, refreshed, and moisturized.
This product is one to try if you’ve never used a night cream before as it has a 100% money back guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with the product, they promise to give you a full refund. They also take customer service very seriously and they will respond to emails within 24 hours (or you get a free product!).
Those who have tried the product have raved about seeing results in just a few days from this night cream. They have confirmed that it decreases their fine lines and wrinkles.
The have noticed dark spots diminishing as well. People love the delicate, sweet smell of the cream and state that it doesn’t irritate their skin. One reviewer with sensitive skin and allergies said, “I have tried many retinols and this is by far the best!”
Benefits:
- Contains retinol
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Natural & organic ingredients/vegan
- Great moisturizer
8. Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Night Crème
Eucerin prides itself on its work with dermatologists to find the most effective ingredients for their products. Eucerin’s Redness Relief Night Cream made our list because of its ability to sooth and moisturize while reducing redness.
This cream is a little different because it’s a gel-cream, but is still oil-free and non-comedogenic. If you remember, non-comedogenic means that the ingredients are not pore-clogging, so it’s great for those with oily, combination, or even acne-prone skin.
Its ability to moisturize and clear up dry patches means it also works well for dry skin. This cream is also fragrance-free and gentle which is great for those with sensitive skin. It also contains an SPF 15.
This product has been clinically proven to reduce the visible signs of redness within 4 weeks. One unique ingredient in Eucerin’s Redness Relief Night Cream is licochalcone, which is licorice root extract.
Licorice root extract is known for its calming and soothing properties. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and can help brighten skin. Because it also helps regulate skin’s natural oils (combined with the fact that the night cream is oil-free), it’s a beneficial ingredient for those with oily or combination skin.
Customers mostly love that this product is soothing and non-irritating. It’s truly helpful for those with sensitive skin. Many have noticed a significant reduction in redness, especially from eczema, rosacea, and general skin irritations.
Those who have oily skin have noted that it has helped reduce acne, and those with dry skin have noticed dry patches clearing up. If your skin typically gets red after applying certain skin care products, then this might be a great product for you to try.
Benefits:
- Great value
- Beneficial for those with red and sensitive skin
- Works on all skin types
- Contains licorice root extract
9. BeeFriendly Face and Eye Cream 100% All Natural 85% Organic Moisturizer
BeeFriendly’s face and eye cream made our list because of how much customers rave about the product. The company has a unique story and products with unique natural ingredients.
The face and eye cream is actually handmade by holistic bee keepers in Hawaii. The products are made fresh every week, so you’ll get a product that is only a few weeks old.
The company promises that their bees aren’t harmed or over-farmed in the production of their products. The ingredients are 100% all-natural and 85% certified organic. There are no chemicals, parabens, or fragrances. It’s even gluten free.
Some of the great ingredients in this cream include: beeswax, propolis, raw Hawaiian honey, and bee pollen. Beeswax is great because is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.
It works to improve your skin’s elasticity and softness and make it suppler. Propolis has anti-bacterial properties and promotes skin healing and protection. This is great for those who deal with acne and breakouts.
Another anti-bacterial ingredient is their raw Hawaiian honey. Raw honey hydrates your skin while stimulating collagen production and skin cell regeneration. Another interesting ingredient is bee pollen, which is rich in the exact nutrients that your skin needs to stay healthy.
This cream has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It’s deeply moisturizing and is great for the face, neck, and eye areas. It can even be used on dry hands.
It’s supposed to help with dark spots, circles, crows feet, and liver spots, making skin tighter and firmer. It absorbs quickly into the skin and locks in moisture for a long time. It’s also deeply concentrated, so only a little is needed for each use.
This product is great for all skin types: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and even acne-prone. Customers rave about the light and refreshing honey scent. They have also noticed their skin becoming smoother and pores becoming smaller.
Those with sensitive skin agree that the product is not greasy or irritating
Benefits:
- Especially great for dry skin
- Made with natural and organic ingredients
- Made by holistic bee keepers in Hawaii
- Great for sensitive skin
10. L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Night Crème
If you are mostly looking for a wrinkle-reducer, look no further. We love this night cream from L’Oreal Paris because it focuses on collagen production. As discussed before, collagen gives the skin its structure.
Collagen keeps our skin firm and provides elasticity. It keeps skin plump and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also intensely hydrating which helps restore skin’s cushion and bounce.
78% of women noticed reduced wrinkles after just 4 weeks of using this product.
Another reason we love this cream is some of the great natural ingredients including beeswax and shea butter. The beeswax is a great ingredient because it works to improve your skin’s elasticity, making it nice and soft.
Shea butter is known as a skin superfood. It not only moisturizes, but it can reduce inflammation which is great for those who get acne. It also protects, smooths, and strengthens your skin.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, remember that shea butter can clog pores. So this product is probably best for those with dry or combination skin.
Customers also love the silky, smooth feeling from the night cream, noting that it’s not too heavy or greasy. It’s also great for those with sensitive skin; it doesn’t cause a lot of redness or irritation.
Those who have used the product have noticed improvement in their overall skin condition, including less wrinkles and fine lines. One reviewer noted, “My skin is mature and dry and this cream really makes a difference.
It feels very nice on the skin and immediately softens it. It’s a great cream for the price and works better than many of the expensive products on the markets.”
Benefits:
- Great value
- Not too heavy or greasy
- Stimulates collagen production
- Excellent moisturizer
Best Drugstore Night Cream Buyer’s Guide
If you’re new to buying night creams or haven’t had luck with night creams in the past, we want to help you out. There are tons of skin products on the market with many different ingredients and promises. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one will work best for you.
First of all, when looking for a night cream, it’s important to figure out what kind of skin you have. After that, think about what kinds of products you are interested in, and then decide what kind of results you are looking for.
Skin Type
There are several different skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. If you have normal skin, you probably have little to no imperfections. You don’t usually notice any dry patches or oily, shiny spots.
You can’t see large pores on your face, and you don’t experience many (or any) breakouts. Having great skin, unfortunately, doesn’t mean that you won’t experience age spots, sun spots, and fine lines and wrinkles.
If you have oily skin, your face often feels and looks shiny and moist. You may notice it being worse during the middle of the day when the oils in your face are the highest.
You will also have breakouts of possibly both blackheads and whiteheads. It may seem counter-intuitive to slather something on your face that has the word “cream” in it, but there are some great night creams just for those with oily skin.
Those with dry and sensitive skin will easily flush. They will also notice dry patches and/or eczema. Your skin may feel rough and tight, even shortly after applying moisturizer.
Many skin products give you problems as they cause irritation by stinging or causing redness.
When you have combination skin, it can mean that you have parts of your face that are oily: most likely forehead, nose, and chin. Other parts, like your temples, eye area, and cheeks, are dry.
You may also have combination skin if your skin changes from oily or normal to dry with the climate or season.
Types of Products
There are literally hundreds of face products out there: serums, washes, oils, creams, etc. Many people use a combination of those. Start with one, like a night cream.
Why a night cream? During the day, your skin is fighting off all kinds of things in your environment like wind, sun, and bacteria. During the night, your resting skin has time to repair itself.
Not only can you moisturize your face, but night creams provide many great ingredients that repair your skin and fight signs of aging.
When deciding what kind of night cream to buy, you first need consider your skin type. If you have sensitive skin that easily reacts to products, you’re going to want to look for a product that has mostly natural and organic ingredients.
The chemicals and harsher ingredients (while they can be very effective) will probably irritate your skin or even cause a reaction. If you have especially dry skin, look for a product that focuses on creating and maintaining moisture in your skin.
For oily skin, look for products that say their ingredients are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores.
Know your ingredients well. If you’re interested in natural and organic products, there are plenty of night creams that fall into this category, and they will wonders for your skin. Ingredients like shea butter, raw honey, and beeswax are just some of the quality ingredients you can find.
These will also be free of chemicals and irritants, so if you’ve tried products that have irritated your skin before, natural and organic might be the pick for you.
Collagen is what keeps our faces looking young, tight, and beautiful. Starting at around age 35, collagen starts to break down. One ingredient that is scientifically proven to work very well for reducing fine lines and wrinkles is retinol.
While it’s a slightly harsher ingredient, it can do wonders for smoothing out your face, making it look younger and fresher.
Lastly, reviews online can seal the deal on whether or not you should try a night cream. Read through reviews to see how others feel about the products and what kind of results they had with the product.
It’s important to remember that sometimes the incorrect use of a night cream can cause a person to think the product is defective.
Results
What exactly are you looking for? Do you want softer, smoother skin? If so, look for an excellent moisturizing cream. Do you want reduced wrinkles and fine lines?
You should look for a night cream that contains retinol, or another alternative, that will boost collagen production in your skin. If you’re looking for smooth, less greasy looking skin, there are plenty of light night creams out there that will fight the oils and even help reduce acne.
The great thing about drugstore night creams is that they can be as effective or even more effective than the most expensive night creams. In fact, one reviewer of a night cream stated that she was cancelling her Botox treatment after using a drugstore night cream!
You can find very inexpensive night creams that are less than $10 to those that are well over $25. Know your budget and stick to it, chances are you will find exactly what you need within your price range.
If those prices seem high to you, remember that with night creams, typically a little goes a long way. One small tub of night cream can last months. In fact, if you use too much, you probably will get the opposite results that you are looking for.
Thankfully there are many products that do wonders for our skin. Don’t be afraid to test out some night creams to restore your face’s natural beauty.
Do you have a best drugstore night cream that should be added to this list? Feel free to let us know down below.