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If you’ve started to see changes in your complexion with each passing birthday, you might also have noticed that the skin care products you relied on in your 20s have lost their magic touch. As you get older, the texture of your skin changes, and the products you use often need to evolve along with it. A great place to start? Adding a night cream formulated for mature skin to your arsenal.
But first, let’s talk about what we mean by products that are suitable for “mature skin” or “aging skin.” These terms are often thrown around to position products as anti-aging cure-alls, but that’s not how we’re using them. Here, “mature skin” simply refers to skin that has started to age—something that happens to all of us. Beginning in your 30s, then onward into your 40s, the collagen in your skin decreases (which can make your skin look thinner or saggier), Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at Premier Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, tells SELF. When that happens, you might notice more visible fine lines and dark spots or a loss of firmness, Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, tells SELF.
The passage of time isn’t the only thing that contributes to signs of aging—genetics, the environment, and your lifestyle also factor in, Lauren Penzi, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, tells SELF. For example, someone who regularly spends long periods of time in the sun without adequate protection may show earlier signs of sun damage than someone who slathers on sunscreen every day.
Night creams can’t reverse years of tanning or turn back the clock, but they can be beneficial for people whose skin is starting to show the effects of such things. To help you reap all the benefits, we spoke with dermatologists about the top products for aging or mature skin and which ingredients you should look for while shopping.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry
- Runner-Up: Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream Ultra Plumping Moisturizer
- Best Budget Pick: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24
- Best for Uneven Texture: Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream
- Best for Dry Skin: Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisturizing Cream
- Best Balm: Naturium Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream
- Best for Oily Skin: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment
- Best Brightening Formula: Caudalíe Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Kiehl’s Expertly Clear Acne-Treating & Preventing Lotion
FAQs about shopping for a night cream
What should you look for in a night cream for mature skin?
Any good night cream should help your skin retain the moisture that it naturally loses overnight. And, as SELF has previously reported, your skin tends to get drier as you get older, so ending your bedtime routine with a product that prevents water loss is all the more important. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides are all great ingredients for boosting your skin’s hydration and keeping your skin barrier healthy in the later decades of life, Dr. Penzi says.
Ingredients that will help your skin retain its elasticity and texture are also useful as you age, Dr. Zubritsky adds, pointing specifically to retinol, niacinamide, and peptides. She explains they have brightening, smoothing, and firming properties that play nicely with a range of skin types.
Are face creams for daytime and nighttime really different?
Actually, they often are. Night creams and daytime moisturizers differ in their formulation because they’re meant to address different skin concerns: Products for daytime tend to include SPF and antioxidants like vitamin C to protect against harmful UV rays and environmental stressors like pollution that you’re likely to run into while you’re out and about, says Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical. They’re also usually a bit lighter weight. On the other hand, night creams don’t contain SPF, and are usually made with ingredients like retinoids and peptides, which help with skin-cell turnover and collagen production, says Dr. Westbay. They’re heavier to combat moisture loss overnight, may contain ingredients, like retinol, that make you more sensitive to the sun, and typically, are specifically meant to target fine lines and wrinkles.
“Night creams are generally thicker and richer to deeply nourish and repair the skin while you sleep,” Dr. Westbay says. “Ultimately, night creams are generally more focused on long-term skin health and rejuvenation, while day creams emphasize protection and daily hydration.”
How do you use night cream?
Ideally, night creams should be applied every night, after you put on serums or use a product with retinol (if this is different from your night cream), says Dr. Westbay. “You should use enough to fully cover all the skin on your face, excluding the upper and lower lids, but not so much that a layer still remains after it’s fully absorbed,” she says. This product should be your final step, and will help seal in moisture and your other skin care.
How we picked the best night creams for mature skin
Given the specific skin changes that come with getting older, we listened to our experts’ recommendations and selected products that contain ingredients they say are helpful for dehydration, dullness, fine lines, and other major signs of aging. We also considered SELF editors’ favorite brands and face creams—the ones they’ve purchased multiple times and seen real results from—and highlighted options that are particularly moisturizing, smoothing, and soothing.
Shop the best night creams for mature skin
Using recommendations from the derms we consulted, we found the best night creams for mature skin, with options that’ll help address additional concerns like breakouts, dryness, and irritation.
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry
Pros
- Suitable for most skin types
- Non-greasy feel (according to Dermstore reviewers)
- Moisturizing and restorative
- Smoothing, blurring effect
Cons
- Over $70
Both Dr. Camp and Dr. Penzi recommend this luxe night cream from SkinCeuticals. It contains plant-derived ingredients like aloe extract, which soothes and moisturizes the skin, helping it feel smoother and look brighter. It’s one of the priciest creams on our list, but reviewers say it’s well worth the investment for its ability to blur lines and pores. A little goes a long way, and its skin-softening effects will make it a repeat purchase (when you do, eventually, run out).
Other notable ingredients
Calming chamomile extract, glycerin (a tried-and-true moisturizer) | Fragrance-free
Good for
Just about anyone curious about higher-end night creams
Runner-Up: Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream Ultra Plumping Moisturizer
Pros
- Very nourishing formula
- Good for skin barrier repair
- Cooling effect
- A less pricey alternative to our overall pick
Cons
- Some reviewers noticed pilling after applying
According to Dr. Penzi, this cream from Summer Fridays is an excellent option for major hydration: It uses hyaluronic acid (a lightweight but highly effective moisturizer that Dr. Zubritsky recommends) to plump, which fills in fine lines, making them less noticeable. It’s also formulated to support your skin barrier, a.k.a. its protective outer layer that retains moisture while keeping irritants and bacteria out.
Plus, the rich formula helps even texture with a blend of fruit extracts and it has a rich, thick consistency that reviewers reportedly love: “The texture is incredibly smooth, effortlessly absorbing into the skin. It feels so soothing and cool upon application, leaving my skin feeling remarkably soft,” one wrote on Sephora.
Other notable ingredients
Glycerin, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory squalane
Good for
Dry skin, skin barrier repair, fine lines
Best Budget Pick: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24
Pros
- $30 and under
- Lightweight
- Brightening
- Tolerable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Might not feel as thick and nourishing as some would like
Dr. Zubritsky likes Olay’s Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer for its restorative effects—and we like it because you can find it at nearly any drugstore. It employs several skin care stalwarts to help brighten, smooth, and strengthen the skin, including niacinamide (or vitamin B3) and peptides. However, its star ingredient is retinol, which speeds up cell turnover to help shed dead skin and encourage collagen production. The result? Your skin should look fresher and clearer with regular use (note: it may take several months to see improvements).
If you’ve never used a product with retinol before, Dr. Zubritsky says this is a great one to try, noting that it should be gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
Other notable ingredients
Glycerin | Fragrance-free
Good for
Fine lines, loss of firmness, dullness, retinol newbies
Best for Uneven Texture: Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream
Pros
- Addresses major signs of aging
- Skin-smoothing formula
- Retinol-beginner-friendly
Cons
- Some reviewers found that the pump bottle made it difficult to access all of the product
Menopause (and perimenopause, the transitional period before menopause) affects everyone who menstruates differently. But the hormone fluctuations that come with it often cause some major changes in your skin, Dr. Zubritsky says. As SELF has previously reported, when your estrogen levels decrease, your skin starts to lose collagen and ceramides—the lipids that provide structure to your skin’s outer layer and help maintain its moisture. As a result, your skin may look and feel rougher, thinner, drier, and less supple, Dr. Penzi says.
With all that in mind, Dr. Camp recommends looking for a moisturizing night cream with retinol, which will help fresh skin cells emerge faster and give your skin a more revitalized appearance. His top pick is the Intensive Repair Cream from Paula’s Choice because it has a low concentration of retinol that he feels is gentle enough for beginners.
Other notable ingredients
Jojoba seed oil, skin-strengthening peptides | Fragrance-free
Good for
People preparing for or going through menopause, people easing into a retinol routine, dry skin
Best for Dry Skin: Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask
Pros
- Intensely hydrating
- Gel consistency absorbs quickly
- Under $40
Cons
- Contains fragrances, which can be irritating for some
A top pick from Dr. Penzi, this thick, gel-like cream contains a cocktail of botanical extracts, including nettle leaf (which research shows may have firming effects), anti-inflammatory turmeric root, and ultra-soothing colloidal oatmeal. These apothecary-esque ingredients work in tandem with moisturizers like glycerin and jojoba oil to nourish the skin overnight, helping it look less dehydrated by the morning.
One thing to note is that, while some of this cream’s ingredients are considered soothing, it still contains fragrance that may cause an allergic reaction for some people—so if you’re curious but wary of irritation, do a patch test before putting this all over your face.
Other notable ingredients
Marigold extract and rosemary leaf oil, which have antioxidant properties
Good for
Very dry or tired-looking skin
Best for Sensitive Skin: Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Calming formula
- Rich formula helps smooth dry patches
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May feel too heavy for some, according to Sephora reviewers
Stressed, sensitive skin can be really difficult to please, but Dr. Camp says Youth to the People’s Adaptogen Deep Moisturizing Cream is up to the task. It’s made with ingredients that can help calm reactive complexions. It also contains squalane, a deeply moisturizing (yet lightweight!) oil that can make fine lines less visible and further soothe cranky complexions without clogging your pores.
Sephora reviewers specifically noticed fewer scaly patches once they started using this cream: “I noticed a difference in my skin immediately after applying. My face now looks hydrated and I haven’t had a dry flake anywhere. Also, the redness on my cheeks has been reduced significantly,” one wrote.
Other notable ingredients
Aloe, glycerin | Fragrance-free
Good for
Highly sensitive skin, redness, fine lines
Best Balm: Naturium Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream
Pros
- Luxe, whipped consistency
- Immediate soothing effects
- Under $30
Cons
- May feel too thick and occlusive for some
- Takes some effort to absorb completely
Naturium’s balm-like Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream is SELF’s senior commerce writer’s holy grail bedtime moisturizer. “I’m trying to lock in as much moisture as I can before bed (my skin is incredibly dry and sensitive), so I need a thick product that hydrates on the spot and prevents water loss overnight,” she explains. “This creamy, dreamy mask gives me that instant gratification and those long-term effects in one tidy package.”
In addition to its rich, balm-like consistency, the Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream contains squalane for additional soothing and moisturizing effects.
Other notable ingredients
Skin-softening triglycerides
Good for
Extremely dry and sensitive skin, slugging fanatics
Best for Oily Skin: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment
Pros
- Prevents oil buildup
- Smoothing, exfoliating ingredients
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers found it too drying
Yes, oily skin still needs a good moisturizer. This one from SELF Fave brand Glow Recipe uses a duo of chemical exfoliants: Glycolic acid sloughs off dead skin cells while encouraging collagen production, and lactic acid also speeds up skin cell turnover. As a result, your skin appears smoother across the board. Dr. Penzi says this blend of acids can also help skin appear firmer.
Lactic acid also helps on the hydration front, where it’s aided by hyaluronic acid, a moisturizing superstar known to help lock in water without adding a ton of weight or greasiness. Both acids are humectants, meaning they help draw more water to the surface of your skin for a smoothing, plumping effect.
Other notable ingredients
Brightening niacinamide, peptides
Good for
Oily skin, fine lines, uneven texture
Best Brightening Formula: Caudalíe Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream
Pros
- Good for a range of skin texture concerns
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Exfoliates and hydrates
Cons
- Glycolic acid can be irritating for people with sensitive skin
- Contains fragrance
This is another night cream where glycolic acid stars as both an exfoliator and a brightening agent for dull skin. It’s also a great ingredient to look for if you want to fade acne scars, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation. Reviewers note that they started to see improvements (like more radiant skin and reduced dark spots) after about a month of using the Vinoperfect Night Cream. It’s also a favorite of Dr. Camp, who points out that its active ingredient can also help address clogged pores if you deal with breakouts.
Other notable ingredients
Nourishing shea butter and grape seed oil
Good for
Dullness, uneven texture, dark spots, oiliness, breakouts
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Kiehl’s Expertly Clear Acne-Treating & Preventing Lotion
Pros
- Addresses future, existing, and past acne
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- May feel drying for people with combination or dry skin, according to reviewers
For people with occasional adult acne, Dr. Penzi recommends this gel-like lotion from Kiehl’s. She shouts out its two active ingredients (salicylic acid and niacinamide) because they work together to address the root causes of breakouts by regulating your skin’s oil production and reducing inflammation. Bonus: Salicylic acid also exfoliates and clears out your pores. Dealing with both new breakouts and evidence of previous ones? You’re in luck—niacinamide is known to help fade dark spots, and it can help reduce the appearance of acne scars over time as well.
Other notable ingredients
Moisturizing glycerin, soothing chamomile
Good for
Breakouts, acne scars, oily skin
Best Lightweight Formula: Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Pros
- Smooth and light consistency
- Absorbs easily
- Calming formula
Cons
- Doesn’t feel like a standard nourishing night cream (if you’re a fan of the thick stuff)
If you hate the feeling of a thick, heavy salve but still want to reap the benefits of an overnight treatment, Biossance’s Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer could be a great fit. As we mentioned earlier, squalane is hydrating, calming, and wonderfully lightweight. This hero ingredient also helps support and strengthen your skin barrier, plus it’s gentle enough for folks with eczema or sensitive skin. If irritation is your top concern, this cream also contains soothing bisabolol, a component of the chamomile plant.
Other notable ingredients
Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) | Fragrance-free
Good for
Oily or irritation-prone skin, face cream haters
Best for Combination Skin: Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon Night Gel-Cream
Pros
- Lightweight
- Glow-boosting formula
- Lovely scent
Cons
- Contains potentially irritating ingredients
A light, gel-based cream is the way to go if you have an oily T-zone but dry cheeks, Dr. Zubritsky says. Dermalogica’s Sound Sleep Cocoon Night Gel-Cream fits this bill: It’s a fan favorite for its just-right texture.
Dr. Camp also likes its plant-based formula, which contains silk tree extract, an antioxidant that can reduce the appearance of sun damage, and fruit extracts that even out and calm your skin to help your complexion look more supple and radiant. And right out of the bottle, he says its lavender and patchouli scent will help you wind down (perfect for your nighttime routine). Given its concentration of essential oils, however, this is another product you may want to patch test if your skin tends to be sensitive.
Other notable ingredients
Glycerin, nourishing and healing vitamin E
Good for
Normal skin with dry patches, dullness, aromatherapy fans
Best for Fine Lines: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Moisturizer
Pros
- Specifically formulated to address fine lines and wrinkles
- Lightweight formula
- Under $25
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike the scent
If you want a night cream that’ll serve as a sort of catch-all for the main changes that “mature skin” undergoes, give Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair moisturizer a try. Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist and the founder of Ocean Skin and Vein Institute in Manhattan Beach, California, previously recommended this night cream for its ability to reduce fine lines and improve uneven skin texture. That’s thanks to its main ingredient, retinol, which is key in addressing these major signs of aging, Dr. Zubritsky says.
Other notable ingredients
Hyaluronic acid
Good for
Overall texture improvements, dark spots, drugstore beauty fans
Best Splurge: Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Magic Night Moisturizer with Retinol
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Plumping, smoothing effects
- Refillable glass packaging
Cons
- Over $100
- Might feel too thick for some
For a truly luxurious bedtime skin care routine, invest in the Magic Night Moisturizer from Charlotte Tilbury. Dr. Penzi says it has an “incredible formula” that “helps skin appear plumper with less wrinkles and sagging.” It specifically contains skin-smoothing retinol and a host of nourishing oils that soften your skin and prevent it from losing too much moisture while you snooze. If you’re also looking for a traditional night cream feel, you’re in the right place: Multiple Sephora reviewers called attention to the Magic Night Moisturizer’s ultra-thick texture (one compared it, for better or for worse, to Vaseline).
Other notable ingredients
Vitamin E
Good for
Dry skin, fine lines, loss of elasticity
Best for Maintaining Definition: Exuviance Rebuild-5 Cream
Pros
- Encourages the production of collagen
- Gently exfoliates
- Increases bounciness
Cons
- Over $90
- Contains fragrance that may be irritating to some
This cream comes highly recommended by Dr. Westbay. It contains a multipeptide complex that supports the creations of the skin’s natural building blocks, like elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, as well as exfoliating agents to help slough off dead cells and reveal a smoother complexion. Dr. Westbay uses it herself and finds that it has a major plumping and firming effect, and keeps her cheekbones and jawline defined. “It packs a punch in terms of anti-aging benefits and feels so luxurious, yet isn’t ludicrously expensive,” she says.
Other notable ingredients
Vitamin E, shea butter
Good for
Loss of elasticity, fine lines
Best Budget Pick for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
Pros
- Affordable
- Gentle on skin
- Can be worn day or night
Cons
- Reviewers say it runs out quickly
You can find this cream in just about any drugstore (a major win in our book), and it’s packed with expert-approved ingredients, like plumping hyaluronic acid, fine-line fighting peptides, skin-barrier-building ceramides, and soothing niacinamide. It’s fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, so it’s a great pick for folks with irritation or acne-prone skin. “I have sensitivity to many heavy moisturizers. I started using this about two weeks ago, and it's been absolutely wonderful for my skin,” wrote one 56-year-old Amazon reviewer. “My dry patches are getting better, the redness has calmed down, and it’s not causing any irritation.”
Other notable ingredients
Glycerin, shea butter | Fragrance-free
Good for
Sensitive skin, drugstore beauty fans
Best for Tightening: Neocutis BIO Firm Cream
Pros
- Encourages skin cell-turnover for a fresher complexion
- Improves firmness
- Lightweight, according to Dermstore reviewers
Cons
- Over $180
- Might not feel heavy enough for those who want a thick cream
This cream is a major splurge, but Dr. Westbay says it’s worth the investment. It’s packed with “growth factors,” or proteins and hormones that can “improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, and enhance skin smoothness,” says Dr. Westbay, as they trigger the skin’s natural cell-turnover process. In addition, the formula includes peptides to amplify collagen production, and hydrators like wheat germ oil and borage seed oil. These ingredients not only “increase the skin’s moisture levels, but prevent transepidermal water loss for optimal overnight repair,” says Dr. Westbay.
Other notable ingredients
Glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides
Good for
Loss of firmness, fine lines, dry skin, those who don’t like a heavy product
Compare the best night creams for mature skin
| Product | Price | Notable ingredients | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry | $78 | Aloe extract, chamomile extract, glycerin | Just about anyone curious about higher-end night creams |
| Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream Ultra Plumping Moisturizer | $52 | Hyaluronic acid, fruit extracts, glycerin, squalane | Dry skin, skin barrier repair, fine lines |
| Olay Regenerist Retinol | $30 | Retinol, niacinamide, peptides, glycerin | Fine lines, loss of firmness, dullness, retinol newbies |
| Paula's Choice Intensive Repair | $39 | Retinol, jojoba seed oil, peptides | People preparing for or going through menopause, people easing into a retinol routine, dry skin |
| Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask | $38 | Nettle leaf extract, turmeric root extract, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, jojoba oil | Very dry or tired-looking skin |
| Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisturizing Cream | $58 | Squalane, aloe, glycerin | Highly sensitive skin, redness, fine lines |
| Naturium Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream | $25 | Squalane, triglycerides | Extremely dry and sensitive skin, slugging fanatics |
| Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment | $40 | Glycolic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides | Oily skin, fine lines, uneven texture |
| Caudalíe Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream | $69 | Glycolic acid, shea butter, grape seed oil | Dullness, uneven texture, dark spots, oiliness, breakouts |
| Kiehl’s Expertly Clear Acne-Treating & Preventing Lotion | $39 | Salicylic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, chamomile | Breakouts, acne scars, oily skin |
| Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer | $54 | Squalane, bisabolol, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate | Oily or irritation-prone skin, face cream haters |
| Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon Night Gel-Cream | $89 | Silk tree extract, fruit extracts, glycerin, vitamin E | Normal skin with dry patches, dullness, aromatherapy fans |
| Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Moisturizer | $29 | Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Overall texture improvements, dark spots, drugstore beauty fans |
| Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Magic Night Moisturizer with Retinol | $145 | Retinol, vitamin E | Dry skin, fine lines, loss of elasticity |
| Exuviance Rebuild-5 Cream | $96 | Peptides, hyaluronic acid, exfoliating agents, vitamin E, shea butter | Loss of elasticity, fine lines |
| CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream | $22 | Hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, shea butter | Sensitive skin, drugstore beauty fans |
| Neocutis BIO Firm Cream | $188 | Peptides, wheat germ oil, borage seed oil, glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides | Loss of firmness, fine lines, dry skin, those who don’t like a heavy product |
Our experts
- Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York
- Lauren Penzi, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York
- Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist and the founder of Ocean Skin and Vein Institute in Manhattan Beach, California
- Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical
- Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at Premier Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Related:
- 10 Gentle Exfoliators Derms Love for Mature Skin
- The Best Eye Creams for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists
- The Best Tinted Moisturizers for Mature Skin Give You Hydration and Glow in One Step
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