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!
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.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
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.
Here are some key points to consider:
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.
From ₱3,170
Caudalie’s night cream is ideal if you don’t want an anti-aging product that is too intense. This is ideal if you want a cream that functions as more of prevention than a remedy for your skin. It aims to nourish your skin by smoothing out lines and firming your skin, so you get a radiant complexion upon waking up.
It is infused with a majority of natural ingredients, such as lavender water, grape seed oil, and bitter orange flower water, to produce a soft and rich cream that is soothing for the skin. It also contains ceramides to help reduce signs of aging, as well as reservatrol to help firm and lift skin.
From ₱1,350
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 fear of waking up to greasy skin or breaking out. It has an MVE technology that continuously releases moisturizing ingredients for 24-hour hydration.
It contains hyaluronic acid, which is an ingredient that draws moisture into your skin and helps it retain moisture. It also contains niacinamide and ceramides, which repair your skin’s barrier while improving its appearance. Despite its rich formula, it has a lightweight consistency that doesn’t feel suffocating.
From ₱649
Cetaphil is known for its gentle products, so this is an ideal night cream if your skin is very picky when it comes to skincare products. Their cream aims to retain your skin’s natural moisture, preventing it from becoming dried out, while soothing it in the process so you can wake up to hydrated skin.
It contains hyaluronic acid, which is 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 vitamin C and E, which are antioxidants and protect your skin against free radicals.
From ₱1,999
Not all night creams have to break the bank! Olay’s night cream is pretty affordable for its quality. Watch it reduce fine lines and wrinkles in just 28 days. It is formulated with their Retinol 24 Complex, which aims to provide younger and plumper looking skin, and gives you 24-hour hydration.
It also contains niacinamide, which helps support your skin’s barrier and minimizes pore appearance. You can see visible improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Use it in the evening to wake up to glowing skin. Avoid use during the day; always apply sunscreen and limit sun exposure.
From ₱3,186
Do you dread applying skincare because it will just end up on your pillow? It’s night cream is formulated with a memory bounce technology to ensure it works on your skin, and not on your pillow. It features a rest and restore technology that visibly improves the top 5 signs of skin aging after just one sleep.
After 7 sleeps, your fine lines will be diminished, and your skin will feel firmer and look plumper. Their product has a hydrating formula that is infused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid as well as scented with lavender to provide a soothing effect. It is also suitable for all skin types.
From ₱850
If you have dry skin, then you have all the more reason to use a night cream to hydrate your skin, as it is more prone to demonstrating signs of aging. Get ahead of your skincare now by using a night cream. Burt’s Bees is formulated to intensely hydrate skin to lock in moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It is infused with clary sage, which has the ability to trap and retain moisture, so you get soft and supple skin. It also contains olive oil, which has antioxidant properties that help fight premature signs of skin aging, as well as jojoba oil, an effective moisturizer that helps to calm and repair skin.
From ₱898
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 as well as alcohol-free, so your skin won’t get dried out in the long run.
It is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which is known for attracting moisture and locking it in. It also contains glycerin, which is helpful in sealing moisture into your skin and giving it a healthy glow. Its gel formula quickly absorbs into your skin, making it ideal if you need an instant dose of hydration.
From ₱11,550
Yes, it's pricey, but 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 that is suitable for both day and night. Their product can visibly smoothen lines and wrinkles and makes it feel supple, smooth, and soft to the touch.
It is formulated with a blend of plant extracts such as their own miracle broth, containing algae, which is an antioxidant and has anti-aging properties, that prevent the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. Keep in mind it is a very thick cream, so you may have to warm it up in your hands before applying to your face.
From ₱849
L’oreal is known for its affordable products without skimping on the quality, and their night cream is no different. It is ideal if you want your face to get that lifted effect. Their product is enriched with Dermalift, which is specifically created to help tighten the skin so you can address any sagging concerns.
Their product is formulated to stimulate your skin’s regeneration at night where it works on the 8 natural layers of skin, so you can wake up to renewed skin. It also contains pro-retinol A, which stimulates cell renewal and reduces wrinkles. This is ideal if you have mature skin that needs potent nourishing and firming benefits.
From ₱900
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 hot weather, where products feel sticky on your skin instead of providing relief.
It has a gel-like consistency, which makes it more lightweight and non-sticky than your traditional creams, though you have to rinse it in the morning. It is formulated with Hunza apricot and primrose, which improves hydration and elasticity in your skin as well as hydro ionized mineral water to penetrate deeper into your skin.
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
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.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Beauty
Body care, Makeup, SkincareCameras
Camera supplies, Digital cameras, Drones and multirotorsHealth
Beauty supplements, Medical supplies, Feminine careHousehold goods
Air treatment, Bath and shower supplies, BlanketsPCs and laptops
Computer accessories, Computer components, Desktop pcsHome appliances and electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, Air treatment, Blenders, mixers, and food processorsFood and drinks
Alcoholic beverages, Baked goods and desserts, BakingKitchen supplies
Baking tools, Coffee and tea accessories, Food containersClothing
Brands and shops, Men's coats and jackets, Men's innerwearShoes
Men's shoes, Other shoes and footwear, Outdoor footwearAccessories
Bags, Accessories and jewelry, BeltsMom and baby
Baby books and toys, Baby food and snacks, Baby suppliesInterior and furniture
Beds, Carpets and rugs and mats, ChairsHobbies
Animes, Arts and crafts, Board gamesOutdoor
Camping beds and cots, Camping stoves, CoolersDIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Accessories, Badminton, BasketballPets
Cat supplies, Dog supplies, Fish and aquarium suppliesBooks, CDs, and DVDs
Books and magazines, CDs, Linguistics, dictionaries, and phrase booksGames
Console accessories, PC and console gamesCars and motorcycles
Car accessories, Car seats, Car suppliesGifts
Christmas-related gifts, Gifts for kids, Gifts for menHome improvement and tools
Door hardware and locks, Electrical, Gas stovesSmartphones and tablets
Smartphone accessories, Smartphones, StorageBanking and finance
Credit cards, Debit cards, Services and appsInsurance
Car insurance, Life insurance, Medical insuranceAudio
Earphones, Gaming, HeadphonesSmartphone applications
Business apps, Dating apps, Education appsOthers
Others, Merch, Recreation