Consider This Your Official Guide to the Best Affordable Night Cream for Every Skin Type and Concern (2024)

Our Top Picks

Active Ingredients: Thermal spring water, niacinamide, ceramides, glycerin | Size: 2.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Both dermatologists we interviewed stand behind this French pharmacy find, and we can see why. "​​La Roche Posay Double Repair is a hydrating yet non-pore-clogging over-the-counter moisturizer containing ceramides and glycerin that is safe for even the most sensitive skin," says Dr. Wolinsky. "I recommend it often." Thanks to niacinamide (vitamin B3) and mineral-rich thermal spring water, this all-star cream works to soothe stressed complexions, smooth fine lines, replenish the skin barrier, and deliver a plumper look.

Active Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide |Skin Type:All |Size:1.7 oz |SPF:No |Cruelty-Free:No

We awarded CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Night Cream as our overall runner-up as it scored an impressive 5 out of 5 in our lab test. It contains key ingredients that restore and strengthen a damaged skin barrier including a complex of biomimetic peptides, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides – essentially, everything that keeps the skin super soft, plumped up, and supple. We also found that it sank in quickly after application and left our faces feeling smoother.

Active Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin E, shea butter | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

A favorite among dermatologists and skincare aficionados alike, RoC Retinol Correxion is undoubtedly one of the best drugstore options. As its name suggests, this night cream contains retinol, a research-backed anti-aging ingredient that tackles everything from fine lines and crow's feet to dark spots and crepiness. We appreciate that it's fast-absorbing and non-greasy, while not drying out the skin like some retinol creams can. We also like that it comes in a squeeze-tube which is more hygienic than a jar you need to dip your fingers into.

Formulated with aloe and cotton extract, this calming cream soothes sensitive skin while shea butter and jojoba oil deliver moisture and nourishment. It's lightweight and non-greasy, and we appreciate that it received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, meaning that it's suitable for use on sensitive skin and those with eczema. Some reviewers note that it can separate in the jar and become slightly watery, though this is usually remedied by mixing it. If you experience this, we recommend mixing it with a clean cotton swab to keep it hygienic.

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, allantoin, ceramides, shea butter | Size: 2.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

You might know Differin for its once-prescription and now over-the-counter retinoid acne treatment, but the brand also has a few notable retinol-free products. We're big fans of the Restorative Night Moisturizer, an exceptionally gentle cream that hydrates with humectants and emollients like hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and essential ceramides.When we tested this night cream out in our lab, we found that it absorbed incredibly well into our skin—it didn't feel wet, greasy, or oily afterward, and our skin felt refreshed, hydrated, plump, and soft.It also layers well with other products and passes the vital non-pilling test.

Active Ingredients:Glycerin and niacinamide |Skin Type: Oily, combination and mature |Size:1.7 oz |SPF:No |Cruelty-Free:No

While it has that thick, luxurious feel that you want in a night cream, we found that this pick sank quickly into our skin without leaving behind any oiliness. It's formulated with glycerin for its moisturizing benefits, as well as niacinamide for its ability to help smooth skin texture. We applied it after a retinol treatment during testing and can report that we didn’t experience any pilling. We also found that it very quickly improved the smoothness and hydration of our skin, and our skin felt calmer and more even come the morning. This is one product we’ll be recommending on repeat.

Active Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, vitamins E and B3, and olive extract |Skin Type: Dry and sensitive |Size:1.7 oz |SPF:No |Cruelty-Free:No

If you have sensitive and reactive skin, you’re probably already familiar with Cetaphil. And if you have dry skin, you, too, should put the brand on your radar. This rich cream promises to deliver necessary hydration without leaving a greasy film behind. After trying it out for ourselves, we felt that it delivered on its promises, leaving our skin feeling super smooth and hydrated, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and olive extract.

Active Ingredients:Centella asiatica and Pro-Retinol |Skin Type: All skin types|Size:1.7 oz |SPF:No |Cruelty-Free:No

Claiming to improve skin texture in just four weeks, we were looking forward to trying L'Oreal Revitalift’s Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Night Cream in our lab. While it feels very thick initially, we found that it sank effortlessly into the skin without leaving any oiliness behind. When it came to the results, it definitely delivered thanks to its two key ingredients, Centella asiatica (known for soothing benefits) and Pro-Retinol. After application, we noticed that our complexions felt smoother and more supple and could retain moisture more effectively throughout the day.

FAQ

• How do you apply drugstore night creams?

  Starting with clean, freshly washed skin, dispense a small amount of cream into your hand (about the size of a blueberry). Next, use your fingertips to dot equal amounts on your forehead, chin, cheeks, and neck. Then gently massage the cream into your skin until it's completely absorbed.

• How often should you use drugstore night creams?

  Most drugstore night creams can be used every evening. However, if you're using a formula containing retinol or alpha-hydroxy acids (such as lactic acid and glycolic acid), you might want to work your way up to daily use to avoid irritation. Start with once or twice a week, then bump it up to three times when your skin gets acclimated and so on until you're using it nightly.