This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
SheFinds receives commissions for purchases made through the links in this post.
Everyone thinks that the morning is the most important time in their skincare routine, but dermatologists say that it’s actually your nighttime routine that has the most impact on the overall quality and appearance of your skin.
“We know that the skin undergoes cell division overnight, making it an optimal time to apply products that help strengthen the skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, who also notes that the skin loses most of its hydration throughout the day and its moisturizer needs to be replenished at night.
How To Find The Best Overnight Moisturizers For Aging Skin
That's where overnight moisturizers come into play. The best overnight moisturizers for aging skin contain nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and coenzyme Q10 for their ability to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier for firmer, more supple skin.
Some formulas can even promote collagen production and cellular turnover while you sleep using retinol, which has been found to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is another popular skincare ingredient that is known for its brightening and radiance-boosting effects on the skin. It's rich in antioxidants and has been found to neutralize the signs of damage and premature aging in the skin caused by free radical exposure and other environmental stressors.
Keep scrolling to find some of the top-rated overnight moisturizers that will give your skin the necessary hydration, nourishment, and minerals to give you younger-looking skin in the morning:
1. Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Overnight Cream ($65)
This dark-spot-diminishing night cream is powered by smoothing glycolic acid and brightening vine sap viniferine. It's safe for even the most sensitive skin, the formula is powered by time-released glycolic acid for continuous eight-hour penetration.
Ingredient Breakdown:
- Viniferine: Visibly lightens dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation 62 times more effectively than Vitamin C.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the appearance of skin.
- Vegetal Butylene Glycol: Acts as a humectant to moisturize.
Promising Review:
"I love this line from Caudalie and when I saw them coming out with an overnight cream. I was waiting and waiting for it to be back in stock, it was WORTH the wait. It’s pricy for what you pay but a little goes a long, long way. It’s thick and creamy and it leaves me a glow but a matte look, if that makes sense? I love the feel of this on my skin and when I wake up in the morning, I look fresh and glowy! I love this!" - issamine
2. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream ($48)
This lightweight whipped antioxidant night cream helps detoxify the skin overnight while minimizing signs of aging. It's designed to work when skin is more receptive to nourishment—so you wake up with a rested, brighter look.
Ingredient Breakdown:
- Super Lotus: Captures the multi-benefit properties of the entire lotus plant in one power ingredient that helps to hydrate, boost radiance, and deliver antioxidant protection.
- Peach Leaf Extract: Helps skin look and feel refreshed overnight.
Promising Review:
"Absolutely in love! This product is amazing. I’ve been looking for the perfect cream for a while now and finally found it. Yes, I use this as my DAY And NIGHT time cream. I saw the results the day after using it; my skin was so soft and hydrated/moisturized but mostly glowy. The application is so smooth and it smells divine. Such a calming sensation." - Marinaemployee
3. REN Clean Skincare Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm ($48)
This nighttime rescue balm uses enzymatically activated oils to feed and moisturize the skin, strengthen the skin's barrier, and relieve irritation, making it an effective solution for dryness, redness, and dullness and uneven texture.
Ingredient Breakdown:
Lipids of Activated Oils from Olive, Almond, Borage, and Linseed: Easily absorbed into the skin.
-Jojoba, Sun Flower Oil Complex, and Beta-Glucan: Support skin’s natural lipid balance to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and alleviates signs of irritation from dryness.
Promising Review:
"Amazing night time moisturizer. It moisturizes and so much more!! I have sensitive skin and I dont like anything too heavy, this is the first night cream that actually absorbs into the skin!!! EVERYONE NEEDS TO TRY THIS PRODUCT-even if you dont have "sensitive" skin you will love how soft, and hydrated it is after one use. My skin was visibly calmer and more youthful looking, and I love that it is free of all the nasty chemicals so many other products contain. I will be replenishing!" - mrscoffee
4. Algenist GENIUS Sleeping Collagen ($98)
This sleeping cream provides intense nourishment for dewy, cushioned skin by morning, targeting concerns like loss of firmness and elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, and dryness. After one overnight use, skin is softer, more supple, dewy, and radiant. Due to the nutrient-rich formula and buttery cream texture, only a pea-sized amount is needed per usage.
Ingredient Breakdown:
- Vegan Plant Collagen: Creates a smoother, more cushioned appearance.
- Alguronic Acid: Visibly minimizes appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Skin-mimicking Ceramides and Mary Thistle Plant: Hydrate and nourish skin.
Promising Reviews:
"I absolutely love how easily this genius sleeping collagen glides onto my skin. After the first night I used it, I noticed how moisturized my skin was in the morning. I really enjoy the scent. It's just the right amount without being too fragrant. An added bonus I've noticed is that even though I did not apply it to my lips. My lips were plump and soft in the morning. I have always wanted to achieve that dewy looking skin, and this collagen mask has finally done that for me. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to my fine lines and uneven skin tone with continued use of it. I will review again after another week of using it. I did receive this complimentary for testing purposes. I promise this is my own personal opinions of this product. If you knew me in real life; you'd know that even if it was complimentary, if it didn't work, I would say that. Luckily, it's working so much better than I could have expected it to. I did not use concealer or foundation in my pic. I do have algenist liquid collagen and powder on. Before using this product, I wouldn't have been able to skip concealer or foundation. I hope it works as well for you, as it has been working for me." - LeighAnnSky
5. Nuria Defend Overnight Recovery Cream ($48)
This dual-action night cream has been expertly infused with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from Seaweed and Brown Algae to fight against damage caused by environmental aggressors. Powered by ingredients found in the mineral-rich waters of coastal Japan, the Defend Overnight Recovery Balm’s creamy formula works during your skin’s natural overnight repair process, so you can wake up with a refreshed, visibly smoother, and more radiant complexion.
Ingredient Breakdown:
Seaweed: Acts as a super hydrator and also exfoliates to get rid of dead skin cells and toxins.
Brown Algae: Helps prevent damage to amino-acids within your skin and provides skin with additional suppleness to maintain greater moisture retention. Rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, brown algae also helps your skin maintain youthful suppleness and bounce.
Aloe Leaf Juice: Contains organic molecules that act as a detoxifying agent, rejuvenate damaged skin, promote healthy skin.
Promising Review:
"I use this Defend Overnight Recovery Cream every night and I looove it! It's light to apply but moisturizes beautifully!" - @being_bettina
