Buying Guide
Best Night Creams UK
Night creams are moisturisers designed for use in the evening routine. Compared with day moisturisers they are typically richer in texture, sit on the skin for longer without needing to be followed by SPF, and are often formulated around hydration, barrier support or overnight skin feel rather than a daytime finish. This guide compares seven night creams listed on Amazon UK by texture, supporting ingredients, skin type positioning and price before you buy.
Comparing by texture and supporting ingredients: compare CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion for a lightweight lotion texture with niacinamide and three ceramides. Compare Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Cream for a retinyl propionate based night cream in a refillable glass jar. Compare No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream for a richer night cream built around shea butter, sodium hyaluronate and peptide ingredients. Compare La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream for a minimalist night moisturiser for sensitive-feeling skin. Compare Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream for a Thiamidol and Dexpanthenol night cream positioned by the brand around uneven tone and dark spots. Compare Medik8 Advanced Night Restore for a richer night cream with ceramides and chlorophyll. Compare Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream for a richer night cream with marine and plant extracts.
Products to Compare
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion 52ml
Check latest details on Amazon UK
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion is a lightweight evening moisturiser from a pharmacy brand commonly discussed in UK routines. The formula combines niacinamide, three ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which is positioned around barrier support and hydration. The lotion texture sits lighter than a traditional night cream, which makes it a more crossover option for routines that prefer a thinner evening step. CeraVe is fragrance free and the lotion format is also listed in the broader CeraVe moisturiser range. The full ingredient list is worth checking before use, particularly for routines that already include niacinamide in a separate serum step.
Compare for: a lightweight evening lotion with niacinamide and three ceramides, positioned for routines that prefer a thinner night cream texture.
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Cream 50ml
Check latest details on Amazon UK
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Cream uses retinyl propionate, a vitamin A derivative positioned by the brand as a more gradual retinol option. The formula also includes niacinamide and vitamin E in a fragrance free base. The Olay listing positions the product for evening use, with a refillable glass jar format. Retinyl propionate is generally considered more gradual in conversion than retinol, though the practical difference depends on the formula and how the product is layered with other actives. The Olay night cream sits in the higher strength end of the night creams in this guide because of the vitamin A inclusion. Check brand guidance if combining with other actives, particularly if the routine already includes a separate retinol or retinal serum.
Compare for: a vitamin A derivative night cream with niacinamide and vitamin E in a refillable glass jar.
No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream 50ml
Check latest details on Amazon UK
No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream is a richer night cream from a UK high street brand. The formula lists shea butter, sodium hyaluronate and peptide ingredients including palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, alongside glycerin and ascorbyl glucoside. The cream sits at the richer end of the texture range in this guide, designed as the final evening step rather than a separate active. The product label indicates the formula contains fragrance, which is worth flagging for routines that prefer fragrance free options. Check the full ingredient list before use, particularly if the routine already includes peptides, hyaluronic acid or retinol in separate steps.
Compare for: a richer night cream with shea butter, hyaluronic acid and peptide ingredients from a UK high street brand.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream 40ml
Check latest details on Amazon UK
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream is positioned by the brand for sensitive feeling or reactive skin. The formula is minimalist compared with other options in this guide, with a focus on a short ingredient list and fragrance free base. The product sits within the broader La Roche-Posay Toleriane range, which is commonly discussed for sensitive feeling skin. The cream texture is mid weight, sitting between the CeraVe PM lotion and the richer Medik8 and Elemis options in this guide. Check the full ingredient list before use, particularly if combining with prescription skincare or other actives.
Compare for: a minimalist pharmacy brand night cream for sensitive feeling or reactive skin routines.
Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream 50ml
Check latest details on Amazon UK
Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream is positioned by the brand around hyperpigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin tone. The Eucerin UK product page lists Thiamidol, a patented ingredient positioned at the root cause of hyperpigmentation, alongside Dexpanthenol which the brand describes as supporting overnight skin regeneration. The cream is designed as the evening step rather than a separate active, and the texture sits at the mid weight end of the products in this guide. The Amazon UK listing describes the formula as a dermatologically tested night moisturiser, and the brand positions visible results around consistent use over time rather than as a one step effect. Check the full ingredient list before use, particularly if the routine already includes other brightening or vitamin C based steps.
Compare for: a Thiamidol and Dexpanthenol night cream positioned by the brand around dark spots and uneven tone.
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore 50ml
Check latest details on Amazon UK
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore is a richer night cream from a UK professional skincare brand. The formula combines ceramides, chlorophyll, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in a richer cream texture. The Medik8 range is commonly discussed alongside professional skincare routines in the UK, and the Advanced Night Restore is positioned as an evening moisturiser with a focus on overnight skin feel. The cream texture sits towards the richer end of the options in this guide. The brand does not list a fragrance in the formula. Check the full ingredient list before use, particularly for routines that already include ceramides in a separate moisturiser step.
Compare for: a richer night cream with ceramides, chlorophyll and hyaluronic acid from a UK professional skincare brand.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream 50ml
Check latest details on Amazon UK
Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream is a premium night cream from a British heritage skincare brand. The formula is built around padina pavonica, a brown algae extract, alongside other marine and plant extracts in a richer cream base. The Pro-Collagen range is Elemis' flagship line, commonly discussed in UK premium skincare. The cream texture sits at the richer end of the options in this guide. The product is positioned for evening use, with the brand describing the formula in terms of overnight skin feel. Check the full ingredient list before use, particularly for routines that prefer fragrance free or fully minimalist formulas.
Compare for: a premium night cream with padina pavonica and marine extracts, positioned for richer overnight texture.
Comparison
| Product | Format | Key label detail | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion | Lightweight lotion | Niacinamide + 3 ceramides + HA, fragrance free | 52ml |
| Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Cream | Night cream | Retinyl propionate + niacinamide + vitamin E, refillable jar | 50ml |
| No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream | Night cream | Shea butter + hyaluronic acid + peptide ingredients | 50ml |
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream | Mid weight cream | Minimalist formula, sensitive feeling skin | 40ml |
| Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream | Night cream | Thiamidol + Dexpanthenol | 50ml |
| Medik8 Advanced Night Restore | Richer night cream | Ceramides + chlorophyll + HA + niacinamide | 50ml |
| Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream | Richer night cream | Padina pavonica + marine and plant extracts | 50ml |
What is a night cream
Night creams are moisturisers formulated for use in the evening routine. They are typically richer in texture than day moisturisers and are usually the last step of the evening routine, sitting on top of any serums and treatments applied earlier in the routine. Night creams are not usually paired with broad spectrum SPF, because UV exposure is not a factor overnight, and the evening step is commonly positioned for hydration, barrier support or overnight skin feel rather than a daytime finish.
The night cream category overlaps with day moisturisers, evening lotions and overnight treatments. Within this guide, the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion is a lightweight evening lotion rather than a richer cream. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream sits in the mid weight range of the category. The Olay Regenerist Retinol24, No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream, Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream, Medik8 Advanced Night Restore and Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream are all positioned as richer traditional night creams, each built around a different supporting ingredient profile.
Within the UK market, the night cream format is commonly compared to a richer day moisturiser. Some routines use a richer day moisturiser as an evening step, while others prefer a dedicated evening product. The category also overlaps with sleep masks, overnight treatments and richer evening balms. The seven products in this guide are all positioned as night creams or evening moisturisers listed on Amazon UK, with the comparison focused on texture, supporting ingredients and skin type positioning.
Day vs night moisturiser
Day moisturisers and night creams are commonly positioned as separate steps in a routine, though some products can be used at either time. The practical difference comes down to three factors: the presence of SPF, the texture of the formula, and the supporting ingredients.
SPF: day moisturisers commonly include broad spectrum SPF, because the product sits on the skin during UV exposure hours. Night creams are typically formulated without SPF, because UV exposure is not a factor overnight. The night creams in this guide do not include SPF, which is consistent with the category. If the daytime routine uses a separate sunscreen, a dedicated night cream is one way to keep the two steps separate.
Texture: day moisturisers tend to be lighter in texture, designed to sit under makeup and SPF. Night creams tend to be richer, designed to sit on the skin overnight without the need for further layering. The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion is at the lighter end of the night cream category, and sits close to a day moisturiser in texture. The Medik8 Advanced Night Restore and Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream are at the richer end.
Supporting ingredients: day moisturisers are commonly formulated around hydration and a daytime finish. Night creams are commonly formulated around hydration, barrier support and overnight skin feel. The vitamin A inclusion in the Olay Regenerist Retinol24, the peptide ingredients in No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream and the Thiamidol positioning in Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream are evening positioned ingredient choices that some shoppers compare when choosing between a day and night product.
For a broader context on day moisturisers and the daytime step, the Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin UK guide covers the daytime step for drier routines, the Best Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin UK guide covers the same step for sensitive feeling skin, and the Best Lightweight Moisturisers UK guide covers the lighter end of the day moisturiser range.
How to choose
By texture: the practical difference between the options in this guide comes down to texture. The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion is the lightest, at the evening lotion end of the range. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream sits in the mid weight range. The Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream is a mid weight night cream, with a richer finish than the lotion. The Olay Retinol24, No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream, Medik8 Advanced Night Restore and Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream are the richer traditional night creams. Comparing texture against the rest of the routine is one approach to narrowing down the choice.
By supporting ingredients: the supporting ingredient profile varies across the guide. CeraVe PM is positioned around niacinamide and three ceramides. Olay Retinol24 uses retinyl propionate, a vitamin A derivative. No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream is built around shea butter, sodium hyaluronate and peptide ingredients. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo uses a minimalist formula for sensitive feeling skin. Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream is positioned by the brand around Thiamidol and Dexpanthenol, with the formula aimed at uneven tone and dark spots. Medik8 Advanced Night Restore uses ceramides, chlorophyll, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Elemis Pro-Collagen uses padina pavonica and marine extracts. If a routine already includes one of these ingredient categories in a separate step, comparing the combined ingredient list is one way to avoid overlap.
By skin type: the products in this guide are positioned for different skin types. CeraVe PM and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo are commonly discussed for sensitive feeling or reactive skin. Olay Retinol24, Medik8 Advanced Night Restore and Elemis Pro-Collagen are commonly discussed for drier or more mature feeling skin. No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream is positioned by the brand as a richer evening moisturiser for routine use. Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream is positioned by the brand for routines concerned with dark spots and uneven skin tone. Comparing skin type positioning alongside the rest of the routine is one approach.
By price and format: the price range across the seven products varies, with CeraVe, Olay, La Roche-Posay and Eucerin sitting at the lower end of the price range, and No7, Medik8 and Elemis sitting at the higher end. The size also varies from 40ml and 50ml up to 52ml across the creams in this guide. Comparing price per ml alongside the texture and supporting ingredients is one approach to comparing the seven options.
By routine fit: a night cream is typically the last step of the evening routine, sitting on top of any serums. All seven products in this guide are designed to be the night cream step itself, so no separate moisturiser is required after them in a standard routine. If the routine already includes an active serum such as a retinol or exfoliating acid earlier in the evening, the night cream is the step that closes the routine. For routines that prefer a thinner evening step, the CeraVe PM lotion and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo are the lighter options in this guide.
How to use a night cream
Apply a night cream as the last step of the evening routine, after cleansing and any serums or treatments. A small amount is usually enough for a face and neck application, with the specific amount depending on the texture of the product and the routine. Richer creams require less product than lighter lotions.
Press or smooth the product into the skin rather than rubbing, particularly for richer textures. The CeraVe PM lotion absorbs quickly, while the Medik8, Elemis, Olay, No7 and Eucerin creams take longer to settle on the skin. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream sits in the mid weight range, between the lighter lotion and the richer creams.
Layering a serum under a night cream is a common pattern. The CeraVe PM lotion can be used on its own as the evening step, or layered under a richer cream for drier routines. The other six products in this guide are designed to be the night cream step themselves, so no separate moisturiser is required after them in a standard routine.
Daytime SPF is worth using the morning after a night cream that includes vitamin A. The Olay Retinol24 contains a vitamin A derivative, which can make the skin more sensitive to UV exposure. A broad spectrum SPF in the morning routine is worth including when using a vitamin A based evening step.
Introduce a new night cream gradually, particularly if the formula includes active ingredients such as vitamin A derivatives. Patch testing on a small area of skin before first use is one approach for routines new to active ingredients.
If pregnant, breastfeeding, using prescription skincare, taking regular medication, or managing a diagnosed skin condition, check with a GP, pharmacist, midwife, dermatologist or qualified prescriber before introducing a new night cream or evening treatment, particularly one that includes active ingredients.
If spots, redness, irritation, peeling or breakouts are persistent, painful, scarring, spreading or worrying, speak to a GP, pharmacist, dermatologist or qualified prescriber. This is also worth doing if the routine includes prescription skincare or medication, or if a diagnosed skin condition is being managed.
Before you buy
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion is a lightweight evening lotion with niacinamide, three ceramides and hyaluronic acid, positioned for routines that prefer a thinner night cream texture. Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Cream is a vitamin A derivative night cream in a refillable glass jar, positioned for routines comfortable with a retinyl propionate step. No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream is a richer night cream with shea butter, sodium hyaluronate and peptide ingredients. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream is a minimalist night cream for sensitive feeling skin. Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream is positioned by the brand around dark spots and uneven skin tone, with Thiamidol and Dexpanthenol on the label. Medik8 Advanced Night Restore is a richer night cream with ceramides, chlorophyll, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream is a premium night cream with padina pavonica and marine extracts.
For a broader context on the evening routine and the steps that sit around a night cream, the Best Retinol Serums UK guide covers the retinol options that are commonly layered in the evening, the Retinol for Beginners UK guide covers the introduction steps for routines new to vitamin A derivatives, and the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums UK guide covers the hydrating serum step that often sits between cleansing and the night cream.
Check the current Amazon UK listing before buying any night cream, particularly for the full ingredient list, format size, fragrance or fragrance free status, and any specific application guidance. Product formulations can change over time, and the label on the product received is the authoritative source for the formulation. The No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream label indicates the formula contains fragrance, which is worth flagging for routines that prefer fragrance free options, and the Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream label can be checked for the current Thiamidol concentration and full supporting ingredient list.
Compare the supporting ingredient list against the rest of the routine before choosing, particularly for routines that already include niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides or vitamin A derivatives in a separate step. Overlap between a night cream and a separate serum or treatment can be a useful comparison point when narrowing down the choice.
Frequently asked questions
What does a night cream do?
Night creams are moisturisers formulated for use in the evening routine. They are typically richer in texture than day moisturisers and are positioned for hydration, barrier support or overnight skin feel. They are usually the last step of the evening routine and are not usually paired with broad spectrum SPF. The seven products in this guide are positioned as night creams, evening lotions, or evening treatments listed on Amazon UK, and the comparison covers texture, supporting ingredients and skin type positioning.
Can I use a day moisturiser as a night cream?
Some day moisturisers can be used as the evening step, particularly if the daytime formula is rich enough and the routine does not need a separate night cream. The practical difference between a day moisturiser and a night cream comes down to three factors: the presence of SPF, the texture of the formula, and the supporting ingredients. The Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin UK guide covers day moisturisers for drier routines, and the Best Lightweight Moisturisers UK guide covers the lighter end of the day moisturiser range.
Do I need SPF in my morning routine if I use a vitamin A night cream?
Yes, a broad spectrum SPF in the morning routine is worth including when the evening routine includes a vitamin A derivative. The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Cream contains retinyl propionate, a vitamin A derivative that can make the skin more sensitive to UV exposure. A separate broad spectrum SPF in the morning routine is one approach to building a complete routine around a vitamin A evening step. Check brand guidance for the specific product chosen.
Is a night cream suitable for sensitive feeling or reactive skin?
Some night creams are positioned for sensitive feeling or reactive skin, particularly those with shorter ingredient lists and fragrance free formulas. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream in this guide is positioned for sensitive feeling skin. The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion is also commonly discussed for sensitive feeling routines. For sensitive feeling routines, the full ingredient list and a patch test on a small area of skin before first use are worth doing. Check brand guidance for the specific product chosen.
Can I use a night cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Some night creams include active ingredients such as vitamin A derivatives, which are generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a qualified professional advises otherwise. The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Cream contains retinyl propionate, a vitamin A derivative. If pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, using prescription skincare, taking regular medication, or managing a diagnosed skin condition, check with a GP, pharmacist, midwife, dermatologist or qualified prescriber before using a night cream that includes active ingredients.