Skin
Sep 16, 2022

These Drugstore Night Creams Are Actually Just as Good as the Expensive Ones

by Sarah Yang

There's no denying that night creams are one of the more expensive skincare products out there. Some can even set you back over $100, which some people might deem a worthy investment, and others might freak out at the number. One thing's for certain, though: A night cream is an important beauty product.

"A night cream hydrates the skin," explains board-certified dermatologist Elyse Love, MD, who practices at GlamDerm in New York City. "Nighttime moisturizers are important because we typically use drying ingredients, like retinols, at night. Night creams help restore the skin's balance so that these active ingredients don't dry out the skin."

So, yes, a night cream is an essential skincare step for most, but that doesn't mean you have to splurge on one. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options out there. And because it's important to do your research before you buy (whether it's a drugstore or "designer" brand), I asked the experts for their tips on how to choose a night cream.

Overall, you're going to want to look at the ingredient label when you're shopping around for a night cream. "For nighttime, I like products that are corrective and restorative," says dermatologist Karen Chinonso Kagha, MD, who looks for ingredients like retinol or retinoids, antioxidants, and gentle acids.

Makeup artist and VaultBeauty app founder Courtney Summers adds that she prefers night creams with ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E; retinol; and AHA, which are perfect for anti-aging and hydration. "Nighttime is when your skin prepares and regenerates itself, so night creams tend to be a richer moisturizer with a higher concentration of anti-aging ingredients," she explains. "The key to flawless makeup is great skin, which should be attended to both day and night."

Your skin type might also factor in to your night cream choices, especially if you have acne-prone or dry skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, Kagha recommends choosing a product that has chemical exfoliants and other corrective active ingredients that target acne. And you'll want to pay attention to the formula. "Acne-prone skin tends to benefit from oil-free and gel-cream formulations, especially in the summer, as these products are hydrating but light," adds Love.

If you're dealing with dry or sensitive skin, you might be better off with heavier creams, according to Love. Look for creams that have ultra-hydrating ingredients since that's probably your main skin concern.

It's possible to find a quality night cream at any price, Summers says, adding that she has drugstore and name brands that she uses daily. The main difference between a cheaper brand and a more expensive option is that the latter might include more good-for-the-skin ingredients. "Typically, more expensive night creams also contain active ingredients such as retinoid and/or AHA in addition to moisturizing ingredients," Love says.

When going down the drugstore aisle, Kagha says to pay attention to what your particular skin needs are. "Always check the active ingredients to see what the product is targeting," she explains. "Avoid products with fragrance or other potential allergens, especially for sensitive skin."