Every dermatologist we spoke to recommended CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Night Cream for all skin types, even for people with sensitive complexions. It contains moisturizing, restorative ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which amount to a seriously skin-softening formula. That said, it doesn’t feel too heavy, Bradley Glodny, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Park Avenue Dermatology in New York City, tells SELF. It’s a great option for night cream newcomers who want a simple product that’ll deliver results. Bonus: You can easily find it in most drugstores.

La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream is a good option for people with sensitive skin because it’s fragrance-free, which reduces the risk of irritation, Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist and the founder of Ocean Skin & Vein Institute in Manhattan Beach, California, tells SELF. It’s also on the lighter side, thanks to a gel-cream texture that still feels nourishing.

If you have dry, irritated skin that’s prone to inflammation, including redness, the Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask from Dr. Jart+ is worth a try. Dustin Portela, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in Idaho, likes it for its calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients like centella asiatica, a plant extract that tends to be soothing and hydrating.

The hero ingredient in Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer is retinol, which makes it an especially good pick for people who are concerned about fine lines or skin texture, Dr. Shokeen says. By speeding up skin cell turnover, retinol can help unclog pores, boost the health of your skin barrier, and give your skin a brighter, fresher appearance overall. Just remember to wear sunscreen in the morning, since retinol can make your skin more sensitive to harmful UV rays. 

This night cream from SkinCeuticals has earned a holy grail reputation for its ability to restore the skin’s barrier, Aanand N. Geria, MD, FAAD, the founder of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey, tells SELF. Its key ingredients include ceramides and vitamin E, both of which help to moisturize and strengthen the skin. Dr. Geria also likes the Triple Lipid Restore cream because it contains antioxidants to help prevent the signs of free radical damage, like fine lines and dark spots caused by sun exposure.  

In addition to retinol, this fast-absorbing cream from Olay also contains niacinamide and peptides. The former can make skin clearer, brighter, and calmer; the latter has a smoothing, strengthening effect. Dr. Shokeen recommends this moisturizer for reducing fine lines, but given its blend of active ingredients, it can also help address overall dullness.

For a luxe treat, try La Mer’s cult classic Crème de La Mer (and bask in the skin care flex of displaying it on your sink). Made with the brand’s proprietary “Miracle Broth,” which mainly consists of moisturizing algae extract, its nourishing consistency feels great on dehydrated skin, Dr. Glodny says. He adds that it’s also a good choice for people concerned with signs of aging: Your skin tends to get drier as you get older, and a rich cream can help efficiently replenish its moisture. 

Dr. Glodny likes The Cream from Augustinus Bader because it can both “heal and moisturize your skin overnight.” Its star ingredient is a brand-exclusive blend of amino acids (which make up the proteins that keep your skin strong) and moisturizers that are meant to prevent future signs of damage like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and redness. It also contains a gentler form of retinol known as retinyl palmitate, soothing aloe, and skin-brightening vitamin C. 

This skin-restoring night cream earns top marks from Dr. Glodny for its use of squalane, an oil compound that provides lightweight but effective hydration—and doesn’t make the skin feel greasy. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin because squalane’s calming properties can help prevent inflammation in the skin. 

“Algenist is a favorite brand of mine, and this Genius Sleeping Collagen Night Cream does an excellent job of hydrating and repairing the skin overnight,” Dr. Portela says, referring to the ceramides and collagen amino acids in the cream. He adds that the peptides in this cream can also help improve the appearance of fine lines. It has a smooth, thick texture that should feel nourishing but not too heavy or greasy.

If you want to reap the benefits you’d get from a night cream in an ultra-light formula, give this oil a try. Although it’s technically not a night cream, Sunday Riley’s Luna Sleeping Night Oil gets a shout-out from Dr. Geria because it offers similar effects. Ingredients like chamomile and avocado oil help brighten dullness, calm signs of inflammation like redness, and relieve dehydration. Meanwhile, its gentle retinoid addresses uneven texture and fine lines.