Your nighttime skincare routine is incomplete without the right moisturiser to lock in all the products. A night cream can also function as a treatment and provide targetted action to tackle specific skin concerns while you sleep. And thankfully, there are targeted formulas available in the market that address your individual skin needs. But how do you go about picking the right formula for yourself? Do a label check, of course! Yes, ingredients are the key feature in addressing specific concerns, and we picked the best ones for you. Check ‘em out.
- 01. Hyaluronic acid for dry, dehydrated skin
- 02. Vitamin C for brightening
- 03. Niacinamide for a collagen boost
- 04. Retinol for anti-ageing
- 05. Aloe vera for calming
01. Hyaluronic acid for dry, dehydrated skin

Everybody loses hydration from their skin while they sleep, some more than others. If you wake up with dehydrated skin in the morning that feels tight, you need an added dose of hyaluronic acid in your nighttime routine. Hyaluronic acid helps boost your skin’s natural hydration and maintains it. Long term use of hyaluronic acid has been associated with improving your skin’s in-built capacity to stay hydrated on its own as well.
BB picks: Lakmé Absolute Hydra Pro Overnight Gel
02. Vitamin C for brightening

Even though vitamin C is known to have multiple benefits for the skin, it is most coveted for its brightening properties. If you suffer from dullness or pigmentation, a good vitamin C-infused night cream can help clear up your complexion and make it more radiant. Plus, most vitamin C products go a bit heavier on your skin, so applying them at night will be a good way to avoid the greasiness.
BB picks: Dermalogica Pure Night Moisturiser
03. Niacinamide for a collagen boost

If you are concerned about saggy or tired skin, niacinamide can help out. This hero ingredient is known to boost collagen in your skin. The natural process of ageing makes your body lose more collagen than it produces, which is not ideal because they are the building blocks of your skin. Niacinamide infused night creams can increase your skin’s collagen levels and make it more firm and supple.
BB picks: Lakmé Youth Infinity Skin Firming Night Creme
04. Retinol for anti-ageing

Retinol is a potent ingredient that helps speed up your skin’s cell turnover and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. But given how potent this ingredient is, some find retinol serums too overwhelming for their skin. Instead, retinol-infused night cream can be used to reap all of its anti-ageing benefits without any of the sensitivity.
BB picks: Pond’s Age Miracle Wrinkle Corrector Night Cream
05. Aloe vera for calming

If you are someone who is often out and about in the sun, your skin will need a calming cream at night. Aloe vera is a powerful antioxidant that can help bring down skin inflammation. So if you are looking for a night cream that soothes and calm your skin while you sleep, aloe is the way to go!
BB picks: Lakmé 9 to 5 Naturale Night Crème
Written by Sumona Bose on Feb 26, 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!