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.