What’s better than getting a good night’s sleep after a long day? Getting a good night’s rest while improving your complexion. Enter night serums, the multitasking skin superheroes that do their best work at night.
We’re sure you already have a nighttime routine that involves cleansing, slathering on some toner, moisturizer and a dab or two of eye cream. But you really should make room for a night serum in your already jam-packed skin care schedule. Just make sure you insert your evening serum of choice between applying your eye treatment and moisturizer.
Do you really need a night serum if you use a serum during the day?
The short answer: yes. Your skin uses your time in dreamland to rejuvenate and regenerate so it’s essential to use a formula designed to get the most out of your zzzs. And your standard serum just won’t cut it.
What do the best night serums have in common?
The best night serums usually feature at least one acid. The most common are hyaluronic, lactic, salicylic and glycolic or even a blend of all four. If you can tolerate retinol, look for a night serum with the trusted anti-aging ingredient to help tackle wrinkles and fine lines. And don’t forget your vitamins. You’ll also want a serum that absorbs quickly so you don’t have to delay hitting the sack.
Now that you know you need a night serum, it’s time to pick the one that’s right for you and your skin. So we went ahead and rounded up the best night serums currently on the market. Sweet dreams.
Best Night Serums
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HoliFrog
Halo AHA + BHA Evening Serum, $58 at DermStore
Apply a full dropper of this serum before going to bed to reveal healthy-looking skin the following morning. Its mix of glycolic, lactic, phytic and citric acids along with salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells while repairing damage and stimulating cell turnover. The formula tackles everything from uneven tone and texture to excess sebum to fine lines.
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Dr. Barbara Sturm
Night Serum, $310 at Sephora
You can sleep tight knowing this best night serum has your complexion covered. It relies on cotton thistle extract and the doctor's own high dose, molecularly balanced hyaluronic acid to tackle dryness. Plus, it calms irritation and redness so you can wake up to healthier skin.
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Olay
Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Facial Serum, $29.49 at Target
This serum penetrates your skin's surface layers so its combo of vitamin B3 and retinol gets where it needs to go. It promises improvement in everything from fine lines and wrinkles to brightness to pore size. Since it's fragrance- and dye-free, you don't have to worry about the serum freaking out your delicate complexion.
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Drunk Elephant
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, $90 at Drunk Elephant
Thanks to its AHA/BHA blend of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric and salicylic acids, this serum offers a chemical exfoliation without the side effects. While you're sleeping it refines and resurfaces skin for a smoother, more radiant complexion.
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Farmacy
Honeymoon Glow, $58 at Farmacy
This three-in-one night serum hydrates, resurfaces and clarifies. The hydration comes from hyaluronic acid along with the brand's proprietary honey blend. The serum gently exfoliates via flower acids from hibiscus extract. And its blend of lactic, glycolic, citric and fruit acids promotes cell renewal while battling hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles.
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Kiehl's
Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil, $78 at Kiehl's
Sleep your way to smoother, more radiant skin with a little help from this face oil. Featuring lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil and squalane, it absorbs easily and feels lightweight so you'll be able to drift off to dreamland pretty quickly. And when you wake up, your skin will feel soft, supple and hydrated.
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L'Occitane
Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum, $89 at L'Occitane
Apply this oil-in-serum before your head hits the pillow and it'll get to work while you catch some zzzs. It basically resets your complexion overnight so your skin feels rested and refreshed the next morning.
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Missha
Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule, $31.20 at Missha
This K-beauty pick features 10 different types of probiotics. Gentle enough for sensitive folks, it repairs and hydrates while you rest resulting in luminous, smooth skin.
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Peter Thomas Roth
Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum, $65 at Sephora
Encapsulated retinol along with vitamins C and E help this night serum make a difference. It improves skin tone and texture while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The formula even helps promote collagen production.
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Pixi
Skintreats Overnight Glow Serum Concentrated Exfoliating Gel, $24 at Target
Formulated with 10 percent glycolic acid and arginine, Pixi's serum will get you glowing by morning. Safe for all skin types, even sensitive, it also has vitamins A, C and E to nourish your complexion overnight.
