Our Favourites
Best Overall :
Carrot and Stick Repair Serum
SECOND:
Formulyst Anti-Aging Concentrate
- Sephora Buy now for $105
- Amazon Buy now for $104
- Walmart Buy now for $106
- Ulta Buy now for $102
Numerous studies indicate the importance of sleep. Not getting enough shuteye can have a serious adverse effect on attention, cognition, and mood. According to experts, sleep is also essential (approximately seven and a half hours is the sweet spot) because it’s when the body repairs itself. So, from a skin standpoint, the night is the best time to apply products with nourishing and restorative ingredients. Though all skincare steps are important in their own way, a night serum is going to work overtime while you’re catching some z’s.
Whether you want to target fine lines and wrinkles, acne or large pores, or discoloration and inflammation, a serum is your best weapon. Unlike other products — like a moisturizer — serums have a smaller molecular composition, meaning they can penetrate deeper to treat the skin from the inside out.
While the common goal is to deliver high concentrations of various active ingredients into the deep layers of the skin, day and night serums are formulated with different additives to target specific a.m. and p.m. needs. While daytime serums hydrate and protect, the purpose of a nighttime serum is to resurface and repair. Also, some ingredients are better used at night because they make the skin more sun-sensitive — more on that in a bit. To help you decipher the difference, we put together a list of the best night serums that will have you waking up to a more radiant complexion.
The List
BEST OVERALL
BEST: Carrot and Stick Repair Serum
Formulyst Anti-Aging Concentrate
FULL LIST
Murad Revitalixer Recovery Serum
Strivectin Super C Retinol Serum
Biossance Squalane and Lactic Resurfacing Night Serum
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum
Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment
PotentLift Advanced Vitamin C + B + E, Ferulic and Retinol Serum
The Best Night Serums
BEST OVERALL
BEST: Carrot and Stick Repair Serum
Apply this anti-aging serum daily to keep skin hydrated and protected from free radical damage. The Repair Serum by Carrot & Stick helps lift, tighten and firm the look of skin thanks to seven plant-based neuropeptides, while synthesized growth factors help keep skin looking radiant. It’s the best anti-aging serum for 30s — and beyond.
Best Bet
Formulyst Anti-Aging Concentrate
Formulated with ProBioBalance and a powerful Peptide Complex, Formulyst’s fast-acting multitasker of a super serum for aging skin harnesses the natural skincare benefits of Shea Butter, Green Tea & Vitamins C+E to visibly promote the five signs of youth – radiance, elasticity, firmness, skin tone, and smoothness.
Murad Revitalixer Recovery Serum
Not only does this sphere-infused formula touted as one of the best night serums for the face, but it also reduces dark under-eye circles and puffiness, thanks to caffeine and niacinamide. A blend of neuropeptide, paracress, and cannabis sativa seed oil help to soften fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep.
Strivectin Super C Retinol Serum
Strivectin Super C Retinol Serum combines two of the best ingredients in skin care — vitamin C and retinol — into one lightweight serum. The formula includes three different forms of vitamin C, as well as acerola cherry extract, a botanical extract that is naturally rich in vitamin C. When applied to the skin, vitamin C helps to combat free radicals, support collagen synthesis, and reduce the formation of dark spots by inhibiting melanin production.
In addition to vitamin C and retinol, this serum contains NIA-114, the brand’s proprietary form of niacin, to strengthen the skin barrier. Together, these key ingredients are said to restore radiance and clarity, smooth away fine lines and uneven texture, and visibly firm and improve elasticity.
Biossance Squalane and Lactic Resurfacing Night Serum
Lactic acid works to exfoliate the skin by breaking down keratin, the protein that binds dead skin cells together. It also increases cell turnover and attracts moisture to the skin (squalene is another key ingredient), resulting in a softer, smoother, and brighter complexion. While the brand claims you’ll see noticeable results in terms of texture after just one use, over time, fine lines and wrinkles are softened as well.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum
For those with extremely parched skin, a simple hyaluronic acid serum won’t do. For that reason, this formula is an excellent choice for extra dry skin because it contains a potent 30% HA complex made up of three different molecular sizes of HA. There are two other star ingredients: ProHyal+ (a natural form of hyaluronic acid-based on a high concentration in yeast oligosaccharides) and a 1% Pentavitin formulation that studies show keeps the skin hydrated for 72 hours.
Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum
Full disclosure: This is not a retinol serum for rookie retinol users. This professional strength formula consists of a 5% retinoid ester blend, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol, and blue-green algae to provide antioxidant protection. The addition of encapsulated CoQ10 works to improve damaged or aging skin; and if you’re worried about irritation due to the strength, cactus extract, Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, and ginger calm and soothe.
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment
One of the hidden benefits of retinol for oily skin is that it sloughs off dead skin cells that can stick to the surface and clog pores. The 1% strength in this formula helps decrease oil production, while licorice and oat extracts reduce the appearance of dark spots and soothe inflammation.
PotentLift
Retinol and vitamin C work together to lighten dark spots and discoloration due to natural aging or sun damage. Vitamins B, E, and ferulic acid hydrate and repair oxidative stress due to an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. All of the ingredients harmoniously brighten and rejuvenate the skin.
Nighttime Face Serums: The Bottom Line
What’s the Best Night Serum available in the market? Overall, we suggest Carrot and Stick Repair Serum.
Sleep is also essential (approximately seven and a half hours is the sweet spot, according to experts) because it’s when the body repairs itself. So, it’s the best time to apply products with nourishing and restorative ingredients from a skin standpoint. Though all skincare steps are important in their own way, a night serum is going to work overtime while you’re catching some z’s.
Whether you want to target fine lines and wrinkles, acne or large pores, or discoloration and inflammation, a serum is your best weapon. Unlike other products — like a moisturizer — serums have a smaller molecular composition, meaning they can penetrate deeper to treat the skin from the inside out.
While the common goal is to deliver high concentrations of various active ingredients into the deep layers of the skin, day and night serums are formulated with different additives to target specific a.m. and p.m. needs. While daytime serums hydrate and protect, the purpose of a nighttime serum is to resurface and repair. Also, some ingredients are better used at night because they make the skin more sun-sensitive. Look for formulas that contain AHAs, BHAs, antioxidants, squalene, peptides, and retinol.
There’s no such thing as a quick fix, and consistency is vital if you want to see results — which can take at least 4-6 weeks in most cases. Don’t give up. Stick with it, and you’ll see an improvement over time, providing you’re using a nighttime serum with a high concentration of quality ingredients suited for your skin type.
Best Bet
FAQs
While this may seem like an obvious tip, it’s important not to use your night serum during the day because, as mentioned, many formulas contain ingredients that make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to couple your day serum with sun protection with a minimum SPF of 30.Don’t Overdo It
It can be challenging to train your brain only to use a minimal amount of serum, but remember that a little goes a long way as it’s more concentrated. As a general rule of thumb, use two pumps (a pea-sized amount) or 3-4 drops if you’re using a dropper formula. You don’t need to coat your entire face due to the potency. Simply gently pat the required amount of serum into the skin with your fingertips. Wait approximately 30-60 seconds before applying your night cream.Be Patient
There’s no such thing as a quick fix, and consistency is vital if you want to see results — which can take at least 4-6 weeks in most cases. Don’t give up. Stick with it, and you’ll see an improvement over time, providing you’re using a nighttime serum with a high concentration of quality ingredients suited for your skin type.
Sources:
“The Extraordinary Importance of Sleep,” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, December 2018.
“Do Retinoids Really Reduce Wrinkles?,” Harvard Health Publishing, April 2017.
“Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Squalene and Related Compounds: Potential Uses in Cosmetic Dermatology,” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, January 2009.
“Anti-Wrinkle Benefits of Peptides Complex Stimulating Skin Basement Membrane Proteins Expression,” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, January 2020.
