Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
ELLE editors are strangely obsessed with drugstore night creams. There's the cult-fave that lives up to french-girl hype, a bottle that will "lend itself to some particularly cloying Instagram opportunities," and a "travel-friendly, tiny tube works miracles overnight." Check out our night cream picks, all under $20.
Yes to Cotton Comforting Facial Moisturizer
When my hothouse flower skin feels like it's been especially put through the ringer by product testing, I try to pare everything back to the simplest of basics. So, when Yes to Cotton crossed my desk it felt particularly kismet (and not just for the obvious reasons). The cottonseed oil is soothing on offended skin and the lotion itself is hydrating but thin enough that it's easy to layer on without getting greasy. And yes, it does lend itself to some particularly cloying Instagram opportunities. — Cotton Codinha, Beauty & Fitness Editor
Yes to Cotton Comforting Facial Moisturizer, $8; amazon.com
Embroylisse Lait Crème Concentré
I hate to be under the "French girls do everything right!" delusion, but they are undeniably on-point when it comes to classic face creams (and pretty little dresses). Embroylisse was consistently at the top of those "what to buy from a Parisian pharmacy" listicles that flooded Facebook five years ago. When I finally tried it, I was floored by how it lived up to its reputation. It's affordable, hydrating, and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. But because it lacks SPF, I treat it like a night cream and slather it on before going to bed. — Justine Carreon, ELLE.com Associate Market Editor
Embroylisse Lait Crème Concentré, $16; target.com
RoC Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
This travel-friendly, tiny tube works miracles overnight. Boosted with retinol, it has visibly smoothed the slight lines I get when I sleep too little or slack on my water consumption. It's also super lightweight and doesn't feel as greasy as more heavy duty night creams (but is no less effective). — ELLE.com Associate Editor, Kristina Rodulfo
RoC Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $17; walmart.com
Cerave Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM
I switched to mostly Cerave products for face and body lotion about a year ago and haven't looked back since. The price point is right and the stuff just works. I like the PM cream, which has a thinner formula that goes on lighter, versus the am which is thicker and has spf. I mix it with a little rose oil and I feel very fancy, like a beauty editor who knows things. — Leah Chernikoff, ELLE.com Editorial Director
Cerave Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM, $8; amazon.com
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
There are ingredients that work over time...and there's Hyaluronic acid. Neutrogena's Water Gel is packed with the latter, which means you don't need to wait to see results. While Hydro Boost isn't technically a night cream, I smooth it on meh-looking skin before bed and wake up with a visibly springier visage. — Julie Schott, ELLE.com Beauty Director
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, $19; neutrogena.com
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