Best Night Serums to Target Signs of Aging While You Sleep

And all about why they work best at night.

We know how lengthy beauty routines can be, and most of us barely have enough time to even complete our skin care routine twice a day. But not all skin care products are created equally. Some are specially designed for use during the day while you’re out and about, providing long-lasting protection and comfort. On the other hand, some products are more effective when used overnight. Today we’re going over the basics of night serums, why you need them for your beauty sleep, and the best ones to add to your routine.

Why do I need a night serum?

First off, face serums are oftentimes the most potent part of your skin care routine. They’re more lightweight than moisturizers, so your skin has a better chance of absorbing the active ingredients in them. Using a serum also gives you a chance to tackle your different skin concerns, whether it’s anti-aging or working to fight that breakout.

So what makes a night serum so special? There are some active compounds like vitamins A and C in natural ingredients that have wonderful benefits for your skin. But at the same time, these potent anti-aging ingredients can also cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun, doing more damage than good. Applying them at night instead gives your skin more time to absorb them too. With your face in a resting position, and away from the sun and pollution’s harm, your skin is left with more opportunity to reap the benefits of your serum.

Best night serums

Overnight Recovery Serum from Nourish Organics
USDA organic, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free
Is your skin more prone to drying out overnight? Just using your usual moisturizer won’t cut it. This overnight serum doubles as a facial oil. It contains fatty-acid rich argan and evening primrose oil to help increase skin’s elasticity, and keep it moisturized until the morning.

Essence Restorative Night Treatment from Vapour Organic Beauty
USDA organic, cruelty-free, vegan
This serum is perfect for providing intensive skin repair, and it’s non-comedogenic too so the rich nutrients won’t clog your pores. Baobao fruit and prickly pear oil help fight free radical damage to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum from 100% Pure
Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
This multi-tasking serum is packed with potent ingredients such as vitamin C and CoQ10 that specifically work to promote smoother, firmer skin and fight existing damage. It sets itself apart from other night serums with carrot-derived natural retinol that helps to lessen and prevent wrinkles.

Night Time Antioxidants Repair Serum from Odacite
Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
In addition to antioxidant-rich seed oils that help fight signs of aging as you sleep, this serum contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate dry skin and leave it plump when you wake up. It also includes a potent dose of vitamin E to promote skin healing and moisturizing.

Age Defiance Night Serum from Mukti
Cruelty-free
This serum contains various ingredients such as papaya enzymes, vitamin A, and vitamin C that help brighten skin. Do note that it also contains an active synthetic ingredient called dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitate that has been shown to safely fight dark spots while protecting skin against UV radiation.

Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum from Ursa Major
Cruelty-free
The vitamin C in this serum helps to brighten and promote skin’s firmness and elasticity, targeting most skin concerns that come with more mature skin. Thanks to sunflower seed oil and shea butter, this formula is moisturizing yet light enough to wear under your favorite night cream.

Complete Retinol Serum from Foxbrim
Cruelty-free
The natural retinol in this serum helps to even out skin tone, promoting younger-looking skin in the long run. It’s combined with antioxidant-rich green tea and jojoba oil to enhance skin repair and prevent further damage from UV rays.

Retinol Serum from Amara Organics
Cruelty-free
If you’re looking for a nearly oil-free formula that’s compatible with your acne-prone skin, this retinol serum is a promising option. Retinol helps promote collagen production, while working with witch hazel to clear up pores and help fade acne scars.

How to use a night serum

• Always apply a night serum after cleansing and toning. Wiping away dirt and excess oil helps to create a clean canvas, so your skin can absorb the serum without leading to clogged pores.
• Gently pat the serum into your face in slight, upward motions to promote absorption.
• Always follow with a moisturizer to help seal in the ingredients as you sleep.
• Use sun protection the next day, especially if your night serum contains ingredients that are rich with vitamin A or vitamin C.
• If you have sensitive skin, patch test the serum before use. Discontinue using if your skin has a reaction.
• Store your night serum away from sunlight, and keep it in a cool, dark space. This helps keep the product stable and potent.

We love night serums because they give us the opportunity to supercharge our beauty routine and target our unique skin concerns—all while we sleep! Just remember to keep a close eye on the ingredients in the formula, so that they don’t interact negatively with the rest of your skin care, and ensure your skin isn’t absorbing any unwanted chemicals. Who knows, your night serum might be your new favorite pamper ritual that’s the secret to a more refreshed complexion in the morning.

Many face serums can be layered too. Here are our top picks for a more productive skin care routine: