Burt’s Bees might be an old favorite for some, or a new find for others, but here it is with its “Calming Night Cream.” The name itself is quite straightforward, this is a gentle product, aimed at nourishing delicate skin overnight, so it certainly piqued my curiosity. According to the brand, it’s scientifically proven to give much-needed moisture without any redness or irritation, thanks to a mix of Cotton Extract, Rice Extract, and Aloe.
After using it diligently for a full week, I’ve gathered some honest thoughts on how well it performs and whether it’s truly worth putting on your skincare shelf. This review isn’t paid or sponsored, and every opinion here reflects my genuine experience. Of course, skincare results can vary, so take this as one person’s perspective on the journey with Burt’s Bees calming Night Cream.
What Is Calming Night Cream?
It’s defined as a nighttime hydrating formula designed specifically to support delicate skin while you sleep. Within this category, a night cream is generally meant to address any overnight skin dryness or irritation by delivering moisture over several hours, helpful for those seeking something kinder to their skin.
This particular version comes from Burt’s Bees, and it’s described as being gentle enough not to trigger redness, featuring Cotton Extract, Rice Extract, and Aloe. According to the brand, these ingredients are meant to help replenish the outer layer of sensitive skin, while minimizing the chance of unwanted reactions. In basic terms, it’s intended as a lightweight yet sufficiently moisturizing option for people with easily irritated skin.
Did It Work?
I wanted this grand experiment to be as unbiased as possible, so I actually stopped using my usual night cream for a few days, how very scientific of me! Each night for a full week, I applied a moderate amount of Burt’s Bees Calming Night Cream to clean, slightly damp skin, gently massaging it in. Initially, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it absorbed and left my face feeling calm rather than smothered, which is often a concern when shifting to a new formula.
By around the midweek mark, my skin remained moisturized, though I can’t say there was a dramatic improvement in texture or plumpness. My complexion did stay free from redness or itchiness, which is definitely a plus for a product claiming to be gentle. As the days went on, I appreciated its lightweight feel under my regular serum as well. However, toward the end of the trial, I started missing the extra hydration I was used to from my usual cream, especially on some drier areas around my nose, which never quite felt fully replenished with Burt’s Bees.
So, does it work? In terms of mildness and basic moisturization, it mostly delivers on its promise. My skin didn’t flare up or feel irritated, and the texture was pleasant enough for nightly use. Still, I’m not entirely convinced it provides the deeper, longer-lasting hydration I personally crave, so I won’t be swapping out my regular night cream for this. While it’s not a total miss, it just isn’t the perfect match for my needs.
Calming Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
Diving into the list, you’ll find that Cotton Extract sits right at the core, aiming to reinforce your skin’s outer barrier. This can help soften and calm skin that’s prone to flare-ups. Rice Extract supports the overall hydration factor, while Aloe adds a soothing touch, both solid options for temperamental complexions. Other notables include Sunflower Seed Oil and Shea Butter, which can help with nourishment but may be borderline comedogenic, meaning there’s a slight chance they could clog pores if you’re especially sensitive. Most people won’t have an issue, but it’s something to keep in mind if you tend to break out easily.
From what’s shown in the ingredients, this formula doesn’t appear to contain any obvious animal-derived components, so it could be suitable for both vegans and vegetarians, though it’s always best to double-check with the brand if you have any concerns. Meanwhile, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, and Cetyl Alcohol serve as gentle helpers to lock in moisture without leaving skin feeling heavy or greasy. There’s also Phenoxyethanol functioning as a preservative, which can be a sticking point for some who prefer strictly natural products, but it’s commonly used to keep formulas stable. All in all, the ingredient mix leans toward mildness; however, thicker butters and oils might not suit every skin type equally, so it’s worth patch-testing if you’re on the fence.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
Every product comes with both upsides and potential downsides, and this night cream is no different. Here’s a quick rundown of my experience:
What Works Well:
- Absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a heavy or greasy feel
- Helps skin feel calm, especially for those prone to redness
- Contains plant-based ingredients that some may find comforting for sensitive complexions
- Sits well under other nighttime products without pilling
What to Consider:
- May not provide enough moisture for drier areas
- Claims a soothing effect, but results can vary from person to person
- Includes certain oils and butters that might not suit all skin types
- Lacks the deeper hydration I personally prefer in a night cream
My Final Thoughts
When it comes to finding the dream night cream, something that’ll soothe, hydrate, and keep redness at bay, it’s easy to get caught up in a brand’s claims. Burt’s Bees touts all sorts of comforting ingredients in their Calming Night Cream, and while there’s merit to that, not all of us will experience the “miraculous transformation” promised on the label. That said, a fair try is a fair try: I used it for a full week, replacing my usual, more hydrating formula, and watched my skin closely. Yes, it was gentle and never triggered any discomfort, but I can’t say it knocked my socks off.
If you want a lightweight, largely plant-based product that sits well with sensitive skin, you might enjoy this. However, if your complexion leans dry, especially around the nose or cheeks, this cream’s moderate hydration level might leave you craving more. Personally, it scores a 6/10 for me because it’s pleasant yet not particularly impressive. Would I recommend it to a friend? Only if that friend had combination or slightly reactive skin looking for a mild boost, rather than intensive, deep moisturization.
By the way, many of us who test and tweak our skincare routines know there are plenty of alternatives out there worth exploring. I’ve tried a fair share myself, and if Burt’s Bees Calming Night Cream isn’t quite hitting the mark for you either, consider giving Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal a shot, it covers all the bases, works for pretty much every skin type, and does so at a wallet-friendly price point. Another sound option is the Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE, which has a thicker texture but still feels airy, leaving skin replenished overnight. Finally, Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream by Eucerin is a classic I’ve gone back to time and again for a more substantial hydration fix without any heavy residue. All three are equally gentle but offer different kinds of intensity for those who need a bit more from their overnight routine.
Before you make your choice, remember a few important points: every new product can behave differently on different skin, so it’s always wise to patch test beforehand. Also, keep in mind that results aren’t permanent, if you do land on your perfect night cream, you’ll need to use it consistently to maintain its benefits. Now, if only that wasn’t so obvious to all of us night cream enthusiasts!