Aveeno is one of those brands that may have flown under the radar for some, yet it has a strong reputation among skincare enthusiasts. The name of this product, Calm + Restore Rehydrating Night Cream, seems to promise a soothing, skin-loving experience, and the brand itself says it’s formulated specifically to moisturize and visibly calm sensitive skin. I spent a full week putting this mineral-rich cream to the test, looking to see if it can truly lock in lasting hydration and help maintain a balanced complexion.
Note: This review is not paid or sponsored in any way, and all thoughts shared here are based on personal experience. Individual results will always vary from person to person, especially when it comes to skincare.
What Is Calm + Restore Rehydrating Night Cream?
This product is a night cream, which means it’s designed to be applied before bed to help support your skin’s natural repair process while you sleep. Aveeno created this formula to nourish and protect sensitive skin, using ingredients like prebiotic oat extract, shea butter, and feverfew extract. This combination aims to calm redness, deliver moisture for up to 48 hours, and provide antioxidant protection. Being a mineral-rich cream, it’s focused on maintaining balanced, hydrated skin without a heavy or greasy feel, making it suitable for those seeking consistent overnight care.
Did It Work?
In an effort to be very scientific, I completely stopped using my regular night cream for a few days and replaced it with Calm + Restore Rehydrating Night Cream, an experiment I took quite seriously. Right away, I noticed the formula’s velvety feel; it spread easily and absorbed fairly quickly, leaving my skin feeling quite soft. For the first few nights, I found it gave a gentle, comforting sensation that didn’t weigh heavily on my face. There was no tingling or stinging, which is always a good sign for sensitive skin.
By midweek, I did feel some improvement in overall hydration. My skin didn’t seem as taut in the morning, and it looked reasonably balanced, less of the usual dryness in patches around my cheeks, at least. I was waiting to see if it would provide that deep, “locked-in” moisture promised, and while it did help my face retain softness overnight, I didn’t see a dramatic change in redness or irritation. The last few nights were consistent in effect; there were no surprises or breakouts, but also no major glow-up transformations.
Ultimately, yes, it did soothe and hydrate, so I’d say it met the essential claims of calming and restoring. However, I didn’t find it spectacular enough to fully switch out my go-to night cream. It’s a solid product for someone seeking a gentle, non-greasy formula, but personally, this one won’t be making a permanent appearance in my skincare lineup anytime soon.
Calm + Restore Rehydrating Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
At the heart of this formula is a prebiotic oat extract, which contributes to calming redness and supporting a healthy skin barrier. The brand also includes shea butter, known for its ability to soften and lock in moisture, and feverfew extract, hailed for its antioxidant properties and soothing potential. All these ingredients come wrapped in a velvety base that aims to leave skin feeling nourished rather than weighed down.
The ingredient list doesn’t feature animal-derived components, so it seems suitable for vegetarians. However, the brand doesn’t explicitly label it as vegan, so if that’s a priority, it’s best to double-check official sources for confirmation. Another noteworthy factor is the presence of isopropyl palmitate, which some people find can be comedogenic (meaning it may clog pores and potentially lead to breakouts, depending on individual skin types). On the plus side, the inclusion of glycerin and glyceryl stearate SE helps attract and seal in moisture, while copper, magnesium, and zinc gluconate further support skin’s natural functions.
Anyone with sensitivity concerns might be happy to see no added fragrances, although there are preservative components like phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate to maintain product freshness. For most, this night cream provides a gentle blend of hydrating, soothing, and protective elements, but it’s always wise to do a patch test, especially if you have a history of reacting to certain ingredients.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
Here’s a quick snapshot of what stood out to me during my week of testing, both the good and the not-so-good.
What Works Well:
- Velvety texture that spreads easily without leaving any greasiness
- Suitable for those looking to soothe sensitive skin with gentle hydration
- Helps skin feel more balanced, especially around drier areas
- Absorbs quickly, making it comfortable to use before bed
What to Consider:
- May not deliver dramatic changes in redness for more reactive skin
- Some might find the long-term hydration lacking if dealing with severe dryness
- The addition of isopropyl palmitate could be an issue for those prone to pore congestion
- While reasonably priced, it may not fit every budget depending on personal preference
My Final Thoughts
There’s a special place in every skincare routine for a good night cream, and I’m always hoping to stumble upon something that fully lives up to its grand promises. Calm + Restore Rehydrating Night Cream lands somewhere in the middle for me, solid, calming, and does offer soothing hydration. Having tested countless similar products before, I like how this one’s gentle approach made it safe for my skin without any major disruptive side effects, although I can’t say I was blown away by its redness-reducing capabilities or its long-term hydrating power. Plenty of folks with drier, easily irritated skin might find it ticks the boxes they need, but if you’re after full-on transformation, it may not leave you speechless. I ended up giving it a 7/10, which isn’t shabby at all, and I’d certainly recommend it to a friend who wants a straightforward, mild formula.
If Calm + Restore doesn’t quite do it for you, there are other options I’ve used that could fit the bill. Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is an excellent all-rounder that manages to cover every base at a refreshingly modest price. For those seeking an elevated level of firmness and smoothing, Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix by ELEMIS has been a crowd-pleaser in my rotation, especially when my complexion’s feeling dull. And if a luxurious texture is what makes you weak in the knees, Magic Night Cream by Charlotte Tilbury is a silky favorite that feels downright indulgent without being overwhelmingly heavy. All of these come with their own unique perks, so it’s worth weighing how each formula might work with your specific needs.
Before diving into any new face cream, keep in mind that patch testing is crucial, nobody wants a surprise allergic reaction. Also, be prepared for the reality that results aren’t permanent. Consistency plays a huge role in skincare, and these formulas usually only work their best when used regularly over time. If that makes sense for your routine, Calm + Restore Rehydrating Night Cream could be a gentle and comforting addition, even if it’s not the most revolutionary product on your shelf.