NIVEA is one of those brands that seems to have been around forever, almost everyone has encountered at least one of their classic blue tins. But if, by some chance, it’s slipped under your radar, they’re known for creating accessible skincare staples. Their Moisturising Night Cream is the latest product I tried, and it comes with quite a promise: formulated with NIVEA Moisture Care Complex, Vitamin E, and Provitamin B5 to deeply hydrate the skin for up to 24 hours.
Despite the rather straightforward name, this night cream is said to work wonders while you sleep, keeping the skin moisturised, refreshed, and ready for whatever the morning brings. I’ve spent a full week using it nightly to see just how effective it truly is and whether it’s worth the investment.
Note: This review is not paid or sponsored, and all opinions are genuine based on my personal experience. As with any skincare product, results may vary from person to person, so keep in mind that what worked or didn’t work for me might differ for you.
What Is Moisturising Night Cream?
Night creams are formulated specifically to support the skin’s natural processes while you sleep, which is when the skin does most of its renewal work. Unlike a day cream, which may focus on sun protection or a lightweight feel, a night cream typically offers richer moisture and ingredients that help with overnight repair.
This particular Moisturising Night Cream is said to provide up to 24 hours of hydration, aiming to balance the skin’s moisture levels during the hours when you’re resting. It contains a combination of Vitamin E, Provitamin B5, and something called the NIVEA Moisture Care Complex. These elements work to moisturise and nourish the skin, assisting in its overnight regenerative process. According to the brand, it’s designed to absorb quickly and leave the skin feeling refreshed by morning.
Did It Work?
I swapped out my usual night cream for this one for a full week in what felt like a very scientific endeavor. On the first night, I applied a small amount to my clean, dry skin, hoping for quick absorption and deep hydration. The texture spread easily and felt pleasantly light, leaving a slightly dewy finish without being greasy. By the second and third night, my skin seemed a bit more plumped, and I noticed that I didn’t wake up with any new dryness or tightness.
Halfway through the week, however, I started to see that while my skin remained fairly moisturised by morning, it wasn’t significantly softer or smoother than usual. The cream did a decent job of keeping dryness at bay, but it didn’t deliver any standout improvements in terms of overall glow or radiance. By the end of the seven days, I concluded that this night cream essentially held up its end of the bargain for basic hydration, my skin definitely felt less dry. As for the promise of regenerating the skin overnight, it worked moderately well but didn’t wow me enough to replace my old favorite.
Yes, it does what it claims to a point, but I’m not rushing to add it to my permanent skincare lineup. The moderate hydrating effect was welcome, yet there wasn’t enough of a transformative impact to earn a top spot on my nightstand.
Moisturising Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
This cream’s backbone is a mix of hydrating and nourishing components designed to keep your skin comfortable overnight. First up is Glycerin, a powerful humectant that draws water into the skin for a fresher, plumper appearance. Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) adds a buttery richness that supports the skin’s moisture barrier, though it can be comedogenic for some people prone to acne (meaning it could clog pores and potentially contribute to breakouts). Meanwhile, Cetearyl Alcohol isn’t a drying alcohol like some might fear; it’s actually a fatty alcohol that helps with texture and locks in hydration.
Vitamin E (listed as Tocopheryl Acetate) works as an antioxidant, assisting in protecting skin from environmental stressors, and Panthenol (Provitamin B5) soothes and replenishes moisture. The formula also includes Nymphaea Alba Root Extract, more commonly recognized as water lily extract, which is thought to be calming and softening, perfect for overnight care. This same cocktail of ingredients is complemented by the NIVEA Moisture Care Complex, a brand-specific blend meant to maintain long-lasting hydration while you sleep.
It’s worth noting that if you follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, this night cream’s label states it’s vegan-friendly, and there are no obvious animal-derived ingredients. For those with sensitivities, Phenoxyethanol serves as a preservative to keep the product stable, and Citric Acid helps balance the pH. Overall, the ingredient list focuses on softness and hydration, without resorting to harsh or overly complex additions. If you tend to break out from rich creams, you might want to do a quick patch test first, due to the natural butter content, but for most skin types, it should be a fairly safe and gentle option.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
This cream performed reasonably well in several areas, but there are a few points to keep in mind before trying it out yourself.
What Works Well:
- Light consistency that absorbs quickly
- Offers decent overnight moisturisation
- Contains soothing ingredients like Panthenol and Vitamin E
What to Consider:
- May not deliver significant improvements in skin texture beyond basic hydration
- Might not be ideal for those preferring completely fragrance-free formulas
My Final Thoughts
In the world of night creams, finding the right fit can feel like searching for the perfect mattress, everyone has different needs and comfort preferences. After a week of solid nighttime use (and having tried a fair share of similar products in the past), this Moisturising Night Cream earned a 6.5/10 in my book. It’s not a total letdown by any means: the texture is light, it provides commendable hydration, and can keep dullness at bay. However, if you’re hoping for a dramatic transformation, you might come away a bit underwhelmed. It’s perfect for those seeking a straightforward, reliable overnight hydrator, if you’ve got normal or combination skin and don’t need intensive brightening or anti-aging benefits, this cream’s formula should do a decent job at keeping you moisturised.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Possibly, especially if they’re after an uncomplicated solution at a modest price point. For those intent on serious glow, tightening, or more targeted outcomes, there are better choices out there. Still, you’ll appreciate how it sinks into skin without a heavy residue, making it a non-fussy option. The brand’s claims about regenerating skin overnight might be a touch optimistic, but it does at least hold its own in the hydration department.
That said, if you’re open to exploring alternatives, there are a few standouts that I’ve personally tried. Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is an excellent all-rounder, effortlessly tackling hydration, soothing, and firmness, all while being suitable for every skin type and at a wallet-friendly price. For a more luxe treat, the Pro-Collagen Night Cream by ELEMIS gives skin a firmer appearance over time and feels indulgent on application. Another favorite is the Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE, which delivers a satisfying plumping effect that’s ideal for dehydrated skin. And if you’re seeking something lighter with a gentle scent, Sweet Dreams Night Moisturiser by Bondi Sands brings overnight moisture without overburdening the skin.
Regardless of which product ultimately lands on your nightstand, be sure to consider your unique skin concerns before purchasing. Conduct a patch test with any new cosmetic product to rule out sensitivities, and remember that any glow or smoothness you see is rarely permanent without consistent use. Skincare, after all, should be an ongoing relationship with your skin, not a quick fling, so take your time, experiment responsibly, and savor the journey to your best complexion.