My 7-Day Olay Complete Moisture & Glow Night Cream Review

Could Olay's new cream unlock the overnight glow you crave? I put it to the test.
Updated on: April 1, 2025

Image courtesy of Olay

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Olay has been a giant in the skincare world for decades, earning worldwide recognition for its wide range of innovative products. Still, there might be a few who haven’t tried this well-loved brand, and it’s easy to see why there’s so much buzz. The name of this product, “Complete Moisture & Glow Night Cream,” sounds almost too good to be true, yet Olay claims it can deliver deep hydration, 24-hour moisture, plus antioxidant protection to help your skin regenerate overnight.

Over the past week, this cream found its way into the nightly routine to see if it could really live up to its promises. The review below is not paid or sponsored in any way, and all opinions are personal and genuine. As always, keep in mind that skincare results can vary from person to person.

What Is Complete Moisture & Glow Night Cream?

This product is designed to be part of an evening skincare routine, aiming to help skin rehydrate and recover at night when it’s not exposed to the usual daytime elements. Essentially, night creams like this one are often richer in texture and formulated with ingredients that work best during the body’s natural overnight regeneration process. Olay labels it as a 3in1 formula, enriched with antioxidants and moisturizing agents said to hydrate the skin several layers deep. It also includes vitamins that, according to the brand, support healthy-looking skin by helping to replenish moisture lost throughout the day. Falling squarely in the “night cream” category, its role is to nourish and protect the skin against dryness while giving it time to recharge before morning.

Did It Work?

In the name of “science,” the usual night cream was benched for a few days to give Complete Moisture & Glow Night Cream a fair shot. It was applied nightly after a gentle cleanse, following the quick pat-dry ritual. Right off the bat, the texture struck a solid balance, thick enough to feel nourishing, yet not so heavy that it sat on the surface like a mask. Over the first couple of nights, there was a noticeable plumping effect, and the skin felt well-served in the hydration department.

As the week progressed, the skin kept that soft, refreshed look each morning, suggesting the cream was doing its job in the moisture and replenishment categories. There were no major breakthroughs in terms of glow or radiance, but overall, it contributed a steady boost of hydration that felt healthy. That kind of dependable performance is comforting, even though it didn’t dramatically transform anything beyond what a good night cream generally accomplishes.

In the end, Complete Moisture & Glow Night Cream delivered on its core promise of overnight moisture and light nourishment. However, it wasn’t compelling enough to permanently dethrone the usual night cream. It’s a decent option, particularly for someone seeking affordable, moderate hydration, but it didn’t quite make it onto the personal skincare repurchase list.

Complete Moisture & Glow Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained

The ingredient list might look a bit intimidating, but there are a few star players worth highlighting. Glycerin, which appears near the top, serves as a tried-and-tested humectant, boosting hydration by locking in moisture. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is another standout, popular for its brightening and skin-repairing properties. Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) and Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) further support the skin by helping it stay nourished and resilient.

In terms of texture and feel, Isohexadecane and various fatty alcohols (like Cetyl and Stearyl Alcohol) give the formula its creamy smoothness without making it overly heavy. Those with oilier skin might want to keep an eye on ingredients such as Isopropyl Isostearate, which can be comedogenic (meaning it may clog pores if you’re prone to breakouts). Of course, that varies from person to person, but it’s something to be aware of.

The addition of antioxidants is another plus, these help defend against potential free radical damage, which can accelerate signs of aging. Some people look for products free of certain preservatives, but it’s worth noting that this cream does use parabens (like Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, and Methylparaben). If you’re on the lookout for a fully vegan or vegetarian product, Olay doesn’t officially market this as such, and some ingredients, like stearic acid, can be animal-derived in certain cases, so it’s good to double-check if you follow a stricter lifestyle. A final note is the presence of fragrance (Parfum), which might be a consideration if you’re sensitive to scented products.

All in all, the formula caters well to those seeking a balance of hydration and nourishment overnight, but individuals with specific ingredient preferences or highly reactive skin should give the label a thorough read before committing.

What I Liked/Didn’t Like

After using this cream consistently for a week, a few pros and cons became clear that might help when deciding if it’s right for you:

What Works Well:

  • Provides a reliable level of hydration that keeps skin feeling nourished overnight
  • Has a comfortable texture that absorbs nicely without feeling too heavy
  • Features beneficial ingredients like Niacinamide and vitamins to support skin health

What to Consider:

  • The presence of Parfum may not suit those sensitive to fragrances
  • Contains parabens, which some may choose to avoid
  • Might not offer the intensive glow factor that some users specifically seek

My Final Thoughts

There’s a certain expectation when a product promises a deep glow, extra moisture, and plenty of antioxidant magic. In fairness, Complete Moisture & Glow Night Cream offers a respectable performance on the hydration front and does a decent job of restoring some bounce overnight. With all the buzz in the skincare aisle, it’s clear that finding a genuinely good night cream is something of a personal quest, and this Olay option stands as a fine, mid-range contender.

Having road-tested many night creams over the years, this one got a solid chance to shine: same routine every night, no special boosters that might skew its results. Overall, it’s aimed at those seeking balanced hydration without a thick, heavy feel. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, though, anyone craving a turbo-charged glow might want to continue their search. For the rest, it’s a reasonably priced bet that delivers consistency, if not fireworks. On the whole, it’s worth a respectable 7/10. Would it be recommended to a friend? Only if they’re looking for a simple night cream with a reliable hydration kick and aren’t fussed about avoiding parabens or fragrance.

Of course, if this product doesn’t check all your boxes, other options exist that might align more closely with personal preferences. A fantastic all-rounder is the Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal, covering every base for just about any skin type at a solid, budget-friendly price point. Another one that’s proven excellent is Pro-Collagen Night Cream by ELEMIS, offering a luxuriously rich feel that helps reduce the look of fine lines over time. Anyone wanting a gentle yet potent formula might enjoy Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue by BIOSSANCE, especially if hydration and a soothing finish are key concerns. And for a modestly priced, straightforward hydrator, there’s always Rich Night Cream by Cetaphil, which keeps dryness in check without loading on extra fluff.

Lastly (and sorry for sounding like your mother here), before testing out Complete Moisture & Glow Night Cream, or any new skincare product, it’s wise to check for any concerning ingredients and do a quick patch test. Sustainable results typically require consistent use, and even the best of formulas won’t hold up if you leave it on the shelf. As far as “magic in a jar” claims go, it’s all about realistic expectations, a solid routine, and understanding that a little patience (and ongoing application) never hurts.

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