No7 is one of those beloved British brands that many have relied on for years, yet it might still be a well-kept secret for others. It’s known for offering accessible yet premium-feeling skincare, and the Essential Moisture Night Cream is no exception. Lightly teasing with promises of “irresistibly soft” skin by morning, this night cream boasts a hypo-allergenic, dermatologically tested, and fragrance-free formula that includes soothing Elderflower and vitamins E and F.
After using it for a full week, the goal here is to share honest impressions and figure out if it’s worth anyone’s hard-earned money, especially if you’re considering adding a new night cream to your routine. This is not a paid or sponsored review, and all opinions expressed are genuine and based on personal experience. Skincare can be subjective, so results may vary from one person to another.
What Is Essential Moisture Night Cream?
This is a dermatologically tested, fragrance-free night cream from No7’s Essential Moisture range. Designed to be applied before bed, it aims to replenish skin while you sleep by restoring moisture that may have been lost during the day. The hypo-allergenic formula includes ingredients such as soothing Elderflower and vitamins E and F, which are commonly used in skincare for their nourishing properties.
Night creams generally differ from regular moisturizers because they’re often richer and formulated to support the skin’s natural repair process overnight. By sitting on the skin while you sleep, they’re intended to prevent hydration from escaping and offer added nourishment after daily stressors like sun exposure, makeup, and pollution. This product follows that same principle, offering what No7 describes as an “irresistibly soft” feel by morning.
Did It Work?
In a very scientific (read: quick swap) manner, the usual night cream was put on hold for a consecutive few days to get a true feel for how this one performs. The first impression was decent: upon application, the cream felt softly cushioned and sank into the skin reasonably well without leaving a greasy residue. It had enough slip for a quick self-massage, which was a nice way to wind down before bed.
Over the course of the week, mild improvements in skin texture seemed to surface. The morning glow wasn’t especially dramatic, but there was a slight softness that could be felt immediately after rinsing with water in the morning. However, it never really reached that next-level hydrating effect you might anticipate from a night cream that’s designed to “replenish lost moisture.” The subtlety was appreciated, no unpleasantly heavy build-up, but it also didn’t quite deliver that standout post-sleep plumpness some might be hunting for.
After day seven, the overall takeaway was that it did an acceptable job of maintaining moisture without causing any irritation or breakouts. For skin types that are moderately dry or simply looking for a fuss-free night solution, it could be a reasonable option. As for a permanent spot in the skincare lineup, it’s probably not going to take that prized place. While it mostly lives up to its claims of being gentle and softening, the results just weren’t compelling enough to dethrone any existing favorites.
Essential Moisture Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
One of the most prominent components here is mineral oil (Paraffinum liquidum). It’s often used to seal in moisture and create that soft, pampered feeling on your face. Combine this with glycerin, another champion in the hydration department, and you get a product designed to help lock in water overnight. Some people worry about mineral oil clogging pores, but it’s not widely considered comedogenic (which means it would potentially block pores and lead to breakouts). However, individual reactions can vary.
Next up is the ever-popular dimethicone, a silicone-based ingredient that helps give skin a silky finish. There’s also evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis), known for bringing skin-loving fatty acids into the mix, and tocopheryl acetate (a form of Vitamin E) for added nourishment. Elderflower extract (Sambucus nigra) can help soothe the skin, while vitamins E and F are generally regarded as gentle and beneficial. These core components aim to keep the formula lightweight yet effective at nighttime hydration.
Regarding suitability for vegans or vegetarians, the cream isn’t explicitly labeled as vegan, but there are no overt animal-derived ingredients on the list. It appears to be vegetarian-friendly; those who follow a vegan lifestyle may want to double-check with the brand to be certain. Finally, for anyone concerned about sensitivities, it’s worth noting the inclusion of preservatives such as parabens (methylparaben and propylparaben), along with the dyes CI 14700 and CI 42090, which may matter if you’re trying to avoid colorants. Other than that, the formula seems straightforward, no heavy fragrances or animal-based additives to speak of, just a classic combination of moisturizers and vitamins.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
A fair night cream overall, but it doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression. Please see the quick hits below to get a sense of both its strengths and potential downsides.
What Works Well:
- Feels comfortable and non-greasy on the skin.
- Includes ingredients like glycerin and evening primrose oil for a gentle hydration boost.
- Hypo-allergenic and dermatologically tested, which may suit more sensitive skin types.
What to Consider:
- May not provide that extra-rich nourishment someone with very dry skin might expect.
- Could feel too basic for those who want a more transformative overnight product.
- Might not stand out among more specialized or innovative formulations available.
My Final Thoughts
This night cream might not catapult you straight into “freshly reborn” territory by daybreak, but it does what it says on the tin, albeit with somewhat muted results. Having tried my fair share of bedtime moisturizers, I can say I gave it a fair shot before settling on a 6/10 rating. It’s gentle, hypo-allergenic, and delivers a decent overnight moisture boost, but won’t necessarily blow you away if you’re used to more luxurious or potent treatments. If you’ve got skin that’s not overly parched and you’re seeking a straightforward product that just keeps things supple, this ticks that box. Otherwise, I’d hesitate to call it a game-changer. Would I recommend it to a friend? Depends on the friend, to be honest. Someone with normal-to-dry skin looking for a keep-it-simple approach might appreciate it; someone craving richer hydration or dramatic visible impact might be left underwhelmed.
For any night-cream explorer intrigued by No7’s Essential Moisture Night Cream but still on the fence, there are a few alternatives I’ve personally tested and found noteworthy. First up is the Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal, a great all-rounder that covers most night-time skincare needs at a wallet-friendly price. As a next-level option, Advanced Night Restore by Medik8 leans a bit more intense on overnight renewal, while the Firming night cream by Sephora is a budget-friendly pick that still packs a gentle punch. Last but not least, Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE offers a moisturizing, pillowy feel that, in my experience, works especially well for thirsty skin.
Remember that with this, and pretty much any new product, a patch test is your best friend. It’s also worth keeping in mind that no skincare results are permanent; consistent and dedicated use is key to maintaining a healthy glow. Ultimately, finding a night cream that suits your needs and budget can take a bit of trial and error. Staying open-minded (and reading plenty of reviews) will help you land that perfect bedtime companion. Good luck on the skincare quest!