Day cream vs night cream: what changes between the two jars

What usually differs

None of these are rules. Some brands sell one cream for day and night, such as Augustinus Bader The Cream, which the listing says to use morning and evening. Others split the jobs into two jars. Our morning vs night skincare routine page explains how the two routines differ overall.

• SPF. Day creams often carry a sun protection factor. Night creams do not, since there is no sun to block at night.
• Texture. Day creams tend to be lighter so they sit well under makeup and sunscreen. Night creams are often richer.
• Ingredients. Some brands put different supporting ingredients in each jar, as the Shiseido listings show below.
• Order. A day cream with SPF goes last in the morning. A night cream goes last at night.

Worked example: Shiseido Future Solution LX day vs night

Shiseido's prestige line sells a clear day and night pair. The table uses listing facts and listing prices at the time of writing.

See the Future Solution LX line →

SPF in a day cream: what to check

If you want your day cream to be your sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum label and an SPF number that matches the advice you follow; many dermatology groups recommend SPF 30 or higher for daily use. The Shiseido day cream is labeled broad-spectrum SPF 30. Some luxury day creams are SPF 15, such as the Lancôme Absolue Premium Bx Day Cream, so read the label.

SPF only works as labeled when you apply enough and reapply as directed. Many people use less moisturizer than they would sunscreen. If in doubt, add a dedicated sunscreen on top. Our page on sunscreen in a luxury routine covers layering, and our luxury day cream with SPF guide compares options.

Note.A night cream has no SPF. Never use it as your only morning moisturizer on days you go outside without separate sunscreen.

How to apply each

The Shiseido night cream listing says to dot it on five points of the face, smooth it out, and use an extra pearl for the neck as the last step at night. The day cream goes last in the morning. A pea-size amount of either is a common starting point; see how much face cream to use and how to use Future Solution LX.

1. 1

   Morning: cleanse, softener, serum, eye cream.

2. 2

   Morning: day cream with SPF as the last step, or moisturizer then sunscreen.

3. 3

   Night: cleanse, softener, serum, eye cream.

4. 4

   Night: night cream, dotted on forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, then smoothed out.

5. 5

   Night: an extra small amount for the neck.

Do you need both jars?

Not necessarily. A common, simpler approach is one moisturizer for morning and night, plus a separate sunscreen in the morning. That saves buying two luxury jars and lets you choose a sunscreen you like wearing. The trade-off is one more step each morning.

Buying both makes sense if you want SPF built into your moisturizer and a richer cream at night. Two jars also last longer, since each is used once a day. For night-only options across brands, see our luxury night cream guide, and for jar lifespan, see how long a jar of face cream lasts.

Price per ml and value

In the Shiseido pair, the day cream refill costs $5.52 per ml and the night cream $6.10 per ml. Day creams with SPF are not always cheaper; it depends on the brand and size. The Lancôme Absolue Premium Bx Day Cream SPF 15, at $295 for 74 ml, is $3.99 per ml because of its larger jar. Compare your own options with the price per ml calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use night cream during the day? Yes, if you add a separate sunscreen. A night cream has no SPF, and a rich one may feel heavy under makeup.

Can I use day cream at night? You can, but sunscreen ingredients are not needed at night, so a cream without SPF is the usual choice.

Is a day cream with SPF enough sun protection? Only if it is broad-spectrum, has the SPF you want, and you apply enough. Many people add a dedicated sunscreen.

Why do brands sell both? To offer SPF in the morning and a richer texture at night, and because a two-jar routine fits how many people like to shop.