Palmers sits comfortably in that sweet spot between drugstore hero and cult classic, with decades of cocoa-butter credibility to its name. If you have ever slathered on one of its iconic lotions you already know the signature chocolate-y scent; if not, consider this your gentle nudge to get acquainted.
The product at hand, Moisture Rich Night Cream, wears its promise right in the title. According to Palmers it is designed to drench skin overnight with cocoa butter plus a roster of anti-ageing allies like retinol, vitamin E and peptides while politely steering clear of parabens phthalates and dyes. Non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested, it aims to be the reassuring multitasker on your nightstand.
I committed to a full two-week trial, using the cream every evening on a freshly cleansed face and neck to gauge hydration levels, texture changes and any surprises good or bad. The goal was simple: find out if this jar deserves a permanent place in a routine or just a polite nod in the aisle.
Disclaimer: this is not a paid or sponsored review. All observations are my own and, as with any skincare, your results may differ.
What Is Moisture Rich Night Cream?
Moisture Rich Night Cream is an overnight treatment, meaning it is designed to be the last step before bed so it can work during the skin’s natural repair window. Overnight formulas tend to be a little richer than daytime moisturisers because they do not have to sit comfortably under makeup or sunscreen, and the extra occlusive layer helps lock in ingredients while you sleep.
This particular cream leans on cocoa butter as its primary emollient then folds in retinol, vitamin E and a peptide duo to address texture, fine lines and overall resilience. The label also notes it is non comedogenic, dermatologist tested and suitable for sensitive skin. Free from parabens, phthalates and dyes, it aims to hydrate, support collagen maintenance and generally cushion the skin barrier without clogging pores.
Did It Work?
In the spirit of rigorous at-home science I benched my usual overnight treatment for three nights before starting the trial, a move that felt both noble and mildly terrifying. Fourteen days strikes me as a fair window to judge whether a moisturiser is doing more than just sitting pretty on the surface, so I committed to the full fortnight without cheating.
Night one set the tone: a scoop the size of a lima bean warmed between palms then pressed over face and neck. The cream melted in quickly despite its dense texture, leaving a satiny sheen and that familiar cocoa aroma that lingered until lights out. By morning my skin felt comfortably plush, though not quite the “I just had a facial” plumpness some richer formulas can deliver.
Through the first week hydration remained steady. I woke to skin that looked calm and bouncy, with no redness or stinging from the retinol. Fine lines at the corners of my mouth appeared ever so slightly softened but the change was subtle enough that I had to squint in good lighting to be sure. Importantly there were no surprise breakouts, a small victory for something containing cocoa butter.
Week two told a more mixed story. The moisturising payoff stayed consistent yet a couple of clogged pores popped up along my jawline by day ten. Nothing dramatic, just little speed bumps that reminded me my combination skin can only take so much occlusion before protesting. Texture overall remained smooth, but any hopes for visible firming or tone correction never quite materialised.
So did it deliver on its promises? Partly. Moisture Rich Night Cream absolutely nourished and cushioned my skin, and it did so without irritation which earns marks. The anti-ageing claims felt optimistic within the two-week scope, and the potential for congestion makes me hesitate. I will finish the jar on neck and décolletage but it will not replace my current night treatment on the face. Solid effort, just not a permanent roster spot for me.
Main Ingredients Explained
Top of the roster is cocoa butter, a rich emollient that creates that plush overnight cocoon and delivers a hit of antioxidants. It sits alongside shea butter and coconut oil which amplify softness but also raise the comedogenic factor. Comedogenic simply means an ingredient can block pores and trigger bumps if your skin is prone to congestion, so combination and oily types should tread lightly. The formula attempts to balance that risk with lightweight silicones that help the cream glide and leave a silky finish without adding more grease.
Next comes retinol, the overachiever of the anti-ageing set. At low percentages it encourages cell turnover and can smooth fine lines over time. Because vitamin A derivatives are generally not recommended during pregnancy or nursing, anyone expecting should get a doctor’s sign-off before using this cream. Sensitive skin also needs patience: introduce retinol slowly and pair it with SPF during the day.
Peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7) join the mix to nudge collagen production while vitamin E teams up with sunflower oil for antioxidant backup. A dash of aloe adds soothing hydration, and fermented radish root filtrate acts as a gentle preservative booster. Fragrance shows up near the end of the list, giving that chocolate-adjacent scent. If perfumes tend to irritate you keep this in mind.
Hydrolyzed milk protein means the formula is not vegan, though vegetarians may be comfortable since no animal meat derivatives are involved. On the bright side it is free of parabens, phthalates and synthetic dyes and the brand labels it non-comedogenic despite the richer butters. Overall the ingredient list is thoughtful for a drugstore price point but still best suited to normal or drier skin that is not easily clogged.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
Here is the quick verdict broken into the highs and the hesitations.
What Works Well:
- Cushy moisture that sinks in fast yet leaves skin comfortably supple by morning
- Gentle retinol paired with soothing butters stays friendly to sensitive complexions
- Ingredient lineup feels generous for the price point
- Light cocoa fragrance turns nightly application into a small sensory treat
What to Consider:
- Cocoa butter base may nudge combination or oily skin toward clogged pores
- Firming and brightening shifts are subtle so quick transformation seekers could be disappointed
- Jar packaging lets air and light reach the retinol which can trim its shelf life
My Final Thoughts
Finding a night cream that behaves while you are horizontal is a small but meaningful quest. After two weeks in its company I can say Moisture Rich Night Cream plays the role of comfort blanket admirably, serving up steady hydration and a cosy cocoa scent that feels oddly nostalgic at bedtime. On the wrinkle-softening and tone-brightening front it whispers rather than shouts which is perfectly fine for skins that want maintenance not miracles. If you sit in the normal-to-dry camp, enjoy a richer texture and do not battle routine congestion this could be your dependable night-in jar. Oilier or breakout-prone readers may prefer something with less butter and more breathable humectants.
My cupboard has seen its share of overnight formulas so the 7/10 rating comes after fair comparison. I enjoyed the gentle retinol, the price and the absence of irritation. I was less smitten with the minor clogging along my jaw and the open-jar packaging that lets precious vitamin A meet its kryptonite (air and light) far too soon. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, but with the above footnotes and only if that friend is not currently courting a mattifying toner.
If you love the idea but want broader insurance against breakouts or simply fancy variety, a few alternatives I have road-tested might catch your eye. Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is the crowd-pleaser of the group: lightweight yet nourishing, happy on every skin type and kindly priced. Medik8’s Advanced Night Restore leans into barrier support with ceramides and antioxidants while keeping a refined texture that combo skins appreciate. ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Night Cream brings spa-level indulgence and noticeably smoother cheeks come dawn though the price tag reflects the experience. For hydration that feels like sleeping in your own humidity-controlled bubble LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask remains a classic.
Before you unscrew any lid please remember the housekeeping: patch test on the inside of your arm first, forgive me for sounding like an over-protective parent. Consistency is key too; skip a week and the benefits will do the same vanishing act. Happy nighttime experimenting and may your pillowcases stay clean.