In contrast to the night cream, the day cream is less rich in order to avoid an unpleasant greasy shine on the skin and to prepare the use of make-up or other cosmetics.
A day cream should protect the skin against environmental influences like air pollution, wind, acid rain and UV rays. It should be adapted to dry, sensitive, problematic or blemish prone skin. It should complement a night cream. High-quality day creams may contain an additive light protection agent. Alternatively they may have UV-protective effects due to their (primarily caring) ingredients.
Besides there are numerous tinted creams which should be adapted to the skin color. The pigments contained in them provide a day cream with physical sun protection.