With a seemingly endless supply of options, picking the right moisturizer can feel almost dizzyingly complicated. From different formulas to textures, you most certainly are spoiled for choice — but short of using your skin as a testing ground and employing the trial and error method, how do you determine which ones will work for you? Read on for our 3 simple rules on how to choose your moisturizer:

Rule #1: Determine your skin needs and priorities

The reason why there are so many variants and varieties of moisturizer is because they target different skin needs. While all moisturizers will provide your skin with moisture and hydration, certain types are formulated to protect your skin throughout the day while others have a regenerative effect that happens while you sleep, and so on. Your skin needs will largely be governed by your skin type, so figure that out first and then hit up our list below for some general guidelines:

• Those who have acne-prone skin should look into moisturizers that are non-comedogenic, meaning they don’t clog your pores. Steer clear of heavy creams and go for gel formulations or oil-free and water-based formulas that are lightweight and non-cloying.
• Quench thirsty dry skin with thick and heavy formulas that contain dimethicone and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients keep your skin hydrated by attracting moisture molecules from the environment.
• Even oily skin can get dehydrated, especially if it is being subjected to anti-acne measures that can be extremely drying. Remedy the situation with oil-free, lightweight creams or serums to keep the skin’s natural barrier healthy. CosRX’s Aloe Vera Oil-Free Moisture Cream does just that while soothing the skin with vitamin-rich aloe vera.
• Finally, those with sensitive skin should stick to hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizers. Steer clear of products that have more than 10 ingredients: delicate skin is at less risk of becoming irritated when subjected to less ingredients.

Rule #2: Read the ingredients list

You’ll also want to go in armed with a basic understanding of what the most common ingredients in moisturizers are, and what they can do for your skin. At the very least, you should know which ingredients you should be keeping an eye out for to address your specific skin concerns, as well as which ones to avoid. For instance, if you have dry skin, pick up a product that is formulated with ceramides, a lipid molecule that helps prevent moisture loss in the skin. Humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate can also benefit skin cells by attracting and binding water to them. Finally, a product that contains some measure of UVA and UVB protection will help prevent sun damage, which is the main cause of premature aging, pigmentation, and discoloration.

Rule #3: Tailor it to the weather

You may need different kinds of moisturizers depending on the climate in where you live, or switch between different ones if you happen to live in a place with changing seasons. Adjust your moisturizer accordingly: hot, humid weather calls for a lighter skin moisturizer that won’t trigger a breakout. Protect your skin from drying out when the temperature dips with enriched formulas of your favorite staples, or simply switching out your daily moisturizer for something that’s heavier and packs more hydration.

That’s it! Following these three simple rules will find you your perfect moisturizer match and introduce you to a new daily staple. For best results, keep the following pointers in mind: what goes on your body should never go near your face – use more than one moisturizer to keep both your face and body well-hydrated. Moisturizer is better absorbed by damp skin that’s just fresh out of a shower, so avoid toweling down. Finally, getting your recommended daily intake of water can also go a long way in moisturizing you from within, so get into that habit immediately!