Finding theperfect moisturizercan be a daunting task.

Your tried-and-true moisturizer may actually be thewrong product for your skin.

When it comes to picking the perfect moisturizer, you’ll likely come across water-based and oil-based products.

A woman applying moisturizer

Here’s how to tell which one is the best pop in for your skin.

Water-based works best for oil-prone skin

The ingredients in moisturizers vary.

When browsing the aisles of Sephora and Ulta, you’ll likely notice products ranging from water-based to oil-based.

A woman applying moisturizer

How do you know which is best for you?

It all comes down to skin throw in.

Water-based moisturizers are just that, having water as a leading ingredient (viaThe Derm Review).

A woman applying moisturizer

Water-based moisturizers are thinner and lightweight.

Celebrity dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD, explained how water-based moisturizers worked toWho What Wear.

It gets inside the skin and brings water into the skin.

What skin types benefit best from water-based moisturizers?

These light moisturizers will give you the perfect balance of lightweight moisture without clogging oily pores.

Mature skin will also benefit from a product with an oil base.

However, the major difference is the base.

An oil base does need water to make a total and perfect moisturizer.

Oil-based moisturizers can look like many things: ointments, body butter, and thick creams.

While water-based and oil-based products are both great choices, it comes down to what your skin needs most.