Aside from sunscreen, moisturizer is arguably the most crucial part of any skin-care routine. Whether you’re looking to banish rough patches, soothe sensitive skin, or simply keep your hydration levels in check, the quest for the perfect formula can be frustrating, to say the least — and it can end up taking a toll on your patience and your wallet.

Although there are a lot of different moisturizers with their fair share of bells and whistles, a few characteristics should be standard. “A good moisturizer should absorb right into the skin and relieve any tightness or dryness,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Lokita Singh, MD, has previously told Allure. “It should be lightweight so you can’t feel it as a distinct layer on the skin.”

To mitigate the time- and money-consuming process of finding that perfect formula, we sifted through plenty of hardworking hydrators — all of which are under $25 — to bring you the creams and lotions that pack a moisturizing (but not greasy) punch. So whether your skin is super dry, extra oily, or you’re fighting fine lines, we’ve got you and your wallet covered.