The Key to Dewier Skin? It’s a Humidifier

Of course, many Allure editors have their own humidifiers to perk up their complexions. Below, we’ve narrowed it down to the best humidifiers money can buy—paying attention to runtime, ease of use, smart features, and area-coverage capabilities. Plus, you’ll find a range of options, whether you want one for your office’s parched corporate air or a design-forward humidifier for your bedroom oasis.

Best Humidifier for Dry Skin Overall: Canopy Bedside Humidifier 2.0

Why it’s worth it: Regardless of whether you’re using still or tap, the Canopy Bedside Humidifier 2.0 spurts a steady stream of water vapor that conditions the air and, therefore, your skin. The beauty of this device is its multi-faceted approach to water filtration, which removes bacteria, dust particles, and debris from the air through its double-layered filter and combination of UV and LED lights to cleanse its tank. This innovative design humidifies and purifies all at once; plus, you can ditch the distilled water and fill it straight from your sink—pretty innovative, considering most humidifiers require the former. (Fair warning: It’s louder than some other models we’ve tested, although the white noise helps.) You can also use Canopy’s humidifier as an essential oil diffuser, night light, and white noise machine.

Best Cool Mist: Dreo Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier

Dreo

Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier

Why it’s worth it: Quality doesn’t always correlate to price. Exhibit A: Dreo’s Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier, an under-$50 device that Dr. Westbay suggests for its long-lasting run time and warm and cool vapor settings. “Its large tank and MistWave technology help keep air consistently moisturized,” she says. This silent humidifier also features a dim, ambient light and can be used as an essential oil diffuser.

Best for Large Spaces: Homedics Ultrasonic Humidifier

Homedics

Ultrasonic Humidifier

Why it’s worth it: Homedics’s Ultrasonic Humidifier is easier on the eyes than most devices, but aesthetics is just the beginning of what this humidifier has to offer. As it moonlights as home decor, this cool-mist humidifier provides a steady flow of vapor while it maintains humidity with its built-in digital humidistat—all while staying whisper-silent. It also features a 360-degree nozzle for easy adjusting, an LED night light, and an enormous 1.7-gallon tank. It’s available in two sizes, but we prefer the large option for bigger areas in our homes, like dens and living rooms.

Best for Baby: Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier

Honeywell

Cool Moisture Humidifier

Why it’s worth it: This humidifier makes a soft, comforting sound with its fan and a large tank that can run overnight—perfect for cooing fussy babies to sleep. This device features a stream of cool mist that increases, stops, and holds the targeted humidity level as needed for optimal moisture at all times. Like Canopy’s humidifier, the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier also features UV technology and a wicking filter to purify the water as it disperses into the air.

Best Purifying Humidifier: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03

Dyson

Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03

Why it’s worth it: Sure, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03 is the priciest pick on this list, but this is far beyond your average humidifier. This three-in-one purifier, humidifier, and cooling fan takes a well-rounded approach to improving your air quality by hydrating and deeply cleansing the air. Its HEPA H13 filter captures microscopic particles, including dust, allergens, and pollutants, while activated carbon removes potentially harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide. You can control its cleansing and humidifying settings easily with its remote or through the Bluetooth-connected MyDyson app.

Best Smart Humidifier: Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier

Levoit

LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier

Why it’s worth it: Dr. Westbay gives Levoit’s LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier her seal of approval for its warm and cool mist options to fit just about everyone’s humidity preferences for plumper, suppler skin. “It has a large tank, quiet operation, and smart controls to maintain optimal humidity,” she says. Dr. Westbay adds that its sonic-powered nozzle disperses an ultra-fine mist, helping distribute moisture evenly throughout a small-to-medium-sized room like, say, your bedroom or office space.

Best Compact: Vicks EasyCare+ Cool Mist Humidifier

Vicks

EasyCare+ Cool Mist Humidifier

Why it’s worth it: Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical in New York City, recommends the Vicks EasyCare+ Cool Mist Humidifier for smaller spaces. This filter-free design disperses a steady stream of humidifying cool vapor for a full 24 hours. This nifty multitasker can also be used with the brand’s VapoPads for soothing aromatherapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a humidifier?

Humidifiers increase indoor air hydration levels by adding moisture to the environment. This gadget improves overall air quality by “raising the relative humidity of an indoor space, which is the actual [amount of] moisture in the air compared to the highest amount of moisture that air can hold without raining,” says William Reisacher, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist allergist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.

One word to the wise: When used regularly, humidifiers need to be cleaned every week (soap and water or some vinegar will do, but many of them are also dishwasher-safe), otherwise they can become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, yeast, and mold—you know, things you don’t want to be breathing in.

How does a humidifier benefit my beauty routine?

Dry air may not seem like the most pressing beauty issue, but according to Suzanne Friedler, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, changes in humidity can lead to issues like dry, brittle hair and leathery skin. “At these times when our skin and eyes are already prone to dryness, taking long hot showers and using harsh soaps can further remove the natural oils and moisture from our skin.” Dr. Friedler says. “People who live in dry climates also face a challenge in keeping their eyes and skin hydrated,” so using a humidifier is a helpful way to offset dryness, she says.

If you’ve been alternating between dry, hot air, and cold air, heed this warning. These constant changes can strip your skin of its natural oils, Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based at Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City, previously told Allure. Dr. Goldenberg regularly recommends humidifiers to patients managing conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or simply dry skin.

What kind of humidifier is best for dry skin?

Both cool and warm mists are beneficial for skin hydration, but Dr. Westbay and Dr. Rabach agree that cool-mist humidifiers are safer and therefore preferred. “Cool‑mist models release room‑temperature moisture, making them safer for kids and more energy-efficient,” says Dr. Westbay. Dr. Rabach adds that hot-water-based humidifiers increase the likelihood of bacterial and fungal growth, even if you’re changing and cleaning your system every day.

What is the best humidity for dry skin?

According to Dr. Rabach, humidity between 40% and 60% is ideal for skin hydration. “Below 40% the air is dry and pulls moisture from your skin, leading to flaking and dryness,” she says. “Above 60% can leave residue on the skin and can increase the likelihood of developing superficial skin infections and flare-ups of certain conditions like eczema.”

Meet the Experts

• Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City
• Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical in New York City
• Suzanne Friedler, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City
• William Reisacher, MD, a board-certified Otolaryngologist allergist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City
• Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based at Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City

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