Editor’s tip: This cool moisture humidifier has just a few parts and the whole operation is run without a filter. Not only that, but it has a wide opening that makes it easy to clean. (Trust us, Allure contributor Sarah Madus has this humidifier and uses it religiously.)
Product specs: Small room coverage, 1.2-gallon tank, up to 30-hour run time, filterless
Most Customizable: Levoit LV600HH Humidifier
Why it’s worth it: “Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency sound vibrations to produce a very fine mist,” says Suzanne Friedler, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, which makes Levoit’s LV600HH Humidifier one of the most impressive devices on the market. Its enormous six-gallon tank uses ultrasonic technology to deliver incredibly fine water vapor across (up to) a 753-square-foot area. “These types of humidifiers don’t typically require a filter and tend to be very quiet,” Dr. Friedler says.
Editor’s tip: This remote-controlled humidifier also allows you to adjust all of its features, including mist intensity, humidity levels, and even the option to disperse a warm mist.
Product specs: 753 square feet area coverage, 6-liter tank, up to 50-hour run time, remote control, aromatherapy option
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a humidifier?
Humidifiers increase indoor air hydration levels by adding moisture to the environment. This device 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,” William Reisacher, MD, a board-certified Otolaryngol allergist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, previously told Allure.
One word to the wise: When used regularly, humidifiers need to be cleaned every week (soap and water or some vinegar will do), otherwise they can become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, yeast, and mold. Yikes.
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.