We’ve all suffered from dry and cracked lips, itchy skin, and dehydration during the winter months, and the humidity level in our homes is often to blame. As the weather changes and gets colder, the amount of moisture in the atmosphere falls, leaving your skin feeling unhealthy and dry. Conversely, arid conditions and dry heat in summer can also lead to a lack of humidity.

Humidifiers are excellent at maintaining a steady humidity that keeps the air clear of bacteria and allergens, and our skin feeling refreshed and moistened. In this article we look at 8 of the best humidifiers that can help you humidify your way to healthier skin.

  • 400 sq. ft. coverage
  • 1.6-gallon water tank
  • Auto shut-off
  • Essential oil tray
  • 2-year warranty

  • Whisper quiet for nighttime use
  • Essential oil diffuser
  • 7 color changing modes
  • 3 working modes
  • 1-year warranty

  • Ultrasonic
  • Whisper quiet
  • Essential oil diffuser box
  • Auto shut-off
  • 2-year warranty

  • 5-in-1 device
  • 7 color changing lights
  • Ultrasonic
  • Auto shut-off
  • 2-year warranty

  • Whole-house coverage (3,600 sq. ft.)
  • Digital humidistat
  • Auto shut-off
  • 36-hour runtime
  • 2-year warranty

  • Anti-topple auto shut-off
  • Ultra quiet (30dB)
  • 2-liter water tank
  • 10-hour runtime
  • 1-year warranty

  • 2.5-liter capacity
  • 3 timer settings
  • 360-degree nozzle
  • 9 color changing lights
  • 5-year warranty


Ultrasonic is a trusted name in humidifiers, and this model a 6-liter water tank, an auto shut-off feature, as well as an essential oils tray to leave your room smelling fresh.

This humidifier works wonders in the bedroom, helping you sleep your way to a better mood, fresher, moistened skin, and reducing dry and cracked lips. It aids the relief of insomnia, and because it is ultra-quiet and has a runtime of 50 hours, you can set it and forget about it.

This model has a coverage area of 400 sq ft, making it ideal for most rooms, and it has a high output of 270 ml per hour, so regulating the humidity levels will be a breeze. This Ultrasonic is also a filterless model so you won’t need to pay out for all those expensive replacement filters (and the planet will thank you for not adding to the landfill burden).

On the downside, the essential oil tray is ineffective as it adds only minimal scent to the air, and the water container is challenging to fill, leading to spillages and water damage to surfaces. Moreover, many have reported that this machine needs a lot of regular cleaning, and while we accept all humidifiers need maintenance, this model seems to require your attention every 3 to 4 days.

Pros

  • 6-liter water capacity
  • Very long runtime
  • Great for insomnia and soothing dry skin
  • 400 sq ft coverage
  • 270ml per hour output

Cons

  • Essential oil diffuser ineffective
  • Awkward water refilling process
  • Needs a lot of regular cleaning


This InnoGear Ultrasonic humidifier has an essential oil diffuser for aromatherapy and 7 color changing LED lights to create a mood of calm and aid your sleep. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that indoor humidity should be somewhere between 30 and 50 percent, and this InnoGear humidifier, with its two mist modes, regulates that humidity perfectly. Thanks to its size, it is also perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, and small offices.

Pros

  • 6 to 8-hour runtime on intermittent
  • Very quiet
  • Color changing nightlight for the kids
  • Helps to boost moods
  • Ideal for bedrooms and nurseries

Cons

  • Tiny 100ml capacity
  • 3 to 4 hours of continuous runtime
  • “On” indicator light very bright

This Levoit model feels more substantial than the InnoGear Aromatherapy Humidifier, and because it larger 4.5-liter capacity means you won’t need to fill it so often. It also has a continuous runtime of 36 hours when operated in the lowest setting. It has 3 mist settings and produces 250ml of moisture per hour, so even the largest of rooms will feel humidified in no time at all, and because it has a one-touch operation, using it will be simple too.

It also has an aromatherapy essential oil tray to add a few drops of your favorite fragrance and make the room smell inviting. Because this Levoit model is ultra-quiet, it makes it the ideal candidate to place in the bedroom to reduce the onset of wrinkles and dry skin. The health benefits of sleeping in a correctly humidified room include feeling rejuvenated in the morning as well as a sense of calmness.

This humidifier is an excellent tool to bring benefits to your nighttime routine, enabling you to get a good night’s sleep. On the downside, watch for leaks: many have reported water damage to their furniture or surfaces due to escaping water.

Pros

  • High moisture output
  • 3 mist settings
  • 4.5-liter capacity
  • One-touch operation
  • Long runtime

Cons

  • Not as quiet as others in the same class
  • Leaks

This Japanese humidifier and diffuser has 7 changing night light settings that have adjustable brightness for bedrooms and nurseries. It also has 4 timer settings, with the maximum being 6 hours, and an auto shut-off feature for when the water runs dry.

It has a room coverage of 270 sq. ft., and it is ideal for use at night to keep your skin hydrated so that in the morning you feel fresh and rested. This Asakuki model looks good too, with sleek lines and stylish wood effect details. Its compact footprint means that it can sit neatly on your bedside table without taking up too much room. The essential oil diffuser feature is also great because particular varieties of oil have been proven to improve the quality of your skin by relaxing the pores and adding increased moisture. Try adding a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil for the best results.

On the downside, it does have a small capacity, at 300ml, which means that running it overnight on the continuous mist setting might not be an option; instead, you can opt for the intermittent setting to prolong its water supply.

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Compact
  • Ultra-quiet
  • Essential oils diffuser
  • Auto shut-off

Cons

  • Limited capacity
  • Small room coverage

This is the first whole-house humidifier featured on this list, and it has the capacity to humidify up to 3,600 sq. ft. This means that when it comes to glowing, healthy skin, everyone can benefit from the correct humidity levels.

It has a 36-hour runtime, so that refilling will become less frequent, and the machine shuts off when the correct humidity level is reached with the help of the digital humidistat. This ensures that your skin stays hydrated at the proper levels and you don’t suffer from excess humidity, which has its own health implications such as skin irritations. The water tank is 3.6 gallons, it has 4 fan settings as well as a digital display, and the unit is mounted on casters for easy maneuverability, meaning that there should be no part of the home where this thing can’t go.

On the downside, the humidistat can be inaccurate, with some reporting a difference of as much as 12 percent in the humidity levels. Also, the water reservoir is very difficult to fill, so be sure to use a funnel when filling it. The fan can also be a little noisy on the higher settings, so although the Aircare MA1201 is great for hydrating your skin, it might be better placed to find a central location in the house. In addition, as it is a whole-house humidifier, you are going to have to keep your doors open to get the benefit, so privacy at night could be an issue.

Pros

  • Whole-house humidifier
  • 36-hour runtime
  • Digital humidistat
  • Auto shut-off
  • Large tank capacity

Cons

  • Noisy fan
  • Humidistat inaccurate
  • Water reservoir awkward to refill

VicTsing has a strong reputation for creating good products. This humidifier has dial controls to simplify the settings, making the whole process more precise, and it also has a 45-degree nozzle to improve the delivery of the mist. The moisture this unit produces rejuvenates your skin, reducing the risk of wrinkles and cracked lips, and because it runs at 32dB, it can work its magic while you sleep, meaning that you rise in the morning feeling like a new person.

The output is 180ml per hour, and the tank holds a mediocre 2 liters of water. On the lowest setting, this humidifier will run continuously for 10 hours, but that range can be extended by using the intermittent setting. On the downside, there is no essential oil diffuser; it leaks, especially when you refill the water tank; and it is hard to clean. Couple all that with the fact that this thing feels cheaply made, and yet that isn’t reflected in the price, you might think that you aren’t getting value for money. All that aside, though, this unit does produce a good level of moisture for its size and looks stylish enough to adorn any nightstand.

Pros

  • 180ml per hour output
  • 45-degree nozzle
  • 10-hour continuous runtime
  • 32dB operating noise
  • Reduces the risk of wrinkles and dry skin

Cons

  • No essential oil diffuser
  • Feels cheaply made
  • Difficult to refill
  • Leaks
  • Hard to clean

This Tekjoy humidifier has a unique touch panel control that makes selecting the right setting easy. It also benefits from 9 different night light colors, for setting the right mood as you drift off. The nozzle has a 360-degree range, and the water tank holds 2 liters, giving this product a continuous 24-hour runtime. There are 3 timer settings, with 12 hours being the maximum, and its whisper-quiet operation makes it ideal for standing on the bedside table to moisten your skin while you sleep.

On the downside, the touch panel relies on LED lights to indicate which setting you have chosen, and they are prone to failing. This makes selecting the correct setting somewhat of a challenge, especially if you don’t have the first clue which one you have chosen. It can also be messy to refill, causing spillages, and it is complicated to clean inside the tank, mainly because of its design and size.

Pros

  • 360-degree nozzle
  • 9 night light settings
  • 24-hour runtime
  • Timer
  • Whisper quiet  

Cons

  • Challenging to refill
  • Causes spillages
  • Hard to clean

Comparison Chart

FEATURESInnoGear Aromatherapy HumidifierLevoit 4.5 Liter HumidifierAsakuki 300 ML 5-in-1 HumidifierAircare MA Whole-House HumidifierUltrasonic Cool Mist HumidifierVicTsing Cool Mist HumidifierTekjoy Cool Mist Humidifier
ControlsManualDigitalManualDigitalManualManualManual
CoverageSmall RoomsLarge RoomsSmall RoomsWhole-HouseLarge RoomsSmall RoomsSmall Rooms
capacity100ml4.5-Liter300ml3.6 Gallons1.6 Gallons0.53 Gallons2.5-Liter
Size Inches3.9 x 5.5 x 3.97.9 x 6.1 x 13.86.6 x 6.6 x 6.420.6 x 21.5 x 14.514.5 x 12.4 x 7.810.8 x 7.5 x 10.210.6 x 9.3 x 9.2
Weight Lbs7 oz4.34 lbs1.5  lbs14  lbs4.15  lbs2.25  lbs3.2  lbs
Auto Shut-offYes YesYesYesYesYesYes
TimerNo YesYesYesYesNo Yes
Continuous Runtime4 hours36 hours8 hours36 hours50 hours10 hours24 hours
Warranty1-year2-year1-year2-year2-year1-year5-year

Buyer’s Guide:

Humidify Your Way to Healthy Skin

Humidifiers are great if you think that your skin is lacking in moisture and feels dry and cracked. Moisture is vital for reducing wrinkles, avoiding cracked lips, and helping to alleviate itchy or flaky skin. At night, humidity levels in the atmosphere are often dryer due to drops in temperature, and the body heats up during sleep, causing the skin to shed moisture. Accordingly, humidifying the air in your bedroom will add moisture to your skin and leave you feeling refreshed and well rested in the morning.

A humidifier works tirelessly overnight to replenish your skin’s water content. Many sufferers of insomnia use humidifiers as a sleep aid, and a significant amount of people use them to relieve the symptoms of harsh winter conditions and to reduce the strain on their throats and congested nasal passages. All of these things affect your sleep pattern and interrupt your rest, so a humidifier can help give you a great night’s sleep.

Some humidifiers are quieter than others, so when shopping for a make and model, always ask for the decibel range. Most humidifiers operate around 30 to 40 dB, and the noise they make is significantly reduced depending on the setting used. Most people set their humidifiers running in the bedroom at night, so that they can get the full benefits of moistened air on their skin. It cleans the pores and helps dispel any impurities.

Dehydrated skin is often caused by incorrect humidity in your home, and you will notice the tell-tale signs, especially in the morning when you wake. Look out for flaky skin and scalp, as this is a clear indication that you need more moisture in your body. Often, nails will suffer too, with cracks and discoloration, and if you have itchy eyes that sting, again, this could be a consequence of incorrect humidity levels.

PROS:
  • Skin – As we age, our skin needs more nutrients and moisture to retain its elasticity. It is the lack of humidity that accelerates the aging process, making you appear old before your time. A humidifier is crucial to maintaining supple and healthy skin.
  • Scalp – Often, as our scalp dries, it produces flakes of skin, so maintaining the correct humidity levels can help keep this flaking to a minimum.
  • Irritations and itching – If you find yourself scratching, this is an indication that you have irritated skin. A humidifier can reduce the chances of developing rashes and sore spots on your skin
CONS:
  • Replacement filters – Your skin won’t thank you if you allow bacteria and mold spores to be released into the atmosphere. Change those filters every 2 to 3 months.
  • Too much moisture – Adding too much moisture can be as bad for you as not having enough humidity. Your skin will suffer in an overly moistened atmosphere just as much as in dry conditions.
  • Acne – Too much humidity can create the right conditions where bacteria can grow on your skin, and this can manifest as acne, skin sores, and a blotchy complexion.
Humidifiers for Skin

Pros

  • Good for maintaining healthy skin
  • Helps to maintain a healthy scalp and hair
  • Reduces the chance of skin irritations

Cons

  • Keep on top of replacing the filters to reduce bacteria growth
  • Be careful not to add too much moisture
  • Acne is often a bi-product of too much humidity

  • Can I help my skin in other ways to complement my humidifier?
  • Yes, you can. Your skin needs lots of moisture: remember that your skin is comprised of 64 percent water, so when the moisture levels start to drop, it’s no wonder that your skin feels tired and dry. Drinking lots of water, especially before you go to bed, will help because the body heats up when you sleep and thus can cause you to lose a lot of moisture. There are also moisturizers that slow the dehydration process, but be careful, because too much moisture can cause the skin to break down in a process called “skin maceration.”
  • What humidity level is good for skin?
  • Everyone has different skin tolerances, so there isn’t one ideal level for the population, but it is accepted that our homes should have a humidity level of between 30 and 50 percent. You certainly want a humidity level no higher than 60 percent, as having too much moisture causes condensation, mold and bacteria, and it allows the pores of your skin to open to put you at risk of infections and irritations. Should I sleep with a humidifier in my room? Humidifiers are excellent at balancing the humidity in your room so that you benefit from a good night's sleep and wake with rejuvenated skin. Remember, often you heat up during the night, especially when covered in thick layers of bedding, and while sweating is good for releasing toxins and cleansing your pores, it also removes moisture from your skin. A humidifier will help to replace this while you sleep.
  • Should I sleep with a humidifier in my room?
  • Humidifiers are excellent at balancing the humidity in your room so that you benefit from a good night's sleep and wake with rejuvenated skin. Remember, often you heat up during the night, especially when covered in thick layers of bedding, and while sweating is good for releasing toxins and cleansing your pores, it also removes moisture from your skin. A humidifier will help to replace this while you sleep.

Final Thoughts

A humidifier is a crucial tool to help you achieve healthy looking skin because it hydrates; however, if you are looking for a humidifier which delivers something extra, then seek out an essential oils option for aromatherapy and calming scents, like the InnoGear Aromatherapy Humidifier. This model is also hard to beat on price, making it an ideal pick for those on a limited budget.

If money was no object, then the Ultrasonic model is pretty hard to beat. It has a large room coverage, is light enough to be portable, and has a class leading 50-hour runtime.

Whichever model you choose, humidifiers are the key to healthy, hydrated skin, providing relief from cracked lips and sore eyes. Investing in a humidifier will reap dividends in the long run as you humidify your way to healthier looking skin.

Further Reading