IDK about you, but whenever that crisp, winter air (or that blast from the air conditioning) takes over my apartment, my face turns into a hot freakin' mess. And I'm not just talking about dry spots and flakes. I'm also talking about zits, irritation, redness, and excess oil. Apparently, this all can happen because when your skin is dry, your skin barrier (aka that thing responsible for making your face smooth, bright, and calm) basically freaks TF out. Translation: Winter—and just change of weather in general—does all the things to your skin. And even if you’re slathering on a really good moisturizer twice a day, that thin layer of lotion will only get you so far when the dry air is actively pulling water from your skin. The fix? You become a full-blown adult (scary right?) and invest in a humidifier.
It won't—and shouldn't!—replace your skincare routine, but plugging in a humidifier is a very easy way to curb some of the dryness and irritation that comes with cold weather. Just think of it as the last step before bed. And the best part? There are so many humidifiers on the market RN that fit any number of needs and lifestyles, including mini ones that you can fit on your desk, big ones that humidify entire rooms, and silent ones that won't wake even the lightest of sleepers. So to help you find your best humidifier match, we rounded up the very best humidifiers for dry and dehydrated skin, plus a few things you should keep in mind before you hit "add to cart."
How can a humidifier help my skin?
When temperatures dip (or when you’re blasting your heat or air conditioner), so do humidity levels, causing roughness and flaking on your skin’s outermost layer, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist in NYC. A humidifier, however, emits moisture (usually via a mist) to get your space to the optimal humidity sweet spot: between 40 and 60 percent. If you’re stuck at home practicing social distancing, put your humidifier in your bedroom, slap on a moisturizer (my favorites? Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion or First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Barrier Cream), and crank that humidifier up.
How do I clean my humidifier?
To keep your humidifier running best, make sure to fill it up with distilled water. If you opt for water from your tap, be sure to fill and shake the tank with white vinegar once a week to disinfect and remove mineral buildup (a byproduct of tap water). And no matter what, don’t forget to replace the water daily. Stagnant water can eventually become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold that can then become airborne and trigger allergies. No, thanks.
And now: the top-rated humidifiers
1. The best humidifier for sleeping
Looking to soothe your dry skin while you sleep? Plug in this bb before you jump in bed and it'll help humidify your bedroom without interrupting your REM cycle (i.e. it doesn't emit any loud sounds or bright lights, so it's perfect for light sleepers).
2. The best self-cleaning humidifier
It’s important to clean any model regularly, but this Dyson has ultraviolet light technology that helps kill pathogens (aka bacterium or microorganisms that can cause disease). It’s as close to a self-cleaning humidifier as you can get (and yes, so worth that $$$ price tag).
3. The best humidifier for large spaces
Levoit Large Room Humidifier
Looking for a humidifier for a larger space? This option from Levoit has warm and cool mists, customized humidity, and it's powerful enough to cover large bedrooms or living rooms. Makes sense why it has so many five-star reviews on Amazon (!).
4. The best no-mist humidifier
As much as I love what a humidifier can do for my skin and sleep, I absolutely cannot stand the mist that comes with it. After a while, the mist can get quite annoying, blowing right by my bedside, which is why I love this one from Canopy. Not only does it keep the mist at bay, but it also offers clean and hydrated air with the help of a no-mold technology. And it's dishwasher safe so you basically don't have to clean it yourself.
5. The best warm-mist humidifier
Here's the thing: There isn't a major difference between warm and cold humidifiers, but warm mist tends to be a little more popular during colder months for folks without children or pets. This one from Vicks is great for treating dry skin and relieving coughs and congestion. Plus, it'll help make your room a tad bit warmer.
6. The best portable humidifier
Hey Dewy Portable Cool Mist Facial Humidifier
Hey Dewy Portable Cool Mist Facial Humidifier
Good things come in small packages—like this antimicrobial humidifier with a permanent filter. It's completely wireless making it easy to take with you wherever you made need a little skin boost.
7. The best essential oil humidifier
Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier
Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier
The coolest feature on this one? A spot to insert the essential oil of your choice for an extra sensory experience. It's a must-have if you’re looking to diffuse oils without breaking your humidifier.
8. The best quiet humidifier
Not that the other humidifiers are super loud, but this one is practically “whisper quiet” (so it’s basically silent, which is perfect for the little ones or light sleepers), while distributing the mist in any direction you want with its adjustable 360-degree lid to make sure the air in your space is fully hydrated without the noise.
9. The best small-desk humidifier
While this little gem isn't completely wireless, it is USB compatible so you can virtually plug it in anywhere. It's also small enough to fit on your desk or nightstand or even in your car, making it perfect for tiny spaces.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
Jacquelyn Greenfield is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the best gift ideas, sales, and more across all things beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and sex. She has a serious obsession with sneakers and lives for a great clear lip gloss. She previously worked at Nylon and has had bylines in The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
