Interiors

15 best electric diffusers for a spa experience at home, tried and tested

Essential oil diffuser sales and reviews, this way.
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A simple white oil diffuser spritzing a light mist of water and aromatherapy blended oils into the air. It creates a shadow on the wall. Space for copy.Catherine Falls Commercial

According to Robert Tisserand, an Essential Oil Educator and Aromatherapy Expert from California, "Clinical studies have shown that aromatherapy by inhalation can have real benefits for people with, for example, anxiety, [problems with] mental focus, depressive symptoms, and menstrual pain."

Further research has supported this, showing that essential oils can interact with the brain and nervous system to positively impact your health and mood. That said, Jo Kellett – essential oils expert at Tisserand – added that essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin, even with their numerous benefits. Indeed, Jo explained, “Essential oils need to be diluted before being applied to the skin in either a base oil, lotion, or cream, for example. They are concentrated essences that can, if used neat, cause a severe skin reaction, or over time build up a sensitivity to that essential oil.” Enter: the essential oil aroma diffuser.

When essential oils are concentrated in an essential oil diffuser – and subsequently inhaled – they can easily stimulate the olfactory system in the brain. Thus, running an ultrasonic diffuser can effectively reduce feelings of anxiety and stress – and help you nod off to sleep.

What are the best essential oils to use in an electric diffusers?

One of the best things about investing in an essential oil diffuser is that you can switch up the oils you’re using depending on your needs at that time. Lavender is good to help you relax before bed (we recommend the Tisserand Lavender Essential Oil), while rosemary will help you stay focused when you're working from home. Cedarwood, lemon, bergamot, vanilla, lemongrass, orange and valerian are good for stress and anxiety, while peppermint is good for a mood boost.

Sleep Fragrance Oil

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Pure Essential Oil Blend, 10ml

Spa Restore Fragrance Oil

Neom Scent to Sleep Essential Oil Blend, 10ml

Ellia Lavender 100% Pure Essential Oil

Neom Scent to Make You Happy Essential Oil Blend

Is it OK to use a diffuser every day?

Yes. Essential oil diffusers are safe, and their risk of harm is minimal. In fact, inhalation is arguably the safest means of administering essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree. To be extra safe, when shopping for your essential oil blend, be sure that it specifically says on the bottle or website that it’s considered safe for internal consumption. This means the essential oil is safe to diffuse indoors and is high-quality.

Jo explains one of the ways she ensures her oils are still safe for use if you've owned them for a long time: “Essential oils may change odour or colour and more importantly may cause skin sensitivity if used beyond their best before date. We, therefore, recommend that you use your essential oils within one year of opening them to minimise this risk.” She continues: “A good way to keep a check on this is to place a sticker on your bottle with the date of opening.” Take note.

Do electric diffusers use a lot of electricity?

Not particularly, and they're not particularly expensive to run. If you're worried, you go for something cordless or powered via USB that you can simply plug-in. You just need a few drops of essential oil and some water, and you're good to go.

How we tested the best essential oil diffusers

We surveyed the GLAMOUR office to find out what editors and wellness experts look for in the best electric diffuser. Then, we tested every model over a period of at least one month in our homes, adhering to our strict testing criteria, assessing each one on factors like fragrance intensity, ease of use, automatic shut-off, water capacity and design. Our edit features only the electric diffusers our testers really loved – and we've outlined the pros and cons of each to make your choice even easier.

For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.

Ahead, our full edit of the best electric diffusers to add to your checkout right now.