7 Essential Oil Diffusers for Instant Aromatherapy

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Life can be extremely stressful. While investing in a stunning crossbody bag or bouclé chair is temporary retail therapy, finding items that help you build a steady wellness routine will work wonders in the long term. The best essential oil diffusers have mind and body benefits that can improve sleep, skin, and anxiety. Plus, many versions can elevate a space in the same way a beautiful coffee table book might.

"If you're looking to dip your toe into the essential oils space, we highly recommend investing in an essential oil diffuser," Michelle Johnson, a certified aromatherapist and founder of Ampersand Essential Oils, tells BAZAAR. "An essential oil diffuser is a water-based vessel that vaporizes essential oils and pushes them into the air in a steam or mist. These essential oils bind to dust and dirt particles floating in the air, making them heavier and dropping them to the ground." By vaporizing essential oils, these devices combine health and wellness benefits. "Owning an ultrasonic diffuser provides the benefits of clean air, plus the countless benefits of 100 per cent pure essential oils," adds Linnette Carrière, the senior in-house aromatherapist on the research and development team at Saje Natural Wellness. Depending on the essential oils poured into the diffuser, benefits can range from reducing stress, increasing restful sleep, or decongesting sinuses.

Along with numerous health and wellness benefits, finding the right diffuser combines an eye for design with your lifestyle. Maybe responding to emails causes stress, so a mini desk diffuser is the right choice. If sleeplessness is an issue, a diffuser with an overnight run time and calming lights can solve the issue. For every home and lifestyle, there is an essential oil diffuser that can make all the difference. Here, shop the seven best diffusers, and keep reading to learn how to incorporate these devices into a personalized wellness routine.

Aroma Om Deluxe

This beautiful object doubles as home decor, but its true purpose is to help you relax. It can run for up to 22 hours, for a full day of calming rejuvenation.

"The ceramic top is easy to keep clean, and it only needs to be filled every second day," Linnette Carrière, senior in-house aromatherapist, research and development at Saje Natural Wellness, told BAZZAR. "It also has an intermittent feature that I use when seeing clients and friends who are pregnant and or breastfeeding, around children, or around my three cats. We recommend the intermittent feature for those more sensitive to essential oil as this allows little bursts of diffusion, then a rest time."

Run time: 11-22 hours

Room coverage: Medium to large rooms

Color options: White, gray

Aero SM Portable Waterless Diffuser

If you care about home design, this fluted diffuser is beautiful and portable, so you can bring both the aromatherapy and stunning design to any room in your home. Unlike most diffusers that requires water or heat, this one is waterless, making the scent of essential oils last longer.

What reviewers are saying: "I researched a few diffusers and this one, while spendy, is so great. You can put your own essential oil in the bottle provided and turn it and on go! It doesn't use a huge amount, but gives off a ton of scent. I use it a lot in the kitchen to drown out the cooking lingering smell."

Run time: 15 hours

Room coverage: Large room

Color options: Gray, moss green

Move Cordless Essential Oil Diffuser

Vitruvi set the standard for gorgeous diffusers, and their portable, cordless version is no exception. When it's fully charged on the accompanying charging station, feel free to bring the device around your home, wherever you need relaxation.

What reviewers are saying: "I had purchased the Stone Diffuser and liked it but I have a large house so I can't always smell the scents. Move allows me to move it more closely to me so that I can smell the amazing scents from their essential oils and blends. I love it! Well worth the money!"

Run time: 4-8 hours

Room coverage: Medium to large rooms

Color options: White, black

Aromatherapy Diffuser

This device is the perfect blend of an aromatherapy diffuser, humidifier, and night light in one. You can customize the calming hue that comes off this device, along with mist levels and time. As a nice bonus, it includes four essential oils–lavender, chamomile, orange, and lemongrass–to help you get started.

What reviewers are saying: "It works wonders and it's easy to replenish the water. The cord is also long enough to place the device wherever you like."

Run time: 22 hours

Room coverage: Medium to large rooms

Color options: White

Gardenia Passive White Porcelain Diffuser

You'd be forgiven for not immediately knowing this beautiful object is actually a diffuser and not just a stunning decor piece. This diffuser is not electric, but rather soaks up essential oils from the base and distributes the aromatherapy from the ceramic flower.

What reviewers are saying: "This little guy is a powerhouse! I work from home and have very little extra space on my desk, so the size is perfect. The diffusion of scent–which was something I was really skeptical about–is amazing! It fills my entire room, not just when I'm sitting at my desk. I could add more positives, but bottom line is that I love it!"

Lasting time: Up to two weeks

Room coverage: Small to medium rooms

Color options: Black and white, sand and white, pink and white

Ranger Travel Aromatherapy Diffuser

Traveling can be an extremely stressful time, which is why this portable, travel-friendly diffuser is a great addition to your packing list. It's small enough to fit in your carry-on, so you can benefit from the aromatherapy wherever you go.

What reviewers are saying: "This is working out great! It lasts for over an hour and emits scent throughout the house. It's very small and compact so it does not take up much space. Comes with easy to follow instructions."

Run time: 1-6 hours

Room coverage: Small to medium rooms

Color options: White, gray, mint, pink

Diffusers

With a hand-crafted ceramic cover, this diffuser is a fantastic addition to any home. It has an easy-to-use design and long-lasting effects that make it a great diffuser for beginners looking to purchase their first aromatherapy device.

What reviewers are saying: "I needed something that would last through the night and it does just that. Love the glow of the light, it's not overwhelming and very calming. Very happy with this purchase."

Run time: 1-8 hours

Room coverage: Medium to large rooms

Color options: Black

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of an essential oil diffuser in a wellness routine?

"Ultrasonic diffusers enhance your wellness routine by providing clearer respiration while also replenishing moisture back into your environment," Carrière told BAZAAR. "By using 100 percent pure essential oils or pure essential oil blends, you are tapping into the many benefits these plant oils offer."

Johnson added, "What is very interesting about essential oils is they contain complex chemical compounds, which can actually morph and react to your body's chemistry and DNA makeup. Because of this, everyone reacts differently to essential oils–but that is where the benefits come in! Essential oils have 'system affinities,' meaning that certain essential oils have been clinically studied and observed to react more strongly with certain parts and functions of the body. [This makes] them more effective for reaching different health and wellness goals. For example, rose essential oil and rose geranium have strong affinities with the skin and the female reproductive system. Peppermint essential oil has a strong affinity with the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, which is why peppermint has been shown to help with headaches and other pains throughout the body. Typically, essential oils like lavender and cedarwood are great for helping with sleep! Using essential oils can be a great way to find relief and support your overall well-being throughout the day."

What are the features people should look out for when buying a diffuser?

"A feature to look out for is that the unit is made for diffusing essential oils," Carrière said. "Most plastics dissolve in the presence of pure essential oil, so ensuring the unit is meant for this use is necessary. A unit made from BPA-free plastics that can be recycled at a local recycling facility would be another important feature. I have personally had units last well over ten years with regular cleaning using isopropyl alcohol or witch hazel with a clean, dry cloth."

What are the most popular essential oils and what benefits do they have?

"Some of the most popular essential oils we offer at Ampersand Essential Oils are lavender, Himalayan cedarwood, peppermint, and Coffee CO2," Johnson said. "Lavender essential oil is one of those holy grail essential oils that can be used for a wide variety of things, like sleep support. Himalayan cedarwood is another versatile essential oil, and it happens to be one of our absolute favorites! Himalayan cedarwood has a strong affinity for the skin and the nervous system as a sedative. When combined with Roman chamomile, vetiver, and lavender, the blend acts as a potent sleeping agent that helps relax you. When used with a diffuser that runs for five-minute intervals, the blend can help promote a deeper and better sleep environment. Say goodbye to the sleepless nights of tossing and turning for hours."

Johnson continues, "Peppermint and rose geranium can be blended to restore your skin and help with acne, particularly if you have oily skin. Because of its chemical constituents, peppermint has a drying effect. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, this could be an essential oil to try with your favorite moisturizer in sparse amounts. One of our best-kept secrets, Coffee CO2 is an essential oil with incredible benefits and is perfect for enhancing your essential oil blends."

Meet the Experts

• Linnette Carrière is the Senior In-House Aromatherapist on the Research & Development team at Saje Natural Wellness.

• Michelle Johnson is a certified Aromatherapist and the owner and founder of Ampersand Essential Oils.

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