If you’ve ever spent time in a steam room, you’ll appreciate the rejuvenating benefits it can have for your skin.
Sadly, most of us probably struggle to fit a weekly spa visit into our schedule (or budget), but thanks to the newest at-home facial steamers, you can now achieve that fresh, post-facial glow from the comfort of your own home.
Plummeting temperatures outside and furnace-like conditions indoors can be thanked for the dry and congested winter skin many of us suffer at this time of year. But facial steamers can restore your glow in the run-up to party season, helping to hydrate the skin and open up pores to tackle congestion.
Many models on our list below can also double as diffusers, which means you can add some mood-enhancing essential oils and a much-needed moment of relaxation into the mix, too.
As well as breaking down the benefits of this skincare tool below, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have put the leading facial steamers on the market to the test.
In a hurry? These are their top-rated gadgets in one handy list but read on for our detailed reviews.
Best facial steamers
1
Best facial steamer
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Pro Hydro Mist Steamer
Read more
2
3
4
5
Best luxury facial steamer
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer Device
Read more
6
7
Best multipurpose steamer
Magnitone London SteamAhead2 Hydrating Facial Nano steamer
Read more
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What are the benefits of facial steaming?
Boosting circulation
The warm steam particles work to dilate the blood vessels, increasing blood circulation to the skin. This brings more oxygen to the surface, feeding the skin cells with essential nutrients, which in turn supports collagen and elastin production – both key to keeping the skin looking youthful for longer.
Hydrating
Steaming delivers a handy dose of H2O to give you that healthy glow. It also helps to stimulate the skin’s natural oil production, further enhancing the moisturising effects.
Opening the pores
Steam helps to soften and open your pores, making it easier to cleanse the skin and tackle any congestion caused by a build-up of dead skin cells, impurities and excess oil.
Improving product absorption
Facial steaming is a great starting point for your skincare routine. The heat from the steam makes the blood vessels dilate, increasing the skin’s permeability. This means all those hero ingredients from all your favourite serums can be better absorbed, maximising their potency.
Are facial steamers good for mature skin?
By increasing circulation, facial steaming can help to stimulate collagen and elastin production, an essential duo when it comes to slowing down the signs of premature ageing.
Collagen is a powerhouse protein that helps maintains the structure and elasticity of your skin – it keeps it plump and works to reduce any sagging. So, anything that helps boost those vital collagen stores is a winner in our eyes.
Can I steam my face every day?
Though steaming provides a multitude of benefits, you don’t want to irritate your skin by doing it every day. Ironically, over-steaming can actually dry your complexion out due to the excessive stripping of natural oils.
So, whether it’s a mid-week treat, or a slow Sunday spa session, once or twice a week on dry, clean skin should be plenty for a quick refresh. Aim for five to 10 minutes per session, on dry, clean skin.
How we test
With the help of our team of panellists, the GHI trialled the leading facial steamers over a period of two weeks. Each at-home tester gave feedback on ease of use, product design and overall performance.
In the lab, we used our noise meter to assess how loud each device is during use (making sure you can still listen to your podcast while you steam, if you wish). We also assessed weight, size and design. These are our winners for self-care or some festive gifting.
1
Best facial steamer
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Pro Hydro Mist Steamer
Score: 90/100
London-based facialist Sarah Chapman is renowned for rejuvenating and reviving the faces of her famous clientele, from Meghan Markle to Victoria Beckham. And with this Pro-Hydro Mist steamer, you can now experience the same luxury benefits from home – minus the waiting list and A-list price tag.
This high-quality facial steamer emits nano-sized steam particles to deeply penetrate the pores, helping to de-clog the skin, ready for cleansing. Our testers said it gave them an instant glow after use, with one telling us their skin felt firmer too. It also scored extra brownie points for its stylish, luxurious design.
| Water capacity | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Extra features | N/A |
Score: 88/100
Panasonic claims that the nanoparticles emitted from the EH-XS01 model are 18,000 times finer than a standard facial steamer – now that puts your kettle to shame. The fine mist creates heat shock proteins that stimulate those key pro-ageing building blocks such as collagen, helping to reduce the look of fine lines and sagging. The brand also claims its steamer can improve skin elasticity by up to 20%.
Testers liked the even distribution of steam, which one panel member said left their skin feeling “hydrated and plump”. This small-but-mighty steamer scored highly overall for its ability to cleanse the skin and our panel also liked the compact design, which makes it easy to store away.
Product specifications
| Water capactiy | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Extra features | 3 programmes: 12 minute spa treatment; 6 minute hydration; 3 minute deep cleanse |
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Score: 84/100
The Homedics team has put a lot of thought into the design of this steamer, which you can see in the 45° angled base for added comfort, the adjustable nozzle steam dispenser that allows you to focus on specific areas, and the handy, reflective mirrored surface. It even has a built-in handle for extra portability.
The nano steam particles create a super-fine mist that helps to de-clog congested pores and prep your skin for all the goodness you want to add on top, from hydrating masks to brightening serums.
Our testers praised the adjustable nozzle, which delivered a targeted amount of steam at a pleasant temperature. This product also scored full marks for its easy-to-use controls, which meant our panel could go full steam ahead without any issues.
Product specifications
| Water capacity | 70ml |
|---|---|
| Extra features | Adjustable nozzle, cosmetic mirror and intergrated handle. Up to 43°C steam temperature |
4
Best budget buy
Bauer 38680 Facial Spa Face Steamer
Now 10% Off
Score: 84/100
Forget the old towel-over-a-bowl situation – for under £20, you can have the real deal instead. This budget-friendly option heats up in a matter of minutes, ready to open and soften your pores, making any blackheads or dead skin cells easier to remove.
The results? In our tests, our panel was left with glowy, soft, hydrated skin. Note, this steamer also comes with a nasal inhaler accessory, which helped our testers ease sinus congestion. On top of this, there’s a tray for essential oils, so you can immerse yourself in soothing scents to help create the full at-home spa experience.
Product specifications
| Water capacity | 50ml |
|---|---|
| Extra features | Nasal steamer, essential oil tray, measuring cup |
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5
Best luxury facial steamer
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer Device
Now 25% Off
Score: 82/100
This luxurious steamer with rose gold accents wouldn’t look out of place in a spa, and neither will you once you pop on a towelled robe and relaxing soundtrack for the ultimate at-home treatment.
Developed by the Dr Dennis dermatologists, it has a dual-chamber nozzle that delivers more steam to decongest and detoxify pores and leave your skin looking brighter and clearer. There are also two settings: a lower heat for sensitive skin; and a warmer option for normal to oily skin.
And though it’s a professional-grade piece of equipment, you don’t need any qualifications to work it, as our testers told us it was simple and easy to operate. The only niggle is that it leaks if you don’t empty it after each use, which isn’t stated in the instructions – now you know!
Performance-wise, it impressed. According to one satisfied steamer, it left their complexion “cleaner, healthier and free of dead skin cells.” Another added: “Overall, it was a salon-quality product that was safe and simple to use.”
Product specifications
| Water capacity | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Extra features | Two heat settings for sensitive and normal-to-oily skin; wide steam nozzle for more steam output; anti-bacterial interior coating |
Score: 82/100
Another budget-friendly option that’s easy to use, set up and store – what more could you want from a starter steamer? It also delivered on the performance front, with testers saying how clean, soft and rejuvenated it left their skin feeling.
This gadget has adjustable steam levels and heat settings, so you can customise your experience, and there’s the option to add aromatherapy oils should you want. If you’re a serious steamer, you’ll be pleased to know all our testers found it lightweight, making it a great transportable option for you to carry to your next girls’ night in.
Product specifications
| Water capacity | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Extra features | Two adjustable steam levels, steam inhaler accessory |
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7
Best multipurpose steamer
Magnitone London SteamAhead2 Hydrating Facial Nano steamer
Now 14% Off
Score: 80/100
Despite being one of the more affordable steamers on test, this still impressed with its skin-clearing and soothing capabilities, as it also doubles as a diffuser and humidifier.
One tester added some pomegranate oils to the steamer nozzle and found it really enhanced their session. Proving its versatility, another panellist said it also worked wonders on their teenage daughter’s blackheads. So, it’s one for the whole family.
Pre-cleanse your skin using the included bamboo microfibre cloth for ultimate decongestion and then enjoy up to 20 minutes of steam time. Bliss.
Product specifications
| Water capacity | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Extra features | Also works as a diffuser and humidifier; includes a bamboo cleansing cloth |
Score: 77/100
We love a device that can do it all. Similar to the Magnitone above, you can also use this steamer to diffuse your favourite essential oils and humidify your room – there’s an all in one we can really get behind. You can even warm your face towels with it. Our testers appreciated the simple instructions and easy set-up, which meant they could get into full relaxation mode from the get-go.
Not only were the design and set-up a hit, but after several uses, testers found it left their skin feeling softer, hydrated and plump.
Product specifications
| Water capacity | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Extra features | Towel heater, diffuser, humidifier |
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The verdict on facial steamers
If you’re after that luxe, at-home spa experience, look no further than our winner, the Sarah Chapman Skinesis Pro Hydro-Mist Steamer, which left panellists’ skin looking red-carpet ready.
For plumping, hydrating results, plus a sleek, compact design, try our runner-up, the Panasonic EH-XS01 Portable Facial Steamer.
And for glowy, hydrated skin on a budget, look no further than Bauer’s 38680 Facial Spa Face Steamer , which also comes with a nasal inhaler to help ease congestion and the option to add essential oils – all for under £20.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been rigorously testing products for 100 years, making sure they live up to their claims. We use specialist machines in the lab to analyse the performance of skincare products and tools, from vitamin C serums and cleansing balms to LED masks. We also send each one out to our at-home panel so we can be sure they’re suitable for a range of skin types and concerns.
Nora Merik, the lead tester for facial steamers, has a master’s degree in cosmetic science, and uses her knowledge of product development and formulations to create robust protocols and analyse performance during testing.
Maddie Evans, our lifestyle writer, has written about hundreds of skincare, makeup and haircare products, and is an expert at turning testing feedback and data into easy-to-read reviews, helping readers find the best buys on the market.
Madeleine Evans
Lifestyle Writer
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Tested byNora Merik
Beauty and Grooming Tester
Nora is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has a master's degree in cosmetic science. She is using her expert knowledge of product development, formulation, product evaluation and market research to test a wide range of hair and beauty products in the beauty labs for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, ELLE, Men’s Health. In the lab she uses a variety of methods such as the Diastron, The Multi Skin Test Centre, The VISIA Complexion Analyser to test anything from hydration, skin barrier function, pore size and more.
