7 Best Face Steamers to Purge Pores and Cleanse Skin
Relax and enjoy a professional facial experience at home with these top-tested devices.
Reviewed by Danusia WnekSenior Chemist
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Bring a spa-like experience at home with the best face steamers to enhance your nightly routine and enjoy glowing skin. These tiny (but mighty!) gadgets emit water vapor to open up the pores and help remove the gunk that gets stuck in them, which causes blackheads and pimples, making facial steamers a great addition to your skincare routine if you have oily, acne-prone skin. Board-certified dermatologist Stacy Chimento, M.D., of Riverchase Dermatology says a facial steamer may help with blackhead removal and be ideal "if your main concern is acne, you don’t have rosacea or eczema and your skin isn't too sensitive."
The scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tested a variety of facial steamers to find the best options for cleansing your skin. Along with gauging feedback from consumer testers, our experts evaluated how quickly the water heated up, how well the steam covered the user's face, the steam's temperature and additional features of each gadget. Ahead, find the results to our testing and our picks for the best face steamers of 2024.
Flawless by Finishing Touch Facial Steamer
Pros
- Steams up quickly, in about 30 seconds
- Has a dual-sided mirror
- Easy to clean due to removable water tank
Cons
- Mirror is not removable
This affordable device impressed testers thanks to its simple controls and steady stream of warm steam. The facial steamer received high scores in the GH Beauty Lab assessment across categories, including for having an easy-to-fill water tank and a consistent flow of steam that lasts an ideal 15 minutes.
With a long cord, a dual-sided mirror and a removable water tank, the tool came out on top across multiple categories in testing, including one of the fastest times to steam up, easiest controls to use and even highest overall satisfaction. One tester noted it was "easy to use," plus the steam was "consistent and had great power and temperature."
Though no testers had any major cons to using it, one did note that it would be nice to be able to remove the mirror, as they didn't always want to see their reflection.
Cord length: 60 inches | Features: Dual-sided mirror, 15-minute steam, removable water tank
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Pros
- Gentle steam feels spa-like
- Easy-to-fill water tank
- Easy to clean due to removable water tank
Cons
- Appearance of this device is polarizing
- Short cord length
Giving yourself a professional-style facial at home doesn't have to be a pricey splurge. This Plum Beauty facial steamer makes at-home facials more affordable than ever, coming in at just under $35. In Lab testing, our experts liked that it was easy to fill the water tank, had easy-to-use controls and sufficiently covered the entire face.
Testers were split on the appearance of this steamer, with one feeling it "looks old" but another saying it looks "pretty." However, they agreed the steam was enjoyable, with one tester sharing that it is "easy to use with a nice temperature of steam" and another saying it "feels spa-like."
Cord length: 37 inches | Features: Easy-to-fill water tank
Skin Gym Voda Facial Steamer
Pros
- Ideal steam temperature
- Compact size makes it easy to travel with
- Features suction cups and a Velcro cord wrap
Cons
- Some testers found the water tank was hard to fill
Traveling can dry out the skin, but Skin Gym's compact steamer can easily fit in luggage and come on the road with you. "I like how portable this is," a tester reported.
Skin Gym's steamer proved both handy and effective, emitting the ideal level of heat. One tester noted that it gave a "nice big cloud of vapor" that was "not too hot" and users rated it tops for having the desired temperature (it was the sole device with a perfect score in this category) and flow of steam and for its ability to cover the whole face. Another tester said it has a "great strong steam that's consistent."
Designed with suction cups on the bottom to hold it in place, this was the only steamer we tested to include a Velcro cord wrap for storage. It also features a 30° adjustable nozzle and one of the longest cords of all the ones tested in the Lab (at 64 inches). The on/off button makes using this steamer easy, but some found the water tank difficult to fill and a bit noisy.
Cord length: 64 inches | Features: 30° adjustable nozzle, velcro cord wrap
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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer
Pros
- Steam heats up in just 30 seconds
- Simple to set up and use
- Easy to clean due to removable water tank
Cons
- Expensive
While this steamer comes with a steeper price tag, if you don't want to wait for your steam to be ready, then it may be worth splurging on this device. It took just 30 seconds for the device to warm up for use in Beauty Lab testing, and 100% of testers agreed that it heated fast. We also found that Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare steamer helps soften skin and can boost product absorption.
It also features easy-to-use controls, achieving a perfect score for being simple to operate, and it tied for the highest overall satisfaction score. Plus, the wide nozzle allows steam to cover a broader area of your face all at once. "Very simple setup and steam came out quickly," one tester said, though two noted that they didn't love the appearance of the model.
Cord length: 59 inches | Features: 30-second heat-up time, wide nozzle
Fancii Rivo Nano Cool Mist Face Steamer
Pros
- Features six settings, including hot and cold steam
- Includes a rotating nozzle so steam can cover the whole face
- Easy to clean due to removable water tank
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
Featuring six settings, this face steamer includes several hot and cold steam modes so you can tailor your at-home facial exactly to your liking. Testers loved the rotating nozzle and various settings. "I like that it covers my whole face and that it has a cool setting. It looks nice too," one tester raves.
In Lab testing, it tied for the highest expert score for producing a consistent flow of steam and liking the flow rate of the steam, likely as a result of these various settings as well as a unique nozzle that rotates in a circle to dispense steam.
Clean up is just as easy as using this device thanks to its removable water tank. Even better, when the tank is empty, the steamer will automatically shut off (which comes in handy if you accidentally fall asleep!). However, this isn't the most portable device on the market, as it came in heaviest (at just over two and a half pounds) of all the steamers tested.
Cord length: 54 inches | Features: 6 hot-and-cold steam settings, rotating nozzle, auto shut-off
Michael Todd Beauty Hydrasteamer Vanity Facial Steamer
Pros
- Long run time
- Steams up quickly
- Easy to clean due to removable water tank
Cons
- Some testers felt the steam was not hot enough
Save yourself some time with this low-effort steamer. Enjoy multiple facial sessions without refilling the water with this steamer's whopping 49-minute run time on one tank. Keep in mind that the Beauty Lab recommends you only use this face steamer for the duration suggested on the manufacturer's instructions because over-steaming skin can cause negative reactions.
Testers also loved that it steamed up quickly (in 45 seconds), but didn't love the temperature of the steam (they felt it wasn't hot enough). "Flow felt nice," one tester shared. Another noted that they like that the "nozzle goes to side-to-side."
Cord length: 46 inches | Features: 49-minute run time, 45-second heat-up time
Non Gender Specific Phytonutrient Infusion Pro Facial Steaming Kit
Pros
- Gentle steam flow
- Sleek design
- Controls are simple to use
Cons
- Difficult to clean due to lack of removable water tank
- Doesn't heat up fast enough
This artistic-looking face steamer doesn't have to be hidden away after use if you don't have a ton of cabinet space. Earning the highest consumer score for appearance in our Lab testing, this device was reported as "sleek" and "cool" by testers.
Like many other devices tested, it also received high scores for overall satisfaction, easy-to-use controls and sufficiently covering the whole face area thanks to the large nozzle.
While testers loved the appearance of the device, many noted that it "isn't the fastest to heat up." However, they also liked "the gentle flow of the steam," one reported.
Cord length: 55 inches | Features: Wide nozzle
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How we test the best face steamers
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tests and evaluates countless skincare products each year, including facial steamers.
For this story, the Beauty Lab evaluated 10 facial steamers that had a warm setting using consumer and laboratory testing methodology. From there, three expert testers tested each product, following the manufacturer's directions and completing a questionnaire rating ease of use, performance and overall satisfaction.
In the Lab, experts measured the weight, cord length, ease of filling water tank, heat up time, treatment time on one full tank of water and water tank capacity. As a result of this evaluation, our Lab experts were able to recommend seven face steamers.
What to look for when shopping for a face steamer
When shopping for a face steamer, we recommend keeping these things in mind:
✔️ Warm steam: You don't want your steam to be too hot. "Exposure to excessive heat or hot steam can actually have the opposite effect that you may intend and can lead to dehydrating your skin," says Susan Massick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "Aim for warm steam." She also advises that it's ideal to look for one that provides a steady stream of mist.
✔️ Portability: Many face steamers are wired, but that's not the only thing to think about. They come in a wide range of weights, with some heavier ones being less ideal for travel or compact spaces than others.
✔️ Water tank: Consider whether you prefer a removable water tank or not. Removable water tanks make the device easier to clean, as they can be removed and dried to prevent mold growth.
How can you tell if a face steamer is working?
"Hot steam is often used to loosen up dirt in pores and improve circulation, which can aid in deeper product absorption," says Ian Michael Crumm, celebrity esthetician and BeautyCurious Podcast co-host. If your pores start to appear clearer and products are absorbing onto your skin more readily, these are some telltale signs that the steamer is doing its job.
"Cold steam, on the other hand, is typically used to calm and soothe the skin after more aggressive treatments, as it helps reduce redness," Crumm adds, so if your skin is looking less flushed than usual, the steamer is also working.
Overall, if your skin texture is feeling softer and more plumped, the steamer is effective.
Is a steamer good for your face?
Yes — for oily or acne-prone skin types. For one, it unclogs pores. Steam loosens dirt and contaminants that clog pores; the heat causes sweating, which flushes out pores. It also helps skincare products absorb better. "Freshly cleaned pores can more readily and effectively absorb skin creams with active ingredients such as retinol-based products or other prescription creams," says Dr. Chimento. Basically, steam-fresh skin allows your night cream to penetrate deeper.
But if you don't have acne, it's probably better to skip a facial steamer — especially if you suffer from dry skin, sensitive skin or rosacea. "The heat from facial steaming can lead to dilation of blood vessels, causing flushing, increased inflammation and worsening of conditions like rosacea," Dr. Chimento explains. This is because hotter temperatures and hot water strip more natural moisturizers from the skin than cooler temperatures. For your best bet, consult your dermatologist first.
What's the best way to use a face steamer?
Putting hot steam near your face can be intimidating. "Before steaming, ensure your face is clean and free of makeup," advises Crumm. Here's what else you need to know to get started:
✔️ How long should you steam your face? "Steam your pores for 15 minutes max at a time," says Dr. Chimento.
✔️ How close to your face? Dr. Massick advises keeping the device eight to 12 inches from your face to avoid burning your skin.
✔️ When? Between a double cleanse. First, wash your face, then steam, then Dr. Chimento advises cleansing skin with a gentle face wash immediately after to eliminate loosened debris. Follow immediately with serum, face cream and eye cream to lock in hydration.
How often should you use a face steamer?
Believe it or not, it's possible to overuse face steamers. "Just like you want to avoid too many hot baths or showers for extended periods of time, which can actually dehydrate the skin, you do not want to overdo the steaming and cause dryness," says Dr. Massick. "I would limit usage to once a week for no more than five to 10 minutes."
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek led the evaluation of face steamers for this story. She has more than seven years of testing experience in the Lab, using specialized skin evaluation lab equipment to gauge changes in skin moisturization, firmness and facial features like wrinkles and texture before and after product use. She also regularly polls our consumer panel on their purchasing and product use habits as well as weighs in on the benefits of skincare ingredients.
GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn worked closely with Wnek and the Beauty Lab to update this article with testing information and detailed tester quotes. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of skincare products including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, oils, toners, sunscreens, exfoliators, professional treatments and more.
We also consulted medical professionals to gain insights on the benefits and purposes of facial steamers:
✔️ Stacy Chimento, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology
✔️ Susan Massick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
✔️ Ian Michael Crumm, a celebrity esthetician and BeautyCurious Podcast co-host.
Catharine (she/her) is the former beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.
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