What are essential oils?
Essential oils are highly-concentrated, aromatic compounds extracted from plants, long used in cleaning, beauty and alternative medicine. Research is limited, but some studies have found that essential oils can help treat pain, anxiety, sleep issues, PMS and nausea.
Common essential oils include lavender, eucalyptus, lemon and peppermint. These can be utilised through topical application, consumption and inhalation, with many turning to essential oil diffusers.
Essential oil diffusers are used to disperse tiny molecules of essential oil through the air to be inhaled and absorbed into the body.
What should you look for in an essential oil diffuser?
"Make sure it's a reputable brand you're buying from, that's probably one of these easiest ways to identify quality," Steph, co-founder of Oil In Kind, told Women's Health. "There's a lot of online and overseas retailers that you can pick something up for really cheap, that's your first thing to watch out for."
"The other thing to look out for is heat activated products, you'll remember the old candle burners, they all work on the basis of heat which can actually burn the oil and effect the therapeutic quality."
Safety around kids and pets is also a concern with heat-based oil diffusers.
"Look for ultrasonic technology which works on the vibration of water rather than heat."
Another component to consider is the ingredients the oil diffusers are made from.
"You've got to be careful with essential oils because they do eat away at plastic so making sure you've got a BPA-free option is really important."
1. Oil in Kind Geo Design Diffuser
This essential oil diffuser makes a seamless and stunning addition to your home thanks to its chic, minimalist design and ambient light. With white or marble options, it releases essential oils through the vibration of water, ensuring the diffuser doesn't burn the oils and stays cool to touch. The tank which holds the water and splash guard are made from BPA free plastic.
Price: $129
Reviewer verdict: "This diffuser actually looks amazing in our home. I’m always trying to hide our old ones. It has weight to it that adds a real sense of quality. It’s also incredibly quiet, unlike other diffusers I’ve used before. Oil in Kind, you’ve nailed this one!"
2. endota Essential Oil Diffuser
The spotted design of endota's white ceramic diffuser doubles your dose of relaxation – casting a dappled yellow light over your surroundings as it disperses your essential oils. It's super quiet and turns off once minimum water levels are reached. Plus, it only uses BPA free plastic. Extra ticks for shopping an Aussie brand!
Price: $80
Reviewer verdict: "Been searching for a diffuser that doesn’t look tacky and would go with my decor in the house, Thankfully I found this beauty. It’s lovely to display in the home. Easy to use, other diffusers I have bought have leaked! It’s looks so pretty when the light is switched on. Excellent quality. Great to give as a gift to people who are hard to buy for. I’ll be purchasing more of these."
3. The Goodnight Co Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser
Want to make your home smell delicious, safely? The Goodnight Co Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser uses ultrasonic technology to deliver the mist through vibrations rather than heat, so it's perfect for anyone with small kids or pets. The diffuser's sleek and modern design comes in black or white, and they also offer a starter kit with three sleep-friendly essential oil blends.
Price: $120
Reviewer verdict: "I have been looking high and low for a the perfect oil diffuser and so glad I ended up purchasing this. It's beautifully made and fits perfectly with the aesthetics of my room. So happy to finally have this in my life!"
4. Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulising Diffuser
This US-based company ships its highly sought after plastic free essential oil diffusers all over the world. It's made of 100% whole plantation hardwood painted with water based lacquer with an individually hand-blown glass reservoir. It uses no water or heat, just a a super quiet air pump to naturally atomise and disperse the essential oil.
Price: $139
Reviewer verdict: “The one and only diffuser that I buy. I've tried many others, and even the very expensive ones do not measure up to this one. It's small, quiet, durable, efficient, affordable and BEAUTIFUL. I highly recommend.”
5. Natio
Price: $59.95
Reviewer verdict: "I’ve used many diffusers out there and this is by far the best one. Easy to use and provides a nice amount of consistent mist."
6. Zaria Alarm Clock Diffuser
Instead of waking up to a blaring alarm, try a blissful mist of your favourite energising essential oil. Dusk's versatile Zaria Alarm Clock Essential Oil Diffuser features LED lighting, soothing music and essential oil diffusion via a mesh fragrance disc and fan function. Just add a few drops of your chosen essential oil on to the pad and start the day smelling incredible. It's made from BPA free plastic and no chemicals or heat are required. The only downside is that you need to exclusively use Dusk essential oils.
Price: $129.99
Reviewer verdict: "Got it yesterday. Love it. I'm using peppermint oil..Love how the music comes on when you set in the morning. It has a day and night lighting. Colours are beautiful on the clock. Even has FM radio or you can choose soothing music. It put my dogs to sleep..Love it!"
7. Sherwood Garden Aroma Fan Diffuser
As the name suggests, Sherwood Garden Aroma Fan Diffuser's uses a quiet fan to diffuse your essential oils. It comes in a très on-trend marbled ceramic colour with a wood-look base.
Price: $80
8. Kmart Aroma Diffuser
Reviews are mixed for this cheap and cheerful Kmart diffuser. If you're after a no-frills, basic model for a bargain price then it's the perfect option for you.
Price: $20
Reviewer verdict: "Works very well for the price."
