<p>The <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/health/g60372246/best-wellness-brands/” target=”_blank”>wellness-focused </a>essential oils give shower steamers their aromatherapeutic effect. For a morning pick-me-up, Galper recommends scents like rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, pine, or citrus. Or, if you’re seeking relaxation and stress relief, she suggests <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/health/g42558092/best-lavender-perfume/” target=”_blank”>lavender</a>, chamomile, ylang-ylang, cedarwood, sandalwood, or <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g40242272/best-rose-fragrances/” target=”_blank”>rose</a>.</p><p>To turn your bathroom into a DIY spa, simply place the shower steamer on the floor (not in direct contact with the water, or it’ll dissolve too quickly). Upon contact with water, it will fizz and release the aromas. I personally tested dozens of shower steamers (tough gig!), so keep scrolling for my curated list of the nine best shower steamers to add to your next “everything shower” routine.</p><hr>”/>
Best Affordable Pick
Anihana Shower Steamers (Variety Pack of 5)
Pros
- Great price point for those new to shower steamers
- Compostable cardboard packaging
- The brand’s steamers come in various aromas.
Cons
- Some shoppers noticed it left a purple mark on their shower.
Anihana’s shower steamers are perfect for those easing into the shower steamer trend, especially considering their wallet-friendly price tag. The Lavender Love steamer is my personal favorite, featuring the stress-reducing floral scent. I love that it’s sustainably made and housed in compostable packaging. While this shower steamer’s lifespan is relatively short, at four minutes, I’ve noticed its aromatherapeutic effects linger on after it dissolves.
Key scents: Lavender, mint, lemongrass
One satisfied customer writes: “Love these shower steamers so much! I’ve been looking for something that creates a nice experience for my shower and these are IT! Because they are naturally derived, they smell lovely without feeling like an overpowering steam of chemicals I’ve experienced with other brands. And I love that the color is subtle enough that they don’t stain my shower floor!” —Hellohas
Best Congestion or Cold Remedy
Vicks VapoShower Plus Tablets
Pros
- Uses eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor to soothe, refresh, and decongest
- Available at most drugstores
- 12 shower steamers per pack
Cons
- Requires scissors to open each individually packed steamer
The Vicks VapoShower Plus tablets might not win an award for aesthetics, but they sure do provide a great aromatherapy experience–especially when you’re feeling under the weather. Each steamer is infused with eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor. I find them a lifesaver during allergy season, giving my sinuses much-needed relief. And their usefulness doesn’t stop there: I sometimes reach for one to wake me up on sluggish mornings, too.
Key scents: Eucalyptus, mint
One satisfied customer writes: “My 20-year-old daughter struggles with seasonal allergies and these tablets help to relieve congestion to give her relief without having to always take medication.” —Angela Fernandez
Best Aesthetically Pleasing Pick
Esker Aromatic Shower Steamer & Marble Holder
Pros
- Comes with two scents: calendula palo santo and eucalyptus lavender
- Includes Carrara marble holder
- One tablet lasts two to three showers
Cons
- Over $60
If aesthetics are non-negotiable for you, this shower steamer set from Esker is your perfect match. Unlike other steamers that dissolve within minutes, this brand’s shower tablets last through multiple showers. Plus, the Carrara marble holder looks so gorgeous and chic in any shower. Your purchase comes with two steamer tablets: calendula palo santo and eucalyptus lavender, both infused with dried botanicals to elevate their visual appeal even more.
Key scents: Palo santo, eucalyptus, lavender
One satisfied customer writes: “I’m in love with this product. It’s a fantastic way to make the shower enjoyable, aromatic and spa-like without the whole mess of having a shower steamer in the floor. I think the marble holder is incredibly elegant and high quality.” —Ananda C.
Best for Calming
Body Restore Shower Bombs
Pros
- Number one bestseller among all Amazon’s shower steamers
- Lasts 15-20 minutes, the longest-lasting single-use shower steamer on our list
- Comes in large bag of 15
Cons
- Some shoppers’ shower steamers arrived broken.
There’s a reason these calming, lavender essential-oil-infused shower steamers repeatedly claim the number-one spot on Amazon. The individually wrapped tablets receive high praise for their calming abilities (comparable to a glass of wine at the end of the day) and come in a large pack of 15, so you won’t have to reorder them so frequently. The brand also makes the shower steamers in other spa-style scents, like eucalyptus and mint, citrus, and rose.
Key scents: Lavender
One satisfied customer writes: “If you have trouble sleeping or winding down in the evening…you need these. I use them when I come home from the gym before bed and it’s like visiting the spa before bed.” —Jennifer Downey
Best Multipurpose Pick
Lush Sleepy Shower Bomb
Pros
- Doubles as a body wash
- Uses colloidal oatmeal, a gentle exfoliant with soothing benefits
- You can cut it into pieces to maximize its longevity.
Cons
- Some find the exfoliation too harsh.
I can’t resist stepping into a Lush store whenever I pass one. And when I do, I almost always scoop up this shower bomb. It’s the ultimate multitasker, as it’s a body wash, exfoliator, and steamer all in one. Place it under the stream of water, massage the foam onto your skin, and let the oatmeal gently exfoliate. Simultaneously, its essential oils—namely, lavender and ylang-ylang—infuse the shower steam for a floral, sweet, and subtly herby scent.
Key scents: Lavender, ylang-ylang, tonka
One satisfied customer writes: “This was recommended to me by an employee at Lush yesterday. I’m glad I tried it, I loved it! The smell is amazing and it’s great that you can use it as a body wash and then use the rest as aromatherapy. It was perfect for a little self care shower.” —mmiller55
Best High-Tech Option
Sprig by Kohler Shower Infusion Kit
Pros
- Setup takes just minutes
- Comes with three sample infusion pods to start
- More modern approach, compared with traditional shower steamers
Cons
- Over $100
For an even more immersive experience, opt for the Sprig by Kohler Shower Infusion Kit. While installing the device may look intimidating at first glance, it’s a breeze. Attach it to your existing showerhead, insert a pod, and enjoy the aromatherapy benefits of your chosen blend. The initial kit comes with three sample blends: Breathe, Sleep, and Recharge.
Key scents: Eucalyptus, mint, lavender, vanilla, bergamot, lemongrass
One satisfied customer writes: “The Sprig infusion kit has truly changed my shower experience, to the point that I have guests use our shower now instead of the guest shower!! The install was simple enough that I could do it without help, and it is easy to change out the pods. I truly feel like I’m in a spa shower now! I like switching up the scents for morning energy or nighttime relaxation. I’ve truly noticed a difference in how I feel after my shower.” —lauren312
Best Gift Set
Cleverfy Shower Steamers
Pros
- Available for same-day shipping with Amazon Prime
- Comes in a ready-to-gift box
- Each of the six shower bombs features a different scent.
Cons
- Contains added fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin
This box of shower steamers is perfect for those looking for a thoughtful wellness gift for a loved one (or a well-deserved treat for yourself). They’re incredibly popular, boasting nearly 25,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Each box has different scents, including lavender, menthol, eucalyptus, vanilla, watermelon, grapefruit, and peppermint.
Key notes: Lavender, peppermint, grapefruit, vanilla
One satisfied customer writes: “I did as directed, placing it under light steam and my shower turned into a wonderfully scented home spa shower! I stayed in my shower longer than usual since it was such a pleasant experience! I HIGHLY recommend buying these especially if you enjoy showers vs baths. What a wonderful find on my home feed and I’ll DEFINITELY be buying these again. They’re also packaged in such a nice way they’d be great for gifting!” —Rumeur
Best Soothing Pick
Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus + Spearmint Shower Steamers
Pros
- Comes in a compact container you display in your bathroom
- Bottle is made from 100 percent recycled plastic
- Shoppers can buy the eucalyptus-and-spearmint scent in various other products, such as bath salts.
Cons
- Some shoppers wish the scent were stronger.
Bath & Body Works’ aromatherapy products (along with its body lotions and three-wick candles) have been staples in my self-care routine for years. However, it wasn’t until recently that the brand expanded its line to include shower steamers. Its eucalyptus-and-spearmint ones are the shower steamers to covet if you want to re-create the ambiance of a spa right in the comfort of your own shower. Bonus: They are perfect for travel, thanks to the fact that each steamer comes individually packaged.
Key notes: Eucalyptus
One satisfied customer writes: “These smell so refreshing and really gives one a nice pick-me-up for the morning and day! I absolutely love it and know I am a forever fan of these!” —Lisa4733
Best Floral
Musee Champagne & Rose Shower Steamers
Pros
- Handmade by women recovering from substance abuse and incarceration
- Makes a great gift
Cons
- Some found the scent a bit too perfumelike.
I stumbled upon these shower steamers in the sale section at Anthropologie and couldn’t resist the pretty packaging. Luckily, they proved to be just as special in the shower. While I love a refreshing eucalyptus scent in the morning and a soothing lavender aroma at night, I reserve these bright and floral ones for special occasions, like when I’m getting ready for a night out with friends.
Key notes: Orange, rose
One satisfied customer writes: “The shower steamers from Musee are the best part of my day! I love scents and bathing every night with one of these is the next best thing to soaking in a tub. Soothing and relaxing no matter what the scent. Self care is important and Musee makes it FUN! My whole bathroom smells amazing at bath time!” —Kerith K.
Do shower steamers work?
The efficacy of a shower steamer can vary depending on the quality and longevity of the ingredients. However, according to aromatherapy experts, shower steamers do offer wellness benefits. They create an aromatherapy experience by releasing essential-oil vapors into the shower steam for you to inhale, Galper says. The “aromatherapy experience,” per the pro, refers to when the aromas from essential oils trigger emotional and physiological responses in the mind and body. Galper points to lavender, noting its ability to “induce relaxation in our central nervous system,” and citrus, “which can promote a sense of awakening and energization.”
How long do shower steamers last in the shower?
The lifespan of some shower steamers is a few minutes, while others can last through multiple showers. Each has unique benefits: Shorter-acting steamers offer a quick aromatherapy fix, ideal for those who frequently swap in new scents. Conversely, longer-lasting options are best for those who have a preferred aroma and value consistency.
Can you get shower steamers wet?
While you should follow the specific instructions on your shower steamer’s packaging, the general rule of thumb is to position a steamer near the water stream without directly immersing it. (It’s okay if it gets lightly splashed.) Placement is important—the right location ensures the shower steamer will release its aromas gradually. When placed incorrectly, it may dissolve too quickly.
Meet the Expert
- Amy Galper is a certified aromatherapist, author, and founder of the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies.
Shop More Wellness Tips From Bazaar’s Editors
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