Himalayan salt lamps are made from the salt harvested from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. These cozy-looking lamps come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes, but what makes them unique is their soft glow. Thanks to a bulb that is placed inside the lamp and its distinctive pink color, Himalayan salt lamps are emitting warm light when lit.
A lot of people are choosing to buy Himalayan salt lamps because they enjoy the coziness that comes with the ambiance the lamps provide, while others are looking to purchase these lamps for their health benefits.
In this article, we will go in-depth into how Himalayan salt lamps work, their benefits and potential side effects. We will also take a look at the 10 most-reviewed Himalayan salt lamps.
How Do Himalayan Salt Lamps Work?
Himalayan salt lamps are working by changing the electrical charge of the air around them, as so-called “natural ionizers”. Ions can be produced naturally by waves, storms or waterfalls. Apparently, Himalayan salt lamps can produce negative ions when the lamp is heated by attracting water droplets that emerge as a result of evaporation. However, this theory is not supported by any scientific evidence.
Some also claim that salt lamps are attracting toxins, allergens and pollutants, thus purifying the air.
Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits
There are three key health benefits that Himalayan salt lamp advocates stand behind.
They Purify the Air
As we mentioned previously, Himalayan salt lamps are believed to attract toxins and allergens from the air around them. Therefore, people with asthma and allergies are choosing to invest in one to improve the air they are breathing in their houses.
Yet, there is no scientific evidence that proves that Himalayan salt lamps can actually remove harmful particles from the air in your house.
The claim that also goes hand in hand with this alleged health benefit of salt lamps is that they can be used during the practice of halotherapy. During this practice, people with respiratory conditions can benefit from the presence of salt in the air. Yet, this is also not supported by any scientific study, and it is also not clear whether it is safe for people with respiratory conditions.
They Are Good Mood-Boosters
Himalayan salt lamps are also believed to have a positive effect on one’s mood. Some studies on animals have shown that exposure to negative ions might provide a boost in serotonin, which is known as a “happy chemical”. However, human studies did not show the same consistent result, but scientists discovered that a high level of ionization in the air can improve the mood of depressed people.
Related: How to Cleanse Your Soul: 10+ Ways to Get Rid of Negativity
They Are Good For Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important parts of our well-being, and there is no surprise that Himalayan salt lamps are getting a good word when it comes to promoting sleep.
However, this theory is not specifically related to Himalayan salt lamps, but any lamp with a dimmed light that can provide a cozy and less-bright atmosphere for bedtime rituals.
There is no proof that the suggested air ionization of Himalayan salt lamps is having any effect on sleep.
10+ Best Himalayan Salt Lamps
Below, we will examine the 10 best Himalayan salt lamps based on customer reviews. You will find specific characteristics and unique features of each lamp along with their assigned star rating.
Handcrafted Himalayan Salt Lamp with Dimmer Switch – 4.7 out of 5 stars
First on our list of 10+ best Himalayan salt lamps is this 100% natural salt lamp that is hand-carved from Himalayan salt that comes from the Salt Mine in Pakistan. Coming with an adjustable brightness mode, this lamp is perfect for use in all environments. Ambient and glowy, this lamp emits a warm orange light that creates a relaxing and calming atmosphere for reading, sleep or meditation.
This lamp is already assembled and comes in different unique shapes based on the salt chunk’s distinctive pattern.
Himalayan Salt Lamp Bowl with Natural Crystal Chunks – 4.8 out of 5 stars
This Himalayan salt lamp’s shape is unique and unusual – coming in a bowl shape with salt crystal chunks, it is definitely a centerpiece in any room. Hand-carved from salt crystals from Himalayan mountants, this lamp emits a soft amber glow that promotes relaxation and provides a soothing effect.
The manufacturer claims that the salt lamp’s shape improves the ionic balance of the air in the house, as it produces negative ions. It is also said to help boost the mood and provide a unique ambiance touch to your interior.
This manufacturer also offers hassle-free returns and claims to provide flawless support.
Large Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp – 4.7 out of 5 stars
This large authentic Himalayan salt lamp is handcrafted in Pakistan and comes in different unique shapes and colors, varying from light pink/yellow/orange to brighter pink/orange/red. Each lamp produces a warm and soft glow that provides a peaceful and soothing atmosphere.
Perfect for use as a nightlight or to set a romantic mood, this salt lamp has a special dimmer dial that allows to regulate the brightness of the light. The lamps come with a UL-approved 15-wat bulb and cord.
The manufacturer offers a no-questions-asked return policy and a 100% money-back guarantee.
Mockins Hand Crafted Salt Lamp Rose Shape with Beautiful Wood Base – 4.6 out of 5
Next on our list of 10+ best Himalayan salt lamps is this Mockins rose-shaped Himalayan salp lamp. It is a perfect gift for someone in your life that loves cozy evenings spent at home. Great for a home or office decor or for use as a nightlight, this handcrafted salt lamp is using a 15-watt UL and CE-approved bulb.
The manufacturer claims that the lamp provides health benefits thanks to the natural properties of the salt crystals and the negative ions released into the air. According to the listing, this salt lamp can help with the reduction of stress, asthma and allergy symptoms, as well as with the improvement of mood and increased energy levels.
Another point goes to this manufacturer due to the fact that they offer a 3-year warranty.
7 Inch Himalayan Salt Lamp with Dimmer Cord – 4.7 out of 5 stars
Spantik’s artistic salt lamp is hand-carved from Himalayan salt rock crystals, sitting on top of a beautiful wooden base. This salt lamp also comes with an adjustable dimmer control switch just like many other lamps on our list, and when lit, it emits a soft amber glow.
According to the manufacturer, this Himalayan salt lamp helps you to have a more restful sleep at night thanks to the produced negative ions.
Real Himalayan Salt Lamp Brands
Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp with Dimmer Switch – 4.6 out of 5 stars
This 100% authentic salt lamp was made in Pakistan by using the highest grade Himalayan salt, according to the listing. The base is made out of the Neem tree and is termite and corrosion-free. Coming with a controlled dimmable control switch, this salt lamp is a perfect companion for a cozy evening thanks to its soft illumination.
This salt lamp can be used as a sleep aid or a might light, as it provides an ambient relaxing setting. It is also perfect for use in a meditation room, yoga room, spa room or office.
100% Authentic Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp – 4.7 out of 5 stars
Next on our list of 10+ best Himalayan salt lamps is this lamp made with 250 million-year-old salt from the Himalayan Mountains. Each salt lamp produced by this seller is unique in shape, size and color. Coming with a handcrafted wooden base, dimmer switch and 15-watt bulbs, this Himalayan salt lamp is a winner for bedroom, yoga studio or office.
The manufacturer offers a no-hassle 90-day warranty in case you are facing some issues with the product.
Himalayan Salt Lamp Healthy Ionizer Air Purifier – 4.3 out of 5 stars
This 100% Himalayan salt lamp with Neem wooden base is hand-made using natural salt crystals from the Himalayan Mountains. By heating the salt with the bulb that’s included in the package, the negative ions are released into the air, thus helping to regulate people’s body PH balances.
Recommended to use in yoga or meditation room, at the office, or as a night light. This salt lamp is also perfect for people that frequently use computers, for smokers, or for people with allergies or asthma.
The manufacturer also offers a 30-day return and refund guarantee if the salt lamp is defective.
2 Pack Natural Hand Carved Himalayan Salt Lamp with Dimmer – 4.6 out of 5 stars
The 2-pack hand-carved Himalayan salt lamp set is great for use as a night light or as decor in your bedroom, yoga room or office. No two pieces are the same, as these salt lamps are made by hand in Pakistan. Each lamp comes with two 15-watt light bulbs that are both CE and UL approved.
The manufacturer claims that the natural properties of these Himalayan pink salt lamps can improve your mood and reduce stress, as well as positively impact your energy levels and sleep. The lamps come with a 3-year warranty, and the manufacturer provides a hassle-free replacement or money-back guarantee.
2 Pack Himalayan Salt lamp Night Light Salt Rock – 4.6 out of 5 stars
Made from 100% authentic Himalayan salt crystals, this 2-pack salt lamp set includes two uniquely shaped lamps loaded with minerals. These lamps are said to negate electro-smog and help with increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain, according to the manufacturer.
Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp, Tall Round Metal Basket lamp with Dimmer Switch – 4.6 out of 5 stars
Last on our list of 10+ best Himalayan salt lamps is this uniquely-shaped Himalayan salt lamp that is great for use as a bed light or a centerpiece. Made from the salt that was mined in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, this salt lamp also comes with a light bulb, ETL certified cord and a dimmer switch. The metal basket that serves as a base for the lamp is durable and corrosion-free.
The manufacturer provides a 30-day money-back guarantee in case the product is faulty.
How Do I Know If My Himalayan Salt Lamp Is Real?
Is it shiny?
To understand whether your Himalayan salt lamp is real or not, you need to check its appearance first. Authentic Himalayan salt lamps have a distinctive shine-free pink surface, and their glow is very soft and muted. If your lamp’s surface is shiny and you see a very bright light that is not muted by the salt lamp, you can’t be sure your lamp is genuine.
Is it fragile?
Another sign your lamp is not made from the real Himalayan salt is how break-resistant they are. Since salt is a very fragile material, real Himalayan salt lamps are prone to breakage when dropped or hit.
Is it leaving pink residue?
Genuine Himalayan salt lamps will leave a pink residue if you wipe them with a damp cloth.
Can You Leave A Himalayan Salt Lamp On All The Time?
It depends. Of course, you can leave a Himalayan salt lamp on all night and all day, but it is probably not a good idea to leave the lamp on when you are not at home.
Even though a lot of lamps are coming with UL-certified switches, it is still a good practice to switch them off when you leave the house. The UL-certified switch means that the cord and switch were tested and met a requirement that is published by the Underwriters Laboratorie.
How to make sure your lamp’s cord and switch are UL certified?
Look for the stamp that says that it is UL certified on the plug itself. The cord also should also have a tag that is UL certified.
Himalayan Salt Lamp Warning
While Himalayan salt lamps might seem like a relatively safe appliance, they also come with a number of warnings that you ought to know about if you are planning to own one.
Fire Hazards
Himalayan salt lamps, just like any electronics, are prone to a certain level of risk, including a fire hazard. Back in January 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for the lamps that had defective dimmer switches that could overheat, therefore, causing a risk of fire. Several months later, another batch of the same lamps was recalled for the same fire hazard. If you own a salt lamp that is old, you might want to check that it is not included in either of those two recalls.
Place Out Of Kids’ and Pets’ Reach
Some of the authentic Himalayan salt lamps can be pretty heavy (up to 80 pounds). If you place a heavy salt lamp on a high shelf, it can potentially become a risk for children or anyone standing beneath them.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to place these salt lamps out of reach of children and pets and in a secure area. If you own a dog or a cat, keep an eye on them, since ingesting too much salt for them can be harmful. Look out for salt toxicity symptoms in your pets:
- Dizziness
- Diahrrea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
Risk Of Corrosion
Real salt lamps are pulling moisture from the air, which can potentially cause water to condense on their surface. Once the lamp is turned on, the water droplets evaporate. However, if it is not working, the water can cause corrosion on a surface it stands as the water might drip down if not evaporated.
Make sure that the bulb inside the lamp is not touching the salt rock and is situated away from the edges of the rock.