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We treat viral products with a healthy dose of skepticism, but some experts say the best showerhead filters can actually make a meaningful difference in your routine. Why? It’s not uncommon for your local water supply to contain rust, sediment, chlorine, or an excess of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While these so-called contaminants don’t make the water dangerous to drink, they can make it harder (hence the term “hard water”) on your skin and hair, explains Omer Ibrahim, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist. Over time, they can contribute to dullness, dryness, irritation, and itchiness. People with sensitive or extra dry skin, eczema, or rosacea may feel these effects more acutely, says Debra Luftman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California.
Installing a showerhead filter, many of which use materials like activated carbon and calcium sulfite to remove contaminants from water, can alleviate some of those issues. “Patients sometimes report that their skin feels less tight and their hair appears softer after switching to a quality filter,” says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Our Top Showerhead Filters
- Best Overall: Jolie Filtered Showerhead, $169
- Best Bath Tub Filter: Canopy Baby Bath Tub Filter, $89
- Best Universal Filter: AquaBliss SF100 Daily Revitalize Shower Filter, $37
- Best Handheld Showerhead: Aquasana Showerhead Filter, $100
- Best for Aromatherapy: Canopy Filtered Showerhead, $150
- Best Budget: Sprite Slim-Line Shower Head Filter, $28
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- How does hard water affect my skin and hair?
- How does a filtered showerhead benefit my skin and hair?
- Are there any shower water filters that actually work?
- What are the disadvantages of shower filters?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Pause for the aforementioned skepticism: The science on the efficacy of showerhead filters is still limited, and your results will largely depend on the content of your area’s water supply, but showerhead filters can potentially help alleviate dry skin and brittle hair—all while making your “everything showers” feel a little more special. Below, we tapped experts and editors to share which filtered showerheads are worth trying.
Best Overall: Jolie Filtered Showerhead
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Jolie
Filtered Showerhead
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Revolve
Why we love it: With its comprehensive filter and intentional design, Jolie’s Filtered Showerhead is well worth the investment and hype, according to Dr. Ibrahim. “While this one is on the pricier side, it is a full filter system with an aesthetically pleasing showerhead,” he says. (It comes in four chic colors, a.k.a. no eyesores here.) Setup is easy-breezy, too: Remove your existing showerhead and screw on the Jolie in its place. You should be able to remove and replace the showerheads by hand, but the included wrench comes in handy if you need to loosen or tighten any pipe threads along the way (and the included plumber’s tape can further seal off the pipe connections to prevent leaks). Once it’s in place, the filter will improve your water quality and keep the water pressure strong.
Plus, Dr. Spearman appreciates the brand’s transparency around its filtration system. Jolie utilizes KDF-55 (a type of copper-zinc alloy filter) and calcium sulfite to minimize levels of chlorine, heavy metals, and minerals in your shower water for up to 90 days. After that, you can just swap in a new filter for $38 a pop—or opt for a subscription on Jolie’s website that brings the cost to $35 per filter.
More to know
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- Type of filter: KDF-55, calcium sulfite
- Notable features: easy, universal installation
- Set includes: showerhead, replacement filter, wrench, plumber’s tape
- How long it lasts: 3 months
Best Bathtub Filter: Canopy Baby Bath Tub Filter
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Canopy
Baby Bath Tub Filter
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why we love it: Whether you’re gearing up for tub time with your little one or you’re more of a bath person yourself, Canopy’s Baby Bath Tub Filter will make your next soak more comfortable. It’s made to filter out chlorine and particles that can cause redness, flaky skin, and overall irritation, but it’s the filter’s nice-to-have features that really make it stand out. Its built-in temperature indicator changes color so you know when the water is safe for baby’s skin, and its spout cover prevents accidental bumps—which contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai says is a huge bonus. (No ouchies here!) While Pai doesn't have a hard-water issue, she saw no harm in eliminating any water-quality-related issues since her older daughter has eczema. “I’ve noticed that my younger baby's skin is smooth and soft post-bath, even before I slather her in lotion,” she says. “No sign of eczema in the baby so far, and while I can’t definitively credit the filter, I appreciate the unsung work that it might be doing!”
The filter also installs without any finicky tools: First, slide one of the included attachment bands over your faucet, then follow with the filter itself. Press it into place on the band, and you’re good to go—all you need is your trusty rubber duck.
More to know
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- Type of filter: activated carbon, calcium sulfite, copper-zinc
- Notable features: dishwasher-safe parts, temperature indicator
- Set includes: bath tub filter, filter cartridge, 2 attachment bands
- How long it lasts: 3 months
Best Universal Filter: AquaBliss SF100 Daily Revitalize Shower Filter
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AquaBliss
SF100 Daily Revitalize Shower Filter
Amazon
Walmart
Why we love it: Don’t want to update to a new showerhead? You don’t have to with the AquaBliss Daily Revitalize Shower Filter. This teensy addition to your shower setup removes metal and sediment buildup floating in your water with a comprehensive, layered filtration system. But it isn’t all about what it takes out: This filter also infuses your shower water with vitamin C to help reduce chlorine and boost your skin and hair’s radiance, so it’s a preventative and proactive step in one sleek gadget. It also has a universal fit that works with any showerhead, including rain showers, which is a major plus for Dr. Spearman. She also recommends AquaBliss for its replacement filter subscriptions (one less task to remember!).
More to know
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- Type of filter: sand, stainless steel mesh, cotton, calcium sulfite, Redox media (copper-zinc alloy), activated carbon
- Notable features: vitamin C infusion
- Set includes: filter housing, filter cartridge, 2 screened washers, adapter, plumber’s tape, 2 replacement seals
- How long it lasts: 4 to 6 months, depending on usage frequency
Best Handheld Showerhead: Aquasana Handheld Showerhead Filter
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Aquasana
Handheld Showerhead Filter
Amazon
Walmart
Why we love it: Dr. Luftman highly recommends Aquasana’s line of filters for their ease of use and efficient chlorine filtration. Even though the Handheld Showerhead Filter has a few additional components, its setup is still pretty straightforward: The filter goes onto the shower pipe first, and the brand recommends flushing it with water until it runs clear before adding on more parts. Then you can screw on the hose, cradle, and wand by hand, no wrench required. Its filtration system meets the NSF water treatment standard for chlorine reduction, removing up to 90% of it from your water. (Originally called the National Sanitation Foundation, NSF is a global health nonprofit that independently tests products like water systems, food equipment, and dietary supplements to certify that they do what they claim and are safe to use.) Chlorine can strip away your body’s natural oils, Dr. Luftman explains, so avoiding it can help keep your hair and skin hydrated (and color-treated hair vibrant for longer).
More to know
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- Type of filter: coconut shell carbon, copper-zinc
- Notable features: rain and massage settings
- Set includes: shower filter, hose, cradle assembly, shower wand (pliers recommended to tighten the filter’s collar, but not included)
- How long it lasts: 6 months
Best for Aromatherapy: Canopy Filtered Showerhead
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Canopy
Filtered Showerhead
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why we love it: Bring the spa to your bathroom with Canopy’s Filtered Showerhead, a fave among derms and hairstylists alike. Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously vouched for its intensive filtration system consisting of granular activated carbon, a copper-zinc complex, and calcium sulfite to remove contaminants. Adir Abergel, a hairstylist and creative director of Virtue Labs, also gave it a shoutout: “I tell all my clients about the Canopy. It helps you hold color longer and also seals the cuticle to maintain shine.” And about those spa vibes: This showerhead comes with a tiny essential oil diffuser that hooks onto its arm, so you can indulge in the aromatherapeutic benefits of Canopy’s energizing and relaxing scents. (Just add a few drops onto the felt body.) Matcha Blossom or Vanilla Noir, anyone?
More to know
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- Type of filter: granular activated carbon, copper-zinc, calcium sulfite
- Notable features: felt essential oil diffuser
- Set includes: showerhead, showerhead filter, aroma oil sleeve, felt diffuser, Canopy’s Unwind Aroma Oil
- How long it lasts: 3 months
Best Budget: Sprite Slim-Line Shower Head Filter
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Sprite
Slim-Line Shower Head Filter
Amazon
Walmart
Why we love it: You don’t have to make a dramatic investment to try a showerhead filter, especially if you have lingering skepticism. (Fair!) Sprite’s Slim-Line Shower Head Filter is another pick from Dr. Luftman that clocks in under $30. It removes chlorine, dirt, and odors from shower water with the brand’s patented Chlorgon filter. Translation: As part of its filtration process, it converts chlorine into chloride salt, which is harder for the skin to absorb and thus less likely to cause any barrier damage. While it doesn’t come with a ton of bells and whistles, this filter is easy to install, beginner-friendly, and won’t disrupt your setup if you’re happy with your current showerhead.
More to know
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- Type of filter: copper-zinc, calcium sulfite
- Notable features: Sprite Showers app for tracking filter use (Apple, Google Play)
- Set includes: filter housing, filter cartridge
- How long it lasts: 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
How does hard water affect my skin and hair?
Considering hard water contributes to soap scum (as in, that gross layer of grime that can build up on your shower floor if you don’t clean it often enough), it’s no surprise that it can also lead to buildup on your body and hair, according to Dr. Ibrahim. “For people who have hard water in their shower, they’ll often see a layer of soap scum on their walls–that’s due to the minerals reacting to soap to form this insoluble layer,” he explains. When that layer of “scum” develops on your body, it can exacerbate dryness and inflammation, especially for those with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, and even acne.
As for your hair, that layer of minerals leads to a dry, brittle texture and dull color (a major bummer if you pay for expensive color treatments). “Hard water can also exacerbate dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis,” adds Dr. Ibrahim.
How does a filtered showerhead benefit my skin and hair?
These filters, also known as water softeners, cleanse your tap water of mineral buildup and replace them with sodium through a process called ion exchange, Washington, DC-based dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD, previously told Allure. This process lowers the water’s concentration of mineral sediments, minimizing buildup and, potentially, irritation. To that end, “shower filters can help as long as they include a water-softening system,” says Dr. Ibrahim. These “water-softening systems” include filtration mediums such as KDF-55 (a combination of carbon and zinc) and calcium sulfite. By removing these minerals from your shower water, they can deliver calmer, healthier skin—not to mention shinier, softer hair. Consider them a worthwhile investment for your self-care routine.
Are there any shower water filters that actually work?
Showerhead filters can certainly make a difference, provided that their filtration systems are targeting the right contaminants. That’s why it’s important to look into your area’s water quality report, Dr. Spearman says. Once you know what’s actually in your shower water (say, if it contains higher-than-average levels of chlorine), you’ll have a better idea of whether a specific showerhead filter can help with your issues.
What are the disadvantages of shower filters?
For one thing, a showerhead filter is another thing to maintain around the house. The filter needs regular replacements, which means ongoing costs, Dr. Luftman points out. There’s also a chance that it affects the water pressure in your shower, she adds.
For another, keep your expectations realistic, Dr. Spearman says. Not only do filters lose efficacy over time (which is why you need to replace them), they also can’t feasibly address every single issue with your shower’s water quality. It’s better to look for subtle improvements in the long-term, like you’re gradually benefiting your skin and hair one shower at a time.
Meet the experts
- Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago
- Debra Luftman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills and Calabasas, California
- Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Adir Abergel, a hairstylist and creative director of Virtue Labs
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.
Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
