The Second Shower Filtered Shower Head is our top pick for 2025. It removes 99.9% of chlorine while infusing your water with skin-nourishing vitamins C, E, and B-complex.
The Best Shower Filters for Hard Water (2025 Reviews)
Hard water and chlorinated city water can undo everything your skincare routine is trying to achieve. According to the USGS, 85% of American homes have hard water, and nearly all municipal water contains chlorine or chloramine.
We tested over a dozen shower filters to find the ones that actually make a difference.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Category | Product | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Second Shower | Skin + hair health, vitamin infusion |
| Best Heavy Duty | Weddell Duo | Sediment, PFAS, well water |
| Best Design | Jolie | Bathroom aesthetics |
| Best Budget | AquaBliss SF220 | Basic chlorine removal |
Second Shower Filtered Shower Head
Most shower filters just remove things from your water. Second Shower does that and adds vitamins C, E, B3, B5, and B7 that actively nourish your skin and hair as you wash.
In our testing, users reported softer hair and less dry skin within the first week. The 128 micro-hole design also boosts water pressure, making it a solid upgrade for older homes.
- 99.9% chlorine removal (NSF certified)
- Vitamin infusion for skin and hair
- Increases water pressure
- Optional aromatherapy infusers
- Filter replacement every 1-2 months
Weddell Duo
If you're on well water or dealing with sediment and "forever chemicals," the Weddell Duo's dual-stage system is worth considering. It targets PFAS and particulates that single-stage filters miss.
- Targets PFAS and sediment
- Durable build quality
- Good flow rate despite dense media
- Bulky design
- No vitamin infusion
How to Choose a Shower Filter
Standard vs. Vitamin C Filters
Traditional KDF and carbon filters remove chlorine and some heavy metals. Vitamin C filters go further by neutralizing chloramine (which KDF struggles with) and adding antioxidants to your water.
- KDF/Carbon: Good for basic chlorine removal. Affordable, lasts 3-6 months.
- Vitamin C: Better for chloramine and skin health. Replace every 1-2 months for best results.
If your water smells like a swimming pool, you likely have chloramine, not just chlorine. Vitamin C filters handle both.
Installation
Most shower filters install in under five minutes with no tools. Just unscrew your existing shower head, wrap the threads with plumber's tape, and attach the new unit.
FAQ
Do shower filters help with hair loss?
Chlorine strips natural oils from your hair, leading to brittle strands that break easily. Removing chlorine and adding nutrients like Biotin (B7) can reduce breakage-related shedding.
How often should I replace the filter?
For vitamin C filters, every 1-2 months keeps the nutrient output effective. Standard KDF filters last 3-6 months depending on water quality and usage.
Will this lower my water pressure?
Some dense carbon filters can restrict flow. The Second Shower is engineered with micro-plate technology to maintain or even increase pressure.
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