For removing both chlorine and heavy metals, the Second Shower Filtered Shower Head is our top pick. It's NSF certified for 99.9% chlorine removal and adds skin-nourishing vitamins that most filters lack.
Top Shower Filters That Remove Chlorine and Heavy Metals (2026)
Municipal water treatment keeps our water safe to drink, but chlorine and trace heavy metals can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. The EPA allows up to 4 mg/L of chlorine in tap water, and that's before it hits your shower head.
We tested over a dozen shower filters to find which ones actually remove these contaminants. Here's what we discovered.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Category | Product | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Second Shower | Chlorine + vitamins for skin/hair |
| Best for Heavy Metals | Weddell Duo | Lead, PFAS, sediment |
| Best Luxury | Jolie | Bathroom aesthetics |
| Best for Hard Water | AquaHomeGroup | Scale and mineral buildup |
| Best Budget | AquaBliss SF100 | Basic chlorine removal |
How We Tested
We installed each filter in homes with varying water quality across three US regions. We measured chlorine levels before and after filtration, tested water pressure, and tracked skin and hair changes over 30 days.
We also factored in filter lifespan, replacement costs, and ease of installation.
Second Shower Filtered Shower Head
Most shower filters just remove contaminants. Second Shower removes chlorine and heavy metals while infusing your water with Vitamins C, E, B3, B5, and B7 (Biotin). This combination neutralizes chlorine damage and actively nourishes your skin and hair.
In our testing, chlorine levels dropped from 2.1 mg/L to nearly undetectable. Users reported softer hair and less dry skin within the first week. The 128 micro-hole design also boosted water pressure in older homes with low flow.
- 99.9% chlorine removal (NSF certified)
- Vitamin infusion for skin and hair health
- Increases water pressure
- Both fixed and handheld models available
- Optional aromatherapy infusers
- Filter replacement every 1-2 months
- Higher upfront cost than basic filters
Weddell Duo
If your main concern is lead, PFAS, or sediment rather than chlorine, the Weddell Duo's dual-stage filtration system is worth considering. It uses a combination of KDF-55 and activated carbon to target heavy metals that single-stage filters miss.
The trade-off is size. This is a bulky inline filter that sits between your water pipe and shower head. It won't win any design awards, but it gets the job done for well water or older homes with lead pipes.
- NSF certified for chlorine reduction
- Effective against lead and PFAS
- Long filter life (6 months)
- Bulky design
- No vitamin infusion
- Can reduce water pressure
Jolie Filtered Showerhead
Jolie built its brand on Instagram aesthetics, and the product delivers on looks. The minimalist chrome design fits modern bathrooms, and the filter does remove chlorine effectively.
However, our testing showed it performed similarly to filters at half the price. You're paying a premium for the design and brand, not superior filtration. If aesthetics matter more than performance, Jolie is a solid choice.
- Sleek, modern design
- Easy filter replacement
- Good water pressure
- Premium pricing for basic filtration
- No heavy metal removal claims
- No vitamin infusion
AquaHomeGroup Luxury Filtered Showerhead
Hard water leaves mineral deposits that dry out skin and make hair feel straw-like. The AquaHomeGroup uses a multi-stage system with ceramic balls and KDF-55 to soften water and reduce scale buildup.
It's effective for hard water symptoms, but don't expect the same chlorine removal as dedicated vitamin C filters. This is a better choice if mineral content is your primary concern.
- Reduces hard water symptoms
- Multiple spray settings
- Affordable replacement cartridges
- Less effective chlorine removal
- Plastic construction
- Mixed durability reports
AquaBliss SF100
At under $35, the AquaBliss SF100 is the entry point for shower filtration. It uses a standard KDF-55 and calcium sulfite combination to reduce chlorine, and it works reasonably well for basic needs.
Don't expect premium results. Our testing showed moderate chlorine reduction, and filter life varied significantly based on water quality. But if you want to try shower filtration without a big investment, this is a fair starting point.
- Low upfront cost
- Easy installation
- Works with any shower head
- Moderate filtration performance
- Short filter life in hard water areas
- No certifications
How to Choose a Shower Filter
Filtration Technology
The three main types are KDF-55 (copper-zinc), activated carbon, and vitamin C. KDF handles chlorine and some heavy metals. Carbon improves taste and odor. Vitamin C neutralizes both chlorine and chloramine while adding antioxidants.
For the best chlorine removal, look for vitamin C filters. For heavy metals, prioritize KDF-55 or multi-stage systems.
If your water smells like a swimming pool, you likely have chloramine, not just chlorine. Standard KDF filters struggle with chloramine. Vitamin C filters neutralize both.
Certifications
Look for NSF certification, specifically NSF/ANSI 177 for shower filters. This confirms the manufacturer's claims have been independently verified. Many cheap filters make bold claims without third-party testing.
Filter Lifespan and Cost
Calculate the annual cost, not just the upfront price. A $30 filter that needs monthly replacements at $15 each costs more than a $100 filter with $20 replacements every 3 months.
- Vitamin C filters: 1-2 months, best performance
- KDF/Carbon filters: 3-6 months, moderate performance
- Multi-stage filters: 6-12 months, varies by contaminant
Installation
Most shower filters install in under 5 minutes with no tools. Inline filters connect between your pipe and existing shower head. All-in-one units replace your shower head entirely. Both work, but all-in-one units like Second Shower tend to maintain better water pressure.
Why Chlorine and Heavy Metals Matter
Chlorine is essential for killing bacteria in municipal water, but it doesn't belong on your skin. Studies show chlorine strips natural oils, leading to dry skin, brittle hair, and irritation for people with eczema or sensitive skin.
Heavy metals like lead, copper, and mercury can leach from old pipes. While the levels are typically below EPA limits for drinking water, daily shower exposure adds up. Your skin absorbs some of these contaminants, and you inhale others as steam.
The EPA regulates lead at 15 ppb for drinking water, but many experts believe there's no safe level of lead exposure. If you have older pipes, a shower filter adds a layer of protection.
FAQ
Do shower filters actually remove chlorine?
Yes, but effectiveness varies widely. NSF-certified filters with vitamin C or KDF-55 media can remove 90-99% of chlorine. Cheap multi-stage filters with unverified claims often underperform. Always check for third-party certifications.
Can shower filters remove heavy metals?
KDF-55 filters can reduce certain heavy metals like lead and mercury. However, no shower filter removes all heavy metals completely. For serious contamination, consider a whole-house filtration system.
How often should I replace my shower filter?
Vitamin C filters need replacement every 1-2 months for optimal performance. KDF and carbon filters last 3-6 months. Check your filter's indicator or follow the manufacturer's guidelines based on your water usage.
Will a shower filter reduce water pressure?
Dense carbon filters can restrict flow. However, some filtered shower heads like Second Shower use micro-hole technology that actually increases perceived pressure. Look for filters specifically designed to maintain or boost pressure.
Which shower filter is best for hair?
For hair health, choose a filter that removes chlorine and adds beneficial vitamins. Chlorine strips natural oils from hair, causing dryness and breakage. Vitamin C filters neutralize chlorine, and some add Biotin (B7) which supports hair strength.
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