Does Chlorine in Tap Water Affect Your Hair and Skin?

If you've ever stepped out of the shower with dry, frizzy hair or tight, itchy skin, chlorine in your tap water might be the culprit. Most municipal water supplies — including in the Philippines — use chlorine to kill harmful bacteria and make water safe to drink. But while chlorine does its job in the pipes, it can do a number on your hair and skin once it hits the shower.

What Does Chlorine Do to Your Hair?

Chlorine strips away the natural oils (sebum) that your scalp produces to moisturise and protect your hair. The result? Hair that feels dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Over time, regular exposure to chlorinated water can:

• Fade hair colour faster (especially for colour-treated hair)
• Cause split ends and increased breakage
• Make hair look dull and lifeless
• Irritate a dry or flaky scalp

If you've been spending on premium shampoos and conditioners but still can't seem to fix your hair, the issue might start before you even apply any product — it starts with the water itself.

What Does Chlorine Do to Your Skin?

Your skin has a natural moisture barrier that keeps hydration in and irritants out. Chlorine disrupts this barrier by stripping away protective oils, leading to:

• Dry, tight, or flaky skin after showering
• Worsened eczema or sensitive skin conditions
• Clogged pores from chlorine residue
• Skin that feels itchy or irritated, especially in humid weather

This is particularly common in the Philippines, where tap water chlorination levels can be higher during dry season when water sources are lower and require more treatment.

How Much Chlorine Is in Philippine Tap Water?

The Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW) allow up to 5 mg/L (ppm) of free chlorine in tap water — one of the higher limits globally. While this is within "safe" drinking thresholds, it's well above what's gentle on hair and skin with daily exposure.

What Can You Do About It?

The most effective solution is to filter the chlorine out before it reaches your skin and hair. A vitamin C shower filter — like the PURA One Shower Filter — uses ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and citrus extract to neutralise up to 96% of chlorine in your shower water. It installs in under 2 minutes, requires no tools, and works with any standard showerhead.

Unlike carbon filters that can slow water pressure, vitamin C filtration is instant and highly effective — even in hot water, which is important because heat actually increases chlorine absorption through your skin.

The Bottom Line

Chlorine in tap water is a real and often overlooked cause of dry hair, dull skin, and scalp irritation — especially with daily showering. If you've tried every product but still struggle with hair and skin issues, filtering your shower water could be the missing piece.

Ready to see the difference? Explore the PURA One Shower Filter — removes 96% of chlorine, installs in 2 minutes, and is designed for everyday use.