Does Chlorine in Shower Water Irritate Skin?

22rd January, 2026

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Has your skin ever felt itchy, tight or dry after showering? It’s easy to dismiss this as just the effects of the hot water, or perhaps using the wrong skincare products. However, there could be a different culprit to blame - chlorine.

 

Chlorine is present in our tap water in very small amounts, which is why it’s safe to drink. But even just a small quantity of chlorine in water can have a different and unwanted effect on skin and hair, especially if combined with the minerals and heavy metals found in hard water.

 

Here, we’ll take a look at the main chlorine in shower water effects, along with tips on how you can reduce exposure and improve the quality of your water.  

Why Chlorine Is Added to Our Water

Chlorine is used by water suppliers in the UK to disinfect tap water, effectively killing bacteria, viruses and pathogens. This helps to keep water safe to drink and use as it makes its way through mains supply pipes, into the pipework in homes and eventually, out of the tap or showerhead.

 

It’s used in such small quantities that it’s perfectly safe to drink. However, when water companies use chlorine, they’re prioritising safety - not skin sensitivity. This is why some people experience negative effects, even if they don’t realise that chlorine is to blame. 

Does Chlorine Make Skin Dry or Sensitive?

So does chlorine irritate skin? Unfortunately, yes - it can cause problems with irritation and dryness in the skin. This includes your scalp, so it can affect your hair too.

 

This is because chlorine can strip the skin’s natural oils, known as lipids. This weakens the skin barrier, which can cause:

  • Dryness and flakiness
  • Tightness or an uncomfortable ‘squeaky clean’ feeling after showering
  • Redness or itching

 

Hot water can also intensify this drying effect, so the hotter the shower - the more unwanted effects you may experience.

 

Chlorine doesn’t directly cause sensitivity though - it only exacerbates it. If you already have sensitive skin or a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis or acne, exposure to chlorine can make things worse.

 

If you don’t have an existing skin condition, you’ll find that the effects of chlorine are only temporary. Reduce your exposure, and you should notice improvements. 

Does Chlorine Make Water Hard?

It’s a common misconception that chlorine is what makes water hard, but this isn’t true. Water hardness is caused instead by deposits of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This is caused by minerals dissolving in rainwater and groundwater as it passes through soil and rocks, making its way towards the water system.

 

If your water is mineral-heavy and contains chlorine (which all UK tap water does), this could spell bad news for your skin and hair. The combination of the two together can worsen dryness and irritation. 

How to Reduce Chlorine Exposure in the Shower

If you’re struggling with dry, irritated or sensitive skin after showering, you don’t just have to put up with it. You’ll be pleased to know that there are lots of simple, easy fixes you can try to reduce chlorine exposure and give your skin a much-needed break.

 

Follow these tips:

  • Take shorter showers to limit the time your skin is in contact with chlorine - you can try using a shower timer 
  • Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to reduce the damage to your skin barrier - remember that very hot water can exacerbate the drying effects of chlorine
  • Apply moisturiser immediately after showering - doing this while your skin is still wet or damp helps to lock in hydration
  • Avoid harsh soaps and other skincare products - as these can also strip away the skin’s natural oils.

 

The tips above will definitely help to alleviate dry skin issues caused by chlorine, but they don’t actually do anything to remove the chlorine from your water. For that, you’ll need another simple yet ingenious solution - a shower filter. 

Using a Shower Filter to Remove Chlorine

The most effective way to reduce chlorine exposure is to filter it out, before it touches your skin.

 

This is where shower head filters come in. Clever solutions like the Curo Shower Head Filter removes over 99% of chlorine and heavy metals from your water, as well as mineral deposits that cause hard water.

 

This helps to reduce dryness, tightness and irritation, so you can feel great after each shower - rather than wondering if you need to switch shower gel. It’s especially beneficial for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

 

The Curo Shower Head Filter is an easy, affordable upgrade for your shower, which is easy to fit yourself in just a few minutes. It fits most standard showers and starts working immediately. It’s a long-term solution too, as all you need to do is replace the filter every few months to keep it working at full effectiveness. 

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