Why Your Tap Water Might Be Ruining Your Skin (And What To Do About It)

As a beauty journalist for the past two and a half decades, I’ve tested just about every serum, mask, and device promising to deliver better skin. But one of the biggest game-changers in my skincare routine hasn’t been a product at all—it’s been the water coming out of my tap. And a little Faucet Filter device from my friends at Qure (read on for your discount code!).

I never thought I’d become a water filtration person. But once you go down the rabbit hole of what’s actually lurking in tap water, it’s hard to unsee it. It started with a deep dive into filtration for drinking water—after all, clean water is essential, right? So, I had Water Flow Control install a whole-house filtration system, then added an RO (reverse osmosis) filter under my sink for drinking water. But there was one tap I kept worrying about—my bathroom sink.

The water I was using to wash my face every single day.

I started wondering—was all that chlorine, magnesium, and heavy metals messing with my skin? And if so, could something as simple as filtering my tap water actually make a difference? Thankfully, that was around the time the Qure Faucet Filter came across my desk.

What’s Hiding in Your Tap Water?

Most people assume tap water is clean enough—after all, it’s been treated. But that doesn’t mean it’s free of skin-disrupting contaminants.

Chlorine – Added to disinfect water, but strips skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Calcium & Magnesium – Found in hard water, these minerals clog pores, trigger breakouts, and worsen rosacea and eczema.
Heavy Metals (Lead, Copper, Iron) – Can cause oxidative stress, leading to redness, sensitivity, and premature aging.
Microplastics & Bacteria – Yes, really. These can build up on your skin, clogging pores and dulling your complexion.

My water in my home town of Sydney’s, like many major cities worldwide (including London, Melbourne, and parts of the US), contains trace levels of contaminants that—while deemed ‘safe’ for drinking—aren’t necessarily ideal for your skin.

Another consideration: full-scale water filtration isn’t cheap. Whole-house systems can set you back thousands, and even a solid under-sink setup isn’t exactly a casual purchase. So when I came across the Qure Faucet Filter, it seemed like an interesting way to test the impact of filtered water on the skin—without the hefty investment. It’s specifically designed for skincare benefits, filtering out common irritants like chlorine, heavy metals, and microplastics, all of which can dry out skin, trigger sensitivity, or exacerbate issues like acne and rosacea.

What Does the Qure Faucet Filter Actually Do?

The Qure Faucet Filter is designed specifically for skincare, filtering out the most common irritants that can disrupt your skin barrier. It’s an affordable way to test water filtration without installing an expensive whole-house or under-sink system.

It uses 4-stage advanced filtration technology:

Carbon Filter – Removes chlorine & contaminants.
Ultrafilter – Captures tiny particles like bacteria & sand.
Descaler – Reduces limescale buildup, which can dry out skin.
Heavy Metal Reduction Layer – Filters lead, copper, and iron.

It also features a 360° rotating nozzle, so you can direct the flow for a more precise, mess-free cleanse. And, unlike permanent filtration systems, you can toggle between filtered and unfiltered water with a switch.

My Experience: Did It Actually Make a Difference?

Installation took seconds—no tools, no plumbing experience needed. (It fits 99% of standard faucets but won’t work with square, pull-out, or sensor taps.)

For four weeks, I used only filtered water from the Qure Faucet Filter to cleanse my face. My expectations were low—I wasn’t expecting a dramatic ‘before and after’ moment. But here’s what I noticed:

Less Post-Cleansing Tightness – My skin didn’t feel as dry or tight after washing, which I usually chalk up to my cleanser.
Smoother, Calmer Skin – The subtle redness I get after cleansing seemed less intense.
Less Redness– I have been getting this weird redness around my nose for months and that’s legitimately vanished.
Moisturiser Absorbed Faster – Instead of sitting on top of my skin, it seemed to sink in more easily.

These results line up with Qure’s clinical study, which showed a statistically significant boost in hydration after 4 weeks.

Who Will Love This?

Anyone with dry, sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin – If your skin feels irritated after cleansing, your water could be making it worse.
‘Clean beauty’ lovers – If you’re meticulous about what goes into your skincare, this is the next logical step.
Those curious about filtration but not ready for a full system – At $149 (or $104.30 on sale), this is an accessible way to test how filtered water affects your skin.

Final Verdict: Worth It?

For me? Yes.

The Qure Faucet Filter is an easy, low-effort upgrade that gives me peace of mind about the water I’m putting on my skin daily. It might not be a skincare miracle worker, but it’s one less thing messing with my skin barrier—which, in my book, makes it worth keeping.

Will I be testing the Qure Shower Filter next? Absolutely. Because once you start down the water filtration rabbit hole… there’s no turning back.

Interested? Qure is offering 10% off with this link. Shop here before it sells out

They also have a special offer for International Women’s Day of an LED MASK + FREE 3 month Micro-Infusion Bundle (For Wrinkles + For Dark Spots), it starts Feb 27th at 6:00 am PST and ends Mar 10th at 6:00 am PST, 2025.