Finnish tap water is the cleanest in the world – in a drinking glass. In the shower, however, the situation is different. At Showerguy, we hear daily how post-shower skin tightness, itching, and dry hair plague our customers. The culprit is often the same substance that keeps our water bacteriologically clean: chlorine. That's why we decided to test and concretely show what a high-quality shower filter does to water.
So, is a shower filter a gimmick or a real aid for skin and hair problems? We decided to find out. We put the Aroma Sense shower head to the test and now we're showing in black and white what was revealed in the water before and after filtration.
Why should Finnish tap water be filtered?
In Finland, water utilities add chlorine to water as a disinfectant. It is an effective and necessary way to ensure that no harmful bacteria are brewing in the pipes. It works. But chlorine has its downsides, especially for the skin and hair.
Chlorine is an oxidizing agent that strips the skin and hair of their natural, protective oils. The consequences are familiar to many:
Skin dryness and irritation: Skin feels tight and itchy after showering. For people with atopic dermatitis and sensitive skin, symptoms can worsen significantly.
Hair brittleness: Hair becomes dry, lifeless, and tangled. Salon color fades at record speed, and blonde hair can even take on a greenish tint.
Chemical odor: Many recognize the familiar chlorine smell from swimming pools in their home shower as well.
In our experience, this is the most common reason why our customers seek a solution. Many have tried expensive creams and conditioners, only to find the cause surprisingly in the water.
In addition to chlorine, metals and rust leaching from old pipes are a nuisance. While not dangerous to health, they are not good for the skin and hair. With every shower, these solid impurities end up directly on your skin.
Test setup: How did we measure the effectiveness of the shower filter?
We didn't go to a lab, but instead conducted a test that anyone can replicate at home. The method is simple, fast, and reliable.
Product tested: Aroma Sense AS-9000 shower head. This model contains two filters: a microfiber filter in the handle and a vitamin C gel cartridge in the shower head. The microfiber filter removes solid particles such as rust and sand. Vitamin C, on the other hand, neutralizes the harmful effects of chlorine and chloramines.
Testing equipment: A DPD test kit for measuring swimming pool water quality. It is a common and affordable way to measure the concentration of free chlorine in water. The test works by adding a tablet to a water sample, which reacts with chlorine and turns the water red. The darker the color, the more chlorine is in the water.
Test procedure:
Sample 1 (Unfiltered water): We ran water directly from the tap into the test container. This represented our normal tap water.
Installation: We replaced the old shower head with the Aroma Sense shower head. Installation takes about a minute and requires no tools.
Rinsing: We let the water run through the shower head for about 30 seconds.
Sample 2 (Filtered water): We took a new water sample directly from the Aroma Sense shower head.
Comparison: We added DPD tablets to both samples and compared the results.
Results: What did the shower filter do to the water?
The results were exactly as clear as we expected: the filter has an immediate and visible effect on water quality.
Before filtration: The tap water sample immediately turned light pink. Based on the color scale, the free chlorine concentration was approximately 0.4 mg/l. This is a typical value for Finnish tap water – completely safe to drink, but sufficient to cause skin and hair problems.
After filtration: The water sample taken from the water that flowed through the Aroma Sense shower head remained completely clear. No color change whatsoever. This means that the vitamin C filter neutralizes chlorine and chloramines almost 100% (~99.9%).
Test |
Result |
Conclusion |
|---|---|---|
Sample 1: Unfiltered tap water |
Water turned light pink |
Water clearly contains free chlorine. |
Sample 2: Aroma Sense -filtered water |
Water remained completely clear |
Chlorine has been almost completely removed from the water. |
What about metals and other impurities?
Removing chlorine is only half the story. Another important part is the microfiber filter in the shower handle, which captures solid particles from the water.
The best proof of its function is to see a used filter. A filter that is sparkling white when new is typically unpleasantly brown after 2–3 months of use. It is full of rust, sand, and other sediment that has come loose from the water pipes along the way. Without a filter, all of this would end up directly on your skin and hair.
Many mistakenly believe that only old houses have dirty pipes. In our experience, sediment accumulates in the filter surprisingly quickly even in newer apartment buildings and detached houses. Water quality can vary by region, and repair work on the water supply network may temporarily increase the amount of impurities.
Who benefits most from a shower filter?
In principle, anyone who wants a better showering experience. However, the benefits are particularly significant for certain groups.
Dry skin and atopic individuals
If you suffer from dry skin or atopy, you are the clearest beneficiary. When skin-drying and irritating chlorine is removed from the water, the skin's natural moisture balance and protective layer can recover. Many of our customers report that post-shower itching and tightness have ceased with the filter. It's not a miraculous cure, but simply the removal of a harmful irritant.
Colored and treated hair
If you spend hundreds of euros a year at the hairdresser, a shower filter is one of the best investments for maintaining your hair color. Chlorine is a bleaching agent that mercilessly fades hair color with every wash. Washed with filtered water, the color stays vibrant and bright for significantly longer. The overall condition of the hair also improves when it is not constantly exposed to drying chemicals.
Families with young children
The skin of babies and young children is particularly sensitive and thin. Chlorine-free and clean water is the gentlest option for daily washing. It helps prevent skin irritation and keeps the skin soft without constant moisturizing.
Everyone who appreciates a high-quality showering experience
A shower filter is not only a problem solver, but also an everyday luxury. When the pungent smell of chlorine is removed from the water, showering becomes a more sensual experience. The water feels softer on the skin. Aroma Sense showers also contain natural aromas in their vitamin C cartridges, which turn the shower into a small aromatherapy moment.
Summary and our recommendations
Our test confirmed what we have known for years in our work: a high-quality shower filter is not a matter of belief. It works. The Aroma Sense shower head removed chlorine from tap water completely and effectively, and its microfiber filter visibly collects impurities from the pipes.
We recommend a shower filter to anyone who suffers from dry skin, lifeless hair, or simply wants to improve the quality of their shower. It is small, affordable, and easy to install, but its effects can be surprisingly significant. You might not even realize how much tap water affects your skin until you try filtered water.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a shower filter be changed?
The replacement interval depends on water quality and consumption. As a rule of thumb, an Aroma Sense microfiber filter is changed every 2–4 months, or when it is clearly stained brown. A vitamin C cartridge typically lasts for about 6000 liters of water, which means about two months for a family of four. Filter clogging is the best sign that it needs changing.
Does a shower filter also remove limescale?
The primary function of Aroma Sense filters is to remove chlorine, rust, and small particles. They are not true water softeners, but they reduce the harmful effects of limescale and metals, as well as limescale buildup on surfaces. Vitamin C can also help neutralize the drying effect of limescale on the skin. If hard water and limescale deposits are a significant problem, the most effective solution is a whole-house water softener, but a shower filter already significantly improves the showering experience.
Are Aroma Sense filters suitable for any shower?
Aroma Sense shower heads have their own replacement filters and cartridges available. In addition, our selection includes universal filters that are installed between the shower hose and the tap. They fit almost all showers with standard threads and effectively filter water even with your current shower head.
Does the filter affect water pressure?
Hardly at all. In fact, Aroma Sense shower heads are designed to even improve the sensation of water pressure thanks to their patented spray plate. An extremely dirty and clogged filter can eventually reduce flow, which is then a sign to replace it. In normal use, you will not notice a drop in pressure.
Is filtered water drinkable?
Yes, the water is completely safe and drinkable even after filtration. The filter only removes undesirable substances, such as chlorine and sediment, and adds vitamin C to the water. However, the products are specifically designed for shower use to improve water quality for the skin and hair, not primarily for producing drinking water.
So don't just invest in new creams and conditioners, but address the root cause of the problem. Clean, chlorine-free water is the foundation of healthy skin and hair. Explore our Aroma Sense selection in our online store and experience the difference yourself. If you need help choosing the right product, our experts will be happy to assist you.
