How does shower water pH affect the skin: what does science say?

We often pay attention to the pH of our creams, cleansers, or soaps, but rarely stop to think: what is the pH of the water we use to wash our face or take a shower? Yet water is what comes into contact with our skin most frequently and for the longest periods — and its acid-alkaline balance can have a significant impact on skin health, for better or worse.

pH is a measure of acidity. It’s measured on a scale from 0 to 14:
0−6 — acidic
7 — neutral
8−14 — alkaline
The normal pH of healthy skin ranges from 4.7 to 5.5.
This means the skin is naturally slightly acidic. This environment supports:

• The protective barrier (acid mantle)
• Microbiome balance
• Anti-inflammatory defense
• Moisture retention

If the pH of water differs from this range — especially if it’s more alkaline — it can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.

Most municipal water systems supply water with a pH between 7 and 8.5 — meaning it is neutral or slightly alkaline. This is done to protect pipes from corrosion, but it's not necessarily good for your skin.
A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2006) showed that even brief contact with alkaline water raises the skin’s pH, makes it drier, and disrupts the lipid barrier.
Source: Lambers et al., “Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora”

If you regularly shower or bathe in water with a pH above 7, it can lead to:

• Damage to the skin’s acid mantle
• Increased dryness, tightness, and flaking
• Disruption of the microbiome (growth of “bad” bacteria and fungi)
• Worsening of inflammation and itching in conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2001) notes that restoring the skin’s acid balance after washing with water at pH 8 can take up to 6 hours, especially for people with dry or mature skin.
Source: Schmid-Wendtner & Korting, “The pH of the skin surface and its impact on the barrier function”

Ideally, water should have a pH of 5.5–6.5.
This is closer to the skin’s natural level and does not disrupt its barrier.
A review published in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology (2017) stated that using products and water with a pH close to that of the skin improves moisture retention and reduces symptoms of atopic dermatitis and acne.
Source: Ananthapadmanabhan et al., 2017

Not everyone can change the composition of their tap water, but there are a few simple solutions:

• Shower filters. Learn more about Luxury Water here.
• Acidic body sprays or rinses after showering. These help restore the skin’s acid mantle, especially for sensitive or dry skin.
• Gentle, pH-balanced cleansers. Choose body washes and facial cleansers with a pH of 5–5.5 — this is especially important if your local water is hard and alkaline

We carefully choose skincare products based on our skin type, but often overlook the most obvious factor — the water we use every day. If its pH doesn’t match the skin’s needs, no cosmetic product can fully prevent dryness, irritation, or discomfort.
Start with the basics — check the pH of your water. It could make a noticeable difference in your skin’s condition within just a few days.