Soft water is often better for your skin for a multitude of reasons. Soft water can wash soap away more effectively, allow for proper absorption of moisturizers and other skincare products into the skin barrier, provide a gentler cleansing experience and more.
On the other hand, no matter your skincare routine, hard water buildup may contribute to dryness, irritation or dullness over time, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Soft water doesn’t replace a consistent skincare routine, but it can support it by helping cleansers and moisturizers work the way they’re intended, allowing your skin to better retain its natural balance. Let’s explore the science behind soft water and how it interacts with your skin.
What does the research say about soft water and skin health?
Hard water contains higher concentrations of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. When these minerals interact with soap, they create deposits that can cling to the skin and build up. This residue doesn’t just dull surfaces around your shower head or dishes; it can also linger on your skin, making it harder for natural oils to reach the surface of the skin barrier or for moisturizers to do their job.
A 2018 clinical study found that washing with hard water increased residual surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, on the skin. This soap buildup was associated with greater irritation and skin barrier damage, particularly in people with sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis.
Another study notes that this residue may disrupt the skin’s natural balance of moisture, contributing to xerosis — a condition marked by dryness, redness and itchiness. Because calcium interferes with lathering, hard water can also lead to more aggressive scrubbing and excessive soap use, amplifying irritation.
These negative effects are especially concerning for those already managing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. In fact, recent research has even found a potential link between hard water exposure and the development of psoriasis.
Soft water, by contrast, rinses more effectively, leaving fewer irritants behind.
Benefits of soft water for your skin
Soft water offers noticeable advantages when it comes to daily cleansing. By reducing dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, it creates a smoother interaction between water, skin and personal care products. Instead of leaving behind soap scum or residue, soft water allows cleansers, lotions and moisturizers to work the way they’re intended.
Here are some of the key benefits of soft water for skin health and comfort:
- Cleaner rinsing: Soft water helps soap and shampoo rinse away more thoroughly, reducing film that can leave skin feeling dry or tight
- Less irritation: With fewer mineral deposits, soft water may minimize irritation for people prone to dryness or other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
- Better hydration: By limiting soap scum buildup, soft water supports the skin barrier’s ability to retain natural moisture and oils.
- Improved product performance: Moisturizers, cleansers and other skincare products absorb more effectively without interference from hardness minerals.
- Save on products: Because soft water lathers more easily, households often use less soap and shampoo — an everyday advantage that supports both skin comfort and cost savings.
- Softer feel after bathing: Many people perceive their skin as feeling smoother and less dry when bathing in soft water.
Can a water softener help your skin?
A water softener can make a noticeable difference for skin comfort by reducing hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium. With softer water, soap rinses away more easily, leaving behind less film that can cause dryness and irritation. While it’s not a medical treatment, a water softener helps create gentler water that supports your skincare routine and makes everyday cleansing feel smoother.
Culligan’s water softening solutions
Culligan water softeners are certified, reliable systems designed for long-term performance. They don’t just help you manage water quality — they make everyday routines like showering, washing your hands or doing laundry more comfortable. For homeowners with hard water issues, a Culligan system can be a practical, whole-home solution.
Here are a few of the best water softener options available:
Aquasential® Smart High Efficiency Water Softener
Eliminate water hardness in your water supply while saving on water, salt and energy vs. other water softeners. This smart system also offers the convenience of managing your system from your phone via the Culligan Connect App.
Aquasential® Smart High Efficiency Municipal Water Softener
Designed specifically for homes on city water, this system not only softens your water but also reduces chlorine to further minimize skin and hair irritation. Get low salt alerts, maintenance notices and more from this WiFi-connected system.
Culligan Whole Home Water Filtration Systems
While softeners target calcium and magnesium, whole-home filtration can be added to reduce chlorine, iron or sediment at the source. Together, they deliver cleaner, gentler water at every tap, shower head and appliance.
With these solutions, Culligan offers homeowners an effective way to reduce irritation, minimize dryness and improve everyday comfort.
Frequently asked questions about soft water and skin
What is hard water vs. soft water?
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium, which can cause soap scum around the home, dry skin, and buildup on hair. Soft water has been treated to reduce those minerals, creating a smoother, more skin-friendly washing experience.
What type of water is best for your skin?
Water that limits harsh mineral deposits — soft water — is considered better for maintaining the skin barrier. By reducing soap scum and chemicals left behind, soft water can support smoother, more hydrated skin.
What is a water softener?
A water softener reduces hardness minerals in your water by using positively charged resin beads to remove the negatively charged calcium and magnesium ions at the source, eliminating hard water throughout your home. The result is water that rinses more cleanly, helps minimize mineral buildup and residue, and provides a gentler water supply throughout your home for both skin and hair.
Is it better to wash your face with hard or soft water?
Research suggests that soft water is gentler on sensitive skin because it rinses away soap more effectively and leaves behind fewer irritants. Hard water can leave deposits behind when showering or washing your face, contributing to dryness or irritation.
What are the disadvantages of soft water?
Some people notice a slippery feel on their hands or skin when rinsing with soft water. This is not residue — it’s actually the feeling of water rinsing soap away completely. In traditional salt-based systems, trace amounts of sodium may remain in the water; however, most is flushed out during regeneration.
Can soft water replace a skincare routine?
No. While soft water supports skin comfort and helps your moisturizer or lotion absorb more effectively, it is not a replacement for a consistent skincare routine. You’ll still need products like sunscreen, cleansers and moisturizers to maintain healthy skin and protect against wrinkles, fine lines and other concerns.
How do you know if you have hard water?
Common signs of hard water include white limescale buildup around faucets, spots on dishes after washing, soap that doesn’t lather well, dry skin and dull hair. The most accurate way to know is through a professional water test, which measures the exact mineral levels in your water supply.
Test your water hardness
Unsure if you have hard or soft water? The best way to find out is to test your water quality. Testing can reveal the concentration of calcium, magnesium and other dissolved minerals in your water supply. It’s the first step in deciding whether a water softener service is right for your home.
Culligan offers free, in-home water testing to help identify issues like hardness, chlorine or other negative effects of poor water quality. With results in hand, your local Culligan expert can recommend tailored ways to protect your skin, hair and home. Schedule your free consultation today.
