Distilled vs. Filtered Water: What’s Best for Skin, Hair, and Daily Use?
Distilled vs. Filtered Water: what’s the difference?
Not all “clean water” is created the same. Distilled water and filtered water are both processed, but they’re made differently—and that can matter for skin, hair, taste, and everyday use.
What is distilled water?
Distilled water is made by boiling water into steam and then condensing that steam back into liquid. Many contaminants (like heavy metals) are left behind in the boiling chamber, while some volatile compounds can behave differently depending on the system. Distillation is often used for appliances, lab settings, and situations where very low mineral content is needed. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
What is filtered water?
“Filtered” can mean different things—carbon filtration, multi-stage filtration, reverse osmosis (RO), or combinations of these. Some filters target chlorine taste/odor; RO systems can reduce a wider range of dissolved solids depending on certification and design.
Why water can affect skin & hair
If you’ve ever noticed dry, tight skin or dull hair after washing, water quality may be part of the story. Research has found associations between harder domestic water and eczema risk and skin barrier effects (especially in sensitive skin). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Hard water (high minerals) can leave residue
Hard water contains higher levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These can reduce soap lathering and contribute to buildup. The CDC notes hard water can leave scaly buildup and interfere with soap performance. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Chlorine can be noticeable for sensitive users
Many municipal systems use disinfectants like chlorine. While this helps protect water as it travels through pipes, some people prefer to reduce chlorine taste/odor for a better experience at the tap.
Which is better for skincare: distilled or filtered?
It depends on your goal:
- If your concern is buildup / residue: addressing hard water (softening or targeted filtration) can help reduce scale and soap scum, which many people notice on skin, hair, and fixtures. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- If your concern is “what’s in the water”: higher-performance filtration approaches (often multi-stage, sometimes RO-based) can be considered depending on what you’re trying to reduce.
- Distilled water for skincare routines: some people use distilled water when they want minimal mineral content in a controlled routine. (Poosh discusses distilled vs filtered water in skincare contexts.) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Bottom line: for most households, a well-chosen filtration strategy for your water conditions is more practical long-term than carrying distilled water for daily routines.
What about drinking water?
Distillation removes minerals along with many impurities, which is one reason many people prefer filtered water for everyday drinking. Medical sources generally describe distilled and purified water as safe for most people, but preferences vary based on taste and mineral content. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
A practical approach many people like
- Great taste: reduce taste/odor drivers (often chlorine-related)
- Confident filtration: choose systems matched to your goals
- Balanced feel: some people prefer water that isn’t “flat” tasting (often linked to mineral content)
Quick guide: what to use where
- Skincare / face washing: consider reducing hard water effects and residue; some users experiment with distilled for controlled routines. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Hair: hard water buildup can be a common complaint; solutions often focus on softening or targeted filtration. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Appliances (steam irons, humidifiers): distilled is commonly used to reduce mineral scale.
- Everyday drinking: filtration matched to your needs (taste/odor + your local conditions) is typically the easiest habit to maintain. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Want help choosing the right option?
If you’re noticing scale, residue, dryness, or just want better-tasting water, take our quiz and we’ll point you to options that fit your water source and concerns.
Educational content only. Water conditions vary by location, plumbing, and maintenance. If you have a medical concern, consult a qualified professional.