Press release
New Research Reveals What's Really in Australian Shower Water - And How It Affects Skin and Hair
Flowy Filter PlusTM shower head filtration system.
Independent Study Reveals Australian Shower Water Contains Concerning Levels of Chlorine and Minerals Linked to Skin and Hair Damage
New research raises alarm over daily exposure to harsh chemicals in household water across major cities
Sydney, Australia - 8 February 2026 - A comprehensive independent investigation into Australian household water quality has uncovered alarming levels of chlorine, sediment, and mineral buildup in everyday shower water, prompting fresh concerns about long-term effects on skin and hair health.
The research, led by Matt Polzin, founder of Australian wellness company Flowy, analysed publicly available water authority data and conducted hands-on testing across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.
The findings reveal that millions of Australians are unknowingly exposed to elevated chlorine levels and hard water minerals during daily hot showers - conditions scientifically associated with:
- Dry, tight, and irritated skin
- Frizzy, brittle hair and scalp sensitivity
- Premature hair colour fading
- Increased eczema and dermatitis flare-ups
Cities like Adelaide showed particularly high water hardness and disinfection levels, with residents facing some of the most pronounced skin and hair impacts nationally.
The Hidden Health Risk in Your Bathroom
"Most Australians trust that tap water is safe - and it is for drinking," said Polzin. "But what people don't realise is that hot showers create one of the largest daily exposure points for chemical absorption through the skin. We're essentially bathing in chlorinated, mineral-heavy water every single day."
Emerging dermatological research supports this concern, linking chlorinated shower water to compromised skin barriers, chronic moisture loss, and inflammatory conditions such as post-shower tightness and sensitivity.
Unlike drinking water, which passes through the digestive system, shower water is heated - opening pores and increasing dermal absorption of chemicals like chlorine, which can strip natural oils and disrupt the skin's protective layer.
A Market Response to a Growing Problem
In response to these findings, Polzin developed the Flowy Filter PlusTM - a shower filtration system engineered specifically for Australian water conditions. The device is designed to reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment at the source, restoring softer, cleaner water for daily use.
Early adopters report visible improvements in skin hydration, scalp comfort, and hair texture within weeks of installation.
Australians concerned about their water quality can assess their exposure and personalised skin or hair risks via Flowy's free online quiz at flowy.com.au/pages/quiz.
A New Conversation Around Bathroom Wellness
With rising consumer awareness of environmental toxins and personal health, the investigation marks a turning point in how Australians think about water quality - not just at the tap, but in the shower.
"This isn't about fear-mongering," Polzin added. "It's about empowering people with information and giving them control over what touches their skin every day."
The full national water quality report is available at:
flowy.com.au/blogs/shower-thoughts/what-is-really-in-your-shower-water
City-specific breakdowns, including detailed Adelaide findings, can be accessed at:
flowy.com.au/blogs/shower-thoughts/adelaide-water-skin-hair
Further reading on the dermatological impact of chlorinated water:
flowy.com.au/blogs/shower-thoughts/why-your-skin-feels-tight-after-shower-and-how-to-fix-it-naturally
About Flowy
Flowy is an Australian wellness brand focused on improving everyday health through smarter water filtration. Founded by Matt Polzin, the company develops science-backed solutions tailored to Australian water conditions, helping households transform their daily routines into cleaner, healthier experiences.
Flowy Australia
PO Box 196, Chinchilla, Queensland 4413 AU
Matt Polzin
matt@flowy.com.au
Flowy is an Australian wellness brand focused on improving everyday health through smarter water filtration. Founded by Matt Polzin, the company develops science-backed solutions tailored to Australian water conditions, helping households transform their daily routines into cleaner, healthier experiences.
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