Every Helios infused filter is formulated with skincare-grade active ingredients — the same ones you'd find in high-end serums and moisturizers. Here's what each ingredient does, why it's in your shower water, and which filters contain it.

In this guide

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Glutathione Peptides Ceramides Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Centella Asiatica (Cica) Madecassoside Jojoba Oil White Truffle Extract Botanical Extracts Which Ingredients Are in Which Filter

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Found in: All 4 Filters

Vitamin C is the foundation of every Helios infused filter. It serves a dual purpose: it's both the primary chlorine-neutralizing agent and a potent skincare active.

How it works in your shower

Chlorine Neutralization

Ascorbic acid reacts with free chlorine and chloramine on contact, converting them into harmless chloride salt. The reaction is nearly instant and works at any water temperature — unlike carbon filters, which lose effectiveness in hot water. This is the same dechlorination method used by the EPA and municipal water facilities.

Skin & Hair Benefits

As a topical antioxidant, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution. It brightens skin, supports natural collagen synthesis, and helps even out skin tone. For hair, it protects against oxidative damage that causes dullness and brittleness.

Why vitamin C instead of carbon? Most shower filters use granulated activated carbon (GAC) or KDF media. These work well in cold water but lose 50–70% of their chlorine removal capacity at shower temperatures (38–42°C). Vitamin C maintains its effectiveness across the full temperature range — which is why it's the preferred dechlorination method for professional and laboratory applications.

Glutathione

Found in: Radiance Filter, Renewal Filter

Often called the "Master Antioxidant"

Glutathione is a tripeptide (made of three amino acids) that your body produces naturally. It's called the master antioxidant because it recycles and regenerates other antioxidants — including vitamin C. As you age, your body's glutathione production declines, which is why it's become a sought-after ingredient in skincare.

What it does for your skin

Brightening

Inhibits melanin production, helping reduce dark spots and even out skin tone over time.

Revitalization

Fights oxidative stress at the cellular level. Skin looks more vibrant and less tired when oxidative damage is reduced.

Protection

Shields cells from environmental aggressors — pollution, UV damage, and the oxidizing effects of chlorine itself.

Peptides

Found in: Radiance Filter, Renewal Filter

Including Lupine Peptide, Carnosine & Copper Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin. When applied topically, certain peptides act as signaling molecules, telling your skin to ramp up its natural collagen production. The result is firmer, more elastic skin with improved texture.

The peptides in Helios filters

Lupine Peptide

Derived from lupine seeds. Stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis. Found in the Renewal filter for its anti-aging firming effect.

Copper Peptides

Promote wound healing and skin regeneration. Help remodel collagen, reduce fine lines, and improve skin elasticity. Found in the Radiance filter.

Carnosine

A dipeptide with strong antioxidant properties. Protects against glycation — the process where sugar molecules damage collagen fibers, causing sagging and wrinkles.

Ceramides

Found in: Recovery Filter (2× concentration), Hydration Filter

Your skin barrier's building blocks

Ceramides are lipids (fats) that make up about 50% of your skin's outer barrier. Think of them as the mortar between the bricks (skin cells) of your stratum corneum. When ceramide levels are depleted — from aging, harsh cleansers, or chlorinated water — the barrier weakens, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and irritation.

Why they matter in your shower

Barrier Repair

Replenishing ceramides helps seal the gaps in a compromised skin barrier. This locks moisture in and keeps irritants out. Especially important for eczema-prone or chronically dry skin.

Moisture Retention

A healthy ceramide layer prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) — the invisible evaporation of water from your skin. Less TEWL means skin stays hydrated longer after showering.

Why 2× in the Recovery filter? The Recovery formula is designed for people with severely dry or damaged skin barriers. Double ceramide concentration provides more aggressive repair — ideal for eczema, post-procedure skin, or anyone who feels tightness every time they shower.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Found in: Renewal Filter

One of the most researched skincare ingredients

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 with an unusually broad range of skin benefits. It's well-tolerated by virtually all skin types, plays well with other actives, and has decades of clinical research behind it. It's a staple in Korean skincare for good reason.

What it does

Brightens

Reduces hyperpigmentation and evens skin tone by inhibiting melanin transfer.

Minimizes Pores

Regulates sebum production, which helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores over time.

Strengthens Barrier

Boosts ceramide production naturally, reinforcing the skin's protective layer from within.

Improves Texture

Smooths skin surface and improves overall transparency — that "glass skin" clarity.

Centella Asiatica (Cica)

Found in: Hydration Filter

Also known as Tiger Grass or Gotu Kola

Centella asiatica is a plant used in traditional medicine across Asia for centuries — legend says tigers rolled in it to heal their wounds, hence the name "tiger grass." In skincare, it's become the go-to ingredient for calming irritated, reactive, or inflamed skin. It's the cornerstone of the Hydration filter's formula.

How it helps your skin

Anti-Inflammatory

Calms redness, irritation, and swelling. Particularly effective for skin that reacts easily to products or environmental changes.

Wound Healing

Stimulates collagen synthesis at wound sites and promotes faster skin repair. Used clinically for post-procedure recovery.

Barrier Support

Strengthens the skin barrier against environmental stressors, helping prevent future flare-ups rather than just treating current ones.

Madecassoside

Found in: Hydration Filter

The most potent active compound from Centella Asiatica

Madecassoside is a specific compound extracted from cica. While cica extract contains many beneficial compounds, madecassoside is the one with the strongest clinical evidence for anti-redness and skin-calming effects. Including it alongside whole cica extract gives the Hydration filter a double dose of soothing power — the broad benefits of the whole plant plus the concentrated potency of its strongest active.

Redness Reduction

Clinical studies show madecassoside significantly reduces visible redness and the sensation of skin irritation. It works by modulating inflammatory pathways at the cellular level.

Tissue Repair

Accelerates the repair of damaged or inflamed skin tissue. Works synergistically with the ceramide in the Hydration filter to calm and rebuild simultaneously.

Jojoba Oil

Found in: Radiance Filter, Recovery Filter, Hydration Filter

Simmondsia Chinensis — technically a liquid wax, not an oil

Jojoba oil is unique because its molecular structure closely mimics human sebum — the natural oil your skin produces. This means it absorbs quickly, doesn't clog pores, and helps regulate your skin's own oil production rather than disrupting it. It's one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare.

Nourishes Without Heaviness

Provides deep hydration that sinks in immediately. No greasy residue — just soft, balanced skin.

Oil Balance

Because it mimics sebum, jojoba signals your skin to produce less oil. Paradoxically, adding this "oil" can help oily skin produce less of its own.

Non-Comedogenic

Won't clog pores. Safe for acne-prone skin. Helps soften flaky patches without triggering breakouts.

White Truffle Extract

Found in: Renewal Filter

Tuber Magnatum — a luxury anti-aging ingredient

White truffle extract is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. In skincare, it's prized for its deep nourishing properties and its ability to improve skin elasticity. It's a rare and expensive ingredient typically found in high-end serums — the Renewal filter delivers it through your shower water.

Deep Nourishment

Penetrates the skin to deliver vitamins and fatty acids at a deeper level than many surface-acting ingredients. Helps skin feel plumper and more supple.

Elasticity

Supports the skin's elastic fibers, helping maintain bounce and resilience. Works alongside the peptides in the Renewal filter for a combined firming effect.

Botanical Extracts

Found across multiple filters

Beyond the hero actives, each Helios filter includes plant-based extracts that provide antioxidant protection and additional nourishment:

Blueberry Extract

Packed with anthocyanins — potent antioxidants that protect against free radical damage and support skin repair. Found in Recovery and Hydration filters.

Broccoli Extract

Contains sulforaphane, which activates the body's own antioxidant defenses. Helps protect skin from UV-related damage and environmental stress. Found in Radiance, Recovery, and Hydration filters.

Cabbage Extract

Rich in vitamins C and K. Supports skin healing and helps reduce inflammation. Found in Recovery and Hydration filters.

Berry Extract

A broad-spectrum antioxidant blend. Protects skin cells from oxidative stress and supports natural radiance. Found in the Radiance filter.

Eggplant Extract

Contains nasunin, an antioxidant that protects cell membranes. Supports skin barrier health and calms irritation. Found in the Hydration filter.

Trehalose

A natural sugar with exceptional moisture-binding properties. Protects skin cells from dehydration and environmental stress. Found in the Renewal filter.

Which Ingredients Are in Which Filter

Ingredient Radiance Renewal Recovery Hydration
Vitamin C ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Glutathione ✓ ✓ — —
Peptides ✓ ✓ — —
Ceramides — — ✓ (2×) ✓
Niacinamide — ✓ — —
Centella Asiatica (Cica) — — — ✓
Madecassoside — — — ✓
Jojoba Oil ✓ — ✓ ✓
White Truffle Extract — ✓ — —
Broccoli Extract ✓ — ✓ ✓
Blueberry Extract — — ✓ ✓
Cabbage Extract — — ✓ ✓
Eggplant Extract — — — ✓
Trehalose — ✓ — —

Not sure which filter is right for you? Read the full filter comparison guide →

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