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Last Updated on September 28, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

thermal water skincare benefits

Is thermal water in skincare a scam or do the French know something we don’t? Like, they go gaga over this stuff. You can’t enter a pharmacy in France without bumping into shelves stocked to the brim with all kinds of fancy water. To the rest of us, thermal water looks like plain old water in a pretty bottle (and a high price tag)… Does it really do anything for your skin?

Yes, some thermal water sprays can help with hydration and irritation. But how much they help depends on the water, and a study on soaking in a thermal spa doesn’t tell us what a few spritzes will do for your face. It’s an optional extra, not a replacement for moisturiser or treatment for a skin condition. So is that fancy bottle worth your money? Here’s what the science says:

What The Heck Is Thermal Water?

Thermal water is water that comes from hot springs. It’s born deep into the ground where geothermal activity (i.e. the Earth’s natural heat) keeps it warm. As the water rises to the top, it flows through soils and rocks, eroding them. It’s this erosion that fills the water with minerals, like sodium, calcium and magnesium. They go from the soil straight into the water.

That’s why no two mineral waters are alike. What minerals – and in what amounts – are in a thermal water depends on where it comes from. For example, Avene Thermal Water has 4.8 ppm sodium, 42.7 calcium and 21.2 magnesium, while La Roche Posay Thermal Water has 10ppm sodium, 140 calcium and 4.9 magnesium.

(P.S. If you’re curious about the exact composition of popular thermal waters, check out Michelle’s post at Lab Muffin).

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What Does Thermal Water Do For Skin?

First thing first: most of the studies on thermal water are done by the companies themselves. And in vitro (that’s a Petri dish, not real skin), too. Take them with a grain of salt. Still, the little research we have shows that thermal waters have a few superpowers:

avene thermal spring water

How To Use Thermal Water In Your Skincare Routine

So you’ve got your fancy bottle of water. Now what? Honestly, just spray it on your face whenever. But here are the times it’s especially good:

  • Right after you wash your face, before putting anything else on
  • Between your serum and moisturizer to help everything sink in better
  • During the day when your skin feels tight or annoyed
  • After being in the sun (it feels SO good)
  • When you get home from the gym and your face is all red
  • On airplanes because the air up there is absolute hell on your skin
  • When you’re using strong actives like retinol and your face is being dramatic about it

Important: Don’t just spray it and leave it. Pat it in or spray something else on top, otherwise it’ll evaporate and actually make your skin drier. I learned this the hard way. Also, keeping it in the fridge is chef’s kiss. Cold thermal water on angry skin? Heaven.

Who Should Actually Use Thermal Waters?

Real talk: if your skin is chill and never gets irritated, you probably won’t notice much. You might like it, but it won’t change your life. But if you have:

  • Sensitive skin that hates everything
  • Rosacea
  • Eczema or psoriasis
  • Skin that freaks out when you use retinol or acids
  • Skin that gets red and angry for no reason

Then yeah, get yourself a bottle. There are actual clinical studies showing it helps – like one study had people with psoriasis see a 47% improvement after 3 weeks. That’s not nothing. It’s also really good for post-procedure skin if you’ve gotten a peel or laser treatment and your face is raw.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Here’s the thing: thermal water very rarely has side effects. In a 2024 study, one person developed redness and itching from the thermal water being tested. Uncommon? Yes. Impossible because it’s fancy French water? Clearly not. (This particular water was Malaysian, before France sends me a strongly worded letter.) So, while it’s safe for 99% of people, be on the watch out in case you’re the exception to the rule.

What Are The Best Thermal Waters?

I wouldn’t say there is a best thermal water. It just depends on what your skin likes best. But the most popular options are:

  • Avene Thermal Water ($20.00): The one I’d choose if your skin throws a tantrum at practically everything. Its low-mineral formula helps soothe irritation without fragrance or alcohol. Available at Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Look Fantastic, Superdrug, and Ulta
  • La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water ($19.00): Choose this if you want soothing with an antioxidant bonus: its selenium content is the selling point. Still not an excuse to skip sunscreen. Available at Boots, Dermstore, and Look Fantastic, Superdrug, and Ulta
  • Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Spa Water ($11.99): Worth considering if you mainly want a refreshing spritz on hot days and the idea of spending $20 on water personally offends you. At the price listed, it’s the cheapest way to try one of these three. Available at Dermstore and Look Fantastic

FAQs

Wait, is this just expensive tap water?

No! Studies actually compared thermal water to regular tap water and found real differences in how it affects your skin’s bacteria and overall condition. According to science, “The thermal water decreased the number of certain inflammatory infectious agents and could enhance some of their positive effects, which have been proven at the molecular level.” The minerals do matter.

Can I use it with my other products?

Yes! It plays nice with everything. Actually, studies found it helps reduce the irritation from tretinoin, so it’s good to pair with strong actives.

Can I just use this instead of moisturizer?

God no. Thermal water adds moisture but doesn’t lock it in. You still need a moisturizer on top or everything just evaporates.

Does thermal water help acne?

It may help with the dryness and irritation that come with acne treatments, but don’t expect it to evict your pimples. A 2024 study found that adding a thermal water spray improved hydration and reduced dryness, without significantly improving acne itself compared with treatment alone. Think support act, not the star of your acne routine.

Can thermal water replace toner?

First one, no one needs a toner. If you’re using one and want to know if thermal water can replace it, it depends what your toner does. If you use it for a refreshing, soothing step after cleansing, a thermal water spray can take that spot. If your toner exfoliates with glycolic or salicylic acid, no – a bottle of water hasn’t suddenly learnt to unclog pores. Choose based on what you want the product to do, rather than feeling obliged to own one of everything.

Can you use thermal water with retinol?

Yes. It may help make a drying routine more comfortable: research involving topical acne treatments, including retinoids, found benefits for dryness and immediate stinging. Follow your retinol’s application instructions. If it says dry skin, let your face dry before applying it. And if your skin is peeling and burning, don’t just spray harder and carry on. A mist isn’t a free pass to overdo the retinol.

Is it worth the money?

Depends on your skin. If you have reactive, sensitive, or inflamed skin, probably yes. If your skin is tough and unbothered, maybe skip it. You’re not missing out on miracles, but it genuinely helps when your skin is being a drama queen.

The Verdict: Should You Buy Thermal Water?

Look, I’m not gonna lie – it feels ridiculous to pay $15-20 for water in a spray bottle. I get it. But here’s the deal: if you have sensitive or reactive skin, this stuff is actually legit. The research shows it’s anti-inflammatory, helps your skin’s immune response, and has antioxidant properties. It’s not magic, but it’s not BS either.

So if your skin is constantly pissed off at the world, maybe give it a shot. If your skin is fine, save your money for something more exciting. If you’re curious to see what they can do for you or need a little extra hydration, they may be worth a try. But they’re by no means a must have for everyone. I use one just on hot summer days. I like to keep my skincare routine as short as possible. 😉 Either way, at least now you know what all those French pharmacy shelves are about.