You might have heard of infused waters, infusions or detox water in the past. Many celebrities and influencers alike swear by their skin and health improving qualities; but are these waters actually beneficial for your skin and overall health? Read on to find out
Firstly, what is infused water?
Simply put, infused/detox water is water that has had fruits, herbs, vegetables or a combination of the three 'infused' or immersed into it. Doing this gives the water a slight flavorful taste and aroma, and some of the natural anti-oxidants present in these fruits and vegetables may end up infusing into the water.
These waters are very easy to make at home and many claim they have a range of benefits for the health and skin, below are just a few:
Infused water health benefits
Infused water supposedly has various health benefits, below are just a few of the claims made:
- 'Detoxifies' the body
- Improves skin clarity and health
- Aids with weight loss
- Improves digestive system
- Minimises brain 'fog', improved mental clarity
- Increased energy levels
So, infused water: miracle or myth?
The health benefits that come with drinking this infused water are less likely due to the infusions and instead to do with just the water. Keeping hydrated is absolutely critical for all bodily functions to perform at their best and by drinking more water you may be supplementing this.
The anecdotal evidence that has been provided again has less to do with the ingredients in the water and more with the additional water intake instead. As an example, if prior to starting an infused water program you only used to drink 5 glasses of water a day, and now, having strictly followed a regime you drink 8 glasses of water, it's this additional intake that is providing benefits to your skin and health.
Drinking enough water means that your skin is better hydrated, more plump and better able to remove toxins that are responsible for acne and other skin conditions. This has little to no correlation with what you're putting in the water, and just with the water instead.
What about the "detox" claim specifically?
This one deserves its own callout because it's the most persistent myth. Your body already has a highly effective detox system: your liver and kidneys. No water, infused or otherwise, "flushes toxins" in any meaningful sense beyond supporting those organs with adequate hydration. When influencers attribute clearer skin to a detox effect, what they're describing is almost always better hydration, better sleep, or the fact that the infused water replaced sugary drinks. Cutting a daily can of soft drink does more for blemish-prone skin than any cucumber slice ever will.
There's also a small practical warning: heavily citrus-infused water sipped constantly throughout the day bathes your teeth in acid, which dentists are not thrilled about. If you love lemon water, have it in one sitting rather than grazing on it all day, and rinse with plain water after.
If clear skin is the goal, spend your effort here instead
Hydration is necessary but not sufficient. If you're drinking enough water and your skin still isn't cooperating, the next levers are the ones with actual evidence behind them:
- A consistent, gentle routine: cleanser, moisturiser and daily SPF. Our guide to building the perfect skincare routine covers the basics.
- Targeted actives for your concern, like niacinamide for oiliness and blemishes or salicylic acid for congestion.
- Sleep, stress and diet, which affect skin far more than any beverage. See how stress impacts your skin.
The bottom line
Infusing your water with fruits, herbs or vegetables provides little extra benefit over drinking plain water. That's not a reason to avoid it: infused water tastes better, and anything that helps you hit your daily water intake (roughly 8 glasses) is a win for your skin and general health. Just know that the benefit is the water, not the botanicals, and don't expect drastic changes from throwing a lemon into your jug.