You know a shower filter reduces chlorine and sediment. But what’s actually doing the work inside the cartridge? And why do some filters use three media while others use seven?
Here’s what’s inside an Aquabliss cartridge, what each layer does, and how it connects to the way your skin and hair feel after a shower.
Calcium sulfite
Calcium sulfite is a chemical compound that neutralizes chlorine through a reduction reaction. It works in both hot and cold water, which is important because most people shower in warm to hot water.
What it does for you: Reduces chlorine on contact, including at the higher temperatures where chlorine is most actively released into steam. This is the primary chlorine-reduction workhorse in every Aquabliss cartridge.
Redox media
Redox media (sometimes referred to by the brand name KDF) is a granular copper-zinc alloy. It works through an electrochemical (oxidation-reduction) process that changes the molecular structure of contaminants as water passes through.
What it does for you: Reduces chlorine, heavy metals (lead, mercury, copper, chromium), and helps control bacterial growth within the cartridge itself. The copper-zinc reaction is self-sustaining, which means redox media stays effective for the life of the cartridge.
Activated carbon
Activated carbon is carbon that’s been processed to have an extremely porous surface. A single gram can have a surface area of over 3,000 square meters. Contaminants stick to this surface as water passes through (a process called adsorption).
What it does for you: Reduces chlorine, trihalomethanes (THMs), organic impurities, and odors. It’s the reason your shower water smells cleaner after installing a filter.
The Aquabliss SF500 uses coconut shell activated carbon, which has a higher-grade pore structure than standard coal-based alternatives. This gives it a larger effective surface area for adsorption.
Vitamin C ceramic beads
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) neutralizes both chlorine and chloramine on contact. The ceramic bead format releases Vitamin C gradually as water flows through, giving it sustained effectiveness across the life of the cartridge.
What it does for you: Reduces chlorine and, at higher concentrations, chloramine. Also infuses the water with Vitamin C, which is associated with skin revitalization.
The SF100 contains a standard dose. The SF400 contains double the Vitamin C, making it the stronger option for chloramine-treated water.
[LINK: SF100 product page]
[LINK: SF400 product page]
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a naturally occurring mineral that releases negative ions when activated by water flow. These ions are associated with a calming, refreshing sensory effect.
What it does for you: Mineral infusion that supports hair condition and scalp comfort. The SF400 contains double the tourmaline of the SF100 for a more concentrated effect.
Zeolite beads
Zeolite is a volcanic mineral with a natural micro-porous structure. It acts as a mineral releaser, adding beneficial trace minerals back into the water.
What it does for you: Releases revitalizing minerals into the filtered water. The SF400 uses a more potent zeolite formulation than the SF100.
Stainless steel mesh and PP cotton
Every Aquabliss cartridge has ultra-fine stainless steel mesh and PP (polypropylene) cotton at both ends. These are the physical barriers that capture sediment: sand, rust, pipe debris, and mineral flakes.
What they do for you: Catch particles before they reach your skin and hair. The SF500 adds 2 external replaceable sediment guards for extra protection in high-sediment areas.
How the Aquabliss range compares
Not every Aquabliss cartridge contains every media type. Here’s how they differ:
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SF100 (Daily Revitalize): Calcium sulfite, redox media, activated carbon, Vitamin C ceramic beads, tourmaline, zeolite, mesh/cotton. The all-rounder for city water.
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SF220 (Daily Essential): Calcium sulfite, redox media, activated carbon, mesh/cotton. Streamlined 3-stage filtration. Recommended for well water.
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SF400 (Daily Revitalize+): Everything in the SF100, but with 2x Vitamin C, 2x tourmaline, more potent zeolite, and 34% more active media. The maximum beauty benefit option.
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SF500 (Daily Essential+): Ultra-dense redox media, twice-strength calcium sulfite, coconut shell activated carbon, 2 external sediment guards. 44% more filter media. Built for heavy sediment.