It sounds a little ridiculous at first, doesn’t it?
Splashing your face with sparkling water—yes, the same fizzy stuff you drink with lemon—feels more like something out of a spa parody than a serious skincare step. But the internet, as always, had other plans.
Suddenly, beauty creators on TikTok and Instagram were pouring San Pellegrino into bowls, dunking their faces in, and raving about the glow it gave them. Their skin looked smoother. Brighter. Somehow more alive. And before long, people everywhere were asking: does this actually do anything?
I had the same question. So I started digging.
The Origin Story (Hint: It’s Not New)
Turns out, this isn’t just another made-up internet thing. In Korea and Japan, where skincare is almost a national art form, rinsing the face with carbonated water has been around for years.
It’s not just for the novelty, either. The idea is that the fizz stimulates circulation and gives your skin a bit of a workout. Think of it like a super gentle, tingly facial massage—no scrubbing required.
So this isn’t just a 2025 fad. It’s more like a traditional ritual that finally made its way into the Western beauty scene.
Why Carbonation?
Here’s the theory: when you use fizzy water on your skin, the carbon dioxide creates tiny bubbles that lightly massage your face and open up your pores. That could help remove more dirt and oil than regular tap water. Some also say it helps their skincare products absorb better afterward.
And because sparkling water is slightly acidic—closer to the natural pH of your skin—it might feel less harsh, especially if your tap water is hard or drying.
Now, I’m not a dermatologist, but this actually sounded… kind of legit?
I Tried It. Here’s What Happened.
After seeing way too many videos, I finally gave in. I grabbed a bottle of plain sparkling water from the fridge, poured it into a bowl, and gently splashed it on my face after cleansing. No dramatic reveal. No beauty filter.
But… my skin felt different.
Not dramatically different, but smoother. Like it had just been woken up. And it looked a little brighter too—not in a “new skin who dis” way, but definitely fresher.
Over the next few mornings, I kept doing it, and it became this small, weirdly refreshing habit. There’s something oddly satisfying about that fizzy tingle across your cheeks. Like you’re doing something nice for yourself, even if the science is still catching up.
What Real People Are Saying
I wasn’t alone. I found hundreds of comments and posts from people who’d tried it too:
“My skin looked weirdly glowy after a week. Not oily, just healthy.”
“I have sensitive skin and this felt way better than washing with tap water. No stinging, no dryness.”
“Honestly, I just love how it feels. It wakes me up better than coffee.”
Not everyone noticed a huge difference, and a few people said it didn’t do much. But most agreed on one thing: it felt good—and that’s not nothing.
If You Want to Try It
It’s as simple as it sounds. Here’s what worked best for me:
- Use unflavored sparkling water. No lemon, no sugar, no “hint of berry.” Just plain.
- Pour it into a bowl, or splash it directly from your hands.
- Rinse your face gently—no rubbing or scrubbing.
- Pat dry, then do whatever skincare you normally do.
Some people mix it half-and-half with regular water if they have super sensitive skin. That worked fine too.
So, Is It Worth It?
Look—this isn’t a miracle cure. It won’t erase acne scars or make you look ten years younger. But as a small, daily ritual that feels refreshing and might give your skin a subtle boost? It’s kind of great.
It’s also cheap, easy, and totally safe—just don’t go using flavored or sweetened sparkling water (unless you want a sticky face).
For me, it became less about the results and more about the ritual. A tiny moment in the day that felt oddly fancy. Like a little skincare secret you didn’t need a credit card for.
Final Thought
We try a lot of things in the name of beauty. Some work, some don’t. Washing your face with sparkling water might fall somewhere in between—not a miracle, not a scam. Just one of those fun little habits that makes your routine feel a bit more special.
And hey, even if your skin stays the same, at least you got to do something that felt different. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
