Oils, salts and soaksExplained
Epsom Salt vs Bath Salts vs Magnesium Flakes: What Each One Is
Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate; magnesium flakes are magnesium chloride; bath salts vary. What each is, how much the labels say to use, and what sources say.
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Epsom salt is one chemical, magnesium sulfate. Magnesium flakes are a different compound, magnesium chloride. “Bath salts” is a looser label for Epsom salt, sea salt, Dead Sea or Himalayan salt, often scented. None is a proven treatment: Cleveland Clinic says skin absorption of magnesium has not been definitively proven. Buy by the label and the scent.
Below is what each salt is and how much the packages say to use. If you are soaking for a medical reason, ask a doctor first.
Epsom salt, magnesium flakes and bath salts compared
| Salt | What it is | Amount per bath, per the source | Soak time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epsom salt | Magnesium sulfate | About 300 g, or 1.25 cups (Cleveland Clinic); at least 2 cups (Dr Teal’s label) | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Magnesium flakes | Magnesium chloride | 1 to 4 cups (Westlab label, adults) | At least 20 minutes |
| Dead Sea salt | Salt harvested from the Dead Sea | Read the package | Read the package |
| Himalayan pink salt | Pink rock salt | Read the package | Read the package |
| Scented bath salts | Any of the above, with fragrance, oils or petals | Read the package | Read the package |
What is Epsom salt?
Cleveland Clinic describes it as a compound of magnesium and sulfate that forms rock-like crystals. It looks like table salt but tastes bitter and is not meant to be eaten, and it is named after the town of Epsom, near London. Cleveland Clinic suggests buying products that are 100% magnesium sulfate.
Scented Epsom soaks add fragrance and oils, and some add bubbles. Check the ingredient list if you want plain magnesium sulfate. Dr Teal’s, a drugstore brand, is a common example: its directions say to pour at least 2 cups under warm running water and soak for 20 minutes.
Epsom salt, Dead Sea salt and magnesium flakes
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What are magnesium flakes?
Magnesium chloride, a different salt from Epsom. Westlab lists its flakes as magnesium chloride (as magnesium chloride hexahydrate). Its adult directions are 1 to 4 cups in running bathwater and a soak of at least 20 minutes. The label also gives separate, smaller amounts for children. Follow the package exactly if you use flakes in a child’s bath.
What does the evidence say?
What sources say about Epsom salt baths
Cleveland Clinic says it has not been definitively proven that the skin absorbs enough magnesium from a bath to make up for a shortage of the mineral, while noting that people have reported benefits from Epsom salt baths for centuries.
The FDA: a product sold to treat a condition, such as relieving muscle pain, meets the definition of a drug, whatever it looks like. Treat claims such as “detox” or “muscle relief” on a bath salt as marketing, and ask a doctor about any condition you want to treat.
Epsom salt bath safety
Cleveland Clinic lists these points:
- Skip Epsom salt baths with severe skin inflammation, a skin infection, open wounds or severe burns.
- Test the water temperature so you do not scald yourself.
- Do not add Epsom salt to jetted tubs, hot tubs or whirlpool baths unless the maker says it is safe.
- Never drink it: it can cause severe diarrhea.
If you are pregnant, have a medical condition or take medication, ask a doctor before starting a new soak.
Making a salt soak feel like a spa bath
The salt is only part of it. Pair it with a bath oil or milk for scent, as the bath oils and soaks guide describes, or rinse off with a shower oil afterwards. A bathtub tray keeps a book and a glass of water within reach. The rest of the kit is in the luxury bath at home overview.
Bath oils and milks to add to a salt soak
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Frequently asked questions
Is Epsom salt the same as bath salt?
Not always. Epsom salt is one specific compound, magnesium sulfate. "Bath salts" is a product category: it can mean Epsom salt, sea salt, Dead Sea salt, Himalayan salt or a blend with fragrance and dried flowers. Read the ingredient list to see which salt you are buying.
How much Epsom salt should you put in a bath?
Follow the package. Cleveland Clinic mentions about 300 grams, roughly 1.25 cups, for a 15-minute soak. Dr Teal's label says to pour at least 2 cups under warm running water and soak for 20 minutes.
What are the benefits of an Epsom salt bath?
Evidence is limited. Cleveland Clinic says it has not been proven, in any definitive study, that the skin absorbs magnesium in amounts large enough to address a deficiency. If you are soaking for a health reason, such as pain, a wound or a skin condition, ask a doctor first.
Who should not take an Epsom salt bath?
Cleveland Clinic advises against Epsom salt baths for people with severe skin inflammation, skin infections, open wounds or severe burns. It also says Epsom salt is not for drinking, because it can cause serious side effects.
Sources
- Should You Take an Epsom Salt Bath? (April 28, 2022)Cleveland Clinic
- Dr Teal's Vanilla Comfort Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution: directionsDr Teal's
- Magnesium FlakesWestlab
- Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?)U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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