Types of salts for your bath products

The Dead Sea is the most saline body of water in the world with far greater concentrations of minerals than any ocean, that being a concentration of 32% minerals compared to other seas, holding approximately 3%. Bromides and Iodine are present in Dead Sea Salt, including other minerals in a dried form, such as Magnesium, Sodium, Calcium and Potassium. All these minerals work together as regulators of cell activity and daily functioning, relieving muscular pain and stabilizing fluid levels in the body. The rough nature of the salt lends itself to skin scrubs (exfoliation) and can also be used with Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate). Try Dead Sea Salt as a body scrub, or just as a relaxing additive to your baths.

Dendritic is a very fine grain salt which has been crystallized to provide greater surface area. During the manufacturing process a trace of "yellow prussate of soda" is added to sodium chloride, making the crystals grow in a star-shape giving each crystal more surface area. This increased surface area helps to retain fragrance and requires less pigment. Dendritic Salt is moisture-absorbing, so it resists caking and clumping. By adding approximately 5% - 10% of dendritic salt to your salt blends, they will retain their fragrance longer.


Pink Salt, also Known as Himalayan Rock Salt, this salt is hand-mined and harvested from ancient salt beds, deep under the Himalayan Mountains. Rich in over 80 minerals and trace elements, some of the most notable being calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron, this salt is considered to be the purest form of salt available. For therapeutic purposes, the Himalayan can be used in baths to relax the body, stimulate circulation, sooth sore muscles, and remove toxins. It is reputed to assist with relief from arthritis, skin rashes, wounds, and flu and fever symptoms.

The salt in Epsom creates a high-mineral content that duplicates the benefits of a hot spring. It is a chemical compound containing magnesium and sulfur. Epsom Salt is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and when it is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling and bruises and relaxes muscles. Epsom Salt can also be used for natural exfoliation to remove dull and dry skin cells, making the skin refreshed and rejuvenated. It is considered to do wonders for the hair, absorbing the oil from greasy hair.

Seaweed Powder, or Ascophyllum nodosum, is a brown seaweed commonly known as knotted, knobbed or bladder wrack, or kelp.  It has a greenish brown powder with a strong pungent odor. Seaweed Powder is a rich source of vitamins including vitamins B12 (not found in land plants), vitamin E, amino acids, minerals, trace elements, and other nutrients. Seaweed powder makes for an effective cleansing and exfoliating agent. When applied to the skin, Seaweed treatments act as a powerful detoxifier that draws out toxins and impurities while adding beneficial nutrients. It helps to stimulate the body's metabolism and circulation which gives skin a healthy, revitalize and glowing appearance. Seaweed contains fatty acids to combat skin irritation and inflammation; and may assist with skin ailments such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. Seaweed Powder is suitable for all skin types. So although seaweed is not a salt, it could provide many benefits when added to the salts.

Solar salt, sometimes confusingly called "sea salt". It is not the same thing as the sea salt found in food stores, because this salts is not considered a food grade type of salt. It's main purpose is for use in water softeners, sold in 40 pound bags. Because it is produced by evaporation of sea water in large ponds, it is mistaken for sea salt. This salt type is not purified and may contain the remains of various aquatic life might have been trapped in it. So although this type of salt is not edible it is often used in bath salt blends.

I used to use Epsom salts and Sea salts, for their better mineral content.  When bath salts are scented with essential oils, there is a shelf life, as opposed to adding fragrance oils that are merely chemicals and not degradable.  We use a lot of bath salts at our house, and when salts do their detoxifying at the skin level, they can also make your skin dry.  Moisturize after or add oils to your bath water.