Buying guide for Best magnesium bath salts

Written by Lauren Corona

Updated January 2022

It's rare to find time for relaxation in this busy world, but you need to look after yourself. A long soak with magnesium bath salts can help ease aching muscles, improve sleep, and generally promote relaxation. But before you buy, you might want to learn more about its uses and your purchasing options.

It's important to know the difference between magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride. While they both ultimately provide similar results, you should know what you're buying. You'll find both scented and unscented magnesium bath salts on the market. Some people like the addition of essential oils, but others would prefer to forgo fragrances. You will also have the choice of different grind sizes and consistencies, some of which are easier to dissolve in the bath than others.

Magnesium bath salts are free from parabens, SLS, and other chemicals that some people prefer to avoid in their bath and beauty products.

Key considerations

More Top Picks Best Sleeper Sofas

Magnesium sulfate vs. magnesium chloride

You can find two types of magnesium bath salts: magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride. But what's the difference?

Magnesium sulfate: Also known as Epsom salts, magnesium sulfate is the best known and most widely available variety of magnesium bath salts. It was first discovered in the English town of Epsom in the 1600s when it bubbled up through a natural spring and was found to have medicinal benefits. It has a wide range of uses and is approved by the FDA as safe to consume. When taken orally, it works as a laxative.

Magnesium chloride: On a molecular level, magnesium chloride has a chloride ion rather than a sulfate one. But that may not mean much to the average user. Practically speaking, the different molecular structure of magnesium chloride renders it more easily absorbed by the body and more bioavailable. Some people find it more effective at treating their ailments than magnesium sulfate. Magnesium chloride tends to cost more than Epsom salts, but you may need to use less to get the same results, so it’s basically a wash.

Scent

Some magnesium bath salts are scented, although it's more common to find them plain. Scented magnesium bath salts typically get their fragrances from essential oils to keep them natural, though you may find some synthetically fragranced options. Since magnesium bath salts are often used for relaxation and to aid sleep, lavender is a common addition, but you can buy a range of other options, too. Scents such as eucalyptus and mint are invigorating and provide relief for congestion, whereas vanilla and fruity scents are more about creating a pleasing aroma than providing any aromatherapy benefits.

Consistency

Magnesium bath salts may have a fine, medium, or coarse grind. Fine- and medium-grind bath salts tend to dissolve more easily in water. You can also find some magnesium bath salts in flaked form. Although each flake has a reasonably large surface area, it's also extremely thin, so flaked varieties dissolve easily, too. The consistency of your magnesium bath salts isn't hugely important unless you live in a hard water area, where dissolving coarsely ground bath salts will be more difficult due to the hard water’s already high mineral content.

Features

Organic

It's impossible for magnesium bath salts to be certified organic because they aren't grown; rather, they're derived from a mineral called epsomite that's either mined or synthetically produced in a lab. If you find magnesium bath salts that claim to be certified organic, this may be an indication of an untrustworthy manufacturer.

Non-GMO

Similarly, some magnesium bath salts are labelled as non-GMO, but in fact all magnesium salts are non-GMO. This term is simply being used as a buzzword to help sales, so you shouldn't pay more for magnesium bath salts labelled as such. GMO stands for "genetically modified organism." In order for something to be genetically modified, it must have genes, but genes are only found in animals and plants, not minerals.

Spray bottle

You can buy magnesium bath salts with a free spray bottle included. You can dissolve some of your bath salts inside this bottle in either water or a carrier oil and use it topically for skin complaints, blemishes, or to help reduce muscle aches. This is a great alternative when you don't have time for a lengthy soak.

Magnesium bath salt prices

All magnesium bath salts have one of two chemical compositions (depending on whether you choose magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride), so don't be tricked into spending more for impressive packaging or extravagant claims. Expect to pay between $0.20 to $0.50 per ounce — with scented options on the higher end of this range. When you settle on a product that works well for your purposes, you can often buy magnesium bath salts in bulk for less than 10 cents an ounce.

Tips

• Think about why you want to use magnesium bath salts. The reason for use might influence which bath salts you choose. For instance, if your main issue is insomnia, you should consider magnesium salts that contain lavender or other sleep-promoting essential oils.
• Start with a reasonably sized bag. If this is your first time buying magnesium bath salts, don't start off with a gigantic 20-pound bag. Instead, select a 5-pound bag to determine whether the personal benefits for you to warrant a larger purchase later.
• Consider how often you'll use your magnesium bath salts. Assuming you've already used and know you like magnesium bath salts, choose a package size according to how often you intend to use them while taking into account your available storage space. For regular use, you'll save money by purchasing a large bag, but your initial outlay will be greater.

Check whether your chosen bag of magnesium bath salts can be resealed. If not, we'd recommend storing the contents in an airtight container.

FAQ

Q. What are magnesium bath salts used for and do they really work?

A. A simple internet search will reveal a range of uses for magnesium bath salts, including reducing stress, promoting sleep, healing aching muscles, reducing pain and swelling, and improving eczema. But do they really work? Unlike many home remedies, magnesium salts have some medical credence. Magnesium sulfate is listed on the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines and has genuine medical uses, from treating localized infections to laxative use to improving acute asthma.

Magnesium bath salts definitely increase your intake of magnesium (which many people are deficient in), can help with some skin conditions, and may help you feel soothed and relaxed (though probably not much more than you would after any hot bath).

Q. How much magnesium bath salt should I put in my tub?

A. We generally recommend using between two and four cups of magnesium bath salts in a full tub. If you'll only be soaking your feet, a single cup should do the trick. However, different brands have different recommended ratios, so check the package for more information.

Q. Are all bath salts magnesium bath salts?

A. No. Bath salts can also be made from Himalayan salt, sea salt, and other mineral salts. So, don't automatically assume that all bath salts are magnesium bath salts.