The Best Epsom Salts

You probably grew up seeing Epsom salt in your parents' or grandparents' bathroom, but it wasn’t until adulthood when you finally appreciated it. The magic of Epsom salt is its soothing effect on sore, tight muscles. You can opt for a regular, no-frills bag of Epsom salt or buy the variety that includes the addition of good-for-you ingredients like tea tree oil, eucalyptus, or peppermint. Also, while some quality brands can be a bit expensive, you can find great deals on this product that should be in everyone’s bathroom. Read on to discover why we think these brands bring the best to your bath.

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes

A bath time essential

If you're looking for the most luxurious bathing experience money can buy, pick up these magnesium bath flakes.
Best Overall

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Contained in this eight-pound bag is a product that claims to put every other variety of Epsom salt to shame.  Made from magnesium chloride, the flakes can be added to your tub or foot bath to relieve stress. The body’s absorption of magnesium encourages a restful night of sleep, soothes sore muscles, and improves skin appearance. Free of harsh chemicals, parabens, or fragrance, the bath flakes are rapidly absorbed through the skin much faster than salts that are riddled with tons of chemicals.

Pros:

  • If you take magnesium oil but don’t like the grimy way your skin feels afterward, we found these bath flakes to be an excellent alternative.
  • Sometimes magnesium oil can sting at first, but the magnesium used by Ancient Minerals appears to work well for those with sensitive skin.

Cons:

  • For best results, you need to add about three cups per use, which means you will go through this bag faster than other brands.

Truremedy Naturals Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak Epsom Salt

Elevate your foot bath

If you're looking for an Epsom salt to soothe your sore toes and ankles, you can't do better than this tea tree blend.
Best For Feet

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All Epsom salts can be used in a foot bath, but Truremedy Naturals’ product is specially designed for feet and any issues associated with them. Those issues can range from sore feet, athlete’s foot, odor, or cracked heels and calluses. The addition of tea tree oil fights bacteria and fungus, while a special five-mint blend works to deodorize and refresh. Basically, this is a must for anyone who’s on their feet all day and needs quick relief.

Pros:

  • While this is soothing for the feet, we found the minty aroma equally calming.
  • It doesn’t take long to notice the effects of this Epsom salt, thanks to the anti-fungal properties of the tea tree and peppermint oil.
  • Even after just one use, there seems to be a significant reduction in foot odor.

Cons:

  • Some may object to the strong minty smell, though most found it refreshing.

Epsoak Epsom Salt Bath Soak Bundle

Soak away your stress

Whether you're dealing with achy muscles, mental stress, or fitful sleep, you won’t regret adding this trio of bath salts to your bathing routine.
Best Combo Pack

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Because sometimes you need a bit of variety in your bathtime routine, this combo pack includes not one or two but three kinds of Epsom salt.  Each of the salts has the same overall benefits, including muscle relief, detoxing the skin, and clearing pores. But it’s the different ingredients in each pack that really makes them stand out. The Pure package is unscented and contains top-grade Epsom salt, while the Muscle Soak is infused with peppermint essential oil. But it’s the Sleep Formula Epsom salt that will become your favorite, assuming you have a hard time falling asleep or just enjoy a relaxing nighttime routine. The salts also include lavender essential oils to encourage total relaxation.

Pros:

  • We loved the variety pack because it allowed us to choose the best salt for our current needs.
  • The calming aromas of the Epsoak Epsom salts seem to last much longer than other brands.
  • We found this to be an excellent choice for those who seek a natural alternative for muscle pain and migraine relief.

Cons:

  • The lavender scent from the sleep formula may be overpowering for some users.

Solimo Epsom Salt Soak

No frills, just fabulous

It’s hard to find an Epsom salt that combines great quality and an unbeatable price, but this pick offers that and more.
Best On A Budget

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A good Epsom salt can be fairly expensive, depending on the brand. And it’s pretty understandable if you want a quality product that gets the job done. But if you’re on a budget or not trying to spend a ton, Solimo has a great option with their Epsom salt soak. Relieve injuries like sprains or bruises or just soak in a relaxing tub after a less than relaxing day. The resealable bag contains eight pounds and comes in at a price that’s unbeatable. Since the Epsom salt is unscented, you don’t have to worry about any overpowering smells.

Pros:

  • We appreciate that this Epsom salt is unscented so that you can add your own essentials oils catering to your needs.
  • It’s versatile and sensitive enough to work well for both foot and body baths.

Cons:

  • This is pure Epsom salt, so it can leave behind a film or ring around your tub after use.

Our Tips and Tricks

Is this your first time experimenting with Epsom salt?  Taking advantage of Epsom salt is as easy as adding the product to your bath. With just a cup or two sprinkled in warm water, the salt flakes will dissolve, making it easier for your body to absorb the compound and reap its therapeutic benefits. After soaking for 20 minutes, you should find some relief for whatever ails you.

But what if you buy a bag of Epsom salt and only use it once in a while? That’s a fair question, especially if an old injury starts bothering several months from now. You may notice an expiration date on your bag of Epsom salt, but it doesn’t generally expire. The salt may get clumpy or hard over time, but you can easily break up the clumps or dissolve them in water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is a magnesium sulfate compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.  When dissolved in warm water, it can be absorbed by the skin, helping to relieve muscle aches, joint pain, and even sleep problems.  Many people add Epsom salt to baths and foot soaks, making it a popular at-home remedy for all kinds of pain relief.  Another fun fact: Epsom salt’s name is derived from a bitter saline pool at Epsom in Surrey, England.

About the Author

There's no better feeling than walking out the door in well-made clothes that make you look and feel great. Nick’s goal is to help readers feel that way every day. A true New Yorker, Nick is always up to date on the latest trends fresh off the runway. When he’s not writing about fashion, you can find him writing and producing music.

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