Ever wondered what the difference is between Epsom Salts and Magnesium Chloride? Both are fantastic for a full-body soak and your body and skin will sigh in gratitude with either choice. But since all bath salts look and feel quite similar, it is not easy to distinguish clear differences. We've taken two of the most common bath salts, and have broken down the key differences:

Ingredients

Let’s start with the obvious. If you look at the ingredients section on an Epsom bag, you will find the first ingredient is listed as magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). Epsom salt consists of some magnesium, in the form of magnesium sulfate, but it is far different than soaking in the pure potency of magnesium chloride (MgCl). 

Remember to read the ingredient list for any added artificial colors, fragrances and other synthetic chemicals to your bath salts that can dry out your skin, cause allergies or be a hormone disruptor. 

Purity

We want bath salts to be like trolls — real salty, without the negativity.

The purity is the main difference between the two. Both magnesium sulfate and chloride can be found in nature. There is potential for either compound to be manufactured in a lab from other natural compounds unless otherwise stated.  

With our magnesium chloride, it’s a nature-made inorganic salt. Literally, given to us by Mother Earth herself - harvested from the sea.

Potency

As nature’s gift, magnesium chloride provides a potent bath soak by merely being pure magnesium.

Think of magnesium chloride as having a nights’ sleep on a king’s sized, adjustable Tempur-Pedic while Epsom Salt is sleeping on a 6-year-old, stained futon. Nothing is wrong with either choice, but one will have you hitting the snooze button for eternity.

Absorption

Although the subject has yet to be researched in depth on transdermal magnesium, we do know that our skin has low permeability to keep toxins out. However, our skin is still susceptible to dermal absorption (think smoking cessation patches).

Comparative studies have shown that due to the molecular structure of magnesium chloride, it has higher absorption and retention levels than soaking in Epsom Salts. 

Skin Benefits     

Last but certainly why we love to soak — the benefits!

When we retreat into a decadent warm bath, we allow our pores to open. When you add Magnesium chloride, this super ingredient detoxifies, hydrates, and promotes cell proliferation all by doing what we love — relaxing. Pair it with our Konjac Loofah Body Sponge, and you won’t be able to stop feeling yourself up.

Still curious? Check out additional reasons here to include magnesium in your life. If you need us, we will be in the tub getting salty in the best possible way.  

Contributed by: Katherine Losoya