Nothing is better than a good soak in the tub after a long day, but sometimes bathwater alone just doesn’t cut it. This is where bath salts come in. They’re a fantastic way to relax and treat your muscles, as we’ll discover shortly (1).
There are so many varieties of bath salts on the market, it can be tricky finding which ones are worth it. If you haven’t tried bath salts before, you’re about to discover why they’re so popular and which ones really make the grade.
Benefits of Bath Salts
Bath salts provide a natural treatment option for all kinds of ailments. Whether you’re stressed from a long day at work or have just nailed a leg day at the gym, these salts can help relax your mind and your body.
Bath salts are a common treatment for people who suffer from (2):
- Arthritis.
- Sore/swollen muscles.
- Bruises and sprains.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Ingrown nails.
- Insomnia.
- Psoriasis.
- Soreness due to diarrhea.
- Sunburn.
- Mastitis during breastfeeding.
Epsom salts are sought after because of their healing properties. They originated in the English town of Epsom and are made from magnesium sulfate. Magnesium can be used to reduce the brain’s response to pain, and sulfate is known to flush out toxins. (3)
These two substances put together make Epsom salts the perfect remedy for muscle and joint aches and pains. Many breastfeeding moms swear by Epsom salt when they experience pain from blocked ducts and mastitis (4).
On top of this, many bath salts come in relaxing scents. Aromatherapy is a useful tool in promoting better sleep habits, which can in turn treat insomnia (5).
How to Choose the Best Bath Salts
When shopping around, there are certain things you should bear in mind before pressing “add to cart.” What you need to use it for along with any added extras are key things to check for.
1. The Purpose
While shopping, you’ll discover that some products claim to treat certain conditions, for example sore muscles or better sleep.
If you’re looking for a product for a general muscle soak, plain Epsom salts are a go-to option (6). This way, you won’t need to worry about strong smells and fragrances. However, if you want something to help with sleep, there are plenty of products that include essential oils.
2. Added Essential Oils
Depending on the type of oil used, some essential oil bath salts have different benefits. For example, lavender oil is known to help with sleep and headaches (7) (8).
Be careful
3. Size of Product
You also need to consider how often you plan on using it. If you’re planning on using the salts regularly, buy in bulk rather than a small packet each time, to save you money in the long run.
The Best Bath Salts of 2020
These are the top bath salt brands currently on the market:
1. Epsoak USP Epsom Salt
This highly popular product is 19 whole pounds of unscented Epsom salt and is packaged in the United States. The salt is of medium grain size and is supposed to dissolve reasonably quickly. You can also mix it with your body wash to make an exfoliating scrub.
Of interest is that the salt is GMO-free — nice for anybody trying to steer away from genetically modified products.
Along with helping your muscles, this salt can be beneficial if you own a garden as well. It’s said to be helpful for tomatoes, roses, and grass. This particular brand is available in three sizes: a 19-pound bag, two 19-pound bags or one 39.5-pound bag.
The company also offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If you aren’t thrilled with it, you can return it with no questions asked.
- Unscented.
- Satisfaction guarantee.
- Great for plants and humans.
- Salt dissolves quickly.
- The bag isn’t resealable.
- Doesn’t come with anything to measure out the salt.
2. San Francisco Salt Co. Sleep Lavender Bath Salts
This one comes in three different sizes: 2 pounds, 10 pounds or 20 pounds. The size options are nice because you have the opportunity to not buy bulk if you don’t want to. The salts are a blend of fine and medium-grain and come scented with lavender essential oil.
This product has a visually appealing purple hue to match the lavender scent. This particular bag is recommended for soothing aches and pains as well as relaxation for sleep. They’re also safe for use in jacuzzis and hot tubs.
Like our first choice, this company also has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
- Infused with lavender essential oils.
- Can be used in a jacuzzi or hot tub.
- More than one size available.
- Great for improving sleep.
- May dry out your skin.
- Salt may not completely dissolve.
3. Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Bath Soaking Solution
These Epsom salts come in a variety of different blends including eucalyptus, lavender, and activated charcoal. They’re available in single, double, and triple bags depending on your needs. This particular set of two comes with a eucalyptus bag for relaxation and relief, and a lavender bag for sleep.
Both bags come with 3 pounds of salt, giving you a total of 6 pounds of product. Unlike other brand products, this one comes with a resealable bag. Once opened, you can close it again with the velcro closure.
It’s recommended to use this product for 20 minutes at a time, up to twice per week.
- Plenty of scents to choose from.
- Resealable bag.
- Easily storable.
- Salt crystals dissolve fairly quickly.
- Scents are quite strong.
- Contains perfumes.
4. Era Organics Bath Blend
If you’re looking for a natural and organic option, this is one to consider. It comes in a visually pleasing jar and only requires one or two small scoops to be effective. This organic blend is made of Epsom salts, dead sea salt, and essential oils, plus other natural ingredients.
The jar holds 1 pound of salt and is recommended for sore muscles and joints, aching feet, damaged skin, and inflammation. It’s also guaranteed to be safe for pregnant moms and is 100 percent natural and hypoallergenic, along with being nutrient-rich.
If you aren’t satisfied, the manufacturer offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Safe for pregnancy.
- Only a small amount is needed.
- All-natural and organic.
- Great for sore muscles.
- Doesn’t come with a scoop indicator.
- Small volume compared to others.
5. Pure Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salt
This 5-pound bucket is filled with Dead Sea mineral salt. Dead Sea mineral salts are proven to have much more mineral content than other types (9).
It comes in three different scents: fragrance-free, eucalyptus, and lavender. These are derived from botanicals and plants.
Unlike most Epsom salts and other bath salt brands, this one contains 21 different skin-nourishing minerals including calcium, iodine, and magnesium. Not only can these salts soothe soreness and promote relaxation, but they can also kelp keep away microbes that cause allergies. It’s 100 percent pure and natural.
The manufacturers recommend you let the salt dissolve for around five minutes before getting into the bath. You should also rinse yourself off in the shower when you’re done.
- Packed full of minerals.
- 100 percent natural.
- Easily storable.
- Leaves skin feeling soft.
- Consistency may be off-putting.
- Scent isn’t very strong.
6. Shea Moisture Muscle Relief
Anyone looking for muscle relief might like to take a look at this product. It’s made of Dead Sea salt to facilitate muscle relaxation, and infused with ingredients like shea butter, to help firm, tone, and moisturize your skin (10). The added vitamin E provides antioxidant protection, too (11).
This product is certified organic, natural, and fair trade. Not only is this an excellent natural skin helper, but because it’s sustainably produced and cruelty-free, you’re buying an ethical product.
The jar comes with 20 ounces of Dead Sea salt and is scented with coconut oil and hibiscus flower.
- Good for cellulite.
- Sustainably produced.
- Hydrates the skin.
- Scent isn’t too strong.
- Salt may be hard when first opened.
- Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
7. Mountain Falls Epsom Salt Therapy Soak
This product comes in six different sizes and has five different styles to choose from: eucalyptus, lavender, unscented, and peppermint.
Available products in this range vary in size between 1.5 pounds and 8 pounds. Our featured option includes 3 pounds of Epsom salts in a resealable bag and comes in a pack of six. This particular choice is rosemary and mint-scented and works best on aches and sprains.
Like our previous choice, this product is also cruelty-free and natural, plus it’s safe for use in hot tubs and jacuzzis.
We like that the company makes sustainably sourced products, and that they have company-wide goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy/water consumption in its facilities.
- Sustainably sourced.
- Plenty of sizes and scents to choose from.
- Cruelty-free.
- Resealable bag.
- Scent is weak.
- Not as soothing as other products.
How to Use Bath Salts
Different bath salts may vary a little, but how you’re meant to use them is generally the same.
- Decision: To start, you need to have the right bath salts to suit your needs — see our product review section below for your options.
- Fill the tub: Once you’ve chosen, fill your bathtub about halfway with warm water.
- Add salts: Start by using a ½ cup of bath salts. If you feel like you need more, add a little more at a time. For sore muscle treatment, try starting with 1 or 2 cups.
- Mix: Before stepping into the tub, swirl the water around with your hand to help the salts dissolve quicker.
- Relax: After the salts have dissolved, fill the tub and then step in to relax. Stay in for as long as you like — the household chores can wait! Be sure to follow the recommended soak time for each product, though.
Keep in mind
Sit Back and Relax
If you walk through the door after a hard day at the gym or you’re having issues sleeping, it’s time to break out the best bath salts. Bath salts are a great natural alternative to popping pills for pain relief.
Plus, they have a slew of other benefits for your body, including drawing away toxins and in some cases, moisturizing your skin. Just keep in mind what you need them for, and you’ll find a suitable bath salt for your needs.
