There are so many tools and gadgets out there that can help you create a spa-like experience at home. Whether that involves using the latest and greatest skincare devices or slathering on a body treatment, there’s no shortage of ways to bring the spa to you on any given day. One way you might be overlooking, however, is doing a good old-fashioned salt soak. It can be surprisingly therapeutic and best of all, cheap.
If you’re curious about how you can incorporate salts into your bath and body care routine, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a full rundown on what they are, how to use them, and a few of our own favorites. Keep scrolling for all the info and the best bath salts and soaks money can buy (hint: my absolute favorite is just $5).
There are a few different types of bath salts out there. The most common types include Epsom salt, sea salt, Himalayan salt, and dead sea salt. Overall, bath salts can help promote relaxation, ease muscle aches, and can even help certain skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema due to the skin-health-promoting minerals in them. Dead sea salt is especially good for this as it’s naturally rich in essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, iodine, and potassium. Regular sea salt and Himalayan salt are sourced from evaporated seawater and are also rich in some of these trace minerals because the salt goes through minimal processing. Bath salts may also help those with stiff joints or extra tired legs. Epsom salt is a tad different because it’s a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It still promotes relaxation and even better sleep. Since it has a higher magnesium content, it can also help your body produce more melatonin so it’s great for things like insomnia.
Personally, I love using bath salts after a workout, when I’m sick, or even just to relax after a stressful day. You can typically use up to two cups of salt per bath. But if you’re a beginner, it might be best to start with anywhere from one-fourth of a cup to one cup until you get used to using them. You can also soak in the tub for about 15 to 20 minutes to receive the benefits. For a few of my favorite soaks, keep scrolling below.
I’m a big fan of Dr Teal’s bath salts. If you like variety, opt for one of the brand’s luxurious salt soaks. The best part? Most individual bags clock in at just $5. This Epsom salt soak with oat milk and argan oil leave my skin feeling so hydrated after a bath. Salt definitely tends to dry my skin out so this soothing addition to the formula really helps keep my skin ultra silky.
Osea’s rich bath salt is infused with wild gigartina seaweed, a type of red algae rich in polysaccharides, minerals, and vitamins. It hydrates the skin and helps provide collagen protection while the lavender oil in the formula also helps calm the body.
This soak is a personal favorite of mine because it smells so dang good. It contains coconut milk powder, vanilla, and coconut pulp CO2 to add extra hydration to the skin and even helps alleviate inflamed areas of the skin. It’s a great option to help soothe psoriasis or eczema.
This pink Himalayan salt soak is another favorite of mine because it has a light aroma of bergamot and sweet orange essential oil. It’s the first thing I reach for after a hard workout or a particularly stressful day. I just also love that this Dr Teal’s soak utilizes Himalayan instead of the usual Epsom salt. Not that there is a huge difference, but I do like knowing I’m soaking in a few extra vitamins and minerals.
Aveda’s option has both sugar and minerals within the formula. This one can even double as a body exfoliant since it has sugar in it. The brand recommends pairing it with the Stress-Fix Composition Oil ($35) for a spa-like experience. To top it off, it also contains organic lavender, lavandin, and clary sage essential oil to help promote relaxation.
In addition to five other varieties of salt, French Girl’s luxurious bath salt contains Mediterranean and French gray salts which help promote detoxification of the body. It also boasts a few of my favorite floral scents, rose, and uplifting ylang-ylang.
Mood-boosting and relaxing lavender and thyme are the main ingredients in this soak. This is another option that can double as an exfoliator when combined with a body oil to hydrate and replenish the skin.
Minera’s dead sea salt is tailored specifically to those with a skin condition. Because dead sea salt is really rich in those skin-calming minerals, it’s definitely good to keep a five-pound bag on hand for flare-ups.
If you have extra dry skin, try this budget-friendly soak from Tree Hut that also contains deeply hydrating shea butter. Activated charcoal, fig extract, and olive oil round out this skin-clearing and smoothing formula.
Goop’s “Martini” detox bath soak is packed with Epsom salt, Himalayan pink salt, botanicals, and essential oils for deep relaxation. It incorporates principles from Chinese medicine, Western herbalism, and aromatherapy. In addition to the salts, chia seed oil, passion flower, valerian root, wildcrafted frankincense, sandalwood, and more make up this transformative soak.
Salt baths are great, but I also love taking a good clay bath every now and then. Bentonite clay is known for its ability to draw impurities and toxins out of the body, so adding it to a bath salt makes it the ultimate tool to destress.
Epsoak provides pure Epsom salt that helps speed up muscle recovery after a workout, eases aches and pains, and even helps reduce inflammation. You have the option to go unscented, but trust me—you won’t want to miss out on the eucalyptus and peppermint soak. It soothes those sore muscles but adds an invigorating burst of energy perfect for starting your morning. All the more reason to be a morning bath person, in my opinion.
