Bath & Body
Bath Salts Explained: Epsom vs Sea vs Pink Himalayan Salt
They all look similar in the jar, but Epsom, sea and pink salts do quite different things. Here is a simple guide to choosing, swapping and how much to use.
The short answer
No, Epsom salt is not the same as sea salt or pink Himalayan salt. Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate. Sea salt and pink Himalayan salt are mostly sodium chloride, with only trace minerals. All three make a lovely soak, but if magnesium is what you are after, Epsom is the one to choose.
That is why every Spritz Wellness blend starts with Epsom salt, softened with sea or pink Himalayan salt and finished with pure essential oils. See the four blends.
Stand in front of a shelf of bath salts and it can be confusing. Epsom, sea salt, pink Himalayan, Dead Sea: they all promise a better soak, and they all look more or less the same once they are in the water. But they are not interchangeable. Here is what actually sets them apart, so you can choose the right one for the soak you are after.
The Main Types of Bath Salt
Most bath salts fall into one of two camps: magnesium salts (Epsom and, to a degree, Dead Sea) and sodium salts (sea, pink Himalayan, table and rock salt). Here is how each one behaves in the bath.
Epsom salt
Despite the name, Epsom salt is not really a salt in the table-salt sense. It is magnesium sulphate, a naturally occurring mineral first found in the spring waters of Epsom in Surrey. It has been added to warm baths for generations and is traditionally the one people reach for to soothe tired muscles after a long day or a workout.
Sea salt
Harvested from evaporated seawater, sea salt is mostly sodium chloride with a scattering of trace minerals. It softens the water, feels lovely on the skin, and gives a gentle, mineral soak.
Pink Himalayan salt
Prized for its pretty rose colour, pink Himalayan salt is a mined rock salt that is also mostly sodium chloride. The colour comes from trace minerals such as iron. It is beautiful and gentle, but it is not a meaningful source of magnesium, whatever the internet sometimes suggests.
Dead Sea salt
The exception on minerals, Dead Sea salt naturally contains a broad mix, including a good amount of magnesium in the form of magnesium chloride. It is often chosen for its skin-soothing reputation.
Table salt and rock salt
Both are sodium chloride, just like sea salt: table salt is finely refined, and rock salt is mined in coarse crystals (pink Himalayan is one kind). A handful will soften the water a little, but neither contains magnesium, and table salt often has anti-caking agents added.
Epsom vs Sea vs Pink Himalayan Salt at a Glance
If you only remember one thing, make it this table.
| Salt | What it is | Magnesium? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epsom | Magnesium sulphate | Yes, it is magnesium | Tired muscles, post-workout soaks, an evening wind-down |
| Sea salt | Mostly sodium chloride | Trace only | A soft, mineral soak that feels lovely on the skin |
| Pink Himalayan | Mined rock salt, mostly sodium chloride | Trace only | A gentle soak and a beautiful jar on the side of the bath |
| Dead Sea | A broad mix of mineral salts | Yes, as magnesium chloride | Skin-focused soaks |
| Table or rock salt | Sodium chloride | None | Best left in the kitchen |
So Which Should You Choose?
It comes down to what you want from the water. If it is magnesium and a soak for tired muscles, Epsom salt leads. If it is a soft, mineral soak and a beautiful jar, sea and pink salts are lovely. The good news is you do not have to pick just one: a blend gives you the magnesium of Epsom with the softness of sea or pink salt.
A quick, honest note: research into how much magnesium your skin actually absorbs in a bath is still limited. What is well established is the value of the ritual itself: warm water, fifteen quiet minutes and a scent you love. For the full story, read our guide to magnesium baths for sleep.
Can You Use Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt Instead of Epsom Salt?
Yes, if you simply want a warm, relaxing soak. Sea salt and pink Himalayan salt both soften the water and make a bath feel more considered than plain water ever does.
They are not a like-for-like swap, though, if magnesium is the reason you reach for Epsom salt. Because sea and Himalayan salts only contain traces of magnesium, a jar of pink salt will not give you what a jar of Epsom salt does. If a recipe or a friend has recommended an Epsom soak for tired muscles, stick with Epsom, or use a blend that includes it.
The same goes the other way: you can use Epsom salt anywhere you would use sea or Himalayan salt in the bath. It dissolves quickly and leaves the water clear.
How Much Bath Salt Should You Use?
There is no need to measure precisely, but as a guide:
For a full bath: two generous handfuls (roughly 100g) of a scented blend, added under warm running water so the salts dissolve fully before you get in.
For a foot soak: one handful in a basin of warm water.
How long to soak: at least 15 minutes. Long enough to let the day go, not so long you start to wrinkle.
If you prefer a stronger soak, simply add a little more next time. For more on foot soaks and pink Himalayan salt, our full bath salts guide goes deeper.
The Spritz Approach
Every Spritz Wellness bath salt is built on Epsom salt for the magnesium, blended with either sea salt or pink Himalayan salt for a softer soak, and finished with pure essential oils to set the mood. Four blends, four moments. All are vegan and cruelty-free, and each comes in a jar or a smaller 250g pouch.
Relax
Epsom & sea salt
Lavender and chamomile for an evening wind-down.
£32 jar · £16 pouch
Shop Relax
Revival
Epsom & pink Himalayan salt
Grapefruit and mint for an energising morning soak.
£28 jar · £14 pouch
Shop Revival
Harmony
Epsom & pink Himalayan salt
Bergamot, ylang ylang and lime for a balanced reset.
£28 jar · £14 pouch
Shop Harmony
Purify
Epsom & sea salt
Lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree to feel clear.
£28 jar · £14 pouch
Shop PurifyNot sure which suits you? The Find Your Ritual quiz will point you to your blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epsom salt the same as sea salt?
No. Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate, while sea salt is mostly sodium chloride with only trace minerals. They look similar in the bath but do different things: Epsom is the one to choose for a magnesium soak, sea salt for a soft, mineral soak.
Is Epsom salt the same as pink Himalayan salt?
No. Pink Himalayan salt is a mined rock salt that is mostly sodium chloride, with trace minerals that give it its rose colour. It is not a meaningful source of magnesium. Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulphate, is the one to choose if magnesium is what you are after.
Are bath salts the same as Epsom salt?
Not always. 'Bath salts' is a general term for any salt blend made for the bath. Some are plain Epsom salt, some are sea or Himalayan salt, and many are a blend. Check the ingredients: Epsom salt will be listed as magnesium sulphate.
Can I use Himalayan salt or sea salt instead of Epsom salt?
Yes, for a warm, relaxing soak that softens the water. They are not a like-for-like swap if magnesium is your reason for using Epsom salt, because they only contain traces. A blend of Epsom with sea or Himalayan salt gives you both.
Which bath salt is best?
It depends what you want. For a soak traditionally used to soothe tired muscles, Epsom salt is the one. Sea and pink Himalayan salts are gentler minerals that soften the water and feel lovely on the skin. Dead Sea salt is often chosen for skin-focused soaks.
Do pink Himalayan salts contain magnesium?
Only in trace amounts. Pink Himalayan and sea salts are mostly sodium chloride. If you are after magnesium, Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulphate, is the meaningful source.
How much bath salt should I use?
For a full bath, two generous handfuls (roughly 100g) dissolved under warm running water is plenty for a scented blend. For a foot soak, one handful in a basin of warm water. Soak for at least 15 minutes.
Can you mix different bath salts?
Yes. Many blends combine Epsom salt for magnesium with sea or pink Himalayan salt for a softer feel. Every Spritz Wellness bath salt uses exactly this kind of blend, with pure essential oils added for aromatherapy.
Ready to run a better bath? Explore our Epsom bath salts, each blended with natural essential oils, from £14.
Shop All Bath SaltsLaura Colucci is a yoga teacher and the creator of the Spritz Wellness range. You can find her classes and teaching at Laura Colucci Yoga.
