Cosmetic salts. A pivotal part of any beauty regime. Exfoliant, provider of vital minerals and a natural relaxant, introducing different salts into your weekly self-care routine can actually improve your overarching health and wellbeing. 

At Peacock Salt, we specialise in salt. So much so, that we have a global supply chain to ensure we always have products available when and wherever our customers need it. So, straight from the horse’s mouth, here’s all you need to know about the different types of salt in cosmetic products, and what benefits they offer those who use them.  

Epsom Salts

Epsom Salt is the common name for the chemical compound MgSO4₄, otherwise known as magnesium sulfate and it’s been a popular component of health and beauty regimes for a good few hundred years. They’re named after the town Epsom in Surrey, where the chemical compound was first taken from the area’s rich mineral waters. It was quickly realised that the different elements within Epsom Salts offered numerous health and beauty benefits. 

One of the key components of Epsom Salts is Magnesium, and it’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, when you dissolve Epsom Salts in a warm bath, they can help to soothe sore muscles and joints – an ideal remedy for those who are regularly sore from exercise. Magnesium also has detoxifying properties, meaning that a long soak in an Epsom bath can actually work wonders for clarifying your skin and reducing puffiness. 

The other elements in Epsom Salts are sulfates which are a highly effective exfoliant. And as we all know – exfoliation is an important step for smooth and polished skin. Magnesium sulfate is also known to have stress relieving properties, meaning that on top of all the aforementioned benefits – a warm Epsom bath can actually make you feel calmer and more relaxed. 

Aside from diluting them in warm water, Epsom Salts can also be used in body scrubs – making them a flexible ingredient in your cupboard of beauty staples. 

Himalayan Pink Salt 

Himalayan pink salt is well-known for its distinctive pink colour and highly regarded for its purity. This salt comes from the region at the foothills of the Himalayas in North-eastern Pakistan and is thought to have formed over 250 million years ago – meaning its rich in mineral content – over 84 minerals and trace elements to be exact. This wide variety of components, including calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, contribute to its unusual pink color, and make it a stellar staple for use in cosmetic products. 

Himalayan pink salt is most often used in cosmetics as an exfoliant. The coarse crystals mean it effectively (and gently) removes dead skin cells, whilst its hydrating properties protect the skin’s moisture balance. It is also believed to have antibacterial properties which means if you suffer from acne, it’s a good option to help heal your skin. 

Like most other salts, Himalayan pink salt is a detoxifier which makes it a key ingredient for many bath soaks as well. 

Dead Sea Salt

The Dead Sea is a unique body of water that lies between Jordan and Israel, and it’s best known for its high salt content – ten times higher than normal seawater in fact, which means that those swimming in the sea can actually float with little to no effort. The essential minerals in Dead Sea Salt include calcium, magnesium, potassium and bromides – a unique combination which makes it an excellent choice of ingredient for those with skin issues like eczema or psoriasis, as it reduces inflammation and irritation. 

Like its counterparts, its fine granular form makes it an excellent exfoliant, particularly for the face thanks to its detoxifying properties which can unclog pores and clarify acne-prone skin. 

Another unique property of Dead Sea Salt is that it’s believed to have hypoallergenic properties, meaning when included in a bath soak, it can help clear the senses and ease the symptoms of colds, asthma, and other allergy disorders such as hayfever. 

Sea salt

Unlike many of the products mentioned above, sea salt is a broader category of products which refers to any salt that’s derived from the evaporation of sea water. But it’s for this reason, it’s a versatile and popular option for inclusion in your favourite cosmetic products. While the mineral content of different varieties depends on what region and sea the salt was evaporated from, each is rich in minerals and the crystals act as an excellent exfoliant for the body and face. 

The high sodium chloride content makes sea salt a natural antiseptic, which makes it a terrific soother of inflamed skin conditions and irritations. Much like Epsom Salts, a soak in a bath with sea salt can help to ease aching muscles and joints and stimulate circulation which can be especially beneficial for a variety of health conditions. 

How can we help?

At Peacock Salt, we have a variety of options available to those looking to use salts in cosmetic products – including all of those listed above. We recognise the importance of high quality ingredients in cosmetic manufacturing, which is why we focus on obtaining salt from naturally derived sources so that you can reap the benefits of those all important naturally occurring essential minerals. We’re aware of recent disruption throughout the supply chain but there’s no need to worry. Our global supply chain ensures we can supply on time, at the best price and consistently to the volumes and grain size required to meet production demand. You can find out more about our range here.