Alongside Epsom salts, Dead Sea salt (or salts) is perhaps the best-known mineral bath salt. Thanks to its uniquely rich mix of minerals, it’s great for helping to soothe dry, itchy or sensitive skin. Whatever your skin type though, a Dead Sea salt bath can leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and oh-so hydrated.

So let’s take a look at what it is and how it could help you relax, reset and return to you. 

What is Dead Sea salt?

Dead Sea salt is a 100% natural mix of over 20 minerals. It’s made by channelling Dead Sea water into shallow pools, which is then left to be naturally evaporated by the sun. The crystallised minerals are then dried and sieved to remove impurities.

For millennia, the Dead Sea has been a place of healing and relaxation. Everyone from the Ancient Egyptians to modern-day seekers of R&R have headed to its shores to soak in the mineral-rich waters and even indulge in a mud bath.

Sitting 430 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is actually a landlocked lake, bordered by Jordan, Israel and the West Bank. Because there’s no outlet, the water that flows in from the River Jordan can only leave through evaporation, meaning all the water’s mineral content is left behind. Over the course of three million years, this has created incredibly mineral-rich waters.

In fact, it’s almost ten times saltier than ordinary sea water, if you include all the mineral salts. The water is so dense with minerals that swimmers can simply lie back and float.

Dead Sea salt minerals: the chemisty bit

Since it’s such a complex mix of minerals, there’s no single chemical formula to describe natural Dead Sea salts.

Unlike normal sea salt though – which is around 85% sodium chloride – Dead Sea salt is only around 30% sodium chloride. What makes it so salty is the high concentration of other mineral salts. For instance, the magnesium levels in Dead Sea salt are 36 times higher than in Mediterranean Sea salt.

In all, Dead Sea salts contain over 20 minerals, including:

Magnesium – can reduce inflammation,
support the skin barrier and improve hydration

Potassium – said to regulate moisture balance

Calcium – may offer skin barrier support
and help with keratinocyte formation 

Bromide – said to soothe itchy skin

Sulfur – can help detoxification pathways and collagen synthesis

Zinc – may help wound healing and act as an anti-inflammatory

Explore Westlab Dead Sea Bath Salt >

What is Dead Sea salt best used for?

Dead Sea salt is a firm favourite with eczema and psoriasis sufferers, and anyone with dry or itchy skin. In fact, it’s the reason Westlab was created. Back in the early 2000s, our founders went in search of gentle, natural ways to soothe their children’s sensitive skin. When they saw the results of bathing in natural, mineral-rich Dead Sea salt, they wanted to help bring its powerful properties to every home.

So, if your skin’s feeling sore, dry, itchy or irritated, a 20-minute soak in a Dead Sea salt bath could help relieve your symptoms and give your skin a hydration boost.

Just add a generous pour of Westlab Dead Sea Bath Salt to warm running water, then sink in and let your skin feel the benefits.

How much should I use?

When it comes to Dead Sea salts, don’t hold back. Add around 500g of Westlab Dead Sea Bath Salt to running water, and swirl until it’s dissolved.

Check out our perfect pour >

Dead Sea Salt vs Epsom Salt vs Magnesium Flakes

While Dead Sea salt was where it all started, we now have a whole range of mineral-rich bath salts, suited to different individual needs. If your skin’s sensitive though, we recommend sticking with Westlab Dead Sea Bath Salt. Otherwise, relax and unwind with one of our other favourites.

Sensitive skin: Dead Sea salt

Dry, itchy or eczema-prone skin: Dead Sea salt

Want to slow a busy mind: Magnesium flakes

Craving deep, restorative sleep: Magnesium flakes

Long day on your feet: Epsom salt

Muscle soreness after exercise: Epsom salt

Whatever you need, a 20-minute soak in a mineral-rich bath can help you get back on track, leaving you feeling restored and ready to go again.

Shop Westlab Epsom Salt | Shop Westlab Magnesium Salt| Shop Westlab Dead Sea Salt