Dead Sea vs Epsom

Discover the best bath salt for your next restorative soak

Epsom Bath Salts

The complete guide to Epsom salt: what it is, how it works and how to use it

Magnesium Bath Salts

The complete guide to magnesium flakes: what they are, how they work and how to use them

Dead Sea Bath Salts

The complete guide to Dead Sea salt: what it is, how it works and how to use it

EPSOM | MAGNESIUM EPSOM
MAGNESIUM

Epsom salt vs magnesium flakes

A complete guide to a restorative bath

Whether you’re a long-time bath-lover, or new to the joys of a restorative soak, choosing the right bath salts can make all the difference. So let’s take a closer look at two of our mineral-rich favourites: Epsom salt and magnesium salt (sometimes known as magnesium flakes).

Epsom salt or magnesium flakes: which bath salt is right for you?

The short answer is, it depends. For a post-workout soak, Epsom salt is ideal for helping to soothe tired muscles and release tension. Magnesium salt on the other hand, is said to aid relaxation and sleep, thanks to its higher concentration of elemental magnesium.

Epsom salts - Great for muscle recovery, aches and pains. Westlab Epsom Bath Salt is 100% pure mineral magnesium sulphate heptahydrate.
Magnesium salt - Great for helping to promote sleep and relaxation. Westlab Magnesium Flakes are 100% naturally sourced magnesium chloride hexahydrate.

What is Epsom salt?

First things first, it’s nothing like the salt you’d add to your food. Instead, it’s a naturally occurring mix of magnesium, sulphur and oxygen called magnesium sulphate. The name Epsom comes from the town in Surrey, England, where it was first discovered in a mineral-rich spring, back in the 1600s.

Epsom salt has been used ever since as a natural home remedy for aches and pains. Added to a warm bath or used to soak tired feet, it’s helped generations of busy people to unwind, recharge and get back to their best.

These days, it’s popular with runners and athletes, too. Working with warm water to help release tension and soothe tired muscles, an Epsom salt recovery bath after exercise can help your body restore, recover and recharge. So you’re ready to go again.

What are Magnesium flakes?

While Magnesium bath salt may sound similar to Epsom salts, there are a few key differences. Found in ancient lakes and seabeds, magnesium chloride is a naturally occurring blend of magnesium and chlorine.

Magnesium chloride flakes have a much higher concentration of magnesium than Epsom salt, which is why they’re a favourite with those seeking deep, restorative sleep.

Alongside the minerals, which are said to help regulate the nervous system and calm brain activity, the warm water and your favourite spa playlist also play a role in the relaxation.

More about Magnesium

Magnesium is having a real moment and it’s easy to see why. It plays a vital role in hundreds of processes throughout the body, from regulating the nervous system to aiding muscle function and sleep.

While magnesium is present in foods like spinach, almonds and dark chocolate, it’s likely many of us aren’t getting enough through diet alone. That’s why you’ve probably seen supplements sold to counter magnesium deficiency symptoms.

Signs of low magnesium include muscle twitches and cramps, fatigue and weakness, brain fog, headaches and low mood. And so, people are turning to magnesium for better sleep and relaxation.

It’s tricky to diagnose a deficiency though, as 60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in the bones rather than circulating in the bloodstream.

The chemistry bit

While both Epsom salts and magnesium bath flakes contain magnesium, their individual make-up is different – which is why they have distinct uses.

Epsom Salt

• Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (MgSO4·7H2O) is a mineral compound made up of magnesium, oxygen, sulphur and water
• Not at all like table salt (before you try it on your chips)

Magnesium Salt

• Magnesium chloride (MgCl2·6H2O) is a mineral compound made of magnesium, chloride and water
• Magnesium chloride salt contains around five times the elemental magnesium of Epsom salts

Decisions, decisions: Epsom salt or magnesium salt?

While we love any excuse for a restorative soak, here’s our at-a-glance guide to help you reach for the right salt.

• Seeking deep, restorative sleep - Magnesium salt
• Struggling to switch off -Magnesium salt

• Need a post-workout wind-down? - Epsom salt
• Want to ease muscle soreness -Epsom salt

Simply put, for physical aches and pains, Epsom salt is probably best. For calming your mind and setting yourself up for better sleep, choose magnesium salt.

Because when your body is restored, everything feels possible again.

FAQs

How often should I use Westlab Epsom Bath Salt or Magnesium Flakes?

We recommend using bath salts three times a week, or whenever you feel like a pick-me-up.

How much should I put in the bath?

To really feel the benefits, we suggest adding between half and a whole bag (500g-1kg), depending on how deep you like the water. No delicate sprinkling here.

Can you use Epsom salt and magnesium flakes together?

Absolutely. You might just notice that the magnesium flakes dissolve slightly more quickly.

Does the bath have to be hot?

Not at all. The temperature of the water is entirely up to you and what you’ll find most relaxing. A warm bath is a great way to help ease tired muscles before bed. And what better way to defrost on a chilly winter day? In hot weather though, a cool bath can help soak away the heat of the day, and leave you feeling less frazzled. Either way, just add a generous pour of your favourite salts, then sink in and enjoy.

How long should I soak for?

If you can set aside 20 minutes, that will give your mind and body a good chance to relax and unwind. With a few top-ups from the hot tap though, why not stay for longer?

When’s the best time of day for a bath?

While more research is needed, soaking in a warm, soothing magnesium bath may help you drift off to sleep more easily. So set aside 20 minutes at the end of the day to wind down for bed with pure, mineral-rich salts that will help you hit pause and relax.

Any tips for a relaxing bath ritual?

It’s worth doing a little prep so you can really make the most of your bath. Here’s how we get set to soak in some mineral goodness. 1. Tell your housemates, partner or kids your plans to make sure you won’t be interrupted. 2. Have a cosy towel to hand – ideally warming on a heated towel rail or radiator. 3. Grab a good book, a chilled-out spa playlist or a relaxing podcast (noting our ‘no true crime at bath time’ rule) to help set the mood. 4. Switch your phone to Do Not Disturb, or even better, leave it outside (within reach of your Bluetooth headphones or speaker). 5. Once you’re submerged, take a few long, deep breaths to exhale the day. 6. Annnnnd relax… bliss.

I’ve got sensitive skin – which salts are best for me?

Check out Westlab Dead Sea Bath Salt, which is enriched with skin-nourishing minerals to leave even sensitive skin feeling soothed, hydrated, and protected.

Can children use Epsom salt or magnesium flakes?

Our bath salts range is designed for adult use only.

Where does Westlab source its Epsom Bath Salt and Magnesium Flakes?

Westlab Epsom Bath Salt and Magnesium Flakes are 100% pure, so you’ll find no hidden extras in the ingredients list. Our Epsom salt is carefully produced to create a 100% pure mineral compound that has the same powerful properties as naturally occurring magnesium sulphate. It’s scientifically tested for purity so you can be confident it’s as effective as the salt derived from Epsom in Surrey. The natural magnesium chloride used to make our bath flakes is extracted from Qinghai Lake, high on the Tibetan Plateau. Thanks to a low inflow of water and high evaporation rates, it’s become a natural source of pure magnesium chloride.