Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt: What’s the Difference & When to Use Each

When it comes to natural self-care and home rituals, salts play a surprisingly prominent role. Whether you’re soaking in a calming bath, freshening your home with potpourri, or creating your herbal cleaning blends, Epsom salt and Dead Sea salt often come into play.

But what’s the actual difference between them, and when should you use one over the other?

Let’s take a closer look.

Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt: What’s the Difference & When to Use Each

What is Epsom Salt?

Despite the name, Epsom salt isn’t technically a salt – it’s a naturally occurring mineral compound made of magnesium sulfate. It was first discovered in Epsom, England (hence its name), and has been used for centuries in various applications, ranging from medicine to gardening.

It’s best known for its muscle-soothing properties and is completely odourless and non-greasy, which makes it incredibly versatile.

What is Dead Sea Salt?

Dead Sea salt comes from – you guessed it – the Dead Sea, a salt lake in the Middle East known for its healing waters. Unlike Epsom salt, this is a true sea salt, rich in a blend of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromide, and zinc.

These extra minerals give Dead Sea salt its slightly oily texture, stronger scent, and renowned ability to soothe skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

The Main Differences

Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt:

Feature	Epsom Salt	Dead Sea Salt
Origin	Mineral compound (UK)	Salt lake (Israel/Jordan)
Composition	Magnesium sulphate	Magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc.
Texture	Dry, odourless crystals	Slightly moist, mineral-rich
Best for	Muscle relief, DIYs, potpourri	Skin therapy, therapeutic bathing
Price	More affordable	Generally more expensive

How to Use Each One

In Baths

Epsom Salt Baths

Add 1–2 cups to warm water for a relaxing soak that helps ease muscle tension after a long day or workout. You can add dried lavender or rose petals for a calming effect.

Dead Sea Salt Baths

Use about 1 cup for a deeply mineral-rich bath to help soothe skin flare-ups, dry patches or inflammation.

Tip: You can combine both salts for the best of both worlds – Epsom for muscles, Dead Sea for skin.

In Cleaning Products

Epsom salt is ideal for DIY cleaning blends thanks to its gritty texture and neutral scent. Use it to:

• Scrub bathroom tiles and tubs (mix with baking soda + lemon juice)

• Deodorise drains (pour it down with vinegar)

• Freshen up carpets (sprinkle, leave, and vacuum)

Dead Sea salt, while beneficial for the skin, isn’t typically used for cleaning – it’s a bit too rich (and expensive!) for that.

In Potpourri & Fragrant DIYs

Epsom salt is excellent at holding on to scent, making it a lovely base for:

• Potpourri jars layered with dried flowers, citrus slices, spices

• Scent sachets for drawers or wardrobes

• Radiator scent jars for a slow, gentle fragrance release

Dead Sea salt, due to its higher moisture content, is less ideal for dry scent mixes. It can clump or draw moisture over time.

New Trends & Lovely Extras

If you’re into natural living and slow rituals, here are a few beautiful ways people are using salts in creative and meaningful ways:

Botanical Bath Soaks

Blend either salt with dried herbs and essential oils to create custom bath soak jars. Store in glass jars for a spa-like touch.

Try:

• Lavender + Epsom salt + chamomile

• Rose petals + Dead Sea salt + geranium oil

• Peppermint + eucalyptus + Epsom salt for sore muscles

Salt-Set Wax Tablets

Add Epsom salt to wax tablets (like scented ornaments) – the crystals add texture and help hold fragrance. Ideal for hanging in wardrobes or gifting.

Crystal-Style Display Jars

Layer different salts with dried flowers in a clear jar. These make pretty, scented shelf displays for bathrooms or calm corners of the home.

Seasonal Simmer Salts

Use Epsom salt as a base for dry simmer pot blends, combining dried fruit, cinnamon sticks, star anise, or herbs. Just spoon into a pot with water and gently warm – your whole house will smell like joy.

Natural Body Scrubs

Make easy exfoliating scrubs:

• Epsom + coconut oil + lemon zest – uplifting and zingy

• Dead Sea salt + honey + calendula – calming and moisturising

Garden & Eco-Cleaning

Epsom salt is brilliant for:

• Boosting magnesium in your plants (especially tomatoes and roses)

• Deterring slugs naturally

• Cleaning ovens, tiles, and even mixing into gentle floor washes

Foot Soak Stations

A growing home spa trend – set up a little “foot soak station” with a wooden bowl, a towel, and your favourite salt blend. Add herbs and essential oils, put the kettle on, and give your feet some proper love.

Which One Should I Use?

• Use Epsom salt for: baths, DIY body scrubs, cleaning blends, potpourri, scent jars, and garden rituals.

• Use Dead Sea salt for: skincare soaks, spa-style baths, calming inflamed skin, and relaxing foot baths

You don’t always have to choose – both salts have their place, depending on the moment and your needs. If you love a good soak or natural home ritual, it’s handy to have both on hand.

Final Thoughts

Both Epsom and Dead Sea salts are brilliant natural ingredients that support wellbeing in different ways. Whether you’re treating your skin, easing tension, or just making your home smell lovely, knowing the difference helps you make the most of each one.

And when you add a few herbs, a flickering candle, or a favourite scent, suddenly a simple soak becomes something sacred.

Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt FAQ's

1. Can I use Epsom salt and Dead Sea salt together in the same bath?

Yes, absolutely! Combining the two gives you the best of both worlds – Epsom salt helps soothe muscles and reduce tension, while Dead Sea salt nourishes the skin with its rich mineral content. Just mix about 1 cup of each in warm water and enjoy.

2. Which salt is better for skin conditions like eczema or acne?

Dead Sea salt is often recommended for skin issues due to its high levels of magnesium, bromide and zinc. It can help calm inflammation, reduce dryness and support healing. Always patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin.

3. Can I use Epsom salt in potpourri or scent jars?

Yes! Epsom salt is brilliant in dry fragrance blends. It holds onto essential oils well and adds a sparkly texture to potpourri jars or scented sachets. Just avoid using Dead Sea salt for this – it's a bit too moist and can clump.

4. Is either salt edible or safe to use in food?

No – neither Epsom salt nor Dead Sea salt is meant for cooking or eating. They’re intended for external use only (like baths, foot soaks, and skincare). Always check labels and buy food-grade salts separately if needed.

5. Is there a difference in scent between Epsom and Dead Sea salts?

Epsom salt is odourless, while Dead Sea salt has a natural mineral scent, which is slightly earthy and medicinal. You can always add essential oils to customise either one to your liking.

6. Can I use Epsom salt to fertilise my plants?

Yes! A small amount of Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) can support plant health, especially for tomatoes, peppers, and roses. Just don’t overdo it – too much can do more harm than good.

7. Which salt is more budget-friendly?

Epsom salt is often more affordable and widely available, making it ideal for everyday use, whether you’re bathing, cleaning, or crafting. Dead Sea salt is often more expensive due to its source and the method of harvesting.