The Best Epsom Salts to Reduce Stress, Ease Muscle Pain, and Soften Skin (2024)

There’s a lot to be said for a little bit of self-care. Whether you’re stressed or simply want some me-time, one of the easiest ways to unwind is by taking a nice warm bath. But for extra soothing power, forego the classic bubbles for epsom salts. The best epsom salts are an excellent addition to your bath for their healing and relaxing benefits.

While epsom salt is a type of salt, it’s very different from the stuff you sprinkle into your soup. The salt, scientifically referred to as magnesium sulfate, is known for its healing properties. When dissolved into a bath, it can help relax muscles and gently exfoliate the skin, says Ana Cristina Laureano, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Scherl Dermatology in New Jersey.

So, what are the benefits of epsom salts? When epsom salts dissolve into water, tiny magnesium particles are released, which get absorbed into the skin. Magnesium is the most abundant mineral in the body and plays a key role in muscle, cell, and nerve function—so soaking in the stuff can help ease soreness and relieve pain all over, like in the neck, shoulders, and feet, explains Patricia Ladis, P.T., C.B.B.A., a licensed physical therapist and author of Wise Woman’s Guide to Your Healthiest Pregnancy & Birth.

“I can tell you from working with athletes and patients who are dealing with pain, epsom salt baths do make a difference,” she says, adding that it can even help reduce arthritis pain. Another nice bonus: “Many people talk about how epsom salt foot baths help their feet by softening calluses and getting rid of bacteria and odor,” she adds.

Ready to add some to your bath routine? Here are the best epsom salts to elevate your me-time.

How we chose the best epsom salts

We consulted Dr. Laureano, Dr. Ladis, countless customer reviews, and tested some ourselves to find the best epsom salts for every concern.

Our top picks

We can guarantee pro athletes know a thing or two about sore muscles, so when the brand Austa (co-owned by Venus Williams) released these bath flakes, it was bound to be a game-changer. The flakes come straight from the Zechstein Sea in the Netherlands, making it one of the purest magnesium flakes available. It absorbs quickly to deliver much-needed relief. It’s also free of synthetic chemicals, artificial colors, and fragrances.

This top-rated epsom salt soak contains gentle, eucalyptus scented crystals and will leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed. It comes in an 3-pound resealable bag that’s great for storing under the bathroom sink. “Absolutely the best scent boost in my bathroom,” wrote one reviewer. “Helps relieve some of my sciatic flare ups and makes me feel totally calm.”

Dr Teal’s is a derm-favorite brand, thanks to its good-for-you ingredients. And this epsom salt soaking solution is great for those with tired and achy muscles. It’s made with lavender oil to help soothe your mind and prepare your body for a better night’s sleep. Pour at least 2 cups of the salt under warm, running water and let the salts go to work.

With over 3,000 rave reviews, these magnesium chloride bath flakes offer a highly effective, yet calming experience while soaking in a tub. “You will be AMAZED by the muscle-relaxing, pain-relieving power of this stuff,” wrote one reviewer. “I have chronic severe muscle spasms, and a magnesium bath before bed makes the difference between tossing and turning all night in pain and a night of restful, relaxed sleep.”

Opting for a liquid formula is a great alternative to using salts. This foaming bath product has a 4.8-star rating and over 40,000 rave reviews on Amazon. It helps transform your ordinary soak into a relaxing oasis. The best part? The long-lasting soap bubbles gently cleanse and nourish the skin for a spa-like experience whenever you step into the tub.

Created from the purest magnesium, these unscented bath salts dissolve quickly and easily in warm water. You can use it for its therapeutic qualities and soak in the tub or you can mix it in with your shower gel to create a gentle exfoliating scrub, thanks to its slightly larger grain size.

Naturopathica is a brand that draws on holistic healing practices to create effective herbal products—and after one soak using their Sweet Birch Magnesium Bath Flakes you’ll fall in love. It has a blend of sweet birch, a warming oil that helps to uplift and re-energize the body. “These are my favorite bath salts! I love the scent of these—kind of a creamy dreamy peppermint—and how it’s so soothing to use in the bath,” wrote one reviewer. “This would make a great gift to any friend who is going through tough times or is an athlete or a migraine sufferer. Will definitely purchase it again!”

If you think getting a pedicure once or twice a month is the way to treat your feet—thing again. Our feet deserve so much more relaxation time, and foot soaks are the perfect way to do so. This bacteria-fighting tea tree oil soak has a powerful blend of epsom salt, dead sea salt, and six other essential oils. It works to relax sore and tired feet while also helping to soften rough calluses. Add your desired amount into a foot bath, sit back, and relax while the foot soak works its magic.

This foaming epsom salt blend is perfect for aches and pains. The formula contains eucalyptus and spearmint essential oils as well as menthol in addition to the high-quality blend of epsom and sea salts. “All I can say is this stuff REALLY works! All of my pain literally just went away practically as soon as I got in to soak,” writes one reviewer. “Also, you can feel the oils softening your skin while you soak as well. I felt so relaxed I almost fell asleep in the tub.”

Standard Dose works to create plant-based products and places emphasis on transparency, education, and experience. And their fortifying magnesium bath soak lives up to the brand’s all-natural commitment. Responsibly sourced magnesium, papaya enzyme, and passionflower work together to soothe your body and rejuvenate the skin. We also love the fact that the bag is biodegradable and can be easily composted at home.