Do bath salts help you relax?

Yes! Bath salts can help relieve muscle aches and reduce inflammation. The Arthritis Foundation recommends soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath to help relieve stiff and aching joints and reduced muscle soreness after exercising. On top of that, many bath salts contain relaxing essential oils for aromatherapy benefits.

How do bath salts relieve stress?

Epsom salt baths are known to replenish the blood magnesium levels transdermally, which then helps soothe the muscles, alleviate stress headaches, and calm tense joints and muscles.

How long should you sit in an Epsom salt bath?

It’s recommended that you soak for at least 15 minutes. It’s best to use lukewarm water, as water that’s too hot might worsen swelling.

The 14 Best Bath Salts in 2023

The 10 Best Bath Salts in 2022 — Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

The simple act of immersing your body in warm water can help soothe achy muscles and alleviate tension. But with the right product, the benefits of soaking in the tub don't end there. Bath salts can be made of various types of salt, like Dead Sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, or Epsom salt (aka magnesium sulfate). These granulated mixtures are rich in minerals, particularly magnesium. "While magnesium's mood-boosting, muscle-improving benefits are well known, this mineral can also be good for skin by reducing inflammation," says dermatologist Rachel Maiman, MD.

Meet the Expert

Rachel Maiman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York.

Bath salts often contain essential oils as well. "They can provide a surplus of aromatherapy benefits," Maiman tells Byrdie. "For instance, peppermint oil has been shown to reduce anxiety, and lavender oil can promote relaxation."

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Our best overall pick is Maude Soak Bath Salts, which soothe inflammation and have a hydrating, mineral-rich formula with calming scent options. For a more affordable pick, consider Dr. Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution, which uses magnesium-rich Epsom salt and softens skin.

We conducted hours of research on the best bath salts and tried some of the top-rated soaks out there, our testers taking note of ingredients, scent, and how the bath salt affected skin. Our team then combined these results with our own research of fan-favorites plus dermatologists and esthetician-recommended picks to create this list.

Meet the Expert

Hysem Eldik, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical. He treats a wide range of skin conditions, including eczema, acne, and nail issues.
Dana Murray is a licensed esthetician and product developer with a keen understanding of skin physiology and the chemistry of ingredients.

Ahead, find the best bath salts for a relaxing soak.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Maude Soak No. 1 Bath Salts at Sephora

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Best Budget:

Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Soaking Solution

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Best Drugstore:

Dove Foaming Bath Salts at Walmart

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Best Splurge:

Gilded Body Nero Bath Soak at Gildedbody.com

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Best Luxury:

Naturopathica Bath Flakes at Amazon

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Best for Gifting:

Esker Bath Salts at Amazon

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Best Moisturizing:

Tree Hut Epsom Salt at Amazon

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Best Skin-Softening:

OUAI Bath Bombs at Amazon

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Best Detoxifying:

Goop Beauty G.Tox Detox 5 at Credo Beauty

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Best Calming:

Herbivore Botanicals Calm Bath Salts at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look for
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Bloomingdales View On Getmaude.com

What We Like

Soothes inflammation
Leaves skin soft
Calming scents

What We Don’t Like

Reviewers note it can be prone to clumping

Our top choice is Maude Soak. It leans on mineral-rich Dead Sea salt to calm inflammation, ease muscle tension, and address dryness. Not only that but the all-star ingredient has been shown to improve skin barrier function and leave you feeling oh-so-soft.

We also like that these bath salts come in two calming scents. No. 1 features a warm amber base with notes of cedar leaf and tonka bean. No. 2 is a livelier profile of pink pepper with hints of balsam and lemon.

Key Ingredients: Dead sea salt | Scent: Amber-cedar-tonka bean, pepper-balsam-lemon | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Dr. Teal's Soothe & Sleep with Lavender Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Target

What We Like

Affordable
Generous amount
Calming scent

What We Don’t Like

Bulky bag

"A good-old bag of Epsom salt from your local drugstore like Dr. Teal's works wonderfully," says esthetician Dana Murray. Aside from muscle-relaxing magnesium, this wallet-friendly pick contains lavender oil to help you wind down and feel more at ease; it also softens skin beautifully.

Key Ingredients: Epsom salt, lavender essential oil | Scent: Lavender | Size: 48 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Walmart

View On Walmart View On IHerb View On Instacart.com

What We Like

Affordable
Generous amount
Dermatologist-recommended

What We Don’t Like

Contains dyes
Bulky bag

Dermatologist Hysem Eldik, MD, recommends Dove bath salts. "The smell is rich and potent," he says. "In addition to the muscle-relieving benefits, the unique scent can play a significant role in relaxation."

Key Ingredients: Sea salt, glycerin | Scent: Floral | Size: 28 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Gilded

View On Gildedbody.com

What We Like

Soothes inflammation
Leaves skin soft
Refills available

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Nero Bath Soak is filled with hand-harvested sea salts from around the world. The mineral-rich mixture helps soothe inflammation and relax your muscles while hydrating and softening your skin. The price is steep, but you can get a refill for the marble container or bypass the fancy dish altogether and go straight for the refill bag.

Key Ingredients: French gray salt, Mediterranean black salt | Scent: Botanical | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Naturopathica Sweet Birch & Magnesium Bath Flakes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Shopterrain.com

What We Like

Relaxes muscles
Esthetician-recommended
Eco-conscious company

What We Don’t Like

Pricey

Murray is a fan of Naturopathica Bath Flakes, which contain a pure form of magnesium. "When used topically in a bath soak, it can act as a muscle relaxant," she tells Byrdie. "That's why it's so beneficial to help soothe sore muscles and tired feet."

Key Ingredients: Magnesium chloride, sweet birch oil | Scent: Herbal | Size: 1.7–11 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Anthropologie View On Freepeople.com

What We Like

Shimmering effect
Luxurious formula
Seagrass-wrapped carafe

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Shopping for someone else? These shimmering bath salts are a perfect gift. Inside the seagrass-wrapped glass carafe is a luxurious blend of Epsom and Dead Sea salts, plus coconut milk powder, kaolin clay, and a calming blend of essential oils.

Key Ingredients: Dead sea salt, Epsom salt, kaolin, coconut milk powder | Scent: Sweet botanicals | Size: 10 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Affordable
Generous amount
Leaves skin soft

What We Don’t Like

Bulky bag
Strong scent

This nourishing medley combines the deep moisturization of shea butter with the skin-softening, inflammation-reducing effects of Epsom salt. "It can also help ease skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis," Murray adds.

Key Ingredients: Epsom salt, shea butter | Scent: Coconut-lime | Size: 48 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

4.8

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Target

What We Like

Unique design
Effervescent effect
Moisturizing

What We Don’t Like

May leave residue

Ouai Chill Pills contain a base of skin-softening sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda), plus jojoba, safflower seed, and hemp oils to condition and moisturize. Just fill your tub with warm water, drop one in, and then sit back and relax while it does its thing.

Key Ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate, jojoba, safflower, and hemp oils | Scent: Jasmine-rose | Amount: 6 bombs | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Credo

View On Credo Beauty View On Goop.com View On The Detox Market

What We Like

Absorbs impurities
Soothes inflammation
Leaves skin soft

What We Don’t Like

Pricey

"Detox" is somewhat of a loose term in the self-care industry, but concerning this bath soak, it refers to the absorbent, purifying abilities of activated charcoal. The formula also contains a blend of mineral-dense salts to soften, soothe, and ease muscle tension.

Key Ingredients: Epsom salt, Dead Sea salt, solar salt, activated charcoal | Scent: Herbal | Size: 24 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

4.7

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Follain.com

What We Like

Luxurious
Nice scent
Dermatologist-recommended

What We Don’t Like

High price per use

Maiman is a fan of this luxurious bath product from Herbivore. "This product contains coconut milk and coconut pulp, both of which provide immediate and lasting hydration," she tells Byrdie. "The scent is awesome and reminiscent of a tropical destination."

Key Ingredients: Himalayan pink salt, essential oils | Scent: Vanilla, ylang-ylang | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Bathing Culture Big Dipper Mineral Bath Salts

Credo

View On Credo Beauty

What We Like

High-quality salt blend
Sophisticated scent profile
Leaves skin soft

What We Don’t Like

High price per ounce

We're suckers for a good scent, and these bath salts don't disappoint. Designed to capture the natural sensations of dipping into a hot spring, the fragrance flaunts a warm, earthy base of vetiver and balsam with woody notes and hints of floral.

Key Ingredients: Epsom salt, Pacific sea salt, Himalayan pink salt | Scent: Woody-floral | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Safe & Chic

View On Osmiaorganics.com View On Safeandchic.com View On The Detox Market

What We Like

Contains organic ingredients
Calming scent
Esthetician-recommended

What We Don’t Like

Nothing

Recommended by professionals, Osmia Recovery Salt Bath combines Epsom with French gray salt and coconut oil. The result is a muscle-relaxing brew that reduces soreness and eases tension. The lavender aromatherapy provides a calming effect, too.

Key Ingredients: French gray salt, Epsom salt, coconut oil | Scent: Lavender-marjoram | Size: 17 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Experts Say

"The area of the body you are soaking can directly absorb the magnesium sulfate into the skin and deeper muscles. Its anti-inflammatory effects function as a muscle relaxer and pain reliever that can improve soreness and [help you] avoid injury." —Hysem Eldik, MD, Dermatologist

Saje

View On Saje.com

What We Like

Soothes inflammation
Calming scent

What We Don’t Like

Nothing

If soaking in the tub is part of your pre-bedtime routine, Saje Sleep Well. This relaxing elixir combines Epsom and sea salt to soothe your skin and muscles, while the aroma of lavender and chamomile essential oils helps put your mind at ease.

Key Ingredients: Sea salt, Epsom salt, essential oils | Scent: Lavender | Size: 10.6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Kroger.com

What We Like

Physically exfoliates
Moisturizing
Leaves skin soft

What We Don’t Like

Nothing

Granulated salt can also be a great physical exfoliator for the skin on your body, helping stimulate cell turnover and smooth uneven texture. After sloughing off dead cells and revealing silky-soft skin underneath, this bath scrub calls on grape seed oil to moisturize, nourish, and protect.

Key Ingredients: Dead sea salt, grape seed oil | Size: 8 ounces | Scent: Citrus, eucalyptus, botanical | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

What to Look for in a Bath Salt

Ingredients

The most common ingredient in bath salts is magnesium sulfate, however, magnesium chloride may be just as effective if not more so. Magnesium chloride is a type of magnesium salt that includes chlorine, and it’s easily absorbed transdermally.

Aromatherapy Benefits

Scented bath salts can offer additional aromatherapy benefits, such as relaxation, reduced depression symptoms, and improved mood. Some popular scents include lavender, chamomile, and peppermint.

Avoid Essential Oils on Sensitive Skin

We recommend staying away from Epsom salts that contain essential oils if you’re someone with sensitive skin or are prone to eczema.

FAQ

Do bath salts help you relax?

Yes! Bath salts can help relieve muscle aches and reduce inflammation. The Arthritis Foundation recommends soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath to help relieve stiff and aching joints and reduced muscle soreness after exercising. On top of that, many bath salts contain relaxing essential oils for aromatherapy benefits.
How do bath salts relieve stress?

Epsom salt baths are known to replenish the blood magnesium levels transdermally, which then helps soothe the muscles, alleviate stress headaches, and calm tense joints and muscles.
How long should you sit in an Epsom salt bath?

It’s recommended that you soak for at least 15 minutes. It’s best to use lukewarm water, as water that’s too hot might worsen swelling.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance copywriter specializing in skincare, lifestyle, and wellness within the commerce space. She considered dozens of bath salts for this roundup, evaluating each on key ingredients, scent, and effect on the skin. She also consulted our testing insights and an esthetician and dermatologist for this roundup. Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, covering skincare, color cosmetics, and fitness products.

The 16 Best Bath Bombs of 2023

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.