by Natalie K. Bell
I’m the kind of person who diagnoses and treats myself with Google. More than once, I’ve admitted to a doctor, “I’m sorry; I Googled.” But it’s one of my favorite places for at-home remedies. I’ve searched the Internet for a bevy of beauty woes and one of the common products that people are talking about for many, many things that ail you is Epsom salt (Amazon, $10.98).
The simple, down-to-earth girl in me loves believing that something so cheap and simple could be so effective. Heck, the stuff has a whole council (Epsom Salt Council) devoted to boasting about it that make it sound like wonder crystals. So I had to know, what is Epsom salt and is it really all it’s cracked up to be?
The Breakdown
Magnesium and Sulfate
Epsom salt is a combination of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium is an abundant mineral that your body needs for about 300 processes (Magnesium) including blood pressure regulation blood pressure, aids in bone health and muscle function, to name a few. Most of the time magnesium is ingested in foods like spinach and almonds. Americans generally don’t get enough magnesium, though they don’t generally show signs of a deficiency. Sulfate can aid in the creation of brain tissue and joint proteins (Discovery Health).
Proven Uses
Laxative
Epsom Salt Council’s claim: “Epsom salt is an FDA-approved laxative.”
The facts: Magnesium sulfate works as a laxative by upping the water in your intestines (Wake Forest). It’s been used for this purpose since the 18th century for this purpose (Epsomite).
The verdict: True, but talk to your doctor before trying this out.
Hair Volumizer
Epsom Salt Council’s claim: “Mix it with your favorite deep conditioner to add body to your hair.”
The facts: This one works by increasing hair density (Magnesium Sulfate), though there were no studies indicated exactly how it does this.
The verdict: Not false. There weren’t studies on the effects of Epsom salt on hair. It’s accepted as a method for adding volume, but without more information, it’s difficult to tell if there could be negative consequences to using it this way, such as drying.
If you’re looking for volume, I recommend Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse (Amazon, $24.00)
Skin Soothing
Epsom Salt Council’s claim: “Dissolve in a bath to replenish the body’s magnesium levels.”
The facts: Discovered in 1618, the first mineral spring in Epsom, England was praised for its healing properties. “The spring water became well known for its potent palliative properties, including the curing of skin diseases such as the ‘scorbutick itch,’ or scurvy, and the alleviation of headaches, to name but two (Epsomite).” So, people have been using Epsom salt for centuries, which is a good indication that it’s beneficial.
Recently, it’s been shown to soften skin, but a study on mice found that Epsom salt could improve skin barrier repair (Interaction of Mineral Salts with the Skin). It’s also absorbed through the skin in small quantities, making it a way of getting some — but not all — the magnesium you need without getting too much ().
Verdict: True
Exfoliation
Epsom Salt Council’s claim: “Epsom salt is a pure mineral compound (magnesium sulfate) in crystal form that gently exfoliates skin and smoothes rough patches.”
The facts: Epsom salt comes in a crystallized form, meaning it has sharp edges (Epsomite). Using products with rough edges can damage your skin when scrubbed too vigorously (Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics). Some directions call for using the partially dissolved crystals in a bath to exfoliate.
The verdict: True, but don’t scrub too vigorously or you could do damage.
The Bottom Line
Epsom salt actually does a lot of what the Epsom Salt Council claims. After all, several hundred years of use is a pretty good indication that something has value as a beauty product. It can be used as a laxative, a soaking solution, and for exfoliation. The jury is still out on whether it’s beneficial or harmful to hair when used as a volumizer, though it does work.
