Magnesium Flakes and Epsom salts are both popular bath soaks, often used to relax after a long day. From helping you wind down to restoring aching muscles, what’s in these products that makes them so relaxing?
In this guide, we dive into the science behind Epsom salts vs. Magnesium Flakes, breaking down the benefits to help you understand which is most effective for taking rejuvenating baths. We’ll explore everything from the difference between Epsom salts and Magnesium Flakes to how they help you wind down.
In this guide:
What Do Epsom Salts Do?
Epsom salts are a type of Magnesium bath salt designed to dissolve into your bath and absorb into your skin to help release muscle tension. Magnesium is an essential mineral which many people take for its muscle recovery benefits and to help promote relaxation. So, you can easily see why soaking in a hot bath of Magnesium can help your body wind down.
Is Magnesium Sulphate the Same as Epsom Salts?
Yes, Epsom salt is also known as Magnesium sulphate. It’s a naturally occurring mineral salt – a chemical compound made from magnesium, sulphur and oxygen. The name refers to the town located outside of London where the salt was discovered and has quickly become a household name for this type of Magnesium bath salt.
Learn more about how Magnesium can relieve muscle tension
Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium is a vital mineral and electrolyte that helps to support more than 300 bodily functions, though the key benefits of Magnesium include:
- Restoring energy levels
- Improving fatigue
- Strengthening bones
- Encouraging restful sleep
- Supporting heart health
- Exercise recovery
The best way to increase your Magnesium intake is with a food-first approach, enjoying a healthy, balanced diet by eating plenty of Magnesium-rich foods. However, Magnesium supplements can also help boost your intake to optimal levels.
Shop our collection of Magnesium flakes
What’s the difference between Epsom Salts and Magnesium Flakes?
When it comes to enjoying a full body soak, Epsom salts and Magnesium Flakes are two of the most popular bathing salts – but do we know exactly what we’re soaking in?
The key difference between Epsom salts and Magnesium Flakes is that they’re two different Magnesium compounds. Each bath salt contains Magnesium in a different form, which can affect how effective they are.
Let’s explore the main distinctions between the two, uncovering the benefits of Epsom salts, Magnesium Flakes, and how they compare.
Different Forms of Magnesium
Magnesium is available in many different forms. When comparing Magnesium Flakes vs Epsom salts, their different Magnesium compounds set them apart.
- Magnesium Flakes are made from Magnesium chloride. They’re made from a Magnesium chloride solution which has been heated up and cooled down to create a hard sheet of highly concentrated Magnesium chloride. That sheet is then broken into small pieces to create the ‘flakes’.
- Epsom salts aren’t like table salt (which is sodium chloride), they’re made from Magnesium sulphate. These salts are sourced either from naturally occurring springs, or are created from synthetic materials.
Learn more about the benefits of Magnesium Flakes with our handy guide
Purity
Epsom salts are one of the most common forms of Magnesium, though the vast majority is synthetically manufactured for the mass market. However, Epsom salts can also be sourced naturally from open water such as the Great Lakes, the Dead Sea or naturally occurring springs.
Meanwhile, Magnesium chloride is a naturally occurring compound which can be mined from ancient sea beds or in open-water sources, like Dead Sea salt.
Learn more about the difference between Magnesium Flakes and Dead Sea salt
Bioavailability
While both compounds contain a similar level of elemental Magnesium, a key difference between Magnesium chloride (flakes) and Magnesium sulphate (salts) is how easily your body can absorb the magnesium.
Because it is wholly soluble, Magnesium chloride can help boost your cellular Magnesium levels when exposed to your skin, helping to soothe muscles and prevent Magnesium deficiency.
This high solubility allows the Magnesium compounds to break their bonds and easily travel into your pores, through the dermal layers and into your bloodstream. Ultimately, compared to using Epsom salts, Magnesium chloride flakes are often more easily absorbed and utilised by the body, making them more effective. This can also be referred to as being more ‘bioavailable’.
At BetterYou, our Magnesium Flakes only use Magnesium chloride mined from the Zechstein Sea in Northern Holland. Zechstein Magnesium is the richest and most naturally pure source of Magnesium, having been protected and purified for over 250 million years. You can learn more about this powerful mineral in our guide to Zechstein Magnesium.
“As Magnesium is well absorbed through the skin, adding some flakes into your bath, or a foot bath, is a great way to top up your levels. The options are Epsom salts (sulphate) or Magnesium Flakes (chloride), both of which are largely associated with wellbeing and muscle recovery. Both supplements have proven benefits, however research suggests that Magnesium Chloride is the more efficient choice since it has a broader spread of benefits and has a lower potential for toxicity.” – Kim Pearson, Nutritionist and Weight Loss Specialist.
Absorption Testing
Here at BetterYou, we work closely with Cardiff University to carry out our research on transdermal Magnesium absorption, helping us to create effective Magnesium Flakes made from a pure source of Magnesium chloride.
Our continued research in this field has led us to work with St Mark's Hospital, London, for the world's first clinical study investigating transdermal Magnesium as an alternative to IV infusions.
Shop our complete collection of Magnesium flakes
Magnesium Flakes vs. Epsom Salts: The Verdict
According to a public survey by YouGov, almost half of us (42%) take a relaxing bath at least once a week. While the appearance and application may be similar, the Magnesium chloride found in Magnesium Flakes is easier for our bodies to absorb than the Magnesium sulphate found in Epsom salts.
So, if you’re looking for an effective Epsom salt alternative, consider Magnesium Flakes to help ease muscle tension and improve rest and recovery.
How to use Magnesium Flakes
Magnesium Flakes are a gentle yet highly concentrated method of boosting your Magnesium intake while also enjoying the restorative benefits of a hot bath.
Best used for promoting relaxation and soothing tired, aching muscles, add 250g (around two cups) of our Magnesium Flakes to your bath and relax for at least 20 minutes.
If you’re using Magnesium Flakes in a small footbath, simply use 150g (one cup) in five litres of water – just enough to cover your feet. Then, enjoy for 20 minutes.
Improve skin hydration, joint flexibility and symptoms of muscle stiffness with our complete range of fast absorbing and hassle-free transdermal Magnesium supplements, including Magnesium spray and Magnesium cream. With BetterYou’s fast absorbing pill-free formulas, encouraging your Magnesium levels is easier than ever.
A Better Way to a BetterYou
At BetterYou, we appreciate the diversity of modern life. Between food production, our environment and busy schedules, our lifestyles can make it harder to get essential nutrients from diet alone. As experts in fast-acting, effective supplements, we’re here to help.
We focus on essential nutrients that help support your health and wellbeing, so you can feel your best. Combining the most bioavailable forms of ingredients with innovative delivery methods like oral sprays and transdermal oils, our products deliver quick and efficient nutrition where you need it most.
Whether you’re looking to boost your immunity, energy levels or help nourish your hair, skin and nails – find a better way to a BetterYou today. We’re available in major retailers, including Tesco, Holland & Barrett, and Boots. You can also find us online and on Amazon, making it easy to find the products you need.
