How to Use Dead Sea Salt: 4 Safe Ways and What to Avoid

Dead Sea salt is a popular ingredient in bath salts, scrubs and soaks. It differs from table salt: Dead Sea water is roughly ten times saltier than the ocean and has an unusual mineral balance, with a high share of magnesium alongside potassium, calcium, bromide and sodium chloride. Here are four simple ways to use it at home, and the mistakes to avoid.

Dead Sea salt is a cosmetic ingredient. It can feel relaxing and leave skin feeling soft, but it does not treat skin conditions or illnesses.

1) Bath soak

Dissolve the salt in a tub of warm water and soak for about 15-20 minutes. Follow the amount on your product’s label (many bath salts suggest roughly a half to one cup per bath). Rinse with fresh water afterwards and apply a rich moisturizer, since salt water can dry the skin.

2) Foot soak

Dissolve a quarter to half a cup in a basin of warm water and soak for 10-15 minutes. Gently use a pumice stone on rough areas, rinse and moisturize. If you have diabetes or any foot condition, check with your doctor first.

3) Body scrub

Mix a few tablespoons of fine salt with a carrier oil (such as almond or olive oil) and massage onto damp skin in gentle circles, then rinse. Use once or twice a week. Do not use it on the face, on broken or irritated skin, or on freshly shaved or waxed skin.

4) Blend with Epsom salt

Many people mix Dead Sea salt with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) for a bath blend. [Read our guide to blending Dead Sea salt and Epsom salt.]

How often should you use it?

One or two soaks a week is plenty. More can dry out your skin. Stop if you feel stinging or redness.

What to avoid

Do not use on broken skin, cuts, sunburn, rashes, or freshly shaved or waxed skin.
Not for babies and infants. Do not soak infants in salt baths.
For external use only. Never swallow it or inhale it from the jar.
Keep salt solutions away from your eyes, and don’t use coarse salt scrubs on your face.
It does not replace soap or medical treatment.
If you have eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, a heart or blood-pressure condition, or are pregnant, ask your doctor before regular salt soaks.

Is Dead Sea salt a treatment for skin conditions?

No. Bathing in the Dead Sea itself, combined with its sun and climate, has been studied as a supervised therapy for some skin conditions such as psoriasis. That is different from using salt at home, and bath salts should never replace the treatment your doctor recommends.

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