At first glance, Epsom Bath Salts and Magnesium Bath Flakes might look similar, both dissolve easily in warm water and promise a relaxing, mineral-rich soak.  

But while they share a few similarities, they’re actually made from different types of magnesium compounds, each offering its own unique benefits and feel. 

Let’s clear up the confusion and help you choose which one is right for your next self-care bath soak. 

What Are Epsom Bath Salts? 

Epsom Bath Salts are made from magnesium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. 

They’ve been used for centuries to create a soothing and refreshing bath experience. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salts create a softening, mineral-rich soak that helps the skin feel smooth and refreshed, ideal for relaxing tired muscles. 

Epsom Bath Salts = Magnesium Sulfate 

Benefits  

• Helps create a calming and rejuvenating bath soak
• Helps soften and refresh skin  
• Ideal for a calming, or post-exercise soak 

What Are Magnesium Bath Flakes? 

Magnesium Bath Flakes are made from magnesium chloride, a different form of magnesium sourced from natural mineral deposits such as the ancient Zechstein Sea in the Netherlands, which is where our magnesium flakes are sourced from. 

This form of magnesium is highly soluble and dissolves easily, creating a gentle, spa-like bathing experience that leaves  the skin feeling soft, nourished, and comforted. Ideal to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day or after a workout. 

Magnesium Bath Flakes = Magnesium Chloride 

Benefits 

• Creates a relaxing, spa-like bath at home 
• Leaves bath water feeling silky and soothing  
• Ideal for a gentle, calming soak after a long day or exercise 

Which One Should You Choose? 

Both types of bath salts are wonderful additions to your self-care routine, it depends on what you’re looking for: 

• Choose Epsom Bath Salts for a classic soak that helps you unwind and relax tired muscles. 
• Choose Magnesium Bath Flakes for a luxurious, spa-like experience to help relax you at the end of the day.  

Many people even like to alternate or blend both, creating their own signature soak. 

Our Bathing Tip 

Whichever you choose, use 2–5 handfuls in a warm bath, dissolve fully, and soak for 15–20 minutes. Light a candle, breathe deeply, and turn your bath into your own moment of calm.  

If you don’t have a bath, you can still enjoy the same benefits with a foot soak, simply adding a couple of handfuls to a bowl of warm water and soaking your feet for 10–15 minutes. 

Shop Magnesium Bath Flakes or our Epsom Bath Salts

For more blogs on our range of Bath Salts click on the links below

• Epsom Salts vs Magnesium Flakes: What’s the difference?
• Benefits of Soaking in Epsom Bath Salts
• How to Use Magnesium Flakes for a Spa Experience at Home
• Epsom Foot Soaks, how to do
• Best Self-Care Routine with Epsom Salts or Magnesium Flakes
• The Science Behind Magnesium For Wellness
• 5 Simple DIY Bath Salts Recipes for Gifting and Relaxation

About Lucy Bee 

Founded by Lucy, a beauty therapist and mum, Lucy Bee is an independent British skincare and wellness brand dedicated to creating effective and unique formulations. Customer care is of prime importance to us and we have a V-I-Bee reward credits scheme for our account holders as thanks for their loyalty. All of our products have a focus on sustainability, organic, natural, vegan and cruelty free. Since launching in 2012 with fair trade coconut oil, Lucy Bee delivers uncompromising quality to conscious beauty.  

Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.