Long story short, Magnesium Bath Flakes are the best. Epsom salts are a cheaper form of magnesium for baths, but you get what you pay for. Let's dive in...

What Makes Epsom Salts and Magnesium Bath Flakes Different?

 

Epsom Salts = Magnesium SULFATE (MgSO₄)

 

Magnesium Bath Flakes = Magnesium CHLORIDE (MgCl₂)

 

1. Understanding the Basics

Epsom Salts

Appearance: Small, crystalline granules that dissolve easily in water.

Used For:

• Muscle Relaxation: Commonly used to relieve muscle aches and pains.
• Detoxification: Believed to help detoxify the body through the skin.
• Stress Relief: Often used in baths for relaxation and stress relief.
• Constipation: Sometimes used as a laxative when ingested (with proper medical advice).

Benefits:

• Widely available and generally affordable.
• Provides a good source of magnesium and sulfate, which can be absorbed through the skin.

 

Magnesium Bath Flakes

Appearance: Larger, flake-like crystals compared to Epsom salts.

Used For:

• Muscle Relaxation: Effective for muscle relaxation and relief of aches.
• Skin Health: Believed to improve skin hydration and health.
• Stress Relief: Used for relaxation and stress relief, similar to Epsom salts.

Benefits:

• Higher concentration of magnesium, which is more easily absorbed by the skin.
• Gentler on the skin and less drying compared to Epsom salts.
• Magnesium chloride is more effective at replenishing the body’s magnesium levels than magnesium sulfate (epsom salts).

 

Key Differences

• Chemical Composition: Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate, while magnesium bath flakes are magnesium chloride.
• Absorption: Magnesium chloride (bath flakes) are better absorbed through the skin than magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts).
• Hydration: Magnesium chloride is more hydrating and less irritating to the skin than Epsom salts.

Both products are beneficial for relaxing baths, and the choice between them can depend on personal preference and specific health needs.

 

2. Bath Flakes Absorb Better

Chemical Structure and Absorption

• Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) differ significantly in their chemical structures.
• Magnesium chloride (Bath Flakes)are made of magnesium ions and chloride ions
• Magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts) consists of magnesium ions and sulfate ions.
• Research suggests that magnesium chloride is more bioavailable than magnesium sulfate. This means that the magnesium in magnesium chloride is more easily absorbed by the body.
• When dissolved in water, magnesium chloride breaks down more effectively into magnesium ions, which are small enough to be absorbed through the skin more efficiently. This is crucial for people seeking the therapeutic benefits of magnesium in a bath.

Skin Permeability

• The skin's permeability to magnesium ions can vary depending on the chemical composition of the solution. Magnesium chloride, being a smaller molecule compared to magnesium sulfate, penetrates the skin more readily.
• A study published in the "Journal of Applied Physiology" highlighted that transdermal magnesium therapy with magnesium chloride showed higher magnesium levels in the body compared to magnesium sulfate solutions.

Health Benefits

Muscle Relaxation and Recovery

• Magnesium plays a vital role in muscle function and recovery. It helps regulate muscle contractions and relaxes muscles by acting as a natural calcium blocker.
• Improved absorption of magnesium chloride means that muscles receive the magnesium they need more quickly and efficiently. This leads to faster relief from muscle cramps, soreness, and fatigue, making it an excellent choice for athletes and those with physically demanding lifestyles.

Reduction of Inflammation

• Magnesium is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Better absorption of magnesium chloride can lead to a more significant reduction in inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis or general muscle soreness.

Overall Well-being

• Magnesium is crucial for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production, DNA synthesis, and regulation of the nervous system.
• Enhanced absorption of magnesium chloride through the skin ensures that the body can maintain optimal levels of magnesium, promoting overall health and well-being. Users often report feeling more energized, less stressed, and having improved sleep quality after using magnesium bath flakes.

 

3. Bath Flakes Are Better For Your Skin

Gentler on the Skin:

• Magnesium chloride (Bath Flakes) is less likely to cause skin irritation compared to magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts). This makes magnesium bath flakes a better option for individuals with sensitive skin.
• The chloride ions in magnesium chloride help maintain the skin's natural moisture balance, preventing dryness and promoting hydration.
• Magnesium chloride can draw moisture from the environment and hold it in the skin, acting as a natural humectant. This can leave the skin feeling soft and supple after a bath.

Improved Skin Barrier Function:

• Regular use of magnesium bath flakes can strengthen the skin's barrier function. A healthy skin barrier is crucial for protecting against environmental pollutants, allergens, and irritants.
• Magnesium chloride helps to maintain the skin's natural lipid barrier, which is essential for keeping the skin hydrated and resilient.

Skin Conditions

• Eczema and Psoriasis:

  • Magnesium bath flakes can be particularly beneficial for individuals with eczema or psoriasis. Epsom Salts did not provide such success. source
  • The anti-inflammatory properties of magnesium chloride can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and alleviate itching associated with eczema and psoriasis. source

 

• Acne and Blemishes:

  • Magnesium chloride has antibacterial properties that can help reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
  • It also helps to balance oil production, preventing clogged pores and reducing the occurrence of acne and blemishes.
  • The gentle exfoliating effect of magnesium chloride can help remove dead skin cells, promoting a clearer and more radiant complexion.

• Skin Healing and Regeneration:
• Magnesium is vital for cellular processes, including DNA synthesis and repair. Enhanced absorption of magnesium chloride can support faster skin healing and regeneration.
• This can be beneficial for individuals dealing with minor cuts, scrapes, or post-acne marks, as magnesium chloride can help speed up the healing process.

4. Bath Flakes are Mined, Not Made

You may be thinking "How is mining better?"

Magnesium Chloride (Bath Flakes) - Naturally Sourced

• Magnesium chloride is often sourced from natural brine sources, such as ancient seabeds and salt lakes. These sources are abundant and sustainable.
• For example, Stone & Pestle's Magnesium Chloride is sustainably sourced from an ancient seabed that was formed millions of years ago, untouched by modern pollutants, called the "Zechstein Sea":

Extraction Process

• The extraction process involves evaporating the water from brine solutions to collect magnesium chloride crystals. This method is environmentally friendly and does not involve significant chemical processing.

Minimal Environmental Impact

• The harvesting of magnesium chloride from natural sources typically has a minimal environmental footprint, especially when compared to other mining operations.

Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts) - Synthetic Production

Epsom salts can be naturally mined from mineral deposits, but they are usually produced synthetically through chemical processes.

 

Extraction Process

• When sourced from natural deposits, magnesium sulfate extraction can involve more invasive mining techniques that have a higher environmental impact.
• Synthetically, it is produced by reacting sulfuric acid with magnesium oxide or carbonate, which requires significant energy and chemical inputs.

Environmental Concerns

• The synthetic production process can contribute to environmental pollution due to the chemicals and energy used.

Sustainability & Renewability

Magnesium Chloride: The brine sources from which magnesium chloride is extracted are renewable and can be sustainably managed. The use of solar evaporation in the extraction process further enhances its sustainability.

Magnesium Sulfate: While natural deposits of magnesium sulfate are finite, the synthetic production can continue as long as there are supplies of the necessary raw materials. However, this method is less sustainable due to its higher environmental impact.

Magnesium Chloride: The extraction process for magnesium chloride, especially when using solar evaporation, is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Magnesium Sulfate: The production of synthetic magnesium sulfate is energy-intensive and relies on industrial processes that contribute to carbon emissions and environmental degradation.

Magnesium Chloride: The extraction and production of magnesium chloride typically result in fewer harmful by-products. The process is cleaner, with minimal waste generated.

Magnesium Sulfate: The synthetic production of magnesium sulfate can produce waste products and pollutants that require proper disposal to avoid environmental contamination.

Environmental Benefits

• The lower energy consumption and minimal chemical use in the production of magnesium chloride contribute to a reduced carbon footprint compared to the production of magnesium sulfate.

Eco-Friendly Practices

• We source our Magnesium Chloride from companies that produce magnesium chloride using eco-friendly practices, such as using solar energy for evaporation and ensuring sustainable harvesting of brine sources. These practices help preserve natural ecosystems and reduce environmental damage.

5. Conclusion

Bath Flakes (Magnesium Chloride) are a CLEAR WINNER.