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What is "Magnesium Sulfate" and what is its utility?

What is "Magnesium Sulfate" and what is its utility?

Magnesium Sulfate, also known as Epsom Salt, is renowned for its relaxing, detoxifying, and soothing properties. It is therefore found in the composition of skincare and haircare products. Discover all the information regarding the use of magnesium sulfate or Epsom Salt in skincare.

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Published November 5, 2021, updated on February 2, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 3 min read

What is Magnesium Sulfate?

Magnesium sulfate is the INCI name for magnesium sulphate, also known as Epsom salt. It is a compound of magnesium, oxygen, sulphur and water. Magnesium sulphate is derived from natural minerals sourced from underground deposits. It is then purified and recrystallised. As a result, magnesium sulphate appears as white crystals.

It is used in the formulation of skincare products as a stabiliser. Indeed, it helps to stabilise emulsions that are rich in oils. The anhydrous form (that is, the form that does not contain water) of magnesium sulfate is used in warming skincare products. It is thus utilised as a bulking agent, a viscosity control agent, and a hair conditioner.

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What are the benefits of magnesium sulfate on the skin?

Magnesium sulfate is essentially composed of sulfate and magnesium, ingredients that are readily absorbed by the skin. Possessing relaxing and remineralising virtues, it is added to bath water to promote muscle relaxation.

It is also used to exfoliate the skin to remove dead cells. This action stimulates cell renewal and prevents the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The removal of dead cells also prevents the clogging of pores, which leads to the formation of comedones. Indeed, it deeply cleanses the pores. Magnesium sulfate thus gently exfoliates the skin while providing remineralising care.

Thanks to its soothing properties, magnesium sulfate alleviates itching and irritation caused by sunburn.

How to use magnesium sulfate?

To benefit from the properties of magnesium sulfate, add one to two cups into your warm bath water. Take your bath and relax for at least twenty minutes.

To exfoliate your skin, mix Epsom salt with olive oil.

  1. Apply this mixture to your skin whilst making circular movements.

  2. Allow a few minutes before rinsing to give your skin time to benefit from the advantages of magnesium sulfate and olive oil.

  3. Hydrate your skin with your usual cream.

You can also add a few drops of essential oils or vegetable oil to your Epsom salt. Avocado vegetable oil deeply hydrates the skin, while lavender essential oil has purifying and relaxing properties.

The sea salt used in cooking is different from Epsom salt or magnesium sulphate. The salt used in cooking is obtained by evaporating water. It is composed of sodium, chlorine, magnesium, iodine and potassium. Epsom salt or magnesium sulphate comes from underground deposits and is primarily composed of magnesium, sulphate and oxygen.

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