10 Best Bath Salts in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Here are some points to consider:

1. Choose your bath salt according to its main ingredient.
   
2. Select between a soaking solution and a salt body scrub.
3. Consider using a salt body wash for gentle exfoliation even during quick showers.
   
4. Check the grain size: larger grains for bath soaks and smaller grains for body exfoliation.
5. Scented or unscented: choose your scent preference.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.

There are two ways on how you can enjoy the benefits of bath salts - through soaking solutions and body scrubs.

First, you can opt for a soaking solution. This is a looser version of bath salts where you can simply sprinkle a handful or 2-4 cups of grains into your tub or basin and then add warm water. Wait until the bath salts dissolve and let your skin soak in the mixture for at most 15 minutes.

Aside from relaxation, soaking in salt baths can also restore your skin’s protective barrier to keep it moisturized. You can also use bath salts for a DIY foot spa at home to get rid of unwanted smell and toenail fungus.

Meanwhile, you can use bath salts in a body scrub form to exfoliate your wet skin in the shower. This way, you can concentrate on specific body parts, for example – the elbow, neck, underarm, or knees that need extra conditioning or hydration. Salt body scrubs allow you to gently remove dead skin cells to achieve softer and smoother skin. 

There are 3 common types of bath salts based on their active or main ingredient and their corresponding benefits. While most bath salts offer the same aromatherapy, certain bath salts are intended for treating a specific health condition.

However, take note that some bath salts can cause allergic reactions. Be extra careful in selecting the right bath salt and make sure that it is compatible with sensitive skin. Also, refrain from using bath salts if you have an open wound. 

Epsom salts, otherwise known as magnesium sulfate, are best for relaxation. After a jam-packed schedule of physical activities, soak your tired muscles in a warm bath with Epsom salt. This can reduce muscle soreness and relieve cramps.

Also, the higher magnesium level in Epsom salt baths help in inducing better sleep and reducing stress. Epsom salts are also popular for detoxing—the sulfates in Epsom salts are said to flush toxins and heavy metals from the skin. 

Dead Sea salt, meanwhile, is perfect for soothing dry skin, especially in certain inflammatory diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, allergic reaction, dry and aging skin. It helps in relieving symptoms such as roughness, skin redness, and itchiness by hydrating the skin. It is also known for alleviating rheumatic arthritis, for example, reducing stiffness and promoting hand-grip strength. 

Himalayan salt is easily distinguished because of its pinkish color. It is recommended for improving the quality of skin—it cleans and purifies the pores to make your skin more supple. It is mined from the Himalayas. 

Thus, it is free of pollutants and is considered the purest variant among bath salts. Himalayan salt baths can also help treat acne on breakout-prone areas such as the shoulders and the back. 

Of course, you can use bath salts just for relaxation. In this case, go for brands with larger grains because it will take longer to dissolve in the water – hence, you get to enjoy a lengthier bath time. On the other hand, if you’re planning to use bath salts for exfoliating or detoxing, select a smaller grain variant, mostly found in salt body scrubs. 

Most bath salts are infused with herbs and essential oils to bring the spa experience to the next level. Take this opportunity to select a scent that is most calming for you. For example, lavender and eucalyptus are popular choices for relaxation and relieving stress. Also, certain scents are more compatible with a specific skin type. 

For instance, rosemary and peppermint are ideal for dull and tired skin because these bath salts have a menthol component. Meanwhile, lavender is also good for stressed and oily skin. Lastly, orange bath salts provide extra hydration for dry and flaky skin. You may also go for an unscented variant. This way you can either enjoy a plain bath salt or concoct a customized aroma by using your own essential oils. 

Soaking solution and salt body scrubs should only be used once up to thrice a week to avoid over-exfoliating. Otherwise, this can lead to inflammation and skin rashes. Consider using a salt body wash as a good middle ground. On days where you only have enough time for quick showers, this bath product can also be handy.

With a salt body wash, you can gently exfoliate your skin every day, leaving it soft and smooth. It is also a nice alternative if your favorite bath salt goes out of stock—especially when it’s a bestseller or a cult favorite.

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.

Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.

The important things to consider while having a salt bath soak are:

1. Make sure you have patch-tested the product first, at least 3 times on the hands and feet, before using it on the whole body.
2. Limit soaks to 15 minutes.
3. Avoid making the bathwater hot. This could lead to excessive drying of the skin and skin irritations. Lukewarm water temperature is more ideal.
4. Once or twice a week would be adequate for salt baths. Opt for other gentler bath products for daily use.
5. Shower with a mild soap right after a soak and rinse thoroughly.
6. Moisturize with a lotion or cream that contains humectants and occlusives.

Before you soak your whole body, take note of these tips from Dr. Aznaida as she answers some of the web's most asked questions. 

A cup or two should be enough to use for bath soaks. For scrubs, use an amount adequate to cover the hands, feet, elbows, and knees.

It is ideal to use bath salts once or twice a week only. Use other gentler body cleansers on days in between. Too much salt use on the skin may result in irritation and dehydration.

There have been many testimonies of Epsom salt, stating that it can relieve the sting and discomfort of sunburns. We have to keep in mind, though, that Epsom salt, even if it may have an anti-inflammatory effect, can still potentially cause irritation on its own, especially on acutely sunburned skin. It is still best to use other options to relieve sunburn, such as medical-grade anti-inflammatory agents.

These bath salts may not be a necessity, but if used appropriately, they actually elevate our bath time experience and reap some skin benefits too. During this pandemic, who wouldn't love to get a spa experience at home? So light up those candles, and pour the salt in the bath!

While bath salts mainly address skin-related issues, you can also try switching up your other bath time essentials to give your hair a more localized treatment. Click the article links below to see our recommended hair care products that will take your bath time routine a notch higher.

Author: Ayeza E. Mangulabnan

Reviewed By: Dermatologist Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.