10 Best Bath Salts in the Philippines 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Graduated Dermatology Residency from University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan is a diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society. She is also a consultant and the Section Head of the Dermatology Section in Amai Pakpak Medical Center.

Dr. Aznaida is also a part-time faculty of Xavier University-JPRSM. Aside from that, she is also the co-founder of Pandapatan Dermatology Clinic in Marawi City. She is passionate about skin health and skincare and dreams of world peace. Like and follow her on her Instagram and Facebook page to know more about her practice!

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 products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide. For ranks 1 to 3, in addition to the buying guide, we also referred to more than 100 reviews in Lazada to come up with their respective rankings.

We have more product recommendations in store for you! Listed in no particle order, here are seven more of our recommended products carefully chosen by the mybest team.

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.

In the YouTube video above by Cara Marshall, she shares a step-by-step guide on how to draw a salt bath using Epsom salt.

Steps:

1. Prepare the detox essentials – towel, face cloth, water bottle, Epsom salt, your chosen essential oil, and candles.
2. Fill your bathtub with water that is as hot as you prefer.
3. As you run the water, add 2 cups of Epsom salt. When the tub is filled, turn off the faucet and then add 5-10 drops of essential oil.
4. Light a few candles and place them around the tub to create a relaxing environment.
5. Place your water bottle near the tub so you can drink it while soaking – drinking water will assist in the detoxing.
6. Also, place a face towel on the edge of the tub to easily reach it when you need to wipe down your face from sweating in the warm bath.
7. Immerse or soak yourself up to your neck for 15-20 minutes.
8. Take a shower after to remove the toxins off your skin – but do not use any harsh soap or shampoo.
9. Once dry, apply a moisturizer or lotion.

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.

Bath salts are a very versatile self-care product for both your body and mind. This bath time essential not only replenishes or rejuvenates your skin; it can relax your tired muscles and put your mind at ease.

Whether you’re soaking in a warm salt bath, dipping your hands or feet in a nice basin bath, or exfoliating in the shower with a salt body scrub or body wash – bath salts provide a soothing spa experience. You can easily customize it according to your needs without having to leave the safety and comfort of your home.

Author: Ayeza E. Mangulabnan

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

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Curious to know how we chose the products on our list? Our buying guide was carefully crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, so we used it as a basis for choosing and rating. For the top 3 product recommendations, we also looked at reviews from Lazada in addition to the buying guide.

*Please note that we did not test the products and were not paid by any of the brands to include their product on the list.

Ratings and Reviews
For each product on the top 3, we looked at and referenced more than 100 reviews, as well as product ratings in Lazada.

Choose Your Bath Salt According to its Main Ingredient

There is a wide variety of bath salts available nowadays, and they all target different skin concerns. We looked at the products' ingredients list and the brands' claims, as well as reviews from different sources, and gave a higher rating if the majority of the reviews support and back up the brands' claims.

Select Between a Soaking Solution and a Salt Body Scrub

Since this part of the buying guide is hugely dependent on the buyers' preference, we did not include it in our ratings.

Consider Using a Salt Body Wash for Gentle Exfoliation Even During Quick Showers

This part is only a suggestion for those who want gentle exfoliation. We do not consider salt body washes as superior to regular bath salts and soaks, so we did not include this as a criterion in our rating. 

Check the Grain Size: Larger Grains for Bath Soaks and Smaller Grains for Body Exfoliation

This part of the buying guide is also dependent on the preference of the buyer, so we did not include it in our ratings, 

Scented or Unscented: Choose Your Scent Preference

Again, whether to get something that is scented or unscented, will depend on the preference of the user, so we also did not include this part of the buying guide in our ratings.