You’ll find them tucked inside your luxury bath set, sprinkled lovingly into a romantic bath, or neatly nestled in a bath relaxation kit – but the truth is, Epsom salts have a secret life that make them far more fascinating than most people realise. From their curious history to their many modern uses (even in your garden!), Epsom salts are one of the most humble and hardworking ingredients in the world of self-care.

A Little History: Not Actually “Salt” at All

Despite the name, Epsom salts aren’t salt in the table-salt sense. Epsom salts are a naturally occurring mineral compound made up of magnesium, sulphur, and oxygen – known scientifically as magnesium sulphate heptahydrate.

Epsom salts get their name from the English town of Epsom in Surrey, where they were originally discovered in natural spring waters in the early 1600s. Henry Wicker, a local cow herder, noticed that his animals wouldn’t drink the water, but wounds healed faster when bathed in it.

Soon, the town of Epsom became one of England’s earliest spa destinations, attracting wealthy visitors who came to “take the waters” for health and healing. Physicians and high society alike believed the mineral-rich waters helped with everything from skin ailments to digestion – and the demand for the salts quickly grew beyond the village spring. This kicked off hundreds of years of “salt” soaking, and an enduring legacy of using these mineral-rich crystals in relaxation bath sets across the world.

Can Epsom Salts Actually Be Absorbed Through the Skin?

Some studies and anecdotal reports suggest that magnesium can be absorbed transdermally, meaning through the skin, during a warm soak. While definitive large-scale studies are still lacking, many people report feeling physically and emotionally calmer after soaking in magnesium-rich water.

What’s more certain is that Epsom salts:

• Help relieve tension and muscle aches
• Aid in reducing swelling and improving circulation
• Create a calming, spa-like effect, especially when paired with aromatic shower bombs or a long burn candle

In short? Whether it’s physiological or psychological – soaking in an Epsom salt bath can work wonders.

Why We Love Epsom Salts in Every BathCalm Product

At BathCalm, Epsom salts are the foundation of our relaxation bath sets for a few reasons:

• They dissolve beautifully in warm water
• They provide a gentle exfoliating boost to our Shower Clouds
• They amplify the soothing effect of essential oils like Sandalwood, Honeysuckle, or Buddha Wood

Whether you’re indulging in a full romantic bath experience or treating yourself to a 20-minute solo soak, Epsom salts are the quiet achiever in your bathroom ritual.

Where Do Shower Bombs Fit In?

While Epsom salts are usually associated with baths, we’ve brought their benefits into the shower too. BathCalm’s shower bombs are uniquely formulated with Epsom salts, giving them an edge over the typical steamer.

As they fizz and release their natural essential oils and vitamin E binding oils, our shower bombs gently exfoliate the skin when used as a loofah, making them the perfect addition to your loofah shower ritual. Think of it as a mini spa moment that’s quick, easy, and leaves your skin feeling silky, not stripped.

Here’s how to use them:

• Instead of placing the shower bomb on the floor of the shower, hold it, and
• As it softens, gently exfoliate your skin with it
• Rinse off to reveal softer, smoother skin (with no synthetic nasties)

They’re a perfect match for our bath relaxation kits or a thoughtful add-on in a luxury bath set, especially for those who prefer showers to baths.

The Unexpected Uses of Epsom Salts

Epsom salts aren’t just for baths – they moonlight as a garden hero, too! Once you’re done with your bath, your leftover water doesn’t have to go to waste.

Here’s how to recycle Epsom salt bathwater safely:

• Ensure you’re using only natural, non-toxic essential oils
• Let the bath cool and use it to water non-edible plants or the base of fruit trees
• Avoid applying directly to leaves or flowers

And here’s how Epsom salts support plant growth:

• Magnesium helps seed germination and improves nutrient uptake
• Sulphur contributes to chlorophyll production, which helps leaves stay lush and green
• Great for roses, tomatoes, and citrus trees

Pro tip: Mix a tablespoon of Epsom salts in a watering can and apply once a month for thriving backyard blooms!

What to Look for in a Luxury Bath Set or Relaxation Bath Kit

There’s bath stuff… and then there’s BathCalm. If you’re choosing a set for yourself or someone else, check that it includes:

• High-grade Epsom salts, not filler ingredients
• A thoughtful blend of essential oils (synthetic fragrances = no thanks)
• Optional extras like long burn candles, shower bombs, and loofah accessories
• Bonus points if it’s beautifully packaged and plastic-free

Not Just Salty, But Smart

The secret life of Epsom salts proves they’re anything but basic. Whether you’re soaking in a full romantic bath, pampering yourself with a relaxation bath set, or repurposing your bathwater to feed your tomato plants, these mineral-packed marvels are a quiet powerhouse in your wellness ritual.

They’ve been used for centuries – and if your muscles, mood and marigolds have anything to say about it – they’ll be used for centuries more.