SEDE 101: Magnesium Flakes vs Epsom Salt
If you've shopped for bath salts, you've probably seen both Epsom Salts and
Magnesium Flakes promoted on packages, jars, and containers in the health and
wellness isles of pharmacies and drugstores. But have you ever wondered what actually
sets them apart, and which one is the better option for you? Here's the real chemistry
behind it.
What Are They?
Epsom salt isn't the kind of salt we use for cooking — it's Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄),
a chemical compound that was first identified in the spring waters of Epsom, England, in
the early 1600s. It's widely available, inexpensive, and has been used in baths for
centuries.
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl₂) is a slightly different compound — it was initially named as
an element in the 18th Century, and has since been discovered to have many uses for
daily use. Magnesium Chloride can be sourced from a few different places in nature,
most notably from the Zechstein Seabed and the Dead Sea. Both these locations are
naturally occurring deposits, formed through similar evaporation and crystallization
processes over time, and both yield high-purity magnesium chloride.
Why Choose Magnesium Flakes vs Epsom Salt?
Standard Epsom salt dominates drugstore shelves primarily because it is cheap and mass-produced. Due to the molecule size, it falls short when it comes to true transdermal mineral absorption.
At SEDE, we formulate exclusively with magnesium chloride because of its superior chemical profile: It is vastly more soluble, penetrates the skin barrier more effectively, and delivers a much higher concentration of elemental magnesium directly to tight muscles.
Magnesium chloride is far more soluble and dissolves faster in water, which provides
you a richer, more concentrated soak compared to magnesium sulfate. Magnesium
chloride also has a smaller molecular size compared to Magnesium sulfate, which gives
it a higher absorption rate as it can more easily penetrate the skin during soaks and
scrubs.
Why Is Magnesium Chloride More Expensive Than Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is widely available and inexpensive to produce, which is why it's the standard at most drugstores. Magnesium chloride, especially when harvested from a specific source like the Dead Sea, involves a more involved natural process — solar evaporation and crystallization — to produce. That extra process is reflected in the price.
What's the Verdict?
This isn't a case where one product is necessarily better than the other. Epsom salt
remains the most accessible and affordable entry point into mineral bathing, which gives
it an edge for beginners who want to try mineral baths.
However, if you want a richer, more concentrated soak, magnesium chloride is an
upgrade worth considering. Its smaller molecular structure, higher solubility, and the
option for Dead Sea-sourced formulations give it a genuine edge for those who want to
get more out of every soak.At SEDE, we want to bring you premium products at an affordable price. If you are looking for a nourishing, quality experience, try our
Magnesium Bath Soaks and feel the SEDE difference.
Pure Ingredients. Real Recovery. Feel the SEDE Difference.
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