What Really Happens When You Soak in an Epsom Salt Bath

Key Takeaways

Epsom salt baths are commonly used to ease sore muscles, stress, and minor conditions like ingrown toenails.

Research on whether magnesium from Epsom salt can be absorbed through the skin is limited and inconclusive.

Epsom salt is generally safe when used in baths, but it should not be ingested and may be risky for people with certain skin conditions.

Epsom salt is a natural mineral salt often used to ease sore muscles and reduce stress. When dissolved in water, it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate ions, but it won’t dissolve in alcohol-based liquids.

Common Uses and Benefits of Epsom Salt

People use Epsom salt for various ailments, including arthritis , ingrown toenails, sunburns, and minor injuries like bruises, scratches, and sprains.

When Epsom salt is used