What is the Difference Between Magnesium Chloride and Epsom Salts?

Magnesium Chloride vs Epsom Salts: What’s Better for Your Skin and Health?

If you’ve ever soaked in a warm bath to ease sore muscles or used a magnesium spray before bed, chances are you’ve come across Magnesium Chloride and Epsom salts. While they’re both popular for supporting relaxation and recovery, they’re not exactly the same—and understanding the difference can help you get the most out of your self-care routine.

So, what’s the difference?

The short answer: it comes down to how well your body absorbs the magnesium, and how each form interacts with your skin.

Magnesium chloride is a highly absorbable form of magnesium that’s often used in sprays, lotions, and flakes. It soaks into the skin easily, making it ideal for people who are low in magnesium or looking to support deeper health benefits—like better sleep, stress relief, or hormonal balance.

Epsom salts, on the other hand, are made of magnesium sulfate. They’re best known for relaxing baths and post-workout recovery. While they still deliver a dose of magnesium, the absorption rate is lower compared to magnesium chloride, which means they’re better for short-term relief rather than daily magnesium replenishment.

What about skin benefits?

If you’ve got sensitive or dry skin, magnesium chloride tends to be the gentler option. It’s less drying, and when blended into skincare (like magnesium butter or body oils), it can help calm inflammation, support hydration, and even ease breakouts or irritation.

Epsom salts can be a bit drying if used often, but they’re brilliant for the occasional detox soak, especially if you’re feeling swollen, puffy, or just need to unwind.

Which one should I use?

• Choose magnesium chloride if you’re using it daily, want better sleep, or are addressing deeper magnesium deficiency. It’s also great in skincare and for targeted use (like rubbing it into sore legs or shoulders).

• Go with Epsom salts if you’re after a relaxing soak or need fast muscle relief after a tough day or workout.

In the end, both can play a role in your wellness routine—it just depends on what your body needs most. Whether you’re winding down with a hot bath or adding magnesium to your nightly skincare, knowing which form to use can make all the difference.