9 DIY Ways To Use Epsom Salt for Skin and Hair

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a popular natural ingredient used in beauty and wellness routines. Known for its therapeutic and skin-soothing properties, it dissolves easily in warm water and helps relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and detoxify the skin. When used in skincare, Epsom salt works as a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and calms acne-prone or irritated skin.

For hair, Epsom salt is equally effective—it helps control excess oil, adds natural volume, and removes product buildup from the scalp. Its ability to cleanse deeply and balance scalp health makes it beneficial for oily, dull, or dandruff-prone hair.

Whether added to baths, scrubs, masks, or rinses, Epsom salt is a versatile and affordable DIY ingredient that enhances both skin and hair health naturally.

For Skin

# Epsom Salt Exfoliating Scrub

Use for: dull skin, rough patches
You need:

1 tbsp Epsom salt

1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil

How to use:
Mix and gently massage on damp skin for 2–3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Use 2 times a week.

# Epsom Salt Detox Bath

Use for: body relaxation, body aches, inflammation
You need:

1 cup Epsom salt

Warm bath water

How to use:
Add salt to warm water and soak for 15–20 minutes.

Great for tired, sore muscles.

# Epsom Salt Acne Spot Treatment

Use for: pimples, body acne
You need:

1 tsp Epsom salt

2 tsp warm water

Cotton swab

How to use:
Dissolve salt in water and dab on acne spots. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse.

Helps dry out pimples.

# Epsom Salt Foot Soak

Use for: cracked heels, foot pain, odor
You need:

½ cup Epsom salt

Warm water

How to use:
Soak feet for 15–20 minutes.

Softens dead skin and reduces swelling.

# Epsom Salt Blackhead Cleanser

Use for: blackheads, clogged pores
You need:

2 tbsp Epsom salt

1 tbsp warm water

1 tsp lemon juice

How to use:
Apply to the T-zone, leave for 5 minutes, and rinse off.

Helps unclog pores and remove excess oil.

For Hair

# Epsom Salt Volumizing Hair Mask

Use for: limp, flat, oily hair
You need:

Equal parts Epsom salt & conditioner (example: 2 tbsp each)

How to use:
Mix, apply to hair (avoid scalp), leave for 10–15 minutes, rinse.

Adds texture and volume.

# Epsom Salt Scalp Detox

Use for: dandruff, oiliness, buildup
You need:

2 tbsp Epsom salt

Regular shampoo

How to use:
Mix the salt into your shampoo and massage gently on the scalp. Rinse well.

Removes buildup and flakes.

# Epsom Salt Hair Rinse

Use for: greasy hair, dullness
You need:

1 tbsp Epsom salt

1 cup warm water

Few drops of apple cider vinegar (optional)

How to use:
Dissolve and use as a final rinse after shampooing.

Makes hair lighter, fresher, and softer.

# Epsom Salt Curl Enhancer (for wavy/curly hair)

Use for: better curl definition
You need:

1 cup distilled water

1 tbsp Epsom salt

1 tsp aloe vera gel

Spray bottle

How to use:
Shake and spray lightly through damp hair.

Adds texture and defines curls.

Precautions

Don’t use on broken or irritated skin.

If you have very dry skin, follow up with a moisturizer.

For hair, avoid overuse—once a week is enough.

If you have color-treated hair, use sparingly (can dry hair).