Skincare is not just about fancy creams or expensive treatments. Sometimes, the simplest things from nature give the best results. One of those natural secrets is salt scrubs. But you may be wondering: What are salt scrubs? How do they work? And why are so many people using them for healthy, glowing skin?
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know from the history of salt scrubs to their benefits, DIY recipes, safety tips, and when not to use them. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to add salt scrubs into your skincare routine.
Table of Contents
What Are Salt Scrubs?
Salt scrubs are natural exfoliators made from salt mixed with oils and soothing ingredients, gently polishing the skin and leaving it refreshed. When applied to the skin, they gently remove dead skin cells, dirt, and impurities, leaving your skin feeling smooth, fresh, and renewed.
Unlike chemical exfoliators, salt scrubs use physical grains of salt to clean and polish your skin. The most popular type is the Himalayan salt scrub, made from pink salt crystals mined from Pakistan. This salt is rich in natural minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which can benefit the skin in many ways.
In short, if you’ve been asking yourself “What are salt scrubs and why should I use them?” They are natural skincare solutions that improve texture, enhance glow, and give your skin a refreshing boost.
Did You Know?
37% of people worldwide already include exfoliating scrubs or peels in their skincare routines to achieve smoother, brighter skin, and natural choices like salt-based ones make up 31% of the market as of 2023? [1]
Benefits of Using Salt Scrubs
Salt scrubs are more than just exfoliators. They come with a long list of skincare and wellness benefits:
- Deep Exfoliation – Removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores.
- Brighten up Skin – Promotes a natural glow by improving circulation.
- Hydration Boost – When combined with oils, they keep your skin soft.
- Detox Effect – Minerals in Himalayan salt help balance the skin.
- Relaxation – The scrubbing process relieves stress and refreshes the body.
In volunteer tests, salt scrubs increased transepidermal water loss (indicating exfoliation) by 19.8–32.6% while reducing skin roughness by 13.8–15.9% and enhancing hydration by up to 16.9%, leading to whiter, more even-toned skin.[2]
Popular Types of Salt for Scrubs
Here are some common salts used for making scrubs:
Salt Type | Features | Best For |
Himalayan Pink Salt | Rich in 84+ minerals | Sensitive, dry, dull skin |
Sea Salt | Coarser texture, high in minerals | Deep exfoliation |
Epsom Salt | High in magnesium | Relaxation & sore muscles |
Dead Sea Salt | Mineral-rich | Skin hydration & detox |
Salt’s natural mineral composition, about 98.8 — 99.4% sodium chloride with trace sulfates has been shown to provide antiseptic effects, reducing inflammation by 20–30% in dry or atopic skin models.[3]
Explore: Dead Sea Salt Vs Epsom Salt
DIY Salt Scrub Recipes
The great thing about salt scrubs is that you can easily make them at home. Here are some simple DIY recipes:
1. Himalayan Salt & Coconut Oil Scrub
- 1 cup Himalayan pink salt
- ½ cup coconut oil
- A few drops of lavender essential oil
Mix well and use in circular motions on damp skin.
2. Lemon Sea Salt Scrub
- 1 cup fine sea salt
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Brightens and refreshes tired skin.
3. Epsom Salt & Almond Oil Scrub
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup almond oil
- A few drops of peppermint oil
Perfect for soothing sore muscles after a long day.
Reasons to Use a Salt Scrub
Still wondering if salt scrubs are worth it? Here are a few reasons why people love them:
- Natural and chemical-free skincare solution.
- Affordable compared to expensive spa treatments.
- Easy to make and customize at home.
- Improves blood circulation while scrubbing.
- Gives instant softness and glow after first use.
Read About: Himalayan Salt Detox Baths And Its Benefits
DIY Salt Scrub Storage & Safety Tips
- Store scrubs in glass jars to keep them fresh.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight.
- Use within 2–3 weeks if homemade (since no preservatives).
- Always apply to damp skin, not dry skin, to avoid harshness.
- Do a patch test before using essential oils in scrubs.
Even in clinical trials for skin conditions like psoriasis, soaking in salt solutions cut symptom severity by 63% in just three weeks, underscoring how salt’s anti-inflammatory properties can support overall skin health and that coveted glow. [4]
Combining Salt Scrubs with Essential Oils
Adding essential oils to your salt scrub not only makes them smell amazing but also boosts their benefits:
- Lavender oil – calming and relaxing.
- Tea tree oil – antibacterial, good for acne-prone skin.
- Rose oil – hydrates and nourishes.
- Peppermint oil – refreshing and cooling.
When Should You Avoid Using Salt Scrubs?
While salt scrubs are natural, they are not suitable for everyone. Avoid using them if:
- You have cuts, burns, or open wounds.
- Your skin is extremely sensitive or irritated.
- You suffer from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis (unless approved by your dermatologist).
- You are using strong chemical treatments that already peel the skin.
History of Salt Scrubs in Skincare
Salt scrubs are not new. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks used natural salts for skincare and healing. Even Cleopatra was said to bathe in Dead Sea salts for glowing skin. Over time, salt scrubs became a beauty ritual in spas across Asia and the Middle East. Today, they remain a trusted beauty practice worldwide.
Discover: Himalayan Salt History
How to Use Salt Scrubs for Best Results
- Wet your skin with warm water.
- Take a small amount of scrub in your palm.
- Gently massage in circular motions for 2–3 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Apply moisturizer afterward.
Use salt scrubs 1–2 times a week. Overuse can make skin dry. When you make exfoliation a regular part of your routine, like with a salt scrub, you’re in good company 66% of people in multi-step skincare plans report noticeably brighter, more radiant skin as a result. [5]
Final Thoughts
So, what are salt scrubs in simple words? They are natural exfoliators made with different salts, oils, and skin-friendly ingredients. They deeply cleanse, brighten, and refresh your skin, making it soft and radiant.
From DIY recipes to safety tips, you now know exactly how to add salt scrubs to your routine. Whether you buy them from a trusted source like Sobaan Salts or make them at home, salt scrubs are one of the easiest ways to achieve healthy, glowing skin naturally.
The natural skin care products market grew from $21.09 billion in 2024 to $22.8 billion in 2025, reflecting the popularity of natural exfoliators such as those made from salts. Source: The Business Research Company
References:
- Healthline: Benefits of Body Scrubs
- WebMD: Health Benefits of Dead Sea Salt
- Healthline: DIY Body Scrub
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