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Bath salts can be very therapeutic when made from natural ingredients. Salt crystals are healing and can be beneficial to dry or itchy skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. The most basic natural bath salts are made simply from salt crystals and added essential oils for fragrance. Or if you’re feeling indulgent, opt for one with added petals/herbs etc. All good stuff.
Most commercial bath salts are primarily made of salt crystals (hardly surprising) and a high number do contain natural ingredients such as hop and angelica.
However, most commercial bath salts also contain synthetic fragrances, colourants and/or sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). These can all be skin irritants, especially SLS, which can be particularly irritating if it is included in a product that is not rinsed off your skin straightaway. If you are using salts for their healing properties, or in an attempt to alleviate dry, itchy or sore skin conditions, then it would probably be wise to avoid any products containing these ingredients.
An alternative to bath salts for those seeking a product that will not dry out the skin is to try a natural bath milk. These are made in much the same way as bath salts but use powdered milk as a base. Milk is thought to be an effective skin soother and softener (Cleopatra was reputed to bathe in asses milk!) - so this may be an alternative option if you are looking for a natural product that may help dry skin conditions.
