Epsom Salts in Australia: Benefits, Uses & Buying Guide

Epsom salts are one of those timeless household essentials that Australians continue to keep stocked in their cupboards. Known for their versatility, affordability, and eco-friendly appeal, they have been used for centuries across wellness, beauty, gardening, and cleaning. Whether you’re enjoying a restorative soak in the bath, giving your tomato plants a magnesium boost, or looking for a natural way to deodorise the home, Epsom salts provide a safe and effective solution. 

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Epsom salts—what they are, how they work, the many ways they can be used, and why buying in bulk makes sense for Australian households. We’ll also highlight two trusted Eco Traders favourites: the Nature First Epsom Salts 5kg for bulk buyers and the Lotus Epsom Salts 500g for first-time users or smaller households.

What are Epsom Salts?

Epsom salts are chemically known as magnesium sulphate, a naturally occurring mineral compound made of magnesium, sulphur, and oxygen. Despite being called “salts,” they are not the same as table salt (sodium chloride). Instead, they are crystalline minerals that dissolve easily in water and are prized for their therapeutic and practical benefits. The crystals look similar to coarse sea salt but have a bitter taste and a slightly chalky texture.

Once dissolved, Epsom salts release magnesium and sulphate ions, which are associated with muscle relaxation, stress relief, and skin soothing properties. Their natural mineral profile is what makes them so versatile. From supporting tired muscles to helping roses bloom, Epsom salts are one of the most useful and affordable household staples in Australia today.

A Brief History of Epsom Salts

The history of Epsom salts stretches back to the 17th century in Surrey, England. Local farmers discovered that water from a spring in Epsom left behind bitter, crystalline deposits when it evaporated. These crystals turned out to be magnesium sulphate, and they quickly became known for their therapeutic uses. Wealthy visitors travelled from across the country to bathe in Epsom’s mineral-rich waters, cementing the town’s reputation as a spa destination.

Over time, Epsom salts spread worldwide as an inexpensive, natural remedy. In Australia, they became popular during the early 1900s when people sought practical, multi-use products that could support health, improve the garden, and clean the home without harsh chemicals. Today, Australians still rely on Epsom salts as a trusted natural alternative, with modern households increasingly turning to eco-conscious bulk packs to save money and reduce waste.

Wellness Benefits of Epsom Salts

One of the most well-known uses of Epsom salts is for relaxation and self-care. Adding a few cups of Epsom salts to a warm bath has become a ritual for many Australians who want to reduce stress, ease sore muscles, or simply take a moment for themselves. While research on how well magnesium is absorbed through the skin remains ongoing, countless people report feeling more relaxed, less tense, and rejuvenated after a salt soak.

For athletes and active individuals, Epsom salt baths can be a valuable recovery tool. After long runs, gym sessions, or sporting competitions, soaking in warm water with Epsom salts may help muscles unwind and reduce stiffness. The ritual of taking time to pause, stretch, and soak is also a form of mindfulness that contributes to overall wellbeing.

Even something as simple as a foot bath can be beneficial. For those who spend hours on their feet, dissolving half a cup of Epsom salts in a basin of warm water can relieve swelling, soften calluses, and refresh tired soles. Adding a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or lavender transforms this into a luxurious, spa-like treatment at home.

Beauty & DIY Skincare Uses

Epsom salts are a secret weapon in many beauty routines thanks to their natural exfoliating texture and ability to refresh the skin. One of the simplest uses is creating a DIY body scrub. Mixing Epsom salts with coconut oil or olive oil produces a gentle yet effective exfoliator that removes dead skin cells and leaves the skin smooth. This makes it an affordable, chemical-free alternative to store-bought scrubs.

For hair care, some people blend Epsom salts into their conditioner to add body and volume. The salts can also be incorporated into scalp scrubs to help remove product build-up and excess oil. Used sparingly, they are a simple way to refresh the scalp and give hair a lighter, cleaner feel.

In DIY face masks, Epsom salts are sometimes combined with natural clays or honey to create a mild exfoliating effect. However, because facial skin is more sensitive, it’s best to patch-test and avoid overuse. Anecdotal evidence also suggests diluted Epsom salts may help balance oil in acne-prone skin, but professional advice should always be sought for persistent skin conditions.

Epsom Salts in the Garden

Australian gardeners have long used Epsom salts to improve soil quality and support healthy plant growth. Magnesium is essential for photosynthesis, while sulphur contributes to enzyme function and plant vitality. When soil is deficient in these nutrients, plants may show yellowing leaves, poor fruiting, or reduced vigour. Epsom salts offer a simple way to replenish these minerals.

Roses, in particular, respond well to Epsom salts. Many growers add a tablespoon to the soil around each bush during the growing season to encourage stronger growth and more abundant blooms. Citrus trees and tomatoes also benefit from magnesium supplementation, especially if their leaves begin to yellow between the veins. A diluted foliar spray made with one tablespoon of Epsom salts in a litre of water is a quick way to address this issue.

Lawns can also be revitalised with a light application of Epsom salts, which may help grass grow thicker and greener. While not a complete fertiliser on its own, Epsom salts can complement an existing feeding program. Even in seed starting, a small pinch of Epsom salts added to potting mix can support germination and early root development.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning with Epsom Salts

Beyond wellness and gardening, Epsom salts are an underrated eco-friendly cleaning agent. They offer a biodegradable, non-toxic alternative to chemical cleaners, making them a great option for households looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

In the laundry, adding half a cup of Epsom salts to a load of washing can help soften fabrics, reduce detergent build-up, and leave clothes fresher. In the bathroom, combining Epsom salts with liquid soap creates a gentle scrub that tackles grime on tiles, sinks, and tubs without damaging surfaces. For burnt pans or stubborn cookware stains, a sprinkle of Epsom salts with warm water works as a natural abrasive cleaner.

Epsom salts can also help deodorise bins, drains, and even shoes. By sprinkling a small amount where odours build up, they absorb moisture and neutralise smells. For DIY enthusiasts, mixing Epsom salts with hand soap makes an effective cleanser for removing grease or paint after projects—yet another example of their practicality.

Why Buy Bulk Epsom Salts in Australia?

Buying Epsom salts in bulk is both eco-friendly and economical. Small packets are convenient, but for households that use Epsom salts frequently—whether for baths, gardening, or cleaning—investing in a large 5kg pack is far more cost-effective. It reduces the need for repeated purchases, minimises packaging waste, and ensures you always have salts on hand when you need them.

At Eco Traders, we recommend the Nature First Epsom Salts 5kg or Kadac Bulk Epsom Salts 25kg as the best choice for families, gardeners, athletes, and eco-conscious households. For those new to Epsom salts or looking for a smaller pack to trial, the Lotus Epsom Salts 500g is a perfect introduction. By purchasing through Eco Traders, you’re guaranteed pure, additive-free salts delivered Australia-wide.

Epsom Salts vs Magnesium Flakes: What’s the Difference?

When exploring natural bath soaks, many Australians wonder whether they should choose Epsom salts or magnesium bath flakes. At first glance they look similar, but they are two distinct minerals with unique properties and benefits. Understanding the difference helps you decide which is best suited for your needs.

Epsom salts are magnesium sulphate. They have been used for centuries as an affordable, multipurpose remedy. When dissolved in warm water, they release magnesium and sulphate ions. Many people use them to relax muscles, ease tension after exercise, and support overall wellbeing. Beyond the bath, Epsom salts are also valued for their versatility in gardening, eco-friendly cleaning, and DIY beauty routines. This makes them a practical, budget-friendly choice for households that want one product with multiple uses.

Magnesium flakes, on the other hand, are magnesium chloride. They are often sourced from ancient seabeds and are primarily used in bath soaks for replenishing magnesium through the skin. While they don’t have the same cleaning or gardening applications as Epsom salts, magnesium flakes are prized for their purity and high absorbability in bathing rituals. Many people describe the experience as deeply relaxing, making them a popular option for those focused solely on self-care and magnesium replenishment.

So, which is better? It depends on your goals. If you want a versatile, affordable mineral that you can use across wellness, beauty, gardening, and household cleaning, Epsom salts are the clear winner. If your priority is a premium bath soak designed specifically for deep relaxation and magnesium replenishment, then magnesium flakes are worth exploring. At Eco Traders, we recommend keeping both on hand: Epsom salts for their multi-use practicality and magnesium flakes for indulgent self-care soaks.

For those interested in trying flakes, we stock the beautifully blended Epzen Calm Soak Magnesium Bath Flakes 500g, infused with natural essential oils for a calming, spa-like experience. Together with our bulk Epsom salts, they provide the best of both worlds—versatility for everyday use and luxury for when you want to unwind.

Eco Traders’ Recommended Products

Nature First Epsom Salts 5kg: A cost-effective bulk option ideal for frequent use in baths, foot soaks, cleaning, and gardening. Packaged for sustainability and trusted by Australian households. Shop now.

Lotus Epsom Salts 500g: A smaller, trial-friendly pack for those just starting to explore the many uses of Epsom salts. Compact and convenient. Shop now.

Conclusion

Epsom salts are one of the most practical and affordable natural products for modern Australian households. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing bath, a natural way to revitalise your plants, or an eco-conscious cleaning alternative, Epsom salts deliver results.

By choosing Eco Traders, you’re supporting a trusted Australian-owned business committed to offering pure, additive-free products that are better for your health and the planet. Explore our collection today and discover why Epsom salts remain a staple for wellness, beauty, gardening, and sustainable living.

Shop now: Nature First Epsom Salts 5kg | Lotus Epsom Salts 500g