Epsom Salt FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pharma grade Epsom salt?
Pharma grade Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) meets purity standards set for use in Gardening, agricultural, and personal care applications. It contains no added fillers, anti-caking agents, or impurities that are permitted in lower industrial grades. Our Epsom salt is pharma grade quality, meaning it has been tested and verified to meet these higher purity requirements.
How is food grade different from other grades?
Epsom salt is sold in several grades:
- Food grade / USP grade – highest purity; suitable for food, personal care, and agricultural use.
- Agricultural grade – suitable for soil and fertiliser applications; not tested to food-grade purity standards.
- Industrial grade – used in manufacturing processes; not suitable for personal or food use.
Always confirm the grade before use. Our product is food grade.
Where is your Epsom salt sourced?
Our Epsom salt is sourced from reputable suppliers and meets food grade purity standards. It is imported into New Zealand and packaged for retail and bulk supply.
What can I use Epsom salt for?
Common uses include:
- Foot soaks and bath soaks – dissolve in warm water to help relax muscles and soothe tired feet.
- Garden and plant care – used as a magnesium supplement for soil; suitable for vegetables, roses, and lawns.
- Household cleaning – can be used as a mild abrasive scrub for hard surfaces.
Note: We do not make medical or therapeutic claims. For any health-related use, please consult a qualified health professional before use.
Can I use Epsom salt on my face?
Some people use diluted Epsom salt as a skin scrub or facial rinse. However, it can be drying or irritating, particularly for sensitive skin. We recommend a patch test before any facial application and suggest consulting a skincare professional if you are unsure. We do not recommend it for use around the eyes.
Can Epsom salt be used in laundry?
Epsom salt is sometimes added to laundry as a fabric softener alternative. It will not damage most fabrics, but its effectiveness as a softener is limited compared to dedicated products. Use sparingly and check fabric care labels. It is not recommended for use in front-loader washing machines with sealed rubber seals, as undissolved granules may cause damage.
Is Epsom salt safe to ingest?
Food grade Epsom salt has historically been used as an oral laxative, but this use requires medical supervision. Incorrect dosage can cause serious side effects. Do not ingest Epsom salt without guidance from a registered health professional. We do not provide dosage advice for internal use.
How should I store Epsom salt?
- Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Keep the bag or container sealed between uses to prevent clumping.
- If clumping occurs, the product is still usable — break up clumps before use.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Which pack size should I choose — 5 kg or 25 kg?
- 5 kg – ideal for home use: bath soaks, foot soaks, small garden applications, or trying Epsom salt for the first time. Easy to store and handle.
- 25 kg – best value for regular users, gardeners with larger plots, or those buying for multiple uses. Requires adequate dry storage space.
Are there any safety cautions I should know?
- For external use, avoid contact with eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
- Do not use on broken, irritated, or infected skin.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not ingest without medical supervision.
- If you experience an adverse reaction, discontinue use and consult a health professional.
Have more questions?
If your question isn't answered here, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.