How to Make Your Own Epsom Salt Foot Scrub

Why is salt scrub so good for you and how to use it.

Ah, winter. Shorter, colder days mean lots of hygge, hot chocolate, and living in your favourite wool sweaters and winter boots. But if you’re anything like me, your feet are not happy about being buried in thick socks and snug boots. They protest with dry and rough skin, cracking and even callouses in the foot bottom and heels.

I’ve always used foot files, but recently got annoyed by the rate they wear out. They feel like senseless waste, particularly those cheap ones made from plastic. So I’ve turned myself into making my own salt foot scrubs. The idea came when I pondered what to do with Epsom salt; I’m buying it in bulk and have a huge bag for making bath salts.

Why to use Epsom salt in foot scrub?

Epsom salt foot scrub offers several benefits. I wrote about Epsom salt benefits also here. It helps to remove dead skin cells and dry patches from your feet, leaving the skin smoother and softer. Mixing the salt with oil adds an hydrating and nourishing element in the scrub. Add your favourite essential oil for scent and you have aromatherapeutic treatment as a bonus! Peppermint is a particularly popular choice with its sense awakening aroma and cooling sensation on the skin.

Magnesium sulfate, the primary part of Epsom salt, is known for its calming properties. It can help to relax muscles and alleviate soreness in the feet. To achieve these benefits, I would recommend to use the scrub like a foot mask. This allows for longer contact with the skin. Massaging the feet with a salt scrub can promote relaxation and reduce stress, making it a lovely soothing self-care ritual. The scrubbing motion also stimulates blood flow to the feet, improving circulation and promoting healing of minor skin issues.

Epsom salt helps neutralize foot odor by eliminating bacteria and fungi causing unpleasant smells. Regular use of Epsom salt scrub may help prevent issues like athlete’s foot. It can also prevent toenail fungus, thanks to its mild antibacterial and antifungal properties.

How to use a salt foot scrub?

See the short video tutorial here!

Start by taking a shower, bath or foot soak to soften the skin of your feet. Take a generous dollop of the salt scrub (~ 1 tsp) and massage onto wet feet in circular motions. Start from the toes moving towards heels (direction of the heart) to increase the blood supply in the feet. Focus on the rough parts, but don’t rub too forcefully. If there are any tough areas, move on to other foot and then return for a second massage round.

If your salt scrub is very oily or made into soft butter like shea, you can even use it like a foot mask. Apply the scrub on the wet feet and cover them with cotton socks. Alternatively you can wrap the feet in a plastic bag or clingfilm. Sit back, take a cuppa of your favourite herbal infusion, and let the scrub-mask do its nourishing magic for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the scrub away and pat dry. Your feet may feel slightly oily, but any excess from the scrub will be absorbed by the skin. My advise is to be without socks for 10-15 minutes to let the feet air dry and aid the absorption.

Now, let’s make some vanilla and pink clay Epsom salt foot scrub!

PRINT A4 RECIPE CARD HERE

vanilla-pink clay salt foot scrub

Measurements in this recipe are only provided by weight (grams). This is the most precise and safest way to make any cosmetics. This applies whether they are for sale or personal use.

equipment

• Weight scale
• Mixing bowl (recommended min. size 500 ml)
• 6 measuring cups/bowls
• Mixing spatula
• Table spoon
• Container with a lid (min. size 150 ml)

ingredients

• Epsom salt 100g
• Sodium bicarbonate 10g
• Jojoba oil 5g
• Pink kaolin clay 5g
• Beetroot powder 3g
• Vanilla CO2 extract/oleoresin 1g
• Vitamin E 1g (optional)

STEPS

1. Measure all ingredients in separate cups. Vanilla extract and vitamin E can be measured in the same cup due to small amounts.
2. Mix together the dry ingredients (Epsom salt, sodium bicarbonate, pink kaolin clay, beetroot powder) breaking any clumps. Easiest way to break the clumps is to rub them against the mixing bowl sides with a spatula. (Rubber/silicon spatulas are the best).
3. Add the jojoba oil, vanilla extract and vitamin E to the dry mixture and combine well. The mixture colour has to be even without any streaks.
4. Distribute in your chosen container(s) with a spoon. The recipe yield is about 150ml.
5. Let the scrub set at least 24 hrs to allow the oils fully absorb with the dry ingredients.
6. Keep away from heat, dampness and humidity to avoid clumping.

TIPS

• You can swap the vanilla extract to any essential oil, just keep the ratio in 1% of the total ingredients.
• Jojoba oil can be also swapped to any well-absorbing oil, like sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil or grapeseed oil. Since the viscosity of the oils varies from each other, add first only half of the recipe amount and mix. Add slowly more to reach your desired consistency.
• Fancy a different colour? Why not try spirulina powder, spinach powder, or even tumeric!
• Vitamin E is lovely for the skin, but in this recipe it’s used as an anti-oxidant to extend the shelf-life. You can leave it out if you like so, but use the scrub in a month or so.

With love and lots of goodness of Mother Nature,

Lulu

Disclaimer: these blog posts are not medical advisory. All ingredient descriptions are based on commonly available information. The benefits described are based on academic research studies. If you suffer from any skin condition or allergies, always consult first your GP/medical practitioner before trying new treatments on your skin.