Sea Salt, Coarse, 5 kg

Coarse sea salt is natural sodium chloride of European origin. In a formulation it works as an active ingredient with several roles: in bath salts and bath bombs it forms the base of the recipe, in shower gels and shampoos it adjusts the viscosity, in soaps it hardens the bar, and in scrubs it provides the mechanical effect. Coarse grains suit any use where the salt should stay visible, or where it is dissolved in water before use.

The salt is of food and cosmetic grade, is not classified under CLP and contains no fragrance allergens. It works equally well for making cosmetics and in the kitchen.

What it is used for

• Bath salts and bath bombs – the coarse grains can be coloured and scented, and dissolve gradually in water. In bath bombs it serves as a decorative ingredient.
• Shower gels and shampoos – in surfactant systems it increases viscosity. With anionic and amphoteric surfactants, a small amount of dissolved salt is enough to thicken the product.
• Body and foot scrubs – the grains remove dead skin cells mechanically. Coarser grains are better suited to the body, feet and elbows than to the face.
• Soaps – dissolved in water before saponification, it firms the finished soap. In a higher proportion it produces salt soaps.
• Deodorants – at a low usage rate it dissolves in the water phase.

Use in a formulation

Salt belongs in the water phase or is incorporated afterwards, always dissolved. Coarse grains dissolve more slowly than fine salt. First prepare a solution in part of the water, slightly warmed if needed, and only then add it to the recipe. Processing is recommended at a temperature below 80 °C.

The recommended usage rate in emulsions, gels and surfactant products is approximately 0.5–2%. In bath salts the proportion is significantly higher. There the salt is usually the main ingredient, to which oil, fragrance composition or dye is added.

Salt tolerates anionic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants and works at acidic, neutral and alkaline pH. In anhydrous recipes, such as bath salts or oil scrubs, it stays in its original granular form.

Good to know

Sodium chloride is an electrolyte. With thickeners and emulsifiers sensitive to electrolytes, check compatibility in a small test batch before adding the salt to the whole batch.

In bath salts and other anhydrous products the salt does not require a preservative. In water-based recipes, however, it does not replace one; at the usual usage rate it does not provide preservation. In scrubs with a water phase, bear in mind that the grains gradually dissolve and the scrub loses its grainy texture.

Frequently asked questions