Can Sea Salt Be a Solution for Acne? Here's What We Found

Skincare hacks often go viral on TikTok, and the latest trend nearly broke the internet. Earlier this year, a TikTok user's video showcasing a DIY sea salt spray as a solution for acne amassed over 4 million views. The idea that clear skin could be achieved with just sea salt and water sounds tempting—but if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. While sea salt may offer some skin benefits, it's far from the miracle acne cure it's been hyped up to be.

Type of Ingredient: A salt rich in naturally occurring minerals.

Main Benefits: While often touted for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, scientific evidence supporting these claims—especially for acne-specific benefits—is limited. However, it serves as a natural exfoliant when used correctly.

Who Should Use It: It's suitable for those with dull, rough, or dry skin. It may offer some benefit for individuals with oily skin and occasional blemishes, provided it’s used appropriately.

How Often Can You Use It: Usage frequency depends on your skin type and the method of application, but it can generally be used daily or a few times per week.

Works Well With: Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and soothing, anti-inflammatory agents such as niacinamide.

Avoid Using With: Retinoids, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid, as combining these can excessively dry out the skin.

To know more on skincare ingredients shop our skincare ingredients dictionary on Amazon. Click here to shop.

Download our skincare ingredient scanner app from the google play store. Scan the ingredients at the back of the pack and know which ingredients are good or bad for your skin. Click here to download.

What Is Sea Salt?

Sea salt is derived from seawater and contains naturally occurring minerals like sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. While it’s widely used in cooking, seasoning, and food preservation, it also features in bath products and skincare. Not to be confused with iodized or table salt, sea salt has unique properties that set it apart.

Benefits of Sea Salt for Skin

Let’s start with an important disclaimer: Scientific evidence supporting sea salt's skin benefits is limited. There are no studies specifically examining its efficacy for acne treatment. Still, anecdotal claims suggest it might offer some advantages:

• Natural Exfoliant: Sea salt’s texture makes it an effective physical exfoliant, which is why it's a popular ingredient in scrubs. Its use in managing psoriasis, as a small study published in the International Journal of Dermatology showing that bathing in magnesium-rich Dead Sea salts improved skin roughness, redness, and hydration in eczema patients. However, this refers to bathing, not scrubbing.

  
  

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: The high mineral content may contribute to its potential anti-inflammatory effects, though this remains anecdotal.

  
  

• Oil Absorption: Sea salt absorbs excess oil, a factor in acne formation. Its potential antibacterial effects might also be helpful for acne-prone skin.

  
  

That said, the myth that sea salt balances skin pH is false, explaining that its alkaline pH (about 8) doesn’t support this claim.

Side Effects of Sea Salt

Dryness and irritation are the most common side effects, which can worsen inflammation or blemishes. Over-exfoliating, particularly by rubbing sea salt aggressively, can lead to irritation, micro-tears, and over-dryness.

How to Use Sea Salt Safely

• Skip DIY Recipes: We advise against DIY skincare and recommends choosing products formulated with additional soothing ingredients.

• For Acne-Prone Skin: Try a sea salt-infused face mist, used once daily. Avoid using sea salt as an exfoliant, especially on acne-prone areas. Remember, inflammatory or cystic acne requires more intensive treatment.

• For Dry or Rough Skin: Sea salt scrubs can be effective for body exfoliation, but choose over-the-counter options with hydrating ingredients to prevent overdrying. Avoid using these on your face, as the skin is more delicate.

• Bath Soaks: We suggest using sea salt-based bath soaks for breakouts on the body (like the back or chest) to avoid the abrasive effects of physical scrubs.

The key is to use sea salt thoughtfully and sparingly, tailored to your specific skin needs and concerns.

Recommended products

OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub

OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub pairs mineral-rich sea salt with algae oils to smooth texture and boost glow. Granules dissolve gradually so you control intensity. Leaves a conditioned, non-greasy sheen. Ideal for normal to dry body skin year-round. Apply on damp skin in circular motions, then rinse. Click here to buy.

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt is a scalp “reset” that uses sea salt to lift buildup, sweat, and styling residue. Foams into a clarifying shampoo as you add water. Calms an itchy, oily, or congested scalp and leaves roots light. Suitable for sensitive scalps and post-color care. Massage into wet scalp weekly, then rinse and condition. Click here to buy.

AHAVA Dead Sea Salt Softening Butter Salt Scrub

AHAVA Dead Sea Salt Softening Butter Salt Scrub blends Dead Sea salt crystals with nourishing oils and butters for a dense, cushiony exfoliation. Buffs rough patches on elbows, knees, and legs while sealing in hydration. Rinses to a soft, velvety finish. Best for dry to very dry body skin. Use on wet skin 1–2× weekly before shower gel. Click here to buy.

Kaye's Beauty Book is here to help you choose better products that suit your skin, hair and lifestyle. All of the products mentioned are carefully researched and selected to ensure that the most credible information comes to you. If you do buy a product from one of our links, Kaye's Beauty Book may earn a commission.

II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II