Dead Sea Salt
Also known as: Mineral Salt, Jordan Valley Salt
The Dead Sea, located at the lowest elevation on Earth, is nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean. Ancient Egyptians used Dead Sea minerals for mummification. Cleopatra reportedly established cosmetic factories on its shores. Today, the Dead Sea's therapeutic mineral deposits support a global skincare and wellness industry.
What Makes Dead Sea Salt Unique
Dead Sea salt has a completely different mineral composition from any culinary salt. While ocean water contains about 85% sodium chloride, Dead Sea water contains only about 8% sodium chloride. The rest is primarily magnesium chloride (51%), potassium chloride (13%), and calcium chloride (4%), along with bromine, sulfur, and other minerals. This unique composition results from the Dead Sea's position in the Jordan Rift Valley, where intense evaporation over millions of years has concentrated these minerals to extraordinary levels.
Skincare and Therapeutic Uses
Dead Sea salt therapy, known as balneotherapy, has been studied extensively for dermatological conditions. Clinical trials have shown benefits for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and rheumatoid arthritis. The high magnesium content is anti-inflammatory and promotes skin hydration. Bromine acts as a natural antiseptic and calming agent. For home use, dissolve 1-2 cups of Dead Sea salt in a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. For a body scrub, mix Dead Sea salt with coconut oil and gently massage into skin before rinsing.
Mineral Profile
| Mineral | Content (g/100g) |
|---|---|
| sodium | 3 |
| chloride | 25 |
| calcium | 0.5 |
| potassium | 20 |
| magnesium | 31 |
| iron | 0.001 |
| zinc | 0.001 |
| bromine | 4 |
| Trace Minerals | 35+ |
Best Uses for Dead Sea Salt
Recommended For
- +Bath soaks for skin conditions
- +Spa treatments
- +Psoriasis relief
- +Body scrubs
Not Ideal For
- -Cooking
- -Food seasoning
- -Any culinary use
Chef's Tip: Dead Sea salt is NOT suitable for cooking. Its mineral composition is radically different from culinary salts-it contains only about 8% sodium chloride compared to 95-99% in food salts.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Dead Sea, border of Israel and Jordan
- Color
- White to slightly yellow
- Type
- Mineral-rich evaporated salt from hypersaline lake
- Harvest Method
- Harvested from evaporation pools fed by Dead Sea water
- Grain Sizes
- Fine, Coarse, Bath crystals
- Price Range
- $5-15 per pound
Health Note: Dead Sea mineral therapy is clinically studied for psoriasis, eczema, and rheumatic conditions. The high magnesium and bromine content is believed to be therapeutic. The Dead Sea region has medical tourism specifically for dermatological conditions.
Compare Dead Sea Salt with Other Salts
See how Dead Sea Salt stacks up against other popular salt varieties in our detailed side-by-side comparisons.
View ComparisonsDead Sea Salt FAQ
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