Salt
Brief description: Sodium chloride, or common table salt, used for physical exfoliation.
Benefits: Provides deep exfoliation, can have detoxifying properties.
Skin type suitability/concerns: Suitable for most skin types, but may be too harsh for sensitive skin.
Target audience: Those seeking a natural, deep exfoliation and detoxifying option.
Chemical composition: Composed of sodium chloride.
Physical aspect: Fine to coarse white crystals.
Compatibility: Compatible with most other ingredients, widely used in scrubs, especially body scrubs.
Concentration: Varies depending on the product.
Side effects/adverse reactions: Can cause irritation or dryness if used excessively.
Regulatory status: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Sustainability/ethical considerations: As a natural mineral, it's plentiful and generally considered sustainable. However, the environmental impact can vary depending on the source and method of extraction. Sea salt, for example, has fewer environmental impacts than mined salt.
Salt Variants:
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Sea Salt: Sea salt is produced through evaporation of ocean water or water from saltwater lakes, usually with little processing.
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Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate): This is not technically a salt, but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. It's known for its high magnesium content.
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Dead Sea Salt: This unique type of salt is harvested from the Dead Sea and is rich in minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
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Pink Himalayan Salt: Known for its unique color, this salt is mined from the Punjab region of Pakistan. It's rich in minerals and often used in bath salts and body scrubs.
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Table Salt (Sodium Chloride): This is the same type of salt that's used in food. In cosmetics, it's often used as a thickener or an abrasive.
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Dendritic Salt: This type of salt has a unique, star-shaped crystalline structure, which allows it to hold fragrance better than other salts. It's often used in bath salts for this reason.
