Maris Sal (sea salt) is a naturally derived mineral salt used in skincare as a physical exfoliant, a viscosity-adjusting agent in cleansers and bath products, and a source of trace minerals. It is most commonly found in scrubs, bath soaks, and rinse-off formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness | Common | Salt can draw moisture from the skin and disrupt the barrier, especially with frequent use or high concentrations. |
| Mechanical irritation or microtears | Common | Coarse salt crystals used as a physical scrub may cause irritation or abrasion, particularly on sensitive or thin skin. |
| Stinging on broken or compromised skin | Uncommon | Application to cuts, abrasions, or inflamed skin can cause transient burning or stinging. |
| Contact irritation/redness | Uncommon | Irritant contact dermatitis may occur in sensitive individuals or with prolonged exposure. |
| Allergic contact reaction | Rare | True allergy to sodium chloride itself is uncommon; reactions are more often to other formula components. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.