Maris Sal: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Maris Sal?

Maris Sal is a natural salt harvested from seawater. While sodium chloride makes up most of its composition, it also contains trace minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium that give it a unique character compared with regular table salt. People have soaked in salty seawater for centuries to soften skin, and that same idea led to Maris Sal appearing in modern beauty products. Today, producers collect clean ocean water, let the sun and wind evaporate the liquid in large shallow ponds, then wash and sift the remaining crystals to create a cosmetic-grade powder or fine grain. Because it is easy to blend and offers a gentle feel, it shows up in face and body scrubs, bath salts, clay masks, scalp exfoliants, mineral toners, refreshing mists and some lightweight moisturizers that aim to mimic a day at the beach.

Maris Sal’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In formulas Maris Sal acts as a skin-conditioning agent. It helps the skin attract and hold moisture, supplies small amounts of helpful minerals and can leave the surface feeling smoother and more balanced.

Who Can Use Maris Sal

Most skin types can enjoy Maris Sal. Normal oily and combination skins often appreciate the gentle exfoliation and balancing effect of the mineral mix. Slightly dry skin can benefit too as long as the overall formula also contains humectants or emollients that offset salt’s naturally moisture-drawing nature. Very dry compromised or eczema-prone skin might find pure or highly concentrated Maris Sal products too drying or stingy, so a milder concentration or a rinse-off format is usually wiser.

Because Maris Sal is mined from seawater and involves no animal ingredients or by-products it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It is also widely accepted by brands that adhere to cruelty-free standards.

Current research shows no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Maris Sal is applied topically in cosmetic amounts. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run all skincare products past a qualified healthcare professional just to be safe.

Maris Sal does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used day or night without increasing the risk of sunburn. Regular broad-spectrum sunscreen use is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects and reactions to topical Maris Sal can vary from person to person. The items below outline potential issues yet they remain uncommon when products are properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Dryness or tightness if the surrounding formula lacks sufficient moisturizers
  • Stinging or burning on freshly shaved broken or highly sensitive skin
  • Redness or irritation in individuals with eczema psoriasis or very reactive skin
  • Grittiness leading to micro-abrasions if coarse grains are massaged too vigorously
  • Eye irritation if particles or solution accidentally enter the eyes

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms do not quickly resolve.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Maris Sal consists mostly of inorganic salt crystals that dissolve or rinse away easily so they have little chance to sit in pores and create blockages. While the mineral mix can sometimes leave skin feeling tight if follow-up hydration is skipped it does not contain oily or waxy compounds that typically trigger comedones. Because of this low clogging potential it is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

Keep in mind that Maris Sal often appears in physical scrubs. Overzealous rubbing with coarse grains may irritate already inflamed blemishes which can prolong healing, so a gentle touch or a dissolving format is best for reactive complexions.

Summary

Maris Sal works primarily as a skin-conditioning ingredient. It draws in water to help the surface stay hydrated, supplies trace minerals that support a balanced barrier and offers mild physical exfoliation when used in grain form. These combined actions can leave skin feeling smoother, softer and more refreshed.

It enjoys steady popularity in bath salts, body scrubs and beach-inspired mists, though it is not the star of every skincare routine. Still, consumers appreciate its natural origin and simple effectiveness.

Topical use is broadly considered safe with a low risk of serious reactions when products are formulated sensibly. As with any new cosmetic, doing a small patch test first is a smart way to make sure your skin agrees with it.

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