I have talked a bit about The Salt Parlour in previous reviews and in my Exfoliation Series, but I thought that it was high time I showed them some love in a full length post!  I have been holding on to this one for a while now, and what with #PlasticFreeJuly being in full swing, I couldn't think of a better time to finally share my thoughts!

The Salt Parlour are an all natural cruelty free and vegan UK based beauty brand that creates amazing exfoliating scrubs that blend dead sea salts with organic sulphur, an anti-inflammatory that has skin-repairing qualities.  These salt scrubs target a number of conditions including dry skin, cellulite, poor circulation, and congested skin.  Plus, since these salts are infused with essential oils, they also act as an in-shower aromatherapy treatment - just breathe in the steam and feel the benefits of your blend wash over you.

So what is the big deal with sea salt anyways?

Well, salts contain an incredibly high mineral content (over 20 minerals!), including things like magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium, all of which help balance the skin, repair cells, and protect against environmental stresses.  The salts from the Dead Sea in particular are thought to have incredible healing properties, and they have been used since ancient times to revitalize tired complexions and soothe sore muscles.

According to The Salt Parlour,

"Magnesium is important for combating both stress and fluid retention, slowing skin aging, and calming the nervous system. Calcium is effective at preventing water retention, increasing circulation, and strengthening bones and nails. Potassium energizes the body, helps to balance skin moisture, and is a crucial mineral to replenish following intense exercise. Bromides act to ease muscle stiffness and relax muscles. Sodium is important for the lymphatic fluid balance. So we can see that scrubbing with in high-quality sea salt could replenish the minerals that are critical to our skin metabolism."

With so many benefits, it's no wonder these scrubs are so effective!



The scrub is gentle enough to use 2-4 times per week on your body and twice a week on your face (though I do not recommend using a salt scrub on your face unless you are very very careful - see why here), and the formula is so easy to apply.  You just take about a teaspoon of product, rub it into damp skin using small circular motions, let sit for five minutes so all the goodness can sink in, then rinse!  And since salt dissolves with moisture, this is a totally mess free exfoliation treatment!  No particles or residue to faff around with once you are finished - you can just relax!

I have been lucky enough to receive samples in both The Cruelty Free Beauty Box and in Vertue Box, and since I loved testing out a couple of the smaller trial sizes, I decided it was time I finished trying out all the different scents on offer and maybe even choose a favourite.

There are six varieties to select from: Calm, Hydrate, Repair, Stimulate, Energise, and Detox.  I ordered the gift set (a bag of three 60 gram tins) plus one bonus pot, as this would mean I had tried every single option available.  Unfortunately I forgot to take close up images of the "try me" pots of Energise and Repair as I used them before this post was planned, but they look much the same as the others with Energise having a green label and Repair being purple.  Luckily, I have another Energise on the way, so once it arrives I can add a cheerful snap of it to this post -- plus, I did make notes about each blend so I can still describe my experience with all six!

Each product comes in a plastic-free tin, something that is of ever-growing importance due to the plastic pollution problem.  I love that The Salt Parlour addresses this on their website, saying "We are also passionate about packaging our products as 'plastic free' as possible - our gorgeous tins are helping to protect our seas from further harmful plastic waste and can be reused and upcycled in so many ways... plus they look pretty good on your bathroom shelf!"  The tins are honestly super cute, and I have been finding some creative ways to repurpose mine -- let me know if you would like a full post on giving old packaging new life!

You can twist the lid on and off for easy access to the scrub inside, and you also get a little wooden spoon to help scoop out the scrub if you purchase a full size pot or a gift set.  I love this little touch, as it is great for both convenience and also for teaching you just how much you should be using each time.  If you buy The Mini Tin Set you also get one of the brand new 100% cotton carrier bags to store your items in - these drawstring pouches are perfect for travel and are super cute!




Calm: This was actually an Editor's Choice in the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018, and after just opening up the pot I could already tell why.  It smells AMAZING.  A gorgeous light pink salt and sulfur mixture that includes rose and shea butter, this scrub is pure bliss.  The Calm scrub is most suited for mature or irritated skin, or those with eczema, acne, or psoriasis.  While I don't necessarily fit any of those categories, I really loved this formula and found it super luxurious.  I felt like I was at a spa without even leaving my house, and always felt so incredibly relaxed after showering.

Hydrate: While each scrub from The Salt Parlour is very moisturizing, this one is definitely one of the more nourishing formulas -- kelp, sea buckthorn, and cucumber combine with salt and sulfur to make a thoroughly hydrating treatment.  The smell is also one of the most unique, as seaweed has such a distinct briny scent.  It really brings the seaside to mind, and I loved pretending I was at the ocean when using this.  Hydrate is suited for dry, dull, stressed, or tired skin, and gives a deep cleanse alongside the deep condition, and I could really feel a difference after just one use.

Detox: Don't be thrown by the pitch black colour, as this blend is actually really lovely.  The grain of the scrub is slightly more coarse, though still very gentle, and I think this helps really deliver all the detoxifying goodness of the black clay and vanilla.  The clay targets oiliness and shine while also cleansing blocked pores, and really sorts out problem skin.  This powerful ingredient helps improve circulation, tighten pores, and reduce redness too, making it a perfect all-round treatment!  While the most earthy smelling thanks to the addition of cedarwood and sandalwood, it is also uplifting so you can look forward to a heady steam that leaves you cool, calm, and collected.

Stimulate: It may be brown, but it is anything but dull.  Coffee and coconut come together to give both your senses and your skin a jolt-- it is smoother than its cousin the coffee scrub but with every benefit that comes from those messy grounds.  This formula is perfect for anyone worried about stretch marks or cellulite, or those who have any skin conditions like psoriasis or ezcema.  But even if you don't have these skin troubles I think you will love this scrub (and it seems to be a "Salty Scrubbers" favourite too!).

Repair:  Ideal for those looking to target cellulite or stretch marks, or for any skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, this green Jasmine and Matcha Green Tea blend utilizes the powers of caffeine and coconut to provide an option for those who are not too keen on coffee.  I found this one a strange mix of rejuvenating and super calming, and really liked how the floral notes combined with the bitter matcha.  However, I did really like it and loved how nourishing it felt on my legs, arms, and chest. I would say this is perfect if your skin needs a bit of extra TLC or if you are looking for something a little dreamy.

Energise:  So refreshing and mouth-wateringly zesty!  And who would guess lime and avocado paired so well??  Green in colour, I thought everything about this blend was bright and cheery.  The lime acts as antiseptic and astringent, and helps sort out any blemishes, and avocado soothes itchy irritated skin, and together they form the perfect tag team for acne-prone or tired complexions.  Energise was one of my favourite scents and was really effective at waking me up and making me feel refreshed.  I loved breathing in the steam and couldn't wait for the next time it was scrub-day!




So which was my favourite?  Ahhhh, so hard to choose!  I would have to say in terms of smell I would pick Calm, Energise, and Stimulate, but for the actual results my skin showed Detox, Repair, and Hydrate faired best for me -- maybe this is because my skin has been a bit drier and problematic than usual this year due to the dramatic weather changes?  Whatever the case, I honestly found every single pot from The Salt Parlour delivered on their individual promises and can see myself reaching for each one at different times.  Best keep my cupboard stocked just so I have every skin need covered!


Have you tried out The Salt Parlour yet?  I would love to hear what you thought about the scrubs you tried and which has been your favourite.  Let me know in the comments!

And if you would like to grab some plastic free tins for yourself, you can head over to The Salt Parlour and pick out the blends you think would be best suited to your skin or aromatherapy needs.  You can even grab 10% off by signing up to their mailing list!