4 Best Water Softener Salt for Sensitive Skin (2023 Buyers Guide)

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Best Water Softener Salt for Sensitive Skin


Treating hard water issues requires the use of salt. These salts, or water softeners, help eradicate the minerals, magnesium and calcium ions in the water. As the salt is added to the water, it removes the mineral ions which “harden” it. The treated, “softened” water becomes scum-free, and safer for drinking and bathing. If hard water is the culprit in the home, and irritating sensitive skin, it’s time for a water softener and gentle softener salt. We’ve researched and determined the four top-rated water softener salts, as well as one product we found not as effective which you may want to avoid.

Reviews of the 4 Best Water Softener Salts for Sensitive Skin, Plus 1 to Avoid

1. Morton Pure AND Natural Water Softening Crystals Review

Morton Pure AND Natural Water Softening Crystals Review

Morton Pure & Natural Water Softening Crystals boast high purity solar salt crystals. A recipe of sun, wind and time creates this unique water softener. Morton softening crystals guarantee quick delivery in water softening systems for softer water faster, and offer a cleaner, purerer taste. The 4-in-1 system is all-natural, creates less build-up, leaves skin and hair feeling softer, and makes for easier cleaning.

This Morton product is super-gentle on soft-water and home plumbing systems. Using solar salt crystals formulated with higher-quality deters build up on kitchen appliances, especially inside the dishwasher. A haven for hard water deposits. Hard water is menacing when trying to keep dishes and glassware sparkling and streak-free. Soft water stops this from occurring, and for the potential of corrosion and rust to certain types of flatware.

Morton Pure AND Natural makes for easier water-based household cleaning chores, and helps detergents and soaps lather better, last longer and rinse cleaner. Laundry stays brighter, wash after wash. Perfect for keeping sensitive skin from breaking out since fabrics are completely washed free of any harsh laundry detergent and fabric softener residuals.

To watch the Morton Pure AND Natural Water Softening Crystals Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

  • Sturdy plastic handle & easy pouring
  • Efficient quick delivery
  • Manufacturer recommended

Cons:

  • Online pricing
  • Sulfur smell only comes in
  • 40 & 50 lb bags

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2. Morton Salt Morton Clean & Protect/Rust Defense Water Softener Pellets Review

Morton Salt Morton Clean & Protect/Rust Defense Water Softener Pellets Review

Clean & Protect/Rust Defense steps up the game with a 5-in-1 system. It has the same quality and features of Morton’s Soft & Natural product with added built-in rust defense. What separates this water softener is its pellet formation. Larger salt crystals are formed in the process of making Clean & Protect/Rust Defense.

Morton Salt Morton Clean & Protect/Rust Defense Water Softener Pellets not only creates significantly less build-up, it also leaves skin and hair feeling even smoother and softer. It improves cleaning tasks without streaking or spotting, guarantees fresher, clean tasting water, and improves the life of water-assisted appliances. It’s perfect for water-dispensing refrigerators as the salts works much like an in-sink water filtration system. The rust defense properties are superior for the home’s water heater and pipes, especially in older, historical homes, where iron is the main metal. The rust and corrosion build up, and increased iron deposits in drinking water increases exponentially.

Clean & Protect works 15 times more than plain salt, to remove scaling water heaters and keeps rust from accumulating in water pipes. Too much build up can corrode parts and cause the heater to run less efficiently. These salt pellets help avoid maintenance and repair costs, and assist in less soap usage to clean larger loads of laundry. Pellets are larger and also keep the salt from bridging: undissolved salt which ends up clogging pipes.

To watch the Morton Salt Morton Clean & Protect/Rust Defense Water Softener Pellets Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

  • Works intuitively with all water-softening systems
  • Pellet formula
  • Saves having to hire a technician
  • Recommended for older homes with iron pipes

Cons:

  • Not readily available at big-box stores
  • Higher on-line pricing
  • Longer online shipping times

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3. Diamond Crystal 50 lb. Water Softener Salt, Bright & Soft Series, Pellets Review

Diamond Crystal 50 lb. Water Softener Salt, Bright & Soft Series, Pellets Review

This versatile salt comes from a ‘solution mine’ in Hersey, MI. Hot water is injected into salt deposits deep underground, then water is pumped up and out of the ground. When the water evaporates the results are Diamond Crystal salt pellets. At 99.9% pure, these pellets continually regenerate the resin beads in the home water treatment system at a faster rate. This cuts down on their erosion while maintaining the home water-softening system in top order. And this results in a higher level of water softening.

Diamond Crystal Bright & Soft 50 lb bag makes for easy lifting when transporting the salt. Diamond Crystal Bright & Soft’s claim to fame is are water softener pellets. Larger than typical water softener crystals, these pellets remove hard minerals from water, including barium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Bright & Soft also claims to be “suitable for use with most water softeners.” This means check the manufacturer’s recommended brand. The correct salt, not a comparable one, should always be used in the home water-softening system. Using a salt that isn’t innovative enough can translate to a “user-causing issue.” Never let a water-softening system function improperly. Many water-softening systems have limited warranties and incorrect product usage is not covered under these warranties.

To watch the Diamond Crystal 50 lb. Water Softener Salt, Bright & Soft Series, Pellets Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

  • Natural organic harvesting
  • Pellet formula aids in the removal of more minerals
  • 99.9% pure

Cons:

  • Not recommend for all water-softening systems
  • Only available in 50lb bags
  • Cost and shipping online is 3x higher than in-store purchase

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4. Morton Salt 1501 Clean Protect System Water Softener Review

Morton Salt 1501 Clean Protect System Water Softener Review

Morton Salt 1501 Clean Protect System Water Softener is formerly known as Morton® System Saver II. It’s comparable to the Morton Pure & Natural product. The product comes highly recommended in many water-softening systems and by far has the best reviews by consumers. It’s also stamped with the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. 1501 comes in a 50lb bag, and includes a carrying handle for ease of use, transport, and pouring into the water-softening system. Its patented formula guarantees extended appliance life, improved efficiency and crystal clear, pure tasting water for drinking, bathing, washing and cooking.

To watch the Morton Salt 1501 Clean Protect System Water Softener Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

  • Highly recommend product since 2005
  • Patented with limited warranty
  • Good Housekeeping approved!

Cons:

  • Price 2x higher when purchased online
  • Limited to only 50lb bag size
  • Name change caused consumer confusion

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Avoid – Diamond Crystal Salt Pellets Bag Review

Diamond Crystal Salt Pellets Bag Review

With many of the similar properties of Diamond Bright & Soft, these salt pellets are somewhat deceiving. Consumers are led to this product for the potassium-chloride benefits, only to be concerned about using them in a more expensive water-softening system. The packaging doesn’t explicitly state that it’s a potassium-chloride based formula.

Usually a salt higher in price, and much more efficient at cutting back brine accumulation in the water-softening system, potassium-chloride based water-softening products are a recommended healthier alternative for hard water issues. For consumers concerned about daily sodium (salt) intake, potassium-chloride salt pellets are a go-to. But it doesn’t come with a few drawbacks. Diamond Crystal Salt Pellets Bag can end up costing 5x more that running a sodium-chloride based water-softening system, and the system needs constant attention.

And there is some deception about potassium-chloride salt pellets not containing any salt, or being low in salt content. Whether using a sodium-chloride or potassium-chloride based salt pellet, both products are introducing some for of sodium (salt) into the water used for drinking, bathing and running appliances.

To watch the Diamond Crystal Salt Pellets Bag Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

  • Health benefits
  • Unique and specially formulated

Cons:

  • Can cost up to 5x more than sodium-based water softening pellets
  • Must use 3x more product
  • Doesn’t remove chlorine from the water
  • Require an additional costly filtration system

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Best Water Softener Salts for Sensitive Skin




2022 Buyers Guide to the Best Water Softener Salt for Sensitive Skin:

Although a salt would seem to be just salt, it’s important to recognize a few key factors when choosing the right water-softening agent. After all, it’s got to be right for the water-softening system, for drinking and bathing and for keeping expensive and heavily- used appliances, like dishwashers and refrigerators working efficiently.



3 Main Points to Consider:

  • Is the water-softening salt manufacturer recommended? – How pure are the salts? Just because a salt or pellet is cheaper or on sale, if it isn’t recommended for the water-softening system, it shouldn’t be poured into it and assumed the water will taste better clean more efficiently. Ultimately it could damage the system. And continue to irritate or worsen already sensitive skin.
  • What do the reviews say? – Determine if there is evidence that the water-softening salts or pellets have caused unusual odors during treatment. If the water system fails due to incorrect usage, technical repairs can cost hundreds of dollars and/or replacement of the entire system. When in doubt, contact the water softener salt manufacturer.
  • Is the water-softening salt or pellet being used cost-effective? – Where is the best place to buy water-softening salts or pellets? Online or in-store? Many online reviews tout the salt/pellet being an amazing deal, but ultimately would a trip to the hardware store equal a larger consumer savings? Do some price comparison, unless convenience is your key purchase factor and then opt for online shopping.



Diamond Crystal vs Morton Water softener salt comparison

Going head-to-head, even while both Diamond Crystal and Morton Water softening salt/pellet products are similar, it all comes down to the efficiency each product provides to the water softening system used in the home. Each brand produces their salts using a unique process. How each of these salts react to the skin depends on the amount of iron in the water pipes and the mineral content in the water itself. And of course, how the home water treatment system is incorporating the salts makes all the difference in the many ways we count on fresh, clean, pure water in day to day living. Both Diamond and Morton have each been manufacturing salt products for a century or more. They know a thing or two. Morton has uniquely defined, tested and marketed their water softener salts. Each product speaks to the pride the company takes in assuring not only a premier product but also a trusted one. And Morton claims on every bag of each product reviewed, “softer hair and skin,” a clear indicator that that they’ve thought about the benefits of water purity and good skin health.



Why does my water softener make me itch?

The process of water-softening is two-fold. In the process of hard water being softened, ions are transferred and removed so the water is left pure and drinkable and free of calcium and magnesium. If after starting a soft-water treatment the skin is still itchy and inflamed, even if target minerals have been removed, the skin’s sensitivity could be a reaction to the amount of chlorine left in the water. Much like an over-chlorinated swimming pool.

The scientific term for itchy, flaky skin reactions to water-softening agents is called “increased chemical dermal absorption.” Like the shower tiles that accumulate hard scummy water deposits and streaks, the pores on the skin become clogged. Once that “scum” has become a barrier on the skin, the irritation becomes an itch. Left untreated, the skin can breakout and even bleed. The solution is finding the best manufacturer recommended water-softening salt or pellet that is the most soluble: able to completely dissolve and purify the water. The purer the water, means less itchy skin. Remember, soap rinses cleaner from the body when the water is at its “softest.”




Best Water Softener Salt for Sensitive Skin (2022 Buyers Guide)

 


Final Thoughts on Buying the Best Water Softener Salt for Sensitive Skin

When you pull back the shower curtain, does the tub and tile reveal a hard, crusty film? Those are hard water deposits. This scummy build up, if left untreated can become virtually impossible to clean. Removal requires harsh and abrasive chemicals. Water becomes “hard” due to an accumulation of minerals.

Hard water not only wreaks havoc on the home’s plumbing but on sensitive skin. Hard water clogs pores. This can lead to itchy, dry and flaky skin, as well as chronic acne and eczema. If your skin is already sensitive, hard water will make it worse.

In the long run, a water-softening salt that works this good, accounts for huge savings, less repair and replacement cost, and no more itchy sensitive skin.

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