Sea salt is formed from the natural evaporation of ocean water, generally in man-made pools near a protected shoreline. Sea salt is 98% sodium chloride, compared to table salt's 99.9% purity. The remaining 2 percent can be trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, sulfur or iodine. Unlike table salt, which is mined from land-based sources, natural sea salt does not contain added sugar, anti-caking ingredients or potassium iodide. Sea salt is also considered Kosher, which means it has been approved by rabbis for use by observant Jews.

Many proponents of sea salt believe it to be much more flavorful than standard table salt. Chefs primarily use sea salt or kosher salt as a crust for baked potatoes or in French and Thai-inspired cuisine. Sea salt is actually not quite as 'salty' as table salt, so recipes may have be adjusted for taste. Sea salt is generally more expensive than other seasonings, although some critics argue that the flavor benefits of sea salt may not justify the additional cost.

Sea salt is also used in the cosmetics industry, primarily as a natural exfoliant or scrub. The organic nature of sea salt also lends a certain cachet to higher-end products such as skin care treatments and foundations. Natural sea salt crystals may form the base for deodorants or antiperspirants. Many bath salt mixtures contain generous amounts of natural sea salt.

Commercial sea salt processors also earn extra income through the sale of trace minerals removed from the initial batches. Industries often use sodium carbonate in chemical compounds for water purification systems. Vitamin manufacturers can utilize other trace minerals for human consumption. Owners of saltwater aquariums often purchase special blends of sea salt to maintain the proper salinity of their tanks.

Organic sea salts often retain properties unique to their regions. French salt marshes often produce a grayish form of sea salt, while other exotic locales may yield pink-hued salt crystals. Some gourmet chefs can readily identify the origins of different sea salts and form a preference for a particular region. For most purposes salt is salt, but gourmet recipes may call for quality ingredients such as an expensive sea salt from a specific region.