During the 2026 Vogue Wellness Retreat, in one of the highly informative talks that took place throughout the 72 hours of panel discussions, spa time, sports day competitiveness and fabulous food, electrolyte supplements were a hot topic of conversation. I was surprised by just how divisive they are. I must admit, I am somewhat of an electrolyte obsessive. Before the retreat, I would combine one of the flavoured mineral mixes from the likes of Hixo, LMNT, Good Salt or Sult into my water bottle daily, no matter the amount of exercise or the weather.
Vogue’s top electrolytes at a glance:
This is, according to the experts, not the correct way to consume electrolytes. Once a fixture of sports nutrition, the supplement has made its way into the wellness space, but should it be reserved as an athletic recovery tool? Certainly, the projected market valuations suggest growing universal use. The global electrolyte drinks market is projected to grow from $43.05 billion in 2026 to $82.12 billion by 2034.
So, what are they? “Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids,” explains Innermost’s in-house nutritionist Maria Ribeiro. “The key ones are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride.” She stresses the importance of these minerals for our bodies: “Every time a muscle contracts, a nerve fires, or your body regulates its fluid balance, electrolytes are doing the work. They’re not optional extras; they’re fundamental to keeping the body functioning properly at a cellular level.” Natasha Draycott, lead nutritionist at Rheal Superfoods, adds that these are not a modern invention. “They are naturally occurring minerals that have always been present in water and food.”
Their popularity, says the experts, comes down to the greater awareness of the importance of staying hydrated – “Even mild dehydration can affect concentration, mood, energy and physical performance,” Draycott says. While there has also been a shift away from high-sugar sports drinks, paving the way for functional beverages to take their place.
But according to Ribeiro, we may be getting the electrolyte balance we need – no supplementation necessary. “Most people get adequate electrolytes from a balanced diet under normal circumstances.” There are exceptions where higher needs occur, of course. She lists them as “Regular exercisers, particularly those training in the heat or for longer than an hour, lose significant electrolytes through sweat. People who are unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea might need to replace what they’re losing. Anyone spending extended time in hot climates, those following strict low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets, and older adults who often have lower fluid and food intakes are all worth mentioning. For most people, the question isn’t whether electrolytes matter; it’s whether their current intake is keeping up with their losses.”
The issue is that not all electrolytes are created equal. Some are on the higher end of the sodium scale, which is not always what is required. “It's important to look at dosing,” Draycott advises. “Some electrolyte products contain up to 1000mg of sodium per serving, which is generally more appropriate for endurance athletes or people who have lost significant amounts of fluid through illness.” Not everyone needs extra sodium – we may be getting enough from our diet, and if that is the case, looking for low-sodium alternatives could be a better solution. “In excess, sodium can be harmful, particularly for people with hypertension, kidney disease, or heart conditions,” says Ribeiro, who details that when selecting the right electrolyte to suit your needs, “consider the duration and intensity of activity, your broader dietary sodium intake, and any existing health conditions. A 30-minute gym session in a temperate climate is a very different situation from a half marathon in the heat.”
Checking the label is key. So with that in mind, and based on the expert’s advice, the Vogue team has selected our favourite electrolytes, considering more than just flavour.
- Jump to the product reviews
- Who needs to supplement electrolytes?
- What ingredients should people look for on an electrolyte label?
- What are the signs of an electrolyte imbalance?
- Why is sodium featured so prominently in many electrolyte products?
- What’s the biggest mistake people make when choosing electrolyte products?
- Meet the experts
Ancient + Brave
True Hydration
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: It may not be the tastiest electrolyte on the market, but with Ancient + Brave, you know you are getting a formula that has been third-party tested and rigorously investigated for purity and potency. It is also sugar-free, so you are treating your body to essential vitamins – magnesium, potassium and chromium – with no nasties. They come in sachet form, so they are very easy to travel with. Plus, they come nutritionist-approved with nutritional therapist Eve Kalinik detailing that this is her electrolyte of choice.
- Key ingredients: Sodium: 110 mg; Potassium: 220 mg; Magnesium: 110 mg; Calcium: 30 mg; Chromium: 48 µg.
Innermost The Hydrate Blend
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: “The limitation of many products is that sodium becomes the whole formula,” explains nutritionist Maria Ribeiro. “Sweat contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium too, and these minerals play their own roles in muscle function, nerve signalling, and recovery.” For this reason, the formulation of Innermost’s The Hydrate Blend was created as a balanced and complete electrolyte profile rather than as sodium-first. The expert explains that they are best suited for those who “exercise regularly, sweat heavily or follow a low-carbohydrate diet,” as she says this “broader coverage is more reflective of what the body actually loses.” The brand also uses natural flavours only and when it comes to enhancing the taste, stevia is selected as a natural plant-based sweetener.
- Key ingredients: Sodium: 300 mg; Potassium: 200 mg; Magnesium: 56 mg; Calcium: 120 mg; plus vitamin C and Aquamin marine minerals
ARTAH
Cellular Hydration
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: The electrolytes craze isn’t going anywhere – and for good reason. These minerals (which include magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium and chloride) can help with everything from our hydration status to blood pressure, muscle function, energy and cognition. “They essentially help direct water where to go,” explains Rhian Stephenson, nutritionist, naturopath and founder of Artah – and all you have to do is add them to your water each morning. Cellular Hydration is a beauty editor favourite as a low-sodium and sugar-free formula that boosts hydration with a light citrus taste.
- Key ingredients: Sodium: 300 mg; Potassium: 300 mg; Magnesium: 100 mg; Calcium: 120 mg; Chloride: 580 mg; plus coconut water powder and taurine.
Rheal Hydration Sachets
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: As a simple way to support energy, focus and wellbeing, nutritionist Natasha Draycott believes “hydration is one of the easiest places to start” and attributes the popularity of Rheal Hydration Sachets to this simple approach. “It shows this shift in mindset, where hydration is seen as a daily habit rather than only something for post-workout recovery.” In each serving, you are getting a combination of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which she says is enough “to support fluid retention and hydration without providing the excessive levels found in some performance-based products.” They come in two flavours: raspberry or lemon and lime.
- Key ingredients: Sodium: 250 mg; Potassium: 150 mg; Magnesium: 56 mg; Calcium: 120 mg; plus vitamin C and whole-food botanicals.
Sult Electrolytes
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: The brainchild of content creator Milly Goldsmith and Henry Porpora, who founded the brand after an unsuccessful Hinge date (well, romantically at least), Sult’s mission is to cut out the nasties for pure hydration and optimised recovery. The right amount of water, as detailed to be 400-750ml, is essential to encourage the product to diffuse effectively, but once this has happened, both the watermelon berry and peach citrus flavours make for a tasty beverage. And you get the benefits of all six staple electrolytes – sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride and phosphorus.
- Key ingredients: Sodium: 500 mg; Potassium: 300 mg; Magnesium: 105 mg; Calcium: 120 mg
Zooki Electrolytes+ Energy and Focus
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Not just effective in rehydration, but the Zooki Electrolytes+ Energy and Focus are also supercharged with L-theanine and caffeine, the former of which is attributed with improving mental function, calming anxiety and reducing stress, while the latter, much like your morning brew, enhances alertness and endurance.
- Key ingredients: Sodium: 520 mg; Potassium: 200 mg; Magnesium: 100 mg; Calcium: 20 mg; Chloride: 947 mg; Vitamin C: 200 mg; Vitamin B12: 20 µg; Zinc: 5 mg; L-theanine: 200 mg; Caffeine: 100 mg
Hiro Hydration Electrolytes
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Whether it’s the refreshing combination of ginger and lemongrass that feels like health in a glass or the non-saccharine watermelon, the Hiro formulas are hands down the best-tasting electrolytes on the market. The effervescent tablets are dissolved in water and offer boosted hydration to combat headaches. They are not too salty or overly sweet. Game changer.
- Key ingredients: Sodium: 1,000 mg; Potassium: 200 mg; Magnesium: 60 mg
LMNT Recharge Electrolytes
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: I was first introduced to the wonderful world of LMNT electrolytes by Dua Lipa, who stirred a sachet into her Evian in a curated Instagram dump. It’s not just the buzz of celebrity approval or the minimalistic branding - although both certainly help. It’s the no-nasties formula, free from any sugar, fillers or nonsense. Within each sachet is simply a functional blend of the holy trinity in hydration heroes: sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Replenishing the aforementioned is essential after heavy sweating, illness or intense exercise to prevent dehydration, and in the case of working out, to enhance performance.
- The flavour range extends beyond just Watermelon Salt (a favourite of both Lipa and me), which is refreshing with a touch of salinity, to classic combinations like Citrus, Raspberry, Orange and Grapefruit, but the standouts are the Mango Chilli with a kick and Chocolate Salt. Unusual for an electrolyte? Yes, but stirred into hot water, it brings a hydration element to the traditional cocoa beverage.
- Key ingredients: Sodium: 1,000 mg; Potassium: 200 mg; Magnesium: 60 mg
Who needs to supplement electrolytes?
While my habit is to consume electrolytes daily, this is not always necessary. Draycott details the people and circumstances in which supplementation is recommended, which is generally speaking, those who have lost fluids on account of illness, high-intensity exercise or are suffering from dehydration. She says:
- People who exercise regularly and athletes can definitely benefit because they’re losing electrolytes through sweat, especially sodium.
- If you’re regularly doing hot yoga or hot Pilates classes, electrolytes after class can be helpful.
- People who travel frequently may also find electrolytes helpful, as they can contribute to fluid loss due to the low humidity in planes, which can leave people feeling dehydrated, fatigued or sluggish after a flight.
- They’re also useful during illness, particularly if you’re losing fluids through vomiting, diarrhoea or a fever.
- Electrolytes are especially important during hot weather. The more you sweat, the more electrolytes you’re losing, so replacing them can help support hydration.
- There are also certain conditions where electrolytes can be helpful, such as POTS, where higher sodium intake is often recommended under medical supervision.
What ingredients should people look for on an electrolyte label?
The five key electrolytes that are most commonly included in electrolyte mixes are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride. Ribeiro says, “Each plays a distinct physiological role, and all five are present in sweat, which is worth keeping in mind when evaluating what a product actually contains.” Draycott breaks them down:
- Sodium is the most important when it comes to hydration because it helps your body retain and use fluid effectively. It plays an important role in fluid balance, nutrient transport, and nerve and muscle function.
- Chloride works alongside sodium to maintain fluid balance and also supports digestion. You’ll often find it included as part of ingredients such as sodium chloride or potassium chloride rather than as a standalone ingredient.
- Potassium works alongside sodium to keep fluid levels balanced inside your cells and supports muscle and nerve function.
- Magnesium is involved in energy production and supports everything from muscle recovery to focus and cognitive function. It’s also a nutrient many people don’t get enough of.
- Calcium is well known for its role in bone health, but it also contributes to muscle contractions, nerve transmission and cardiovascular function.
She recommends finding a “balanced blend of electrolytes rather than focusing on just one.”
What are the signs of an electrolyte imbalance?
The experts both detail that common signs include muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Draycott says, “A lot of these symptoms can also be signs of dehydration, which is why people sometimes don't realise electrolytes could be playing a role,” and adds, “If you’re drinking plenty of water but still feeling sluggish or getting frequent headaches or cramps, it’s worth considering if you’re getting enough electrolytes.” Ribeiro believes it’s also worth noting, “these symptoms don't always point to sodium deficiency specifically; low magnesium or potassium can produce very similar presentations.”
Why is sodium featured so prominently in many electrolyte products?
Sodium is one of the main ingredients in every electrolyte mix and it can be important to replenish as it is lost the most through sweat, but do we really need extra sodium or can this actually be harmful? “Sodium drives thirst and helps the body retain absorbed fluid, so there are genuine physiological reasons for its prominence,” explains Ribeiro. Yet she stresses not everyone needs extra sodium in their diet. “Those who genuinely benefit from higher-sodium products tend to be endurance athletes doing prolonged exercise in the heat, people who are “salty sweaters” (look for white residue on skin or kit after exercise), or individuals on very low-sodium diets who are also training heavily.” Draycott confirms this detailing, “The right amount depends on your lifestyle and individual needs. Someone completing a marathon in hot weather, for example, will typically require more sodium than someone working in an office and doing light exercise a few times a week.”
What’s the biggest mistake people make when choosing electrolyte products?
Draycott believes that one of the biggest mistakes is “assuming that more is always better.” When it comes to looking at the table, many want the highest quantity of the ingredients, but the nutritionist stresses, “it’s possible to overdo it.” She concludes, “The amount you need depends on factors such as how active you are, how much you sweat, if you are travelling, the climate you’re in and your overall diet.” Ribeiro advises always checking the label and looking for a balance of all five electrolytes. “People often pick based on flavour, branding, or price without checking what’s actually in the product. Many mainstream electrolyte supplements are effectively sodium and sugar combinations with minimal amounts of anything else, which means consumers who think they’re covering their electrolyte needs may not be getting the full picture.”
Meet the experts
- Natasha Draycott is the lead nutritionist at Rheal Superfoods
- Maria Ribeiro is the in-house nutritionist at Innermost