Magnesium Lotion For Better Sleep (and Healthier Skin)

Katie Wells Avatar

Reading Time: 5 minutes

This post contains affiliate links.

Read my affiliate policy.

magnesium lotion
Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Magnesium Lotion For Better Sleep (and Healthier Skin)

I’ve posted before about how to make your own magnesium oil. But I wanted to come up with something that was a little more moisturizing and even more skin nourishing. This magnesium lotion/body butter hydrates skin and is a great way to get more magnesium in your skincare routine.

Benefits of Magnesium

Our skin absorbs what we put on it, which can be a good thing or a bad thing! Here we’re using it to our advantage. I take magnesium supplements because unfortunately our soil and food are depleted of this vital nutrient. And most of the population has a magnesium deficiency. I also like using topical magnesium on my skin, especially at night.

Our muscles (and many other things!) need magnesium to function properly. When we don’t have enough it can lead to leg cramps, migraines, and restless legs. I don’t give my kids melatonin, but I will rub this on their feet at night to help them get restful sleep. For some people, myself included, magnesium can be more energizing. So I use magnesium body lotion during the daytime.

Why Make Magnesium Cream?

I like making my own skincare products when I can because they’re often healthier and cheaper. Some magnesium lotion brands have sulfates and parabens, but we’re skipping those here. Other common ingredients are capric triglyceride, MSM, xanthan gum, and glyceryl stearate. Not really things I have on hand in my kitchen.

Magnesium Body Butter

This recipe uses all natural moisturizing ingredients to make dry skin soft and silky. Many people notice a tingling or burning feeling the first time using magnesium oil spray. Because this magnesium is blended in a thick lotion/body butter base I’ve found it’s more comfortable to use.

Some lotion recipes add glycerin and aloe, but I opted not to here. While they’re both great for healthy skin, too much glycerin can make skin feel sticky. And aloe really shortens the shelf life.

Magnesium Lotion Ingredients

I did use Coconut oil and shea butter, which both have a naturally mild SPF of 4-5. While it won’t work the same as sunblock, it does help the skin be more resilient. Our bodies also need magnesium to absorb vitamin D from the sun, so this magnesium lotion is great for mild sun exposure.

You’ll notice a few other unique ingredients in this recipe. Instead of beeswax to thicken, I use a blend of candelilla and emulsifying wax. Candelilla is a hard plant wax that thickens without being greasy. And the emulsifying wax helps the magnesium water combine with the oily ingredients.

If you don’t have either of those, you can use beeswax, but it’s harder to clean up and feels heavier on the skin. It’s also trickier to get the magnesium lotion to not separate.

Non-Greasy Feel

A lot of body butters can feel really heavy on the skin. This is more of a thick lotion consistency and absorbs faster. It uses a blend of waxes and oils that help it to not feel as greasy as some body cream and body butter options.

The Right Magnesium

There are lots of different types of magnesium, but not all of them will work in a lotion. Magnesium supplements (like magnesium citrate) will leave a gritty feel and don’t really work. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), can work if it’s dissolved enough, but it’s not ideal.

Magnesium lotion uses magnesium chloride as its magnesium source. I use these unscented magnesium bath flakes to make pure magnesium oil for the lotion. They’re made from Zechstein magnesium chloride harvested from ancient seabeds.

Basically, you want it to say magnesium chloride on the ingredients list.

Adding Essential Oils

A lot of my skincare recipes rely on essential oils for their scent and health-promoting properties. You could add whatever skin safe essential oil you prefer to the formulation for scent. I used lavender because it’s great for soothing irritated skin and helps the mind and body relax at night. I avoid using certain citrus essential oils because they can cause photosensitivity for daytime use.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, make sure the essential oil you use is pregnancy or breastfeeding safe. Or just leave it out and have an unscented version.

How to Use Magnesium Lotion

I use this or regular magnesium oil on my kid’s feet each night to help them sleep and boost magnesium levels. It’s also a great product to use for sore or restless muscles. You don’t need to use it all over like a body lotion for results, but you could if you wanted to. It may clog pores if used on the face though.

Because it has oils that help with vitamin D absorption and mild sun protection, I’ll use it before going outside in the warmer months. 

magnesium lotion
Print
4.16 from 138 votes

Magnesium Lotion

All natural moisturizing ingredients make skin soft and silky in this thick lotion. Magnesium aids restful sleep, reduces muscle soreness, and boosts vitamin D absorption.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time15 minutes
Cooling Time15 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Yield: 12 ounces
Author: Katie Wells

Materials

Instructions

  • Place magnesium flakes into the mason jar and add the boiling water, stirring until the magnesium dissolves.
  • Set aside to cool.
  • Put the coconut oil, shea butter, emulsifying wax, candelilla wax, and grapeseed oil into the top of the double boiler and turn on medium heat. You can also use a heat safe glass bowl on top of a pot filled halfway with water.
  • Stir frequently until the ingredients are melted and completely combined.
  • Pour the melted oil mixture into a mixing bowl or blender. Let the mixture cool until it's room temperature and slightly opaque. I put mine in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.
  • Add the essential oils and vitamin E if using.
  • Use a hand blender, immersion blender, or regular blender on medium speed to start blending the cooled oil mixture. You can also use a stand mixer.
  • While the oil mixture is mixing/blending, very slowly add the dissolved magnesium mixture. Start with just a few drops, and then pour in a very thin stream. Continue to mix until fully incorporated.
  • Transfer the magnesium lotion to a glass container.

Notes

  • If you have pre-made magnesium oil on hand, you can use ½ cup of that instead of the magnesium flakes and boiling water.
  • Store in the fridge for a cooling lotion, or at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to two months.

Storage and Shelf Life

Magnesium body butter doesn’t have any preservatives, so I make it in smaller batches. It keeps for up to two months without a problem. It can also be stored in the fridge for a thicker and cooling lotion. It’s great to use after sun exposure to help the body absorb Vitamin D. You can also add some vitamin E to extend the life of the oils and shea butter (though it’s not an antimicrobial).

Where to Buy Magnesium Lotion

If you’re short on time or just don’t feel like making it, you can buy healthy magnesium lotion online. This Magnesium Lotion Shop sells hand-crafted jars that everyone seems to love! They have a fragrance-free version or one with lavender essential oil.

Have you ever used magnesium oil or lotion before? Did you notice a difference? Leave a comment and let me know!

Magnesium is a vital nutrient for the body and this magnesium body butter includes natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter for healthy skin.
Sources

Become a VIP member!

Get access to my VIP newsletter with health tips, special deals, my free ebook on Seven Small Easy Habits and so much more!

Easy Habits ebook on ipad

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

527 responses to “Magnesium Lotion For Better Sleep (and Healthier Skin)”

  1. Magda Avatar

    How long does it need to be whipped to make it fluffy? I just whipped it and it will not get fluffy, just a thick lotion, but not fluffy….

  2. Laurie Avatar

    hello everyone,
    Gosh, what alot of comments !!! I make a body butter by whipping the shea ( refined doesn’t smell ) and slowly adding the barely melted butters ( if using cocoa) in liquid oils…too much heat can hydrogenize fats , just like with food… alternating the mag oil with the melted oils when whipping…
    If your magnesium is dissolved in water…I always use distilled, and a few drops of a decent antifungal/antibacterial ( like optiphen ) . it will not affect the properties of your ingredients, just won’t let mold grow …anything with spring/tap water grows mold, and fast…
    a teaspoon of arrowroot powder per 4 oz of product helps with the stickiness …and hasn’t interfered with absorption so far for me…
    clean your coffee grinder with some dry oatmeal and pitch it out to the birds…
    coconut can be drying, using jojoba ( which is a wax very close in chemical makeup to human skin ) and almond or avocado work grand ( but have a shorter shelf life )
    cocoa butter is an emulsifier because it is solid at warm temps, but beeswax, soya wax, candelilia or another emulsifier can be used …or everything will melt in a warm steamy bathroom closet or sunny windowsill…
    carrot oil is really good for skin, and chamomile…and from other posts katie has made… I love the idea of calendula or comfrey infused oil…
    don’t you love all this stuff ?
    laurie

  3. Christina Avatar
    Christina

    I have been using this wonderful body butter for about 1 month, and I really noticed a difference on how it relaxes me and my husband and help us with our sleep!

    HOWEVER, I also noticed my husband and I also been feeling quite sluggish in the morning upon rising, rather than refreshed. I have also noticed it seemed to relate to sudden mood swings for me when I apply more than one time….

    I looked up Magniseum overdose and here is what I found:

    Overdose Signs

    There is also a possibility to over dose this supplement and the signs are as follows:
    Changes in Mental Status

    The over dose toxicity could cause mental irritability and uneasiness, mood changes and chemical imbalance.
    Nausea

    The person can become nauseous and uncomfortable.
    Diarrhea

    It could cause diarrhea.
    Loss of Appetite

    Loss of appetite could be experienced.
    Muscle Weakness

    The person experiences weakness, lethargy and lack of muscle strength.
    Difficulty Breathing

    Breathing might become difficult and uneasy.
    Extremely Low Blood Pressure

    The blood pressure could drop dramatically.
    Irregular Heartbeat

    It could cause irregular heartbeat patterns as a sign of overdose and toxicity.

    I love this butter but I think using in moderation, for me once a day, is key! And it’s important that one knows what the potential side effects are before using so you can monitor your intake!

    Hope this helps:-)

    1. annie Avatar

      Now I’m scared! I am gathering my ingredients now and want to try this. Can I replace the magnesium with something else? I am also wondering if it can be stored in the freezer for a longer life?

  4. emma Avatar

    5 stars
    I noticed your spray deodorant recipe is just plain magnesium oil. can this butter be used as a deodorant too, or do the other ingredients dilute it too much?

  5. Louise Avatar

    I wonder if I could use Kokum butter or Cocoa butter instead of Shea butter since that’s what I happen to have in the cabinet? Both these are very hard, even in summer, and I don’t know what Shea butter is like. Do you think the same measurements would work? This recipe sounds wonderfully luscious!

  6. Debbie McIver Avatar
    Debbie McIver

    I am having a hard time getting the magnesium flakes to dissolve and it makes my butter gritty like a scrub. Any suggestions?

  7. christina Avatar
    christina

    4 stars
    Just made this and LOVE It! I could feel it relaxes me when I put it on my feet. Katie, I am wondering are there application/dosage guidelines for how much one can use a day? Is it possible to overdose on Magnesium ?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      It’s hard to do… You really have to take a lot of it in. Your body has a natural and effective way of eliminating excess magnesium.

  8. Marian Avatar

    4 stars
    Aye aye aye. I’m a novice DIY lotion maker and didn’t realize what a mess beeswax and shea butter are. The lotion turned out good, but I spent a good hour and a half trying to clean everything up. Anybody have any tips or tricks? For me it was very hot water, then castor oil followed by dish soap that did the trick.

    1. danielle Avatar
      danielle

      I usually have to use almost boiling water, with soap added, to clean up anything I make with beeswax.

  9. Erin Avatar

    I just tried to make this, but the magnesium seems to have separated! Do you know what I have done wrong? Did I start adding it when it was too hot? It was fine until I took it out of the fridge to whip again… I whipped it and then all of a sudden there was water in the bottom of my bowl. I’ve never made anything like this before, so it could be something really silly!

  10. Sarah S. Avatar
    Sarah S.

    I just made this by subbing cocoa butter for the shea butter since I am very sensitive to shea butter (it makes my eczema worse). It was horribly greasy and when I rubbed it into my hands (I have bad hand eczema) and it burned like the dickens. I couldn’t wash it off fast enough. I am trying to figure out the irritant. Would the magnesium water (I used the flakes) be that irritating? Or could it be the cocoa butter? And mine did not yield nearly as much as you said yours did. My recipe filled a half pint jar. I really want this to work as I have bad RLS and was hoping this would help me sleep better. Thoughts?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      Some people do notice a tingling sensation from the magnesium, but it might be a little strong for you if you have eczema. You could try balancing it with more of the other ingredients, which will also increase your yield.

  11. Sarah Avatar

    I’ve noticed that it causes a bit of sensation, slight burning and tingling, for about an hour after application. Is this from the magnesium? I’ve taken baths with it before and never noticed an issue, but other than the magnesium I’ve had all of the other ingredients on my skin previously without any issue.
    Also, it feels like it leaves a residue behind. Has anyone noticed this getting into clothes and staining or making the material feel funny after a while?

  12. Duke Avatar

    Made this today, thanks! It’s a mess to clean up! I didn’t know what to with the blender after, and I have a baby strapped to my back… I need a nap hehe!

  13. Nysia E Avatar
    Nysia E

    I was wondering about this when I read your article on magnesium. I thought “what if you just put it in a lotion…” haha! here it is! 🙂 Thanks again! Although I am wondering where the sunscreen effects are coming from that you mentioned… you didn’t ad any zinc. does the magnesium provide screening? I can’t remember.

  14. Annie Avatar

    Hi,
    I’m new here , but why are you adding Wax to this?
    In’t Wax un-heathy to absorb into your body?

    Thanx..

  15. Sarah Avatar

    How old were your children when you started using this on them?

    1. JoAnne Avatar
      JoAnne

      5 stars
      Hi Sarah,

      I use this on the bottoms of my kids’ feet and they’re 7, 6 and 2. I also have a friend who’s son has been having some growing pains, he’s 7, and they’ve had great success using this on his legs at night 🙂

  16. Bonnie Avatar
    Bonnie

    Love this it works great I added a some drops of lavender in it

  17. naomi Avatar

    Could I mix some zinc oxide in too for more sun protection? Sorry of this question has been answered before… too many comments to read them all!

  18. Lauren Avatar

    How long does it typically take to feel the effects of the magnesium after using the body butter on a regular basis?

4.16 from 138 votes (99 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating