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Soothing Magnesium Foot Scrub Recipe
  • Beauty

Soothing DIY Foot Scrub With Magnesium

Katie WellsJun 15, 2022
Reading Time: 5 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Soothing DIY Foot Scrub With Magnesium
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Why Magnesium?+−
    • The Benefits of a DIY Foot Scrub
  • DIY Foot Scrub Recipe with Magnesium
  • DIY Foot Scrub With Magnesium
  • FAQs:+−
    • How Long Does the Homemade Foot Scrub Last?
    • Best Time to Use It?
    • Can I Use Magnesium Oil in Place of the Olive Oil?
    • What Kind of Liquid Castile Soap is Best?
    • Can I Use Sea Salt Instead of Magnesium?
    • Can I Use Sugar Instead of Magnesium?
    • Can I Give This as a Gift?
    • Where Do You Get Cute Jars?
    • Is This Safe for Drains and Septic Systems?

I’m pretty sure my husband can set some records for cracked heels. While I’ve created a cracked heel salve for him, a DIY foot scrub with magnesium is another good way to tackle those heel callouses.

I love using it to exfoliate feet, but it makes a good face and body scrub as well. The scrub leaves skin tingly and smooth and is completely natural. So no more waking up to scratches on my legs from my husband’s heel-knives (my loving term).  

This homemade magnesium scrub is a perfect solution for cracked heels, calluses, and dry skin. Hello, smooth skin and soft feet.

Why Magnesium?

Experts estimate that 80-95% (or more) of adults are deficient in magnesium. This can have dire consequences! Our bodies use magnesium to regulate heart and mental health, and blood pressure.  In fact, magnesium is one of the most-needed minerals in the body and is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions.

I use a magnesium spray on my skin each day to help optimize my magnesium levels. But this soothing foot scrub is a great way to get a gentle (and relaxing) magnesium boost.

The Benefits of a DIY Foot Scrub

I probably don’t have to tell you feet can really take a beating. Our family is outside a lot, especially in the summer, and I often don’t have shoes on. It’s easy to end up with dead skin cells and dry feet that badly need some foot care.

A homemade foot scrub can work as well as a pumice stone without being so harsh on the skin. I like to follow it up with some foot cream for added hydration. A lotion with shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter, like this one, is a good option.

DIY Foot Scrub Recipe with Magnesium

Epsom salt or magnesium salts would be rough on their own. But a few extra soothing ingredients create a scrub that’s both exfoliating and moisturizing. The essential oils give this a cooling sensation to ease dry skin and irritation.

Almond or olive oil deeply moisturizes skin, while the roughness of the magnesium exfoliates. For something lighter, grapeseed oil works too. This scrub is naturally unscented, though you can add essential oils for even more health benefits.

A pinch of cinnamon powder and a few drops of peppermint oil make a festive scrub. Rose petals and lavender oil make a floral version. Some other great combinations include:

  • 10 drops lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 10 drops orange essential oil and 5 drops peppermint essential oil

  • 5 drops lemon essential oil and 5 drops rosemary essential oil

  • 5 drops tea tree oil and 5 drops rosemary essential oil

Don’t want to use salt or magnesium in the scrub? Sugar or brown sugar will also work. I have a recipe for a simple sugar scrub here with lots of custom options for scent and color.

Soothing Magnesium Foot Scrub Recipe

DIY Foot Scrub With Magnesium

Katie Wells
This soothing recipe helps restore damaged feet for smoother, softer skin.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 10 ounces

Equipment

  • Pint size mason jar with lid

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Epsom salts or magnesium flakes
  • ¼ cup olive oil or almond oil
  • 1 tsp castile soap
  • 15 drops peppermint essential oil or other oil(s) of choice

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl mix together all of the ingredients and essential oils (if using).
  • Store in an airtight jar away from direct sunlight and heat.

Notes

To use: Use a small amount to exfoliate the feet or body as needed, rubbing the scrub in circular motions. Rinse with warm water after use.
Shelf life: 6 months if the soap is used, longer if the soap is omitted. 
Get magnesium flakes and almond oil here. 
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

FAQs:

In general, scrubs are some of the easiest DIY beauty products to make. There are so many options and customizations that I often get these questions:

How Long Does the Homemade Foot Scrub Last?

It depends. Without the liquid soap, it lasts indefinitely, as both oil and Epsom salt have a shelf life of several years. The liquid castile soap introduces a liquid element, so I don’t keep it longer than 6 months in this case. Though it usually gets used up long before 6 months anyway!

Best Time to Use It?

I prefer to use any type of scrub right before a shower for the easiest cleanup. Magnesium is especially helpful at night because it’s relaxing, but this can be used at any time of day.

Can I Use Magnesium Oil in Place of the Olive Oil?

Technically Magnesium Oil isn’t an oil at all but a liquid salt solution. Magnesium oil works differently than an oil would but it can definitely be used in a scrub like this. Over time, some of the Epsom salt may dissolve in the magnesium oil. The end product will be much higher in magnesium and is safer for drains and septic systems.

If you want to try this version, I’d recommend a smaller batch and use 1 Tablespoon each of magnesium oil and Epsom salt. Here’s a tutorial for making magnesium oil and this is the brand I use.

What Kind of Liquid Castile Soap is Best?

Whichever one you prefer! This recipe uses such a small amount that any scent of liquid castile soap will work. I like to use it because it makes cleanup easier and my skin softer. It isn’t necessary though and can be left out if you don’t have it. My personal favorites are this bulk unscented one and peppermint Dr. Bronners.

Can I Use Sea Salt Instead of Magnesium?

Absolutely! This will technically make it a salt scrub and not a magnesium scrub, but it will still make skin silky and soft. Here’s my recipe for a Himalayan salt scrub if you want to try it out.

Can I Use Sugar Instead of Magnesium?

Sure! Again, it will no longer be a magnesium scrub, but sugar is great for skincare (just not so much when eaten!)

Can I Give This as a Gift?

Of course! Homemade gifts are my favorite. I’ve given this scrub to friends, especially pregnant friends, as it seems to help ease their pregnancy leg cramps. I make sure it either has an expiration date or I leave out the liquid soap to ensure it lasts a long time. With the soap it lasts about 6 months and without it should last a year (or more).

Where Do You Get Cute Jars?

Everywhere. My name is Katie and I am a glass jar addict. I have a whole cabinet of jars I’ve purchased online, at thrift stores, and antique stores. I’ve even rescued jars from friends’ kitchens when they were going to throw them out. I always prefer to reuse a jar if possible and give many gifts in mason jars. I also have some of these cork top jars with a wooden spoon that are perfect for DIY gifts like this. I also like the cork jars for homemade bath salts, clay masks, etc.

Is This Safe for Drains and Septic Systems?

Yes and no. Of course, check with your specific system if on septic before using this or any product that goes down the drain. I’ve never had trouble with it clogging drains or messing up our septic system and I think the soap helps this.

Ever make a DIY foot scrub? What did/would you use? Share below!

This homemade foot scrub is easy to make and super moisturizing and exfoliating. It contains all natural ingredients and provides magnesium.
Category: Beauty

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and 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.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (73 Comments)

  1. Lisa Bogaars

    June 9, 2014 at 3:18 AM

    where is the magnesium in the recipe?

    Reply
    • Sabrina

      June 12, 2014 at 12:06 PM

      The epsom salt is the magnesium source.

      Reply
  2. Julie

    May 29, 2014 at 10:15 AM

    Can I use coconut oil?

    Reply
  3. Allison

    May 2, 2014 at 4:05 PM

    Can I use glycerine instead of the liquid Castile? & also can I add vitamin E oil in the scrub? any answer would be appreciated thank you!

    Reply
  4. lainy

    March 11, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    Regarding the essential oils, can they be any one or do they have to be a specific type (like for skin; can you recommend where to buy them?)? For scent, can I use an extract like the ones I use to bake?

    Reply
  5. Angelique

    January 11, 2014 at 1:45 AM

    Yum. I just made a variation of this recipe and it was delightful.. I had a 1/2 cup of an oil mix that I used for a massive sugar scrub gift exchange (1 cup of each, sweet almond oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil plus 1.5 tablespoons of vitamin E oil. To that I added, two cups of Epsom salt, two teaspoons of Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree Liquid Castille Soap and 30 drops of peppermint essential oils. I have to say that this combination is fabulous for the feet. My feet feel soft and clean at the same time. Most products (or projects) do either, but not both. Thank you for sharing your recipe. For small batches, I may add coarse cornmeal (or polenta) to the mix. It really exfoliates your skin.

    Reply
    • lisa

      June 1, 2014 at 8:33 PM

      I was thinking of making these as gifts. Would you happen to know how long they would last?

      Reply
  6. Cad

    September 25, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    I love this idea. I’ve tried sugar scrubs on my heels in winter but they just aren’t quite “hearty” enough. I think the Epsom salts would work great! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe! By the way, one of my readers linked this post on my Meet & Greet Monday link-up. I asked that everyone link their favorite Eco-friendly posts and this article was a favorite. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Michon

    August 20, 2013 at 9:20 AM

    Hi can you tell me how long this scrub lasts and the best way to store it?

    Reply
  8. Michon

    May 24, 2013 at 9:45 PM

    I just tried this scrub on my feet. I used Dr. Bronner’s almond liquid castile soap and lavender essential oil. It felt so good and soothing, and my skin is so soft. Thanks for a wonderful recipe!

    Reply
    • J. Hughes

      August 19, 2013 at 3:03 PM

      How long can I expect this recipe to hold up? I would like to give it as a gift and need some sort of “expiration” date

      Reply
      • Michon

        August 20, 2013 at 9:18 AM

        Mine is still holding up after 5 months. This is the first time I have made it, so I don’t really know how long I can expect it to last.

        Reply
  9. Sherry Lynn England

    March 21, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    Can Dr Bronners Tea Tree liquid castille soap work in this recipe?

    Reply
    • Allison Maskell Hawkes

      March 21, 2013 at 2:41 PM

      I’ll bet it could – but I think the tea tree scent would overpower any essential oils and smell kind of medicinal. Up to you if you like that scent.

      Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      March 21, 2013 at 3:23 PM

      It should be fine….

      Reply
    • Angelique

      November 9, 2013 at 4:46 PM

      Since I have a huge bottle of Dr Bronners Tea Tree liquid castille soap, I’m gonna give it a try. I plan on making a double batch (one for me and another for my hubby ’cause he’s a scrub fiend =) ). For half the batch I’ll add in sweet oil essential oil and I’ll add peppermint essential oil to the other.

      Reply
      • Sheila

        May 29, 2016 at 3:59 PM

        Would probably be really good for toenail fungus that may be trying to set up shop- especially if you use fractionated coconut oil!

        Reply
  10. sharon vincello

    December 6, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    What do you think about adding magnesium oil to this?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      December 6, 2012 at 2:19 PM

      You definite could, or you could also just rub magnesium oil on the feet after using while the pores are really open and just put socks on over it.

      Reply
    • Sherry

      January 12, 2016 at 8:56 PM

      How long would this foot scrub last…

      Reply
      • Bree Colbern

        September 26, 2016 at 7:56 PM

        Hi Sherry!!! Wellness Mama said that with the castille soap, it should last around six months. However, without it, it should last almost indefinitely! 🙂

        Reply
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