How to make a homemade magnesium lotion at home with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe is made with only natural ingredients and will provide a boost of magnesium without the tingle or itch that topical magnesium oil sprays can create. Plus, skin will be left feeling soft, smooth and moisturised.

I’ve shared in the past how to make a homemade magnesium oil spray, but the only problem with this was that it could tingle and itch when applied onto the skin if the body was deficient in magnesium.

What I’ve come to love about magnesium creams over sprays is how they can provide a healthy dose of magnesium without the sting and discomfort. It’s a lot more pleasant to rub the lotion into the skin after a shower or bath and not be left with stinging, burning, and at times unbearable itching after application, and the nourishing cream leaves my skin feeling hydrated and moisturised for hours afterwards.

I like to take magnesium in this supplemented form because, unfortunately, our soil and food are depleted of this vital nutrient, and I fall into the large group of people who have a magnesium deficiency, along with most of the population.

Benefits of Magnesium

I like using topical magnesium on my skin, especially at night, as it promotes better sleep by positively affecting GABA receptors in the brain, which helps the body to relax and sleep better. Using a topical form of magnesium rather than ingesting it internally means it bypasses the digestive system, being absorbed straight into the bloodstream from the skin, so those who have trouble absorbing magnesium internally may find that a magnesium oil or cream can prove to be more effective than ingesting supplements.

This vital nutrient is involved in over 600 cellular processes in the body, and it can be a helpful remedy for ailments like morning sickness brought on by pregnancy, leg and muscle cramps, restless leg syndrome, migraines, and insomnia. It can help improve digestion, has anti-inflammatory benefits, lowers blood pressure, and can improve mental health by helping with depression, anxiety and stress.

Rather than taking melatonin to help with sleep at night, rub some of this magnesium lotion onto your feet to help promote restful sleep.

For some people, magnesium can be more energising than relaxing, so using this magnesium body lotion during the daytime may prove to be more beneficial. Go off how you feel and how your body responds, as we’re all different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health.

Why Make Your Own Magnesium Lotion?

Some pre-made magnesium lotions have sulphates, parabens, capric triglyceride, MSM, xanthan gum, and glyceryl stearate in the ingredients, but we’re skipping those here in this DIY lotion.

Many people notice a tingling or burning sensation for the first few times after using a magnesium oil spray, but because this magnesium oil is blended in a thick, body butter-type lotion base, it’s much more pleasant to use.

There are lots of different types of magnesium, but not all of them will work in this lotion recipe. You want magnesium chloride as the magnesium source, not supplements like magnesium citrate or Epsom salts containing magnesium sulfate, as they don’t dissolve as well in this recipe.

Before we get started in learning how to make this homemade magnesium lotion – if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!

Homemade Magnesium Lotion for Better Sleep and Healthier Skin

Magnesium can be applied topically to the skin via this lotion as an easy way to boost magnesium levels. Not only will it help with magnesium deficiency, but it will also leave skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturised.

You don’t need to apply it all over the body like a moisturiser to get results, simply apply it onto the bottoms of the feet, onto the legs, arms, stomach, or any troublesome areas. Avoid applying it onto the face as it may clog pores.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup magnesium flakes
• 3 tbsp (boiling) filtered water
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 3 tbsp beeswax or candelilla wax
• 3 tbsp shea butter
• 20 drops lavender essential oil (or other essential oil of choice)

To make:

1. Add the magnesium flakes and boiling water to a small bowl and stir until the flakes have dissolved. Set the bowl aside. If you have a pre-made magnesium oil on hand, you can use half a cup of that instead of the magnesium flakes and boiling water.
2. In a separate bowl, add the coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter and place the bowl on top of a saucepan filled with water to create a double boiler. Bring the water to a boil, and occasionally stir the ingredients throughout until the wax has completely melted. Remove the bowl from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Add the lavender essential oil and magnesium oil to the melted wax mixture, then pour the melted mixture into a mixing bowl or blender and let the mixture cool to room temperature, developing a slight opaque colour.
4. Whip the lotion using an immersion blender, stand mixer, small hand mixer, or regular blender on medium speed until a thick lotion develops. Transfer the cream to a glass mason jar with an airtight lid.
5. To make the clean up afterwards even easier, you can place the ingredients straight into the jar that you’ll be using to store it in and place the jar into a pot of simmering water to melt the ingredients.
6. Please note that beeswax isn’t easy to clean off of utensils and dishes, so I recommend using the least amount of equipment possible when making this lotion. I’ve found when cleaning it’s easiest to use boiling water and wipe it out with paper towels.

To use:

1. Apply this magnesium lotion to skin daily or as needed. If I find I’m particularly deficient in magnesium, I’ll use it twice a day; once in the morning and once before bed.
2. This lotion will last up to six months when stored in an airtight container and out of direct sunlight. It can be kept at room temperature but may change consistency when temperatures reach above 24°C (76°F).

As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post. 

Have you used magnesium lotion before? Did you find it helpful? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

🖤 Vanessa