I’ve shared before how to create your own magnesium oil. This time, I’ve crafted something even more nourishing and skin-friendly – a magnesium lotion/body butter that moisturizes while infusing your skincare routine with magnesium.
Advantages of Magnesium
Our skin readily absorbs what we apply, which can be beneficial. Magnesium supplements are part of my routine due to the depletion of this crucial nutrient in our food and soil, resulting in widespread magnesium deficiency. I also favor applying magnesium topically at night. Magnesium is essential for our muscles and other bodily functions. Without sufficient magnesium, issues like leg cramps, migraines, and restless legs may arise. I prefer avoiding melatonin for my children, instead applying this lotion to their feet at bedtime for restful sleep. Although magnesium energizes some, including me, I apply it as a body lotion during the day.
Reasons to Make Your Own Magnesium Cream
I’ve found that homemade skincare products are often healthier and more economical. Commercial magnesium lotions may contain sulfates and parabens; my version excludes these. Ingredients like capric triglyceride, MSM, xanthan gum, and glyceryl stearate are common but not things typically found in my kitchen.
Magnesium Body Butter
This recipe utilizes natural moisturizing components to soften dry skin. Traditional magnesium oil sprays can cause tingling or burning initially, but this lotion/body butter base provides a more comfortable application. Some lotions add glycerin and aloe, but I’ve omitted these to avoid stickiness and shortened shelf life.
Magnesium Lotion Ingredients
I’ve chosen coconut oil and shea butter, each with an SPF of 4-5, enhancing skin resilience without replacing sunblock. Magnesium also plays a role in absorbing vitamin D, making this lotion advantageous for mild sun exposure. Instead of beeswax, I use a mix of candelilla and emulsifying wax. Candelilla is a hard plant wax that thickens without greasiness, while emulsifying wax allows the magnesium water to blend with the oils. If unavailable, beeswax is an alternative but can be heavier and more challenging for cleanup, with potential for separation issues.
Non-Greasy Sensation
Many body butters feel heavy, but this one has a thick lotion texture that absorbs quickly. The combination of waxes and oils helps it feel less greasy compared to other body creams and butters.
Selecting the Right Magnesium
Not all magnesium types suit lotions. Magnesium supplements like magnesium citrate leave a gritty texture and are ineffective. Epsom salts, if dissolved well, might work but are not ideal. Magnesium lotion uses magnesium chloride. I utilize unscented magnesium bath flakes, derived from Zechstein seabeds, to craft pure magnesium oil. Ensure your magnesium source lists magnesium chloride.
Incorporating Essential Oils
Essential oils often contribute scent and health benefits to my skincare recipes. You can add any skin-safe essential oil; I used lavender for its calming properties and relaxation benefits. Avoid certain citrus oils due to photosensitivity concerns for daytime use. For pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, confirm essential oil safety or exclude them for an unscented version.
Utilizing Magnesium Lotion
I apply this lotion or regular magnesium oil to my children’s feet nightly for better sleep and increased magnesium levels. It also aids in soothing muscle discomfort. While you can apply it all over like a body lotion, targeted use suffices. However, avoid facial use as it might clog pores. With its oils promoting vitamin D absorption and offering mild sun protection, I apply it before sun exposure during warmer months.
Magnesium Lotion Recipe
Natural moisturizing ingredients make this thick lotion skin-softening and silky. Magnesium supports restful sleep, eases muscle soreness, and enhances vitamin D absorption.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Active Time: 15 mins
- Cooling Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 12 ounces
Author: Katie Wells
- Place magnesium flakes in a mason jar, add boiling water, and stir until dissolved.
- Set aside to cool.
- Combine coconut oil, shea butter, emulsifying wax, candelilla wax, and grapeseed oil in the top of a double boiler over medium heat or use a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot filled halfway with water.
- Stir until ingredients are fully melted and combined.
- Pour the melted mixture into a mixing bowl or blender. Cool until slightly opaque. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to expedite cooling.
- Add essential oils and vitamin E, if desired.
- Blend the cooled oil mixture using a hand, immersion, or regular blender on medium speed, or use a stand mixer.
- Gradually add the dissolved magnesium mixture while blending, starting with a few drops, then a thin stream, until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the magnesium lotion to a glass container.
Storage Instructions
- Pre-made magnesium oil can substitute for magnesium flakes and boiling water in equal measure.
- Store in the fridge for a cooling effect or at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to two months.
Preservation and Longevity
Without preservatives, magnesium body butter is crafted in small batches and lasts up to two months. Refrigeration thickens the lotion, adding a cooling benefit, especially after sun exposure to aid vitamin D absorption. Adding vitamin E prolongs the oils’ longevity, though it doesn’t act as an antimicrobial.
Purchasing Magnesium Lotion
For those pressed for time or uninterested in homemade options, healthy magnesium lotion is available online. The Magnesium Lotion Shop offers popular handcrafted jars, available unscented or with lavender essential oil.
Have you tried magnesium oil or lotion? Share your experiences in the comments!
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