How to Make Magnesium Lotion at Home: Easy DIY Recipe
Magnesium lotion is a powerful tool for soothing sore muscles, improving sleep, and nourishing skin.
While many purchase store-bought options, learning how to make magnesium lotion at home gives you control over the ingredients, saves you money, and avoids unwanted chemicals or preservatives.
In this guide, you'll learn how to make a simple yet effective magnesium lotion using natural ingredients.
Let's dive in!
Why Make Your Magnesium Lotion?
When you make your magnesium lotion, you completely control what goes into it (1).
Store-bought lotions often contain artificial fragrances, preservatives, or unnecessary fillers.
By crafting your own, you ensure that only clean, natural ingredients touch your skin.
Plus, it's much more cost-effective!
Magnesium lotion is also an easy way to boost your magnesium levels topically, especially for those who may experience digestive upset from oral supplements.
Making magnesium lotion at home is a fantastic way to ease tense muscles, enhance sleep, or support general health.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Tools
Key Ingredients:
- Magnesium Flakes (or Magnesium Oil): These core ingredients supply your body with essential magnesium.
- Coconut Oil or Shea Butter: Both are natural moisturizers that nourish the skin while providing a smooth lotion base.
- Beeswax (Optional): Adds thickness to the lotion and helps it retain consistency. You can skip this if you prefer a lighter lotion.
- Essential Oils (Optional): Lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint oils can add a calming or invigorating scent.
- Water: Used to dissolve the magnesium flakes and create magnesium oil.
Tools:
- Melt the coconut oil and beeswax using a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
- Whisk or Hand Mixer: Ensure the magnesium oil and lotion base blend smoothly.
- Storage Containers: Small jars or tins are perfect for storing your finished lotion.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Magnesium Lotion
Step 1: Create the Magnesium Oil Base
Start by making your magnesium oil. Simply dissolve ½ cup of magnesium flakes into ½ cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
This forms a concentrated magnesium oil, which is the key to boosting the magnesium content in your lotion.
Set the magnesium oil aside and let it cool while you prepare the lotion base.
Step 2: Prepare the Lotion Base
Next, you’ll need to melt ¼ cup of coconut oil and one tablespoon of beeswax (if using) in a double boiler.
If you don’t have a double boiler, a microwave-safe bowl works fine.
Heat the ingredients gently until they’re fully melted and combined, stirring occasionally to ensure they blend evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Magnesium and Lotion Bases
Once your magnesium oil has cooled slightly, slowly whisk it into the melted coconut oil and beeswax mixture.
Keep whisking, or use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Continue whisking until the lotion is smooth because the magnesium oil may cause it to thicken or curdle a little.
Step 4: Add Essential Oils (Optional)
Add a few drops of essential oil for a calming and fragrant touch.
Lavender oil, popular for its relaxing qualities, can also be used to create a pleasant aroma, as can peppermint or eucalyptus.
Step 5: Let It Cool and Store
Before putting the lotion in storage containers, let it cool and harden.
Small glass jars work best for this purpose, as they help preserve the lotion’s freshness.
Store in a cool, dry place, and your magnesium lotion is ready to use!
Benefits of Using Magnesium Lotion
Using magnesium lotion offers a wealth of benefits for both your body and mind:
- Relieves Muscle Tension: This lotion is ideal for post-workout comfort because magnesium is well known for relaxing muscles and reducing cramps.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Applying magnesium lotion before bed can help calm your nervous system, allowing for deeper, more restful sleep (2).
- Hydrates the Skin: The natural oils in this mixture intensely moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft and silky (3).
- Increases Magnesium Levels: Bypassing the digestive tract, transdermal magnesium administration improves absorption without causing gastrointestinal distress (4).
Tips for Customizing Your Magnesium Lotion
One of the best things about making your magnesium lotion is the ability to customize it to your preferences. Here are a few tips to help you perfect your recipe:
- Adjusting Texture: If you prefer a thicker lotion, increase the amount of beeswax. You can leave out the beeswax entirely or use less for a lighter, more spreadable consistency.
- Scent Variations: To make a lotion that fits your requirements or mood, try a variety of essential oils. Peppermint can be cooling and energizing, while lavender is excellent for relaxation.
- For Sensitive Skin, Avoid essential oils that could irritate it and choose softer oils like jojoba or almond (5).
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Magnesium Lotion
Like any DIY project, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for when making magnesium lotion:
- Incorrect Magnesium Oil-to-Lotion Ratio: Too much magnesium oil can cause the lotion to feel gritty or tingly. Stick to the recommended amount to avoid this.
- Overheating the Oils: Be careful not to overheat coconut oil or beeswax, as this can alter their beneficial properties.
- Adding Essential Oils Too Early: Essential oils are delicate and can lose their potency if added to hot ingredients. Make sure the lotion has cooled slightly before adding them.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make magnesium lotion at home, it’s time to start!
By crafting your magnesium lotion, you’re taking control of your wellness routine in a natural, affordable way.
Not only will you enjoy the many benefits of magnesium, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your skincare products.
Whether seeking relief from muscle tension or improving your sleep, this simple DIY lotion can make a difference. Try it today and feel the results for yourself!
Boost your wellness routine with essential Magnesium! 🌿💚 Shop now.
FAQs
Can I use Epsom salt instead of magnesium flakes?
No, Epsom salt has different properties and doesn't dissolve as well in oils. Magnesium flakes (or magnesium chloride) are better suited for this recipe.
Can I add magnesium flakes directly to store-bought lotion?
It's better to dissolve magnesium flakes in water first to create magnesium oil. This ensures that the oil blends smoothly and evenly into your lotion.
How long does homemade magnesium lotion last?
Homemade magnesium lotion usually lasts two to three months when stored correctly in a cold, dry place.
Can I make magnesium lotion without beeswax?
Yes, beeswax is optional. For a lighter lotion, you can use just coconut oil or shea butter, though the texture may be less firm.
What essential oils are best to add to magnesium lotion?
Because of their relaxing and revitalizing qualities, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils are well-liked options.
Related Studies
1. Title: Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Muscle Soreness and Performance
This study found that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced muscle soreness and improved perceived recovery in athletes after intense exercise.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33009349/PubMed
2. Title: Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Sleep Quality
The research indicated that magnesium supplementation improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms among older adults.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10745813/
3. Title: Transdermal Magnesium Absorption: A Review
This review discusses how transdermal magnesium can be absorbed effectively through the skin, potentially offering benefits over oral supplements, particularly for muscle relaxation.
Link: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-does-magnesium-do
4. Title: The Integral Role of Magnesium in Skin Health
The study highlights magnesium's essential role in maintaining skin hydration and overall skin health through its involvement in cellular processes.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10745813/
5. Title: Magnesium Supplementation and Stress Reduction
This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced stress levels and anxiety among participants.
Link: https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12937-021-00747-9