Ways to Use It for a Relaxing Bath and Body Routine: Magnesium Oil

Magnesium oil has become a popular addition to relaxing baths, homemade skincare, and cozy bedtime routines. Learn all about magnesium oil in this note: what it is, how to make your own, and our favorite ways to use it as part of a relaxing bath and body routine.

What Is Magnesium Oil?

It isn’t technically an oil, but it leaves a slightly oily-feeling residue on the skin when used topically, which is where it gets its name. You can buy magnesium oil ready-made, or you can make your own at home by dissolving magnesium flakes in boiling water. Magnesium oil is a mixture of magnesium chloride flakes dissolved in water.

Magnesium oil can tingle a little when applied to the skin, but that feeling is normal. Our kids don’t love the sensation, so we made a magnesium lotion with magnesium oil in it that doesn’t tingle when applied.

How to Make Magnesium Oil Spray

Making your own magnesium oil spray is simple and budget-friendly. All you need is magnesium chloride flakes and water.

1. Bring equal parts water and magnesium chloride flakes together, using boiling water to help the flakes dissolve.
2. Stir until the flakes are fully dissolved, then let the mixture cool completely.
3. Pour it into a clean spray bottle, and it is ready to use.

Ways to Use Magnesium Oil

There are so many ways to work magnesium oil into your routine. Try a few and see which you like best.

Use It Directly on the Skin

The simplest way to use magnesium oil is to apply it right to the skin. Pour a little into your palm and rub it in, or mist it on with a spray bottle.

It works well on the arms, legs, stomach, back, neck, or the bottoms of the feet. Avoid the face and any areas where your skin is especially sensitive.

Add It to a Relaxing Bath

A warm bath is one of our favorite ways to use magnesium oil. Add it straight to your bath water, or stir it into a DIY bath product like homemade bubble bath, DIY bath oil, or a coconut milk bath.

If you keep magnesium flakes on hand, you can even add them directly to your bath water. Just swish the water with your hand to help the flakes dissolve.

Short on time? A warm foot soak is a lovely alternative. Add a splash of magnesium oil to one of our pedicure foot soak recipes and put your feet up.

Stir It Into a Lotion

Because undiluted magnesium oil can feel tingly, many people prefer to mix it into a lotion or cream. You can blend a little lotion with magnesium oil right in your palm before applying, or make a bigger batch by stirring magnesium oil into your favorite homemade body butter, DIY body cream, or homemade pump lotion.

Mix It Into Other DIY Skincare

It doesn’t have to be lotion. You can stir magnesium oil into just about any body product you like, such as a homemade body oil, a balm like our tallow balm, or a DIY massage oil.

Make It Part of a Relaxing Ritual

Our favorite way to use magnesium oil is as part of a wind-down ritual at the end of the day. After a warm bath, we mist a little on, slip into cozy pajamas, and settle in.

For a spa-like feel, add a few drops of a calming essential oil like lavender to your magnesium lotion for a soft, soothing scent, or pair your soak with a homemade bath salt or a relaxing bath bomb. A vanilla lavender body spray is a lovely finishing touch too.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Magnesium Spray

Just mix magnesium chloride flakes with boiling water and let it cool before using. You can buy a variety of magnesium oils and sprays, but making your own is always an option. Homemade magnesium oil takes a little prep, but it is typically much more affordable.

Buying magnesium oil is typically more expensive, but it is the easier option. You can find magnesium oil spray at many stores and online retailers. Just look for pure magnesium oil without any additives or fillers.

Safety Notes

• Do not apply magnesium oil to broken or irritated skin, and avoid the areas around your nose, mouth, and eyes.
• It is always a good idea to do a patch test before using a new product. Apply a little to your inner arm and wait to be sure it agrees with your skin before using more.
• Keep magnesium flakes and oil out of reach of children and pets.

FAQs

Do we have to dilute magnesium oil?

Undiluted magnesium oil can cause tingling or itching, though, so many people prefer to mix it into lotion or cream to reduce the sensation. Nope, you don’t have to dilute it if you don’t want to. Magnesium oil can be applied directly to the skin.

How do you deal with magnesium oil tingling and itching?

It isn’t unbearable by any means, but we will admit that when we first started using it, we did notice a slight tingle. After spraying it on the skin, you can rub it in and then pat with a towel or cloth to help with the tingle. Also, consider applying to the feet where the skin is less sensitive for the first few uses to help with the tingle. Diluting the oil with lotion also makes a huge difference. The tingle and slight itch should go away the more you use it.

Does magnesium oil make your skin greasy?

Magnesium oil isn’t technically an oil; it’s just magnesium chloride flakes and water. It does leave a slightly oily, slightly sticky residue on your skin that feels greasy, though it won’t stain your clothes and bedding like actual oil will.

A Simple Addition to Your Routine

Magnesium oil is a simple, versatile addition to a relaxing bath and body routine. With a variety of ways to use it, from baths to lotions to foot soaks, it is easy to work into your day, whether you make your own spray or pick up a premade one.

Have you tried magnesium oil yet? Let me know in the comments below; we love hearing from you!