This easy 4-ingredient magnesium lotion recipe is a must to help with magnesium deficiency. Using this DIY magnesium lotion daily has helped my restless legs, quality of sleep, and reduced my anxiety!
I try to use home remedies whenever I can, like healing chapped lips naturally, making elderberry syrup to boost immunity, and charcoal gummies when someone gets the stomach flu. And these all work!
But I tried every stretch and massage technique you can think of to stop my restless legs from keeping me up at night and nothing worked.
So, I decided to learn how to make magnesium lotion. And then I wondered why I waited so long!
DIY MAGNESIUM LOTION
Here are the top 5 reasons that I love this DIY magnesium lotion!
- Helps me sleep at night
- Calms my nerves and muscles
- Reduces stress (read here on how magnesium reduces stress)
- It’s fun and really easy to make…
- And it’s more affordable than store-bought!
Read my research and even more about the benefits of magnesium lotion HERE!
MAGNESIUM LOTION RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Shea Butter. For this recipe, you want unrefined, ivory shea butter. I use this brand because it’s the best quality I’ve tested among shea butters.
Beeswax. Use pastilles (pellets) instead of the brick. The brick is fine if you’re using the whole thing, but when you need just a tablespoon or two, the pastilles make it SO much easier to measure. I use these because I’ve used their other products (including the shea butter mentioned above, and their zinc oxide to make homemade sunscreen) and I trust them to provide great quality.
Coconut Oil. You want unrefined virgin coconut oil – the kind that is solid at room temperature – not refined coconut oil or fractionated coconut oil. I’ve been using this coconut oil for years, but this brand is also really good.
Magnesium Flakes. You want magnesium chloride flakes, which is a highly concentrated form of magnesium. This brand is one of the best on the market.
- There are other types of magnesium on the market, so make sure you’re getting the right kind. I explain the most common types of magnesium in this post (like magnesium sulfate aka Epsom salts). For the tutorial below, make sure you get magnesium chloride flakes.
- If this is the first time you’re making magnesium lotion, I recommend starting with this 1.65 lb bag. If you’ve already made the lotion and have fallen in love (like me!), you can upgrade to buying it in bulk. This 8 lb bag has the lowest price per pound – and trust me, I’ve looked at them ALL!
For this magnesium lotion recipe, you’ll need the following:
- ½ cup magnesium flakes
- 3 Tbsp boiling water
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp beeswax pastilles
- 3 Tbsp shea butter
You’ll also need these supplies:
- 1-quart mason jar
- 2 coffee mugs or small bowls
- Immersion blender or hand mixer
HOW TO USE THE EXTRA MAGNESIUM LOTION RECIPE INGREDIENTS
- An 8 oz bar of shea butter will make about 4 batches of magnesium lotion. If you are looking for other uses for it, I also use shea butter in homemade shaving cream and homemade peppermint lip balm.
- If you have extra beeswax to use, consider making homemade citronella candles or use it in homemade dry-skin healing lotion. Otherwise, one bag of beeswax pellets will make 8+ batches of magnesium lotion.
- We use coconut oil all the time in the kitchen, and I also use it in my natural skincare routine to remove makeup naturally and as a daily facial moisturizer.
P.S. Having ingredients on hand for more than one purpose is a great use of your budget! I go more in-depth on making the most of your grocery budget in Grocery Budget Bootcamp. The principles in this course can apply to more than just groceries! Enrollment is currently closed, but you can join my FREE 5-day Crush Inflation Challenge and start saving money on groceries tomorrow!
HOW TO MAKE MAGNESIUM LOTION
Step 1. Measure magnesium flakes into a mug or small bowl. Fill another mug halfway with water and microwave on high until it is boiling, about 2-3 minutes. (Alternatively, you can bring water to a boil on the stove.) Measure 3 Tablespoons of boiling water into the mug with the flakes. Stir until the flakes are dissolved and set aside.
Step 2. In the quart mason jar, measure coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Place the jar in a small pan filled with 1-2 inches of water. Place it on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. You can use a double boiler, but I find the jar method easier since I can store it in the same jar!
Step 3. Allow the solids to melt, swirling the jar occasionally if necessary. (Be sure to wear an oven mitt.)
Step 4. When everything inside the jar is melted, remove it from the pan and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 5. Pour the dissolved magnesium into the quart mason jar. If it solidifies upon contact, that’s okay. Place the immersion blender at the bottom of the jar and blend the mixture together really well, moving the blender up and down along the sides of the jar as necessary to incorporate the ingredients.
This magnesium lotion recipe makes about 8 ounces of lotion. Store at room temperature for up to 2 months.
MAGNESIUM LOTION DIY NOTES
This is more of a magnesium body butter than a liquid, pumpable lotion. It has a slightly waxy, greasy feel because of the combination of coconut oil and magnesium. You can use a different oil if you’d like, as long as it’s liquid. Know that this will change the final texture slightly. Also, because of the ingredients used, it will not absorb like we’ve come to expect when using typical over-the-counter lotion. Then again, it’s not supposed to. 🙂
If you find the list of ingredients and the idea of making lotion daunting, I HIGHLY recommend making magnesium oil spray. It’s just two ingredients – magnesium and water – and it’s great for a beginner DIY. It’s also just as effective as magnesium lotion! You can find the tutorial for DIY magnesium spray here.
Considering the fact that magnesium is a salt, you may find the lotion to tingle or itch at first. Use caution if you have any cuts, broken skin, or freshly shaved legs!
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR MAGNESIUM LOTION DIY SUPPLIES
The hardest part of this magnesium lotion DIY is cleaning your supplies, but I’ve figured out a way to make it easier!
- Scrape as much of the lotion off the immersion blender as possible.
- Fill another quart jar halfway with very hot, soapy water. Place the immersion blender inside and let it soak for a few minutes. (I set my kitchen timer for 3 minutes, so I don’t forget.)
- Turn the immersion blender on in the jar for about 10 seconds. Dump out the water and repeat step 2, this time adding a couple of tablespoons of baking soda. Place the immersion blender inside and let it soak for a few minutes. (Again, I use the kitchen timer.)
- Turn the immersion blender on in the jar. Dump out the water and, at this point, the immersion blender should be fairly clean. If it isn’t, you can use a sponge with dish soap to remove any remaining portions of the lotion.
MAGNESIUM BODY BUTTER FAQS
What is magnesium lotion used for?
People most often use magnesium lotion for improved sleep, relaxation, stress reduction, and magnesium deficiency. This article talks about the importance of magnesium for our bodies. I found topical magnesium to be much more effective than magnesium supplements.
What is the best magnesium body butter?
My homemade magnesium lotion recipe is the best, of course! It’s much more cost-effective to make your own (especially if you use it nightly), and you get to control the quality of the ingredients. Use organic ingredients for organic magnesium lotion!
If you don’t want to make the lotion yourself, you can get a similar high-quality magnesium lotion here.
Does magnesium lotion help you sleep?
It definitely helps me sleep! After I started using it, I noticed improvement in just a few days. Now I use it on my legs every night before I go to bed. Not only do I fall asleep faster, but I stay asleep the whole night and my restless legs are no more!
You can read more about the sleep benefits of magnesium in this post.
You could even add a few drops of lavender essential oil or other essential oils to your lotion for an even better night’s sleep!
MORE NATURAL LIVING DIYS
- DIY Magnesium Oil Spray
- Homemade Lotion Bar
- Homemade Sunscreen
- How to Naturally Condition Hair
- The Ultimate Detox Bath
Jody
Any idea how many mg per tsp?
Tiffany
I don’t, sorry Jody!
kim
Have you found out how many mg per tsp?
I really need to know an estimate!!
Brooks
I made the lotion, but it doesn’t seem absorb very well. I rubbed and rubbed it in. Is that how it’s supposed to be?
Tiffany
Brooks, it won’t absorb as quickly as typical lotion does, but it does absorb. I usually rub it in until it disappears, then wait about 10-15 minutes before rolling down my pant legs.
Brooks
Thank you so much!!
Karen
Which immersion blender do you like/use?
Tiffany
I like this one Karen: http://amzn.to/1QS55Ya As a bonus, it has a small food processing function too that’s perfect for small tasks too.
Kristin
I have severe Restless Leg Syndrom and have wanted to try magnesium topically to see if it helps calm my legs at night. I have tried the spray and it really made my skin burn. Do you know if this would bother sensitive skin? Thank you!
Tiffany
Hi Kristin! I had a similar reaction with magnesium spray but this lotion won’t do that at all! 🙂
Carol
It only stings in the beginning if you are magnesium deficient. Keep using it; the sting should go away within 2 weeks!
Cynthie
Im just curious. Are you by any chance on blood pressure medication? I only ask because my husband suffered from this and his dr said it coukd be his medication. They changed it and it is now gone! I notice that i too will get this if I take certain medications that have an ingredient for pm use. If this dosent help you maybe it can help someone else. Good luck to you!!
Tiffany
Nope, no medications Cynthie. We’re very blessed!
Corinne
How much of the essential oils did you use?
Tiffany
I didn’t use any Corinne, but the standard dilution ratio is 1 drop to 1 tsp, so you can add up to 10 drops without issue.
Bobbi
Hi Tiffany,
Early on in your article you mentioned the financial benefits of making your own magnesium lotion. I have done some research on Amazon (so many to choose from and confusing…ingredients, strengths, etc.) Did you happen to do a cost analysis that you could share with me? I like the control I have of making my own products from home, but I want to make sure I don’t spend a lot of “upfront” money on a product I haven’t tried to see if it will benefit my RLS.
I also read that you used a magnesium oil when starting out. Could you recommend a good lotion that would give me the same outcome to see if I am magnesium deficient before I spend the money making my own?
Thank you!
Dirah
Hi Tiffany,
I have RLS with fibromyalgia really bad. I have found that magnesium really helps and my own doctor has recommended the to take it daily. I am also reading a book called “The Magnesium Miracle” by Dr. Carolyn DeanmM.D., N.D. I was out of Requip that I take for my RLS and the magnesium made a big difference. I am on this site to make my own magnesium lotion since it absorbs thru the skin much better without the side effect of diarrhea from the oral form.
Lesa W
When you recommend unrefined coconut oil for this, is it only because it is solid at room temperature? I only ask because, in my experience refined coconut oil is also solid at room temperature, so I am wondering if there is another reason that unrefined is important.
Also, I find measuring measuring coconut oil in its solid form to be inconvenient/impossible so I like to melt it first. Do you see any reason that this would be a problem with your recipe?
Thanks!
Tiffany
Hi Lesa! No problem at all melting first. Thanks for the catch on refined – refined is solid at room temperature, but because we’re using it on our bodies I personally prefer to use unrefined whenever possible. I would avoid fractionated though, which is liquid at room temperature and a derivative of pure coconut oil.
Lesa W
Thanks, Tiffany. That is very helpful.
Chris
I measure solid fats into a large measuring cup with water, so much easier! I have done this for years when baking. Example: If you need 1/2 cup of shortening/butter/fat, in a 2 cup measuring cup, fill with 1 cup cold water. Add fat until the water comes up to 1 1/2 cup mark. Pour out the water.
Cheryl
I don’t have an immersion blender and don’t think a regular blender would work work. Do you think a hand held mixer would work?
Tiffany
I bet it would Cheryl!
Kim
I use my hand mixer to make magnesium butter all the time.
Alyssa
Would this be safe to use on my four month old?
Tiffany
I wouldn’t Alyssa.
Tiffany
I’m not a doctor Alyssa, but I wouldn’t use it on kids or toddlers until I had researched more on magnesium in their little bodies.
Marie
Besides better sleep what are some other benefits? Is this ok to use on kids or toddlers? Love your blog, great info.
Tiffany
I wouldn’t use it on kids or toddlers until I had researched more on magnesium in their little bodies. As for other benefits, Dr. Axe has a great write up on this: https://draxe.com/magnesium-supplements/
Angela Gleichowski
Hi! This recipe sounds exactly what my family needs with current health issues. Do you have an idea if it would be okay to leave out the beeswax? That’s the item I’m missing and can’t really spend extra money at the moment.
Thanks for your help! Looking forward to checking out your blog! 🙂
Tiffany
Hi Angela! You probably can, but the consistency will be less solid. You can store it in the fridge for a firmer consistency. If it separates (not sure if it will since I haven’t tried it without the beeswax), you can re-blend. 🙂
Carol
If you have access to it, use good tallow instead. That is what I use in my homemade lotion instead of beeswax.
crystal L talpey
what is your recipe using tallow?!?
Claire
Great recipe, I’m curious if you’ve worked out the dosage for this?
Tiffany
Hi Claire! Dosage is highly subjective to the person using it, but I’d say I scoop out about 1 tsp of lotion for each leg. In my experience, consistency helps more than anything!
Carrie
Hi there 🙂 Do you still use your immersion blender for food after making this lotion? I have one but I use it all of the time for soups; I wouldn’t want to damage it or have to get another one.
Tiffany
I do! I included how I cleaned the blender and jars in the post. I’ve tried other methods, but that one is the easiest and most effective. No residual lotion ingredients at all!
Julie
I was told never use items for food after using for lotions or soaps. Have special items for cooking or soap, bath bombs & lotions. Hope this helps
Tiffany
Is there a reason for this Julie? If you clean them well and sterilize, why not use them for food?
Katy Crutchfield
I don’t mix my immersion blenders, as I’ve also heard it’s not a good idea, but I just gave in and have two. I found an older one at goodwill for $3. It is actually stronger than my newer food one, which makes it perfect for this kind of project. Goodwill (or any thrift store) is a great option for crock pots, blenders, etc for crafting.
Margaret A Haske
Is this a creamy like a lotion or is it more solid like the Shea/cocoa butter?
Kyare - Team Crumbs
If you follow the recipe and store it well it should stay in a creamy or whipped state, Margaret.
Sarah
These are all essentially edible ingredients, so it’s a nonissue, and the “rule” you heard was intended for use or toxic traditional soap and lotion ingredients.
Amanda Holly
Do you have any suggestions or affiliate links for magnesium lotion or spray from amazon?
If it works I would gladly use this but My policy is pay money to try something the first time (unless o really have all/most of the ingredients on hand)
Tiffany
Yes! I used this magnesium oil before I made lotion: http://amzn.to/2h2w0kZ It works, but the oil itself can sting the skin. If it works for you, you can sub it for the water + flakes in this recipe. It won’t be quite as strong, but it’ll still be effective! (PS – I like your rule of thumb!)
mims
Do you think worth a try using Epsom salts, magnesium sulfate?
Tiffany
Hi Mims – the types of magnesium are different and I haven’t tried it in this recipe, but I wouldn’t recommend it simply for the fear of wasting shea butter and beeswax. You are welcome to, but I don’t think will turn out as well nor will it be as effective. Sorry!
Paul J.
No Magnesium choride is what you want. It’s the most effective Magnesium and your body is able to utilize 100% of the Magnesium. Putting it in cream allow for better abortion. I tried using the spray but it felt too sticky when going to bed.
My version is:
2 Tbsp Magnesium choride flacks
1/4 cup Shea Butter
1/4 cup Cocoa Butter
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Almond Oil
1 tsp Vit. E
1. Combined all ingredients in a glass bowl over pot as a double boiler.
2. Gently melt and stir over medium-low heat until all is liquid.
3. Remove from heat and allow mixture to partially setup. ( I put mine in freezer to speed up the process).
4. Once partially set, place glass bowl on a gel freezer pack, like you get from a chiropractor, whip the mixture with hand or immersion blender. Turning the bowl on ice pack while blending. Blend until mixture starts to turn white and continue mixing until stiff peak form.
5. Spoon into 8oz jar
Apply to legs and feet as needed. Because I add Vit E, which is a natural preservative the lotion will last up 6 months.
I use for restless leg syndrome and my wife uses it for severe leg cramps.
You won’t believe how fast this work on both issue and help to get to sleep faster. I only use the highest quality ingredients, as was mentioned above. Good results can only come from high quality ingredients.
Carolyn
Do you use any water at all?
Joe Ann F
Paul J, what do you mean by “No Magnesium chloride”?
Carolyn
I think he meant “No, you can’t use anything BUT magnesium chloride.” Punctuation helps clear confusion.
Islandgirl
Recipe looks great. But I hope all who try to make this either keep it the fridge and dispose of in a week or preferably use a preservative. Phenonip or Germall plus
Tiffany
We’ve been using this for well over a year now and haven’t had any issues with it sitting at room temperature for a couple months.
Lena
Could you use liquid coconut oil? The solid kind makes my skin itch!
Tiffany
You probably can Lena, but it will change the consistency of the lotion when it’s done. Not a bad thing, just different!
DavetteB
To use Epsom you would have to double the amount at the very least and it might not dissolve well in the amount of boiling water. I wouldn’t risk messing up the ratios in her recipe.
You can find recipes for making a spray with Epsom salts if you search, if that is what you can work with right now.
kawartha kween
Simpler to use a magnesium powder that mixes with water. Drink it and there’s no muss or fuss. You can get it unflavoured or flavoured. Can also mix it into juice.
Tiffany
Simpler, but not as effective. As I mentioned, taking an oral supplement may upset the digestive system and much of it is not absorbed, meaning your body isn’t necessarily getting the full dosage of the magnesium you’re drinking. You’re only getting half as much, at best.
Lisa J
Can liquid magnesium be used instead of the flakes for this lotion?
Tiffany
Yes – about a 1/2 cup Lisa. Know that it won’t be quite as potent, since making it this way is double strength.
Sonia
This is great. I have been using a magnesium spray but it is hard to remember to put it on along with lotion and the spray is normally cold so it isn’t very pleasant. Totally going to try this! Thanks!
Jennifer
Can I this be applied to any part of the body or does it have to be the legs? I want to apply to my feet to double as a heavy duty moisturizer for my winter feet and to my husband’s back to double as his dose of magnesium and massaging sore muscles. 😊
Tiffany
The feet or back are fine Jennifer. 🙂
Jackie Fairlie
Want to make and have bought magnesium oil, what ratio would I use instead of flakes and water
Kyare - Team Crumbs
Jackie, homemade magnesium oil is flakes and water. https://www.foodrenegade.com/how-make-magnesium-oil/ this site has a post on how to make the oil rather then the lotion if you would like.
Sarah
Can you make this without an immersion blender, if so what can we use?
Tiffany
You probably can Sarah, but I haven’t tested it any other way. A blender might work, although dripping the magnesium in rather than dumping it all in would probably work better. Kind of how you would make mayo.
Elsa
Is it possible that a small whisk might work?
Tiffany
Probably not Elsa. The beeswax and shea butter are super thick and I don’t think a whisk will be strong enough. Also, you really need the ingredients to emulsify together, and you’ll need Superman arms to make that happen with a whisk. 🙂
Faye
I just put everything in my stand mixer (mine has a metal bowl) and set it on the coolest part of my wood stove, dumped in the magnesium dilution and set it on high. Seemed to work well. Clean up was fast. Dishwasher took care of all that.
Tiffany
Nice! Thanks for sharing Faye!
Linda wheeler
Ive used a regular mixture and it whips up great
Becky
I use a hand mixer.
Cindy
I was thinking about a hand mixer, but using only one beater if you’re using a tall container to blend in, but I’d use plastic just in case.
Mary
I use a magnesium spray, it has magnesium chloride flakes distilled water and a bit of witch hazel. Starts to work in just a minute or two.
Rachelle Davis
If adding essential oil, how many drops do you suggest for one batch? I am newly pregnant and already having restless legs and many restless nights! I just ordered all of the ingredients per your recommendation! So excited to whip this up! 🙂
Jessica
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I have made it a few times now. I am wondering if I should be storing my extra Shea butter in the fridge
Kyare - Team Crumbs
Jessica, if you notice your Shea butter getting melted then hardening often I would put it either in the door or a lower shelf of your fridge to prevent it from getting grainy overtime.