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
I have some magnesium oil I bought when I was pregnant, but couldn’t use it because it made my skin itch. Would you recommend using it to make this lotion or would applying the lotion (without magnesium) over the oil make it less itchy? Or would it be better to just follow your recipe and use the magnesium flakes? I’m trying not to let the expensive magnesium oil go to waste…
Hey Erin! The cheapest way would be to use the magnesium oil you have and cover the area with lotion. I experimented with magnesium oil + lotion together, and it still made my skin itch. Covering with lotion doesn’t eliminate it completely, but it’s much better. Then when the oil is gone, make this lotion (or buy it from my store!).
Thank you, Tiffany! I’ve not made my own lotion before, but have been wanting to start. Would the rest of this recipe still make a good basic lotion to put over the oil? If so, would I still need to whip it or could I just melt everything and mix it together?
The other ingredients make a so-so lotion, but it won’t have the same texture you’re used to in a lotion (it’s much thicker and nearly hard at room temperature). You can make it of course, and use it as a cover-up lotion, but just a heads up on the texture. I’ve never made this and not whipped it, so I’m not sure how it would work if you just melted… but worse case scenario if it doesn’t work, you just re-melt and then whip. No harm no foul!
Tiffany? Thanks so much for adding the tip on cleaning the stuff after, what a gem ! Will be trying this.
I’m a new reader but love the look of your other posts, and your philosophy of food supplying all your nutrition. (Mine is that God, not big pharma, has given us everything we need for life and godliness😊). Will be reading more!!!
Curious if you continued tinkering, and how you make it now? I watched your FB video about eo and noticed that you like your most recent batch better than the one before. Also weighing my shea butter is much easier than measuring it. Do you have any idea how many grams or ounces this is?
Hi Heidi! 1 Tbsp is about 2 ounces, so that’s how we convert. I actually swapped coconut oil for apricot oil, shea butter for mango butter and changed the quantities too. We now have it for sale in the shop if you were interested! https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/product/magnesium-lotion/
Are the ratios/weights the same? My teen daughter suffers from extreme anxiety & problems sleeping an I have anxiety and restless legs so I’d love to give this a try but I’m not a huge fan of shea butter either so I’d like to use the mango. Thank you!
Yes Candi, the weights are the same!
Hi Tiffany, I see you revised the magnesium lotion and used mango butter & apricot oil. You said you changed the quantities. So we don’t use the original directions on the other magnesium lotion made with Shea butter and coconut oil? Want to make it and have read reviews all the way to end on all conversations due to stickiness, want to make the new revised one but wondering measurements with new ingredients. Thanks
Hi Michelle! We did revise the recipe and quantities in order to improve the lotion overall and be able to offer it pre-made, but I can’t share the formula we sell! ♥
I also prefer mango butter over Shea butter. Thank you for the tip.
Thank you for this helpful information. Is there any specific place you use the lotion to be the most beneficial?
My husband likes it on his back, but I put it on my legs. I’d recommend anywhere that’s visible when you wear a bathing suit. The rest MIGHT be too sensitive (which is unlikely, but I’m stating just in case!).
I am not a fan of shea butter. It never really sinks in. I can feel it still sitting on my skin the next morning. Does the shea butter have anything to do with the benefit’s of the lotion? I’m thinking of either using cocoa butter or just more coconut oil. Or maybe my homemade lotion base.
If you don’t like shea butter, I’d try mango butter. 😉
How long does the Magnesium Cream take to help one sleep? I’m sure it will take a bit of time to get into one’s system. I jumped in and bought everything to make this. I also added some Lavender essence which helped.
How often do you apply? So far I’ve used a blob after shower and after dinner before bed.
Hi Diane! I apply about 1-2 pea-sized amounts every night and start to feel sleepy about 15-20 minutes after application. My routine is to apply, read about a chapter in my book and then curl up for bed!
Hi! Is this safe to use during pregnancy?
Has anyone figured the math to make this on a larger scale ? I’m thinking about making a few batches to give away as Christmas gifts. Thanks in advance
Angela – how many are you wanting to make? This makes 2 batches at 4 oz each, but that’s really a lot of lotion for a gift (I think, since you use so little!). You could give 2 oz containers, or double this to have 16 ounces to work with. I’m testing bigger batches myself, and there’s plenty of room in a mug and quart container to double this as written.
Hi thanks for the reply I have 30 4oz glass jars. I was thinking of filling them about 3 – 3.5oz of the way each.
Great, I’ll give it a try and let you know how it’s turns out! I’m assuming the lotion part of the recipe is just the medium to get the magnesium into the skin/ body, right?
Tiffany, To make this recipe even easier, do you think I could use 8 ounces of Bendsoap lotion and then combine the magnesium and water solution and get the same results? I want to start using this for myself, my husband and my 14-year-old ( Who suffers from major leg cramps from sports and growing in general)
but we cannot stand the greasy feel of homemade lotion‘s (I’ve made them in the past with beeswax, Shea butter, coconut oil and we just don’t like the greasy after feel). Thank you so much for your help and all the work that you do on this blog!Jennifer
Hi Jennifer! I haven’t tried this, but it’s worth a shot! I just made myself a note to test this out soon. I’ve so many requests, and I’d love to experiment for you all!
Does it get oily stains on fabrics?
No it doesn’t!
Hello, I would like to make this for a friend whose son is suffering from extreme growing pains right now. I saw mention in the comments about not using this on infants and toddlers, but what about 10-12 year olds? Would that be ok? Thanks!
Hi Jeanette! You can use it on 10-12 year olds, yes. I’d aim for about 1/4 tsp per leg. 🙂
Can I use magnesium citrate powder instead of magnesium chloride flakes and get similar results?
Not quite Heather – read more about the difference in magnesium here: https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2017/08/benefits-of-magnesium/
Hi Tiffany! I used Cacao butter instead of the Shea because that’s what I had on hand and it is a little sticky as well. It really helps me sleep but the sticky feeling is making it hard to use. 😕 Please let net know if you come up with a solution to that! Thank you!
So I just made this today but I’m not sure I like the stickiness of it. Is there a way I can change the formula to have it be less sticky
Hi Tanya! With the recipe as-is, I’m not sure – I don’t know if it’s the beeswax or the shea butter that’s causing that (or the magnesium!). I’m making another batch this week and I’m going to tinker with some of the ingredients and see if I can make it less sticky, and a bit more pleasant feeling. 🙂
Tiffany, how did your tinkering go? I”m curious if you achieved less-sticky! 🙂 I just found this article, and read through all of the comments to see if anyone used cocoa butter instead of shea, and the general use reviews- I have everything except the mag and am excited to try it!
Hi Terral! I’m still tinkering, and I’m getting closer! I think the sticky is a combination of the magnesium and shea butter together, so I’m trying different butters and different ratios. I haven’t tried cocoa butter, but if you have it and shea butter, try splitting it 50/50 between the two. I think that will help a little!
Is there a way to use magnesium oil in place of flakes. I have the oil but it is really sticky.
I haven’t tried this yet Kathy, but I plan on it sometime soon. For now, I’d suggest applying the oil, then lotion on top.
I measured out everything. I put the beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil in a mason jar. I put the mason jar in a pan of water and let it melt. I put the magnesium flakes in a mug and microwaved water in a separate mug until it was boiling and then mixed 3 TBSP of water into the mug and stirred it until it dissolved. After the stuff in the mason jar melted I took the jar out of the water and set it aside for 5 minutes. I then added the dissolved magnesium to the jar and used the immersion blender and blended it until it was mixed and creamy. I then poured it into smaller jars and when it cooled it turned waxy…kind of like paraffin. But after it was completely cooled it turned hard and slightly grainy. I still used it on my legs and it worked like a charm! But it doesn’t look creamy or whipped like yours does in the picture on the recipe. I am beginning to think maybe I accidentally used too may beeswax pastilles?
It sounds like you did it right Lois – it could be the environment though, or maybe too much beeswax. This will not be super light and creamy like typical lotions – in fact, in cooler weather, mine is fairly hard! But it does work!
Ok. Well, I plan on using what I made since it is working and just decrease the amount of beeswax next time. I live in Michigan and it is already fall weather here so that may contribute to the wariness.
I just made this lotion and I messed something up. I just can’t figure out what. My lotion is waxy, greasy and a little sticky. Any suggestions on where I went wrong? I used the brands suggested. I am pretty sure it is something I did wrong…
Hi Lois! This lotion is definitely not like the lotion you’re used to, so there’s that. Can you walk me through what you did?
My husband suffers from insomnia and has no issues with restless leg syndrome.
In this case, where would he apply this lotion?
Anywhere on the skin works just as well Shelley. The legs are easiest personally, because the skin is “tougher” there than say the belly or back. Plus there’s a lot of surface area, so it’s easier to spread over and rub in.
Any ideas what can be used in place of Shea Butter? I allergic to Shea Butter :/
Hi Michelle! You can sub cocoa butter or mango butter. 🙂