We make three magnesium products that get mixed up: a sleep and muscle spray, a stick deodorant, and a deodorant spray. A common question is whether you can use magnesium spray as deodorant. The short answer is that they use two different forms of magnesium for two different jobs.
Magnesium chloride: the sleep and muscle spray
Magnesium chloride dissolves easily in water. That's what's in most "magnesium oil" and magnesium sprays sold for bedtime or sore muscles, including our Magnesium Sleep and Muscle Spray.
- Feels like: A cool, slightly slippery mist that can tingle.
- Used for: Bedtime routines and post-workout massage on feet, calves and shoulders.
- Not great for: Underarms. It can sting freshly shaved skin and isn't designed to control odor.
Magnesium hydroxide: the deodorant
Magnesium hydroxide is the same mineral you may know from milk of magnesia. It barely dissolves in water. On skin, it helps neutralize odor by making underarms less friendly to the bacteria that cause it.
It's the main ingredient in our Natural Magnesium Deodorant and our Full Body Magnesium Deodorant Spray.
- Feels like: Smooth and dry. No tingle for most people.
- Used for: Odor on underarms, feet, chest, behind the knees, and anywhere else you sweat.
- Why people choose it: It's free of aluminum and baking soda. Many people who get red, itchy underarms from baking soda deodorants switch to magnesium.
So can I use magnesium spray as deodorant?
Use a deodorant made for it. If you search "magnesium spray for deodorant," what you want is a magnesium hydroxide spray, not a magnesium chloride sleep spray. Our Full Body Magnesium Deodorant Spray is magnesium hydroxide, witch hazel, a ferment-based preservative and fragrance. It dries in seconds, leaves no white marks, and works on feet and inside shoes too.
Does magnesium deodorant stop sweat?
No, and that's the point for a lot of people. Magnesium deodorant is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant. You'll still sweat, but it targets the smell. Aluminum is what antiperspirants use to block sweat, and none of our deodorants contain it.
If you're switching from an antiperspirant, give it a week or two. Some people notice more odor at first while their body adjusts.
Stick or spray?
- Stick (Natural Magnesium Deodorant): Best for underarms. Magnesium hydroxide and zinc ricinoleate handle odor. Arrowroot and diatomaceous earth soak up dampness. Coconut oil and shea butter help it glide. Hold it against your skin for a few seconds to warm it, then swipe.
- Spray (Full Body Magnesium Deodorant Spray): Best for everywhere else, and for hot days, quick touch-ups or after a surf. No beeswax, so it's a good pick if you avoid animal ingredients.
Quick reference
- Want a bedtime or post-workout routine? Magnesium chloride: Magnesium Sleep and Muscle Spray.
- Want odor control without aluminum or baking soda? Magnesium hydroxide: Natural Magnesium Deodorant or Full Body Magnesium Deodorant Spray.
For more on the sleep spray, see What Does Magnesium Spray Do? and Magnesium Spray on Your Feet Before Bed. Everything is made to order in small batches on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.