Magnesium spray is one of the products people ask us about most. The questions are usually some version of: what does it do, is it worth it, and how do I use it? Here are straight answers.
What is magnesium spray?
Most magnesium sprays, ours included, are magnesium chloride dissolved in water. When the solution is concentrated, it feels slippery on the skin, which is why it's often sold as "magnesium oil." There's usually no actual oil in it. Ours adds a little sweet almond oil so it doesn't leave skin feeling dry and tacky.
Our Magnesium Sleep and Muscle Spray has five working ingredients: water, magnesium chloride, wintergreen oil, rosemary oil and sweet almond oil, plus a ferment-based preservative. That's the full list.
What do people use it for?
The most common uses we hear about:
- As part of a bedtime routine. A few sprays on the feet or back of the neck, then lights out.
- After a workout or a long day on your feet. Sprayed on calves, shoulders or lower back and massaged in.
- As a cooling rub. The wintergreen and rosemary in ours give a fresh, minty tingle.
What does the research say?
You'll find big claims online about magnesium spray, so we'd rather be upfront. Magnesium is an essential mineral, and your body uses it for muscle and nerve function. That part is well established.
What's less settled is how much magnesium actually gets through your skin from a spray. The studies so far are small, and researchers don't agree yet. If you think you might be low in magnesium, that's a question for your doctor, and a spray isn't a substitute for food or a supplement they recommend.
What we can say: a lot of people like magnesium spray as a simple, calming routine. Taking a minute to massage something cool into tired feet or sore shoulders feels good, and the habit itself can be a cue that it's time to wind down.
How to use magnesium spray
- Before bed: 3 to 5 sprays on the soles of your feet or the back of your neck, about 20 minutes before you go to sleep.
- After activity: Spray onto the muscles you worked, like calves, thighs or shoulders, and rub it in.
- Leave it or rinse it: You can leave it on. If your skin feels tacky after 20 to 30 minutes, wipe it with a damp cloth.
We go into more detail on bedtime use in Magnesium Spray on Your Feet Before Bed.
Why does magnesium spray tingle or itch?
A light tingle is normal, especially the first few times or on dry skin. It's the salt in the solution, and it usually fades as you keep using it. A few tips:
- Spray onto slightly damp skin, like right after a shower.
- Skip freshly shaved or broken skin. It will sting.
- If you get real redness or a rash, stop using it.
Is magnesium spray the same as magnesium deodorant?
No. They use different forms of magnesium for different jobs. Sleep and muscle sprays use magnesium chloride. Deodorants use magnesium hydroxide, which fights odor. We explain the difference in Magnesium Spray vs. Magnesium Deodorant.
Who should check first?
If you're pregnant or nursing, have kidney problems, or take prescription medication, check with your doctor before adding a magnesium product to your routine. Do a patch test on a small area if you have sensitive skin.
Our Magnesium Sleep and Muscle Spray is made to order in small batches here on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Our products are cosmetics and aren't intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.