Magnesium lotion is a topical (applied to skin) form of magnesium. Applying magnesium lotion to the skin may help support sleep, ease pain, and improve skin health. It also does not have the digestive side effects that typically come with oral (taken by mouth) magnesium supplements. More research is still needed to determine whether topical magnesium can increase your blood levels of the mineral.

Magnesium lotions may contain magnesium as the primary ingredient or combine the mineral with other active ingredients, depending on the product’s target. For example, common lotion ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and ceramides are used to hydrate and soften skin.

Skin products often contain ingredients that help preserve the product and prevent bacteria from forming. Review the magnesium lotion product label to see which ingredients are included.

Magnesium is essential for many body reactions, including immune system function, muscle contraction, and blood pressure control. Applying magnesium lotion to your skin is often marketed for improving sleep, relaxation, muscle and joint pain, and overall skin health. However, research on topical magnesium is limited.

May Support Sleep and Relaxation

Magnesium lotion may help improve your sleep quality and relaxation. Taking oral magnesium affects several chemicals and neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in your brain that support sleep and relaxation. It may also help reduce symptoms of restless leg syndrome, a condition that causes uncomfortable sensations when lying down.

Some research has shown supplementing with oral magnesium can raise melatonin levels, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Low magnesium levels have also been linked to difficulty sleeping and insomnia.

The mineral also helps control levels of cortisol, known as the stress hormone. When your cortisol levels are high, you may feel overwhelmed or anxious.

Most studies on magnesium and sleep or stress involve magnesium supplements taken orally. More research is needed to fully understand the potential of magnesium lotion for sleep and relaxation.

May Ease Muscle Aches and Joint Pain

Magnesium lotion may improve muscle and joint pain. Low magnesium levels are known to cause muscle aches and cramps. Low levels are also common in other pain conditions like migraines, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia (body-wide pain and fatigue).

Studies are conflicting on the benefits of magnesium in muscle cramps, with some recommending the mineral and others not. Magnesium helps the body absorb calcium, which plays an important role in muscle contractions. Maintaining normal calcium levels can help prevent muscle cramps and spasms.

One small, early study found that applying magnesium spray to arms and legs twice a day for four weeks improved pain and overall quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. Current data shows potential usefulness for pain management, but more research is needed.

May Boost Skin Health and Hydration

Research suggests magnesium can improve skin hydration, how well your skin absorbs moisture, and skin barrier function, especially when combined with other ingredients like ceramides. Magnesium can also lower inflammation. Using magnesium lotion can keep your skin soft and hydrated.

Low magnesium levels have been found in people with atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema. Improving magnesium levels, especially through oral supplementation, may be helpful in some skin conditions, like eczema. The effectiveness of topical magnesium for eczema requires further research.

One study found that a combination cream containing magnesium and ceramide was equally or more effective than a hydrocortisone steroid cream in treating symptoms of atopic dermatitis, like dry skin and eczema lesions. Both creams were used for six weeks.

Another study examined the effects of 2% magnesium cream in children under two years old with diaper rash. They found that children who received the magnesium cream recovered from the rash about 1.5 days earlier than children who did not receive the product. The size of the diaper rashes did not differ between children who received magnesium and those who did not.

Some research has also shown that applying certain magnesium treatments to the skin may help skin wounds heal, though more studies are needed.

When you apply magnesium to your skin, it is absorbed and passes through your skin into your body. It is not well understood how magnesium applied to the skin affects magnesium levels in your body.

One small study found that applying 56 milligrams of magnesium to the skin daily can increase magnesium levels in the blood and urine. However, these results have not been replicated in other research.

Research also suggests that applying magnesium to areas of the skin with sweat glands and hair follicles is best for absorption. The amount of magnesium found in a product varies. More research is needed to understand the absorption rates of magnesium lotion.

When applying magnesium lotion, you should apply it to clean skin free of scratches or open wounds, unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise. Some experts recommend gently applying lotion in the direction your body hair grows to avoid injuring the hair follicle.

How often and how much magnesium lotion you use depends on why you are using the product and which product you are using. Read the label of the product and talk with a healthcare provider to decide how much you should use and how often. If you are using magnesium lotion for sleep or relaxation, apply the product right before you wish to sleep or relax.

One of the benefits of using magnesium lotion is that it does not cause the usual gastrointestinal discomfort experienced with magnesium supplements. Taking a magnesium supplement by mouth can cause side effects like stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Absorbing magnesium through your skin rather than your digestive tract avoids these issues.

Possible side effects of magnesium lotion are skin irritation and dryness. You are most likely to experience these side effects with first-time use. Before applying a product in a large area, test it on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to see how your body reacts to it.

Depending on the ingredients in your product, your skin may feel drier after using magnesium lotion. Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, mineral oil, and ceramides to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated.

Magnesium lotion can be purchased over-the-counter and does not need a prescription. Topical magnesium can also be found in the form of oils, gels, creams, sprays, and roll-ons.

When selecting a magnesium lotion product, consider your reason for using the lotion. Some products may be more useful for sleep and relaxation, such as a magnesium lotion that contains lavender or other soothing ingredients. Read the product label to determine which ingredients are included in the lotion and how often you should use it.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not test and approve cosmetics, including lotions. The FDA requires these products to meet regulations and standards, including product safety. Manufacturers must ensure their products do not advertise false benefits, contain any harmful substances, or have been contaminated. Read product labels carefully and avoid purchasing products that have been tampered with or are open.

Magnesium lotion is often used to help improve sleep, relaxation, muscle and joint pain, and skin health. While some research suggests applying magnesium to your skin can raise your magnesium levels, more studies are needed.

Magnesium lotions may include other active ingredients, like ceramides, depending on the goal of the product. Possible side effects caused by magnesium lotion are skin irritation and dryness.

When selecting a magnesium lotion product, review the label carefully to see which ingredients are included and how often you should apply the product. Talk with a healthcare provider if you have questions about using magnesium lotion.