Ritual guide
What Is Magnesium Butter, and How Do You Use It at Night?
Magnesium butter is one of our most-asked-about jars. Here's what it is, what the evidence says, and the simple wind-down ritual we like it for.
The short answer
Magnesium butter is a body butter made with magnesium chloride blended into oils and butters such as shea and olive oil. Massage a fingertip's worth into your calves, feet or shoulders as the last step of your evening routine. It moisturizes and makes a calming massage ritual. Research on how much magnesium is absorbed through the skin is limited, so treat it as a cosmetic, not a supplement.
What is magnesium butter?
Magnesium butter (or magnesium body butter) is a whipped body butter with magnesium chloride mixed in. Magnesium chloride is the same salt found in “magnesium oil” sprays. Mixing it into butters and oils makes it easier to massage in and less tacky on skin.
Ours is made in small batches with magnesium chloride, olive oil and shea butter, in three blends: Sleepy Time (eucalyptus and lavender), Soothing Mint (eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender) and Minty Magic (eucalyptus radiata, peppermint, wintergreen).
Magnesium butter vs. magnesium oil vs. magnesium lotion
- Magnesium oil is not actually an oil. It's magnesium chloride dissolved in water. It absorbs fast but can feel sticky and tingle.
- Magnesium lotion is a lighter, water-based emulsion that's easy for daytime.
- Magnesium butter is the richest of the three: a butter base that doubles as a moisturizer and a massage balm.
Does magnesium butter work?
It depends on what you want it to do. As a moisturizer and massage balm, it works like any good body butter. Whether magnesium in a cream raises magnesium levels in the body is still an open question: published research on absorption through the skin is limited and mixed. We sell it as a cosmetic and make no health claims. If you're thinking about magnesium for health reasons, talk to your doctor about diet and supplements.
How to use magnesium butter at night
- Dim the room about 30 minutes before bed and put screens away.
- Warm a fingertip's worth between your palms.
- Massage slowly into calves, the soles of your feet and your shoulders, three to five minutes in all.
- Breathe with the scent. Sleepy Time's eucalyptus and lavender make a calming evening cue.
- Put on socks if you did your feet, both to keep sheets clean and to lock in moisture.
The ritual itself, meaning a slow massage, a consistent scent and a consistent time, is part of what makes a wind-down routine feel restful.
Why does magnesium butter tingle?
Magnesium chloride can tingle or itch, especially on dry or freshly shaved skin. It usually fades as you get used to it. If it stays uncomfortable, use less, apply to unshaven areas, or rinse it off.
Can you make magnesium butter at home?
Yes. A typical home method dissolves magnesium chloride flakes in a little hot water, then whips that into melted, cooled shea butter and oil. Getting a stable, non-grainy texture takes practice, which is why many people buy it small-batch.
Frequently asked
Is magnesium butter safe?
For most adults it's a gentle cosmetic. Patch-test first, avoid broken skin, and ask your doctor if you're pregnant or have kidney disease.
Where should I apply magnesium butter?
Calves, feet, shoulders and the back of the neck are popular. Avoid your face and freshly shaved skin.
How long does a jar last?
A 4oz jar used nightly on feet and calves lasts a few weeks. An 8oz jar lasts about twice as long.
This guide is general information about cosmetic use, not medical advice. Ask a healthcare provider about any health concern.