What Type of Magnesium Is in Magnesium Butter?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, many people are magnesium deficient due to poor diet and farming practices. Magnesium butter is a topical solution designed to deliver this vital mineral directly through the skin, offering benefits for relaxation, muscle soreness, and overall skin health.

Quick Summary

Magnesium butter typically uses magnesium chloride, the most common and absorbable form for topical application. This compound is known for bypassing the digestive system and delivering the mineral directly to the skin, which helps with muscle relaxation and replenishing magnesium levels.

Key Points

Magnesium Chloride: The primary type of magnesium found in magnesium butter is magnesium chloride, which is highly effective for absorption through the skin.
Transdermal Absorption: Magnesium butter bypasses the digestive system, delivering the mineral directly to the bloodstream for systemic and targeted benefits without the risk of digestive upset.
Muscle Relaxation: Topical magnesium, particularly chloride, is widely used to soothe sore muscles, relieve cramps, and aid in post-workout recovery.
Enhanced Skincare: The rich, buttery base nourishes and hydrates the skin, strengthening its barrier and promoting a healthier, more elastic complexion.
Sleep and Stress Relief: Applying magnesium butter before bed can help promote a sense of calm, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
Multi-Functional Product: Magnesium butter combines the moisturizing benefits of a body butter with the therapeutic properties of magnesium, offering a convenient all-in-one wellness product.

Magnesium Chloride: The Go-To for Topical Absorption

When you see magnesium butter, the active ingredient delivering the mineral benefits is almost always magnesium chloride. This specific compound is favored for topical use because of its high solubility and bioavailability when absorbed through the skin, a process known as transdermal absorption. Unlike some oral supplements that can cause digestive issues, magnesium chloride bypasses the gastrointestinal tract entirely, making it an excellent alternative for those with sensitive stomachs.

The sourcing of magnesium chloride is also a key factor in quality. Many high-end brands use magnesium harvested from ancient, protected sources like the Zechstein Sea. This deep, underground source is known for its purity and is free from modern pollutants, ensuring a clean and effective product.

Why Magnesium Chloride for Topical Use?

High Absorption Rate: Studies have shown that transdermal application of magnesium chloride can effectively increase cellular magnesium levels.
Gentle on the Gut: By absorbing through the skin, it avoids the laxative effect often associated with oral magnesium supplements.
Direct to the Source: It can provide targeted relief for sore muscles or specific areas of the body experiencing tension.
Skin Benefits: It contributes to overall skin health by supporting the skin barrier and promoting hydration.

The Role of Magnesium in Health and Skin

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, and energy production. A deficiency can lead to a host of issues, including muscle cramps, fatigue, stress, and anxiety.

Topical magnesium, as found in magnesium butter, offers a way to supplement your intake and provide targeted relief. Beyond the systemic benefits, it offers several localized advantages for the skin itself.

Benefits of Topical Magnesium:

Relaxation and Sleep: Applying magnesium butter to your feet or torso before bed can help promote a sense of calm and improve sleep quality.
Muscle Soreness and Recovery: It is often used post-workout or after a long day to soothe tense and aching muscles and joints.
Skin Hydration: Magnesium chloride acts as a powerful moisturizer by strengthening the skin's barrier and promoting elasticity.
Acne and Irritation: Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties can help calm irritated or acne-prone skin.

Magnesium Butter vs. Other Topical Magnesium Products

Magnesium comes in various topical forms, including oils, lotions, and flakes for baths. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best product for your needs.

Comparison of Topical Magnesium Forms


Feature	Magnesium Butter	Magnesium Oil Spray	Magnesium Lotion	Epsom Salt Flakes
Consistency	Rich and creamy, thicker than a lotion	Watery liquid with a slightly oily feel	Lighter, thinner than a butter	Solid flakes for dissolving
Primary Function	Deeply moisturizing and nourishing while delivering magnesium	High potency for targeted, fast-acting application	Everyday application, lighter moisturizing effect	Soothing muscle aches and pains in a bath
Target User	Those with very dry skin or seeking a luxurious, intensive treatment	Users needing quick, targeted relief for muscle cramps	Daily users with normal or sensitive skin	Individuals who enjoy soaking for full-body relief
Key Ingredient	Magnesium Chloride + nourishing butters (Shea, Cocoa)	Concentrated Magnesium Chloride + water	Magnesium Chloride + skin-nourishing base	Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)
Primary Absorption	Transdermal through massage and skin	Transdermal, fast absorption	Transdermal, daily dosage	Transdermal through bath soak

How to Choose Your Product

For intense hydration paired with mineral delivery, magnesium butter is the superior choice. The rich butters like shea and cocoa butter create a protective barrier on the skin, sealing in moisture and are especially beneficial for dry or chapped skin during winter. In contrast, a magnesium oil spray offers a quicker, higher-potency dose with less residue, but doesn't provide the same deep moisturizing benefits. Lotions are a lighter, more convenient alternative for daily use and sensitive skin, while Epsom salt baths provide a full-body, relaxing experience.

Conclusion

Magnesium butter is a popular and effective wellness product that utilizes magnesium chloride for its high transdermal absorption rate. By combining this potent mineral with nourishing ingredients like shea and cocoa butter, it offers a multi-functional product that not only delivers magnesium for muscle relaxation and systemic benefits but also provides deep hydration for the skin. For those seeking an alternative to oral supplements or targeted topical relief, magnesium butter is an excellent and soothing solution.

Disclaimer: Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on other medications.

For more information on the benefits of transdermal magnesium, visit Ancient Minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary type of magnesium used in magnesium butter is magnesium chloride, a salt known for its high solubility and excellent absorption through the skin.

Magnesium butter is an effective alternative for those who experience digestive issues with oral supplements. While there is no definitive consensus on which is universally 'more effective,' topical application allows for direct, targeted absorption without gastrointestinal side effects.

Transdermal absorption is the process by which a substance is delivered into the body through the skin. With magnesium butter, the magnesium chloride penetrates the skin's surface and is absorbed by the cells, where it can enter the bloodstream.

Yes, topical magnesium, especially in the form of magnesium chloride, is commonly used to help alleviate muscle cramps, tension, and soreness by providing targeted relief directly to the affected area.

Some individuals may experience a mild tingling or itching sensation upon initial application, which typically subsides with consistent use. It is best to avoid applying it to open cuts or very sensitive skin.

Yes, magnesium butter is excellent for dry skin. It combines the hydrating properties of magnesium with deeply moisturizing ingredients like shea and cocoa butter to nourish and protect the skin barrier.

Magnesium butter is generally thicker and more intensive than magnesium lotion, providing deeper moisturization for very dry skin. Lotions have a lighter texture and are better for everyday, less intensive application.