Which Magnesium is Best for Body Odour?

October 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 80% of the population may be magnesium deficient, and this mineral helps regulate functions that contribute to body odour. Magnesium is a key ingredient in natural deodorants, offering an alternative to harsh chemicals like aluminum.

Quick Summary

This article explores different forms of magnesium to combat body odour. It distinguishes between topical applications and oral supplements, detailing how magnesium works to neutralize odour-causing bacteria and balance skin pH. It highlights the best options for sensitive skin and DIY recipes.

Key Points

Magnesium Hydroxide: A gentle, effective natural deodorant ingredient that neutralizes odour-causing bacteria and is ideal for sensitive skin.
Magnesium Chloride (Oil): Used in convenient sprays, this form balances skin pH and inhibits bacterial growth, though it may cause a temporary tingling sensation.
Topical vs. Oral Magnesium: For body odour, topical applications directly target surface bacteria, while oral supplements like glycinate support overall health and may address internal deficiencies.
Mechanism of Action: Magnesium controls body odour by creating a less favourable environment for bacteria through pH balancing, rather than blocking sweat like antiperspirants.
DIY Deodorant: Both magnesium hydroxide and magnesium chloride can be used to make effective, customizable natural deodorants at home.

Understanding the Connection Between Magnesium and Body Odour

Body odour, or bromhidrosis, is caused by bacteria on our skin that break down proteins and fatty acids in sweat. Traditional antiperspirants use aluminum to block sweat glands, while natural deodorants, including those with magnesium, neutralize the bacteria. Magnesium creates an environment on the skin where this bacteria cannot thrive.

How Magnesium Controls Odour

Balancing pH: The skin's acid mantle can be disrupted, which leads to bacterial growth. Magnesium helps balance the skin's pH, making the underarm area less hospitable for odour-causing bacteria.
Neutralizing Bacteria: Magnesium compounds like magnesium hydroxide directly neutralize the bacteria responsible for breaking down sweat.
Alternative to Irritants: For sensitive skin, magnesium offers a gentle alternative to baking soda, which can cause irritation.

Topical Applications vs. Oral Supplements

For body odour, the method of application is crucial. While oral magnesium supplements are important for overall health and can address potential internal deficiencies that may contribute to odour, topical applications directly target the bacteria on the skin's surface. Oral supplements like magnesium glycinate and citrate are better for overall absorption and systemic benefits, whereas topical magnesium chloride and hydroxide are used for deodorizing.

The Top Forms of Magnesium for Body Odour

Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)

Magnesium hydroxide is safe and gentle, commonly used in natural deodorants. It neutralizes odour-causing bacteria without blocking pores or irritating sensitive skin. It is a popular, skin-friendly alternative to aluminum and baking soda.

How it works: It creates a less acidic environment on the skin, which bacteria find difficult to survive in.
Best for: Individuals with sensitive skin who react to baking soda or other irritants. Available in pre-made natural deodorants or can be purchased as Milk of Magnesia for DIY application.

Magnesium Chloride (Magnesium Oil)

Magnesium chloride, sold as a topical spray or 'magnesium oil', combats body odour. It neutralizes bacteria and balances skin pH.

How it works: The saline solution creates an environment where odour-causing bacteria cannot proliferate. Magnesium oil sprays are convenient for daily application.
Best for: People seeking a natural spray-on deodorant. A stinging or tingling sensation can occur, especially if you have a magnesium deficiency, but this usually subsides with regular use. It is also easily absorbed transdermally.

Comparison Table: Magnesium Forms for Body Odour


Feature	Magnesium Hydroxide	Magnesium Chloride (Oil/Spray)
Application	Creams, solid sticks, pastes	Spray, roll-on, oil
Mechanism	Neutralizes bacteria and raises skin pH	Neutralizes bacteria and balances skin pH
Best For	Sensitive skin, DIY solid deodorants	Quick application, transdermal absorption
Pros	Very gentle, less irritation risk than baking soda	Convenient, quick absorption, versatile
Cons	Can be messy in DIY form, may not absorb moisture as well alone	Can cause temporary tingling/stinging, feels 'oily' initially

Making Your Own Magnesium Deodorant

Creating a simple magnesium deodorant is straightforward for those interested in a DIY approach. A common recipe involves mixing magnesium hydroxide powder with a carrier oil like coconut oil, and a moisture-absorbing agent like arrowroot powder, with optional essential oils for scent. For a spray, dissolve magnesium chloride flakes in distilled water.

Conclusion

Magnesium hydroxide and magnesium chloride are the most effective for topically addressing body odour. Both work by neutralizing bacteria and balancing skin pH, providing a gentle and effective alternative to traditional antiperspirants and potentially irritating natural options like baking soda. The best choice depends on personal preference and skin sensitivity, with magnesium hydroxide being a prime choice for sensitive skin and magnesium chloride offering a convenient spray application. Incorporating magnesium into your personal hygiene routine can be a natural and effective strategy for managing body odour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, oral magnesium supplements can potentially help with body odour, especially if the odour is linked to a magnesium deficiency. While topical application directly targets bacteria on the skin, systemic magnesium levels influence overall detoxification and glandular function, which can impact odour.

No, magnesium deodorant does not stop sweating. Unlike aluminum-based antiperspirants that block sweat glands, magnesium allows your body to sweat naturally while neutralizing the bacteria that cause the odour.

Magnesium hydroxide is a very gentle, soothing compound, often used in solid or cream natural deodorants, and is excellent for sensitive skin. Magnesium chloride is used in sprays or oils, absorbs quickly, and may cause a tingling sensation but is also effective at neutralizing odour.

Yes, magnesium deodorant is often better for sensitive skin. Baking soda is highly alkaline and can disrupt the skin's natural pH, causing redness and irritation, whereas magnesium is gentler and less likely to cause such a reaction.

Yes, you can easily make your own magnesium deodorant. For a solid cream, mix magnesium hydroxide powder with a carrier oil. For a spray, dissolve magnesium chloride flakes in distilled water.

A stinging or tingling sensation from magnesium oil is normal, especially if your body is magnesium deficient. The feeling usually subsides with regular use as your magnesium levels improve.

Many people report instant success with magnesium deodorant, but some may experience a brief 'detox' period when switching from traditional antiperspirants. During this time, your body adjusts, and any build-up is cleared, typically lasting about 1-2 weeks.