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- Our Top Picks
- Best for Everyday Use
- Best Unscented
- Best for Before Bed
- Best for Stress
Still, some people swear by magnesium sprays for better sleep, pain management, relaxation, and headaches. If your doctor has given you the thumbs-up to try this supplement as a complementary approach to your usual care, these are the products we recommend.
Our Top Picks for Best Magnesium Sprays
- Best for Everyday Use:Activation Ease Magnesium Spray
- Best Unscented:NOW Foods Magnesium Topical Spray
- Best for Before Bed:Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil
- Best for Stress:ALO Magnesium Reset Spray
- Best for Migraine and Headache:Asutra Magnesium Oil Spray
- Best Budget-Friendly:Dr Teal's Magnesium Spray
- Best for Post-Workout:Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil Spray
- Best for Baths:Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes
- Best for Face:Cocokind Calming Magnesium Mist
- Best for Simple Ingredients:Life-flo Pure Magnesium Oil Spray
When to Consult Your Doctor
Anyone who knows they have a magnesium deficiency should avoid using a magnesium spray, according to Austin Shuxiao, MD, founder of Peach IV in New York City. I would not recommend magnesium spray to correct that deficiency unless youre also taking an oral or IV form, he says. It doesnt get absorbed at a high-enough rate to meaningfully affect bloodstream magnesium levels.
Its also important to note that people with kidney disease shouldnt use magnesium sprays or supplements because the disease can impair the kidneys ability to regulate magnesium levels. Even though the spray may not increase magnesium levels significantly, says Dr. Shuxiao, patients still shouldnt place that burden on their body, as their electrolyte balance is delicate.
Best for Everyday Use
Activation Ease Magnesium
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Leaves no residue
- Low magnesium dose may prevent skin irritation
- May help with pain and stress relief
Cons
- Dosing requires several sprays
- Some users dislike the plastic bottle
Key Specs
- Magnesium per dose: 22 mg magnesium chloride
- Dosage: 30 to 50 sprays
- Other ingredients: None
Activation Ease Magnesium is a quick-absorbing topical magnesium spray, and we chose it as the best magnesium spray for everyday use. Each spray of this magnesium supplement provides 22 milligrams (mg) of magnesium that absorbs in less than 90 seconds. Our investigations and personal testing found that this spray doesnt leave residue behind after it dries, and the lower dose may prevent skin irritation after use.
We also liked:
Salt Lab Magnesium Oil Spray for everyday use. Its non-stick, quick-drying, and you get a good amount of product for the price. However, some reviewers noted it can feel a bit oily on the skin.
Best Unscented
NOW Foods Magnesium Topical Spray
Pros
- Only two ingredients
- High-purity magnesium
- Free from artificial fragrances and dyes
- Fragrance Free
- Cruelty-Free
Cons
- May leave white salt residue on skin
- Tacky feeling while it absorbs
Key Specs
- Magnesium per dose: 66 mg of elemental magnesium per 4 sprays
- Dosage: 2 to 5 sprays
- Other ingredients: Water
If youre looking for a fragrance-free option, we like NOW Foods Magnesium Topical Spray. It contains just two ingredients: magnesium chloride and water. The magnesium is sourced from the ancient Zechstein Seabed, a naturally occurring underground mineral deposit in the Netherlands.
Four sprays contain around 66 mg of elemental magnesium, which refers to the actual amount of magnesium that your body can use. The brand suggests using two to five sprays on clean, dry skin and massaging it in until its fully absorbed. The spray is also PETA-certified cruelty-free, meaning its made without any form of animal testing. Some people say the spray feels slightly tacky right after application and may leave a white residue as it dries, which is fairly common with magnesium sprays.
We also liked:
Pure Supplements Co. Pure Magnesium Mineral Spray as another fragrance-free option. The 16-ounce bottle contains only pure magnesium chloride and distilled water with no added scents or fillers. The sprayer itself feels basic, but the per-ounce price makes it worth the compromise.
Best for Before Bed
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil
Pros
- Easy, before-bed application
- High-potency spray
- Unscented
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Not as effective as oral supplements
- Higher dose may irritate some
Key Specs
- Magnesium per dose: 100 mg
- Dosage: 6 sprays
- Other ingredients: Water, trace minerals
We also liked:
BetterYou Magnesium Sleep Body Spray for before bed. It blends magnesium chloride with lavender and chamomile essential oils to help you wind down. The scent is fairly light, though people sensitive to essential oils may want to sample it first.
Best for Stress
Alo Magnesium Reset Spray
Pros
- Formula may help promote relaxation
- May help reduce stress
- Mandarin orange and rice milk scent
Cons
- Caution required with arnica
- Some users may dislike the smell of essential oils
Key Specs
- Magnesium per dose: 45 mg magnesium chloride
- Dosage: 4 sprays
- Other ingredients: Amla, aloe vera, valerian, turmeric, chinaberry, basil, avocado oil, skullcap, arnica
The Alo Magnesium Reset Spray is another high-potency option, which delivers 45 mg of magnesium in four sprays. It has a refreshing, relaxing scent provided by rice milk, mandarin orange, and a combination of essential oils. In addition to possibly reducing stress, this spray may help reduce muscle soreness and pain.
We also liked:
Aromasong Extra Strength Magnesium Oil, Lavender, for stress. It contains 23 mg of magnesium per spritz and lavender essential oil. The 8-ounce bottle should last you a while, but some users say the oil feels slightly tacky for a few minutes before it absorbs fully.
Best for Migraine and Headache
Asutra Magnesium Oil Spray
Pros
- Some users say it can help ease pain
- Unscented
- Lower dose for sensitive users
- Nongreasy, quick-dry oil
Cons
- Low dose requires several sprays
- Not as effective as oral magnesium
Key Specs
- Magnesium per dose: Unknown
- Dosage: 5 to 15 sprays twice a day
- Other ingredients:Water
We also liked:
Seven Minerals Migraine & Headache Relief Magnesium Oil Spray for migraines and headaches. In addition to magnesium, the spray contains lavender, peppermint, rosemary, sweet marjoram, and basil oils. The brand recommends applying the oil to your forehead, temples, and the back of your head when youre experiencing a headache.
Best Budget-Friendly
Dr Teal's Magnesium Spray
Pros
- Widely available
- Fragrance-free
- Contains both Epsom salt and Dead Sea salt
- Cruelty- and paraben-free
Cons
- Magnesium per dose not disclosed
- May leave a sticky residue
Key Specs
- Magnesium per dose: Not disclosed
- Dosage: Use as needed
- Other ingredients: Water, magnesium sulfate, sodium benzoate, citric acid
Dr Teals Magnesium Spray makes it easy to try topical magnesium without spending too much. At under $7 for an 8-ounce bottle, its one of the most affordable options on our list and is easy to find at major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and CVS.
We like this spray because it contains a blend of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) and magnesium chloride sourced from natural Dead Sea salt. Its also free of fragrance, parabens, and phthalates, and is PETA-certified cruelty-free. One drawback is that the brand doesnt share the exact amount of magnesium per spray on the label, which may be a concern for some. Some users also mention a slight sticky feeling after application, but taking a bit of extra time to massage it into the skin can help with absorption.
We also liked:
MgSport High Absorption Pure Magnesium Spray as a budget option. The 8.5-ounce bottle holds around 1,400 sprays, which works out to roughly one cent per spray. It can feel slightly tacky, but the cost per spray is hard to beat.
Best for Post-Workout
Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil
Pros
- Created with pain relief in mind
- 100-percent magnesium oil
- High magnesium concentration
- USP tested
Cons
- Oily feel after application
- Some people may wish to rinse the oil off after 20 minutes
Key Specs
- Magnesium per dose: 215 mg magnesium chloride
- Dosage: 8 sprays
- Other ingredients: None
Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil Spray is a highly concentrated spray made from 100 percent pure magnesium oil, which can be especially appealing after a workout for targeted relief from sore muscles, without any additives or ingredients you don't need. It is rigorously tested by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), an independent organization that verifies quality, purity, and accurate labeling of dietary supplements.
Writer Mary Sauer tested this magnesium spray after workouts to aid recovery and found it a soothing addition to our exercise routine. While it didnt eliminate muscle soreness, she felt the warm, calming effect almost immediately when massaged into tired muscles. She also used it to manage chronic pain in the feet, legs, and back, and found it helpful.
Seven Minerals suggests spraying directly onto the bottoms of your feet or massaging it into sore areas after exercise. The recommended dose is eight sprays. This product has a slightly oily feel to it, but you can rinse it off after 20 minutes if youd like.
We also liked:
BetterYou Magnesium Muscle Body Spray for post-workout recovery. This formula contains a blend of magnesium chloride, arnica, lemon oil, and capiscum, and creates a warming effect that feels great on sore muscles. Some people with sensitive skin may find the spray somewhat irritating.
Best for Baths
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes
Pros
- High-purity
- Quick-dissolving magnesium flakes
- May help reduce aches and pains
- Can provide a soothing and relaxing effect
Cons
- Large quantity required
- Flake format may not appeal to all
Key Specs
- Magnesium per dose: 15 g magnesium chloride per cup
- Dosage: Up to 3 cups for a footbath
- Other ingredients: Trace minerals
This magnesium doesnt come in a spray bottle, but the quick-dissolving magnesium flakes can be added directly to a full-size bathtub or a smaller foot soak to target general aches and discomfort.
Sauer tested these bath flakes for chronic foot and leg pain. They dissolved quickly in a warm bath, and after soaking for about 20 minutes, she noticed fewer aches and pains and a greater sense of overall relaxation. The magnesium in this product is also harvested in the Zechstein Seabed. The recommended dose is up to 3 cups of flakes for a footbath or a full-body bath, making this one of the more expensive products per dose on this list. Its worth it if you value an incredibly soothing, spa-like soak after a long day.
We also liked:
Micro Ingredients Pure Magnesium Bath Flakes for soaking in the bath. This unscented magnesium chloride dissolves quickly and comes in a generous 6-pound bag. A full bath requires only 4 cups of flakes, so you wont have to repurchase them as often as with some other bath-flake products.
Best for Face
Cocokind Calming Magnesium Facial Spray
Pros
- Ultra-fine mist
- Can be worn over or under makeup
- Contains ingredients to calm redness
- Certified cruelty-free
Cons
- More expensive per ounce than body sprays
- Contains multiple ingredients beyond magnesium
Key Specs
- Magnesium per dose: Not disclosed
- Dosage: As needed
- Other ingredients: Biosaccharide, Polylysine, Sea silt extract, biosaccharide gum-2, polylysine, lotus flower water, blue water lily flower water, glycerin
Most magnesium sprays are meant for the body, but Cocokinds Calming Magnesium Mist is specifically made for the more delicate skin on your face. Instead of magnesium chloride, this mist uses magnesium PCA. According to Cocokind, magnesium PCA may help support a healthy skin barrier.
Cocokind is Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free and committed to clean beauty, though the 4-ounce bottle costs more per ounce than most body-focused magnesium sprays.
We also liked:
Beekman 1802 Magnesium Milk Barrier Reset Jelly Mist as a magnesium-based facial spray. This jelly-textured mist pairs magnesium with supergreens and goat milk for deep hydration. Its also cruelty-free. The 2-ounce bottle is on the smaller side, but a little goes a long way.
Best for Simple Ingredients
Life-flo Pure Magnesium Oil Spray
Pros
- High-purity magnesium
- Hypoallergenic
- Only one ingredient
- Also great as a deodorant spray or bath oil
- No animal testing
Cons
- May cause tingling on sensitive skin
- No third-party certification
Key Specs
- Magnesium per dose: 70 mg magnesium chloride per 4 sprays
- Dosage: 4 to 5 sprays
- Other ingredients: None
If a short ingredient list is your priority, Life-flos Pure Magnesium Oil Spray contains just one ingredient: concentrated magnesium chloride brine. There are no additives, colorants, or artificial ingredients.
Like a few of our other top picks, the magnesium is sourced from the ancient Zechstein Seabed. Each dose of about four sprays contains roughly 70 mg of magnesium. You can use it as a traditional spray on your skin, add it to a warm foot soak or bath, or use it as a deodorant, according to the maker. Some people report a mild tingling or stinging sensation at first, which is common with topical magnesium but usually fades as your skin adjusts.
We also liked:
Trace Pure Magnesium Oil for another minimal-ingredient option. Its made with just one ingredient, concentrated magnesium chloride from seawater, so you know exactly what youre getting. Some users prefer to rinse it off after 20 minutes to remove any leftover residue.
Comparison Table
How We Tested the Best Magnesium Sprays
Before creating our list of the best magnesium sprays, we spoke with health professionals about the potential benefits of oral compared to topical magnesium supplementation. We compiled a list of popular magnesium oil sprays, comparing costs, quality of ingredients, dosages, and potential uses. We then spent two weeks using several of them as directed, paying attention to ease of use, side effects, and whether the product delivered on what the brand promised.
We also spoke with a medical doctor and a registered dietitian about magnesium deficiencies and the benefits and drawbacks of using magnesium sprays.
- Austin Shuxiao, MD, founder of Peach IV in New York City
- Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, consultant at Balance One Supplements in Dalton, Georgia
Are There Benefits to Using Magnesium Spray?
Currently, theres no quality research showing that using magnesium as a spray or topically is an effective way to supplement magnesium or reduce muscle aches. Although its theoretically possible, it just hasnt been well studied nor shown to be effective yet at this time.
How Should You Apply It (and How Often)?
For the best results, follow the directions on your specific product. Most magnesium sprays are meant to be applied to clean, dry skin and then gently massaged in until theyre absorbed. Common areas to apply include the soles of your feet, legs, arms, and shoulders. Depending on how strong the formula is, most brands suggest using somewhere between 4 and 15 sprays at a time.
If youre new to topical magnesium, it may be a good idea to start with fewer sprays than the label suggests and slowly increase from there. A mild tingling sensation is common at first, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Some manufacturers, like Seven Minerals, recommend rinsing the product off after 15 to 20 minutes if you dont like how it feels on your skin or if it leaves a residue behind.
FAQ
- 25 Magnesium-Rich Foods You Should Be Eating. Cleveland Clinic. March 17, 2023.
- Grber U et al. Myth or Reality Transdermal Magnesium? Nutrients. July 28, 2017.
- The Dead Sea. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. August 2, 2006.
- Magnesium for Anxiety. Cleveland Clinic. November 28, 2023.
- Nielsen FH. Chapter 31:Relation Between Magnesium Deficiency and Sleep Disorders and Associated Pathological Changes. Modulation of Sleep by Obesity, Diabetes, Age, and Diet. 2015.
- Tammadon MR et al. The Effects of Valerian on Sleep Quality, Depression, and State Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial. Oman Medical Journal. 2020.
- Arnica: What It Is and How to Use It. Cleveland Clinic. February 20, 2023.
- Zarrintaj P et al. Polylysine for Skin Regeneration: A Review of Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine. November 5, 2021.
- Leignadier J et al. Lysine-Dendrimer, a New Non-Aggressive Solution to Rebalance the Microbiota of Acne-Prone Skin. Pharmaceutics. August 3, 2023.
- Nassar B et al. A Prospective OpenLabel Study of Tolerance and Effectiveness of Sequential Dermocosmetic Treatments Combining PolylLysine Biovectors With Vitamins A and C. Health Science Reports. April 2025.
- Magnesium and Migraine. American Migraine Foundation. October 20, 2021.
- Cunningham J et al. Magnesium in Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 and 4 and in Dialysis Patients. Clinical Kidney Journal.February 2012.
Why Trust Everyday Health
Mary Sauer
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Mary Sauer is a freelance health and parenting writer whose work often covers mental health (especially maternal mental health), grief, and caregiving. Her work has been published ...
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