Magnesium oil is created by combining magnesium chloride flakes with water, resulting in a liquid that feels oily but is not a true oil.
The Simple Process of Creating Magnesium Oil
Magnesium oil isn't an oil in the traditional sense, which is derived from fats. Instead, it's a highly concentrated solution of magnesium chloride dissolved in water. The "oily" sensation comes from the saturated mineral solution having a different texture than plain water.
The fundamental process involves two key components:
- Magnesium Chloride Flakes: These are typically in a hexahydrate form, meaning each molecule of magnesium chloride is associated with six water molecules. These flakes are a natural source of highly absorbable magnesium.
- Water: Usually distilled or purified water is preferred to ensure a clean solution free from other impurities that might react with the magnesium or affect the skin.
When these two substances are combined, the magnesium chloride flakes dissolve completely into the water. This forms a supersaturated brine solution that, despite its name, is aqueous (water-based) but has a distinct, slippery, or "oily" feel when applied to the skin. This unique texture contributes to its common misnomer as an "oil."
Key Ingredients for Magnesium Oil
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Magnesium Chloride | Sourced as flakes, often from ancient sea beds (like the Zechstein Sea), known for their purity. These flakes are rich in elemental magnesium. |
| Water | Clean, pure water (distilled or filtered) is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure the stability of the solution. Tap water may contain minerals or chemicals that could interact with the magnesium or reduce its efficacy. |
| Optional Additives | Some commercially prepared magnesium oils might include essential oils for fragrance or other beneficial properties, but these are not part of the core magnesium oil creation process. Other additions might include aloe vera or carrier oils (like jojoba or almond oil) to enhance skin feel or add moisturizing benefits, but the magnesium itself remains water-soluble. |
Why Does it Feel Oily?
The term "magnesium oil" is primarily a marketing term based on the product's tactile sensation. When magnesium chloride is dissolved in water to a high concentration, the solution feels more viscous and slippery than plain water. This is due to the presence of a high density of dissolved magnesium ions and chloride ions. These ions interact with the skin's surface, creating a sensation similar to that of a light oil, even though it contains no fatty acids or lipids.
Making Magnesium Oil at Home
Creating your own magnesium oil is a straightforward process, demonstrating its simple composition.
Materials Needed:
- Magnesium Chloride Flakes: High-quality, food-grade or topical-grade flakes.
- Distilled or Purified Water: To ensure purity.
- Heat-safe Glass Bowl or Jar: For mixing.
- Non-metallic Spoon or Stirrer: To avoid reactions.
- Spray Bottle: For convenient application.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat the Water (Optional): Gently warm the distilled water. Warm water helps the magnesium chloride flakes dissolve more quickly and thoroughly. Do not boil.
- Add Flakes to Water: For a common concentration, a good starting ratio is 1:1, meaning equal parts magnesium chloride flakes to water. For example, use ½ cup of flakes for ½ cup of water. You can adjust this ratio for a more or less concentrated solution.
- Stir Until Dissolved: Add the magnesium flakes to the warm water and stir until they are completely dissolved. This may take a few minutes. The solution should be clear.
- Cool Down: Allow the solution to cool completely to room temperature.
- Transfer to Spray Bottle: Once cool, carefully pour the magnesium oil solution into a clean spray bottle.
- Store: Store the magnesium oil at room temperature. It has a long shelf life due to its high mineral content, which acts as a natural preservative.
This homemade solution offers the same benefits as commercially produced magnesium oil, providing a convenient way to topically supplement magnesium. For more information on magnesium oil benefits, you can refer to general health resources like Healthline.
