Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the human body, playing a role in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including muscle function, nerve signalling, sleep regulation, and inflammatory balance. Yet up to 50% of adults are estimated to consume less than the recommended daily intake due to soil depletion, dietary patterns, and stress-related losses.

For people who experience digestive sensitivity, dysphagia, or medication interactions, topical magnesium has become a popular alternative to oral supplements. But not all topical magnesium products are the same.

So what’s the difference between magnesium oil and magnesium cream and which one should you choose?

In this blog, we explore the key differences between magnesium oil and magnesium cream, including when to use each, how magnesium is absorbed through the skin, and the benefits of topical sprays and bath soaks for supporting muscles, sleep, and overall wellbeing.

What Is Magnesium Oil?

Despite the name, magnesium oil contains no actual oil. It is a concentrated solution of magnesium chloride in water, derived from natural sources such as seawater or ancient mineral deposits. When applied to the skin, it feels slightly oily because magnesium chloride binds with water in the outer skin layers.

Zea’s Magnesium Oil Topical Spray is formulated using Magnesium chloride, purified water and nothing else. This matters.

Magnesium chloride is one of the most bioavailable and skin-permeable forms of magnesium, meaning it dissolves easily into magnesium ions (Mg²⁺), which the body can absorb through the skin.

When to use Magnesium Oil?

If your goal is targeted, therapeutic magnesium delivery, magnesium oil is the preferred choice. It’s ideal for supporting:

• Muscle cramps and tension

• Inflammation and joint discomfort

• Sleep support and relaxation

• Nerve pain or tingling

• Restless legs or fibromyalgia-related discomfort

Magnesium oil works best because you can:

• Apply a known, concentrated dose

• Target specific areas of need

• Maximise absorption through sweat glands and hair follicles

Zea’s Magnesium Oil Topical Spray is formulated to deliver magnesium efficiently to the tissues that need it most, supporting real wellness outcomes rather than just surface-level comfort.

What Is Magnesium Cream?

Magnesium cream also contains magnesium chloride or magnesium sulfate, but it is blended into a cosmetic cream base which may contain:

• Emulsifiers

• Fatty alcohols

• Preservatives

• Oils or butters

• Thickeners

• Fragrances or essential oils

These ingredients make magnesium creams:

• Feel more luxurious

• Reduce tingling

• Spread more easily

However, they also dilute the magnesium concentration and slow down absorption through the skin.

When to Use Magnesium Cream?

Magnesium cream is better suited for gentle, cosmetic, or skin-friendly applications. It’s ideal if you want:

• Light relaxation or calming routines

• Moisturising benefits alongside magnesium

• A very mild dose for sensitive or delicate skin

Magnesium creams are less potent for correcting deficiency or achieving therapeutic levels, because oils and butters slow absorption, however they can still help relieve muscle tension and provide a milder option for anyone who finds pure magnesium oil too tingly.

How Magnesium Is Absorbed Through the Skin

Magnesium is absorbed through the skin primarily via sweat glands and hair follicles, which act as natural channels into the body. These areas allow magnesium ions to penetrate more effectively than across the general skin surface.

Studies show that magnesium chloride solutions penetrate the skin more effectively than cream. This is because magnesium must be water-soluble to move into the skin, while lipids like oils and butters slow ion movement and dilute magnesium concentration.

This is why magnesium oil, a concentrated, water-based solution, has higher absorbency rates than magnesium creams. It delivers higher levels of magnesium directly to the areas where absorption is most efficient.

Benefits of Magnesium Sprays & Soaks

Because magnesium can only enter through sweat glands and hair follicles, absorption is enhanced when:

• The skin is warm

• Pores are open

• Sweat gland activity is increased

This is why best practice for transdermal magnesium is to use a topical magnesium spray in combination with a bath or soak. Warm water increases circulation and opens sweat glands and follicles, creating more entry points for magnesium to move into the skin.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between magnesium oil and magnesium cream ultimately depends on your goals and sensitivity. Magnesium oil is the most effective option for targeted, therapeutic delivery, helping to support muscles, joints, sleep, and overall magnesium levels. Magnesium cream, on the other hand, provides a gentler, skin-friendly option for relaxation, light muscle relief, or sensitive skin. For best results, combining a magnesium spray with a warm bath or soak can enhance absorption through sweat glands and hair follicles, maximising the mineral’s benefits. With the right product and routine, topical magnesium can be a simple, effective way to support your body’s wellbeing naturally.

References

1. Gröber, U., Werner, T., Vormann, J., & Kisters, K. (2017). Myth or Reality-Transdermal Magnesium?. Nutrients, 9(8), 813. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080813 

2. Chandrasekaran, N. C., Sanchez, W. Y., Mohammed, Y. H., Grice, J. E., Roberts, M. S., & Barnard, R. T. (2016). Permeation of topically applied magnesium ions through human skin is facilitated by hair follicles. Magnesium Research, 29(2), 35-42. https://doi.org/10.1684/mrh.2016.0402 

3. BetterYou. (2020, March 23). Transdermal magnesium explained: Sprays, lotions, creams & gels. BetterYou. https://betteryou.com/blogs/product-guides/transdermal-magnesium-explained?srsltid=AfmBOooWGCi8REc9dOxjLFU3zj697Di8j8qK6aQ-9lbZZeibityX-4Je 

4. National Custom Compounding. Study proves magnesium is absorbed through skin via hair follicles. https://customcompounding.com.au/study-proves-magnesium-is-absorbed-through-skin-via-hair-follicles/

5. BetterYou Ltd. (2017, September 15). Study suggests magnesium cream could be used to combat deficiencies. News‑Medical. https://www.news‑medical.net/news/20170915/Study‑suggests‑magnesium‑cream‑could‑be‑used‑to‑combat‑deficiencies.aspx