By Dr. Doug Strobel, MD, board-certified neurologist
Magnesium balm is magnesium chloride blended into a thick, rub-on balm made with oils and beeswax. You massage it into sore muscles, tight calves or tired feet, and it works right where you put it. People use it for muscle soreness, leg cramps, dry skin and as a calming part of their bedtime routine.
What is magnesium balm?
Magnesium balm is a solid, spreadable form of topical magnesium. Most magnesium you see in stores comes as a pill, a spray (often called magnesium oil) or a lotion. A balm puts the same mineral, usually magnesium chloride, into a base of oils and beeswax, so it stays where you rub it and doubles as a moisturizer.
I'm a neurologist and an ultra-endurance runner. I made the first batch for my own legs after long races, because I wanted magnesium I could put exactly where the tightness was, without the stomach trouble oral supplements gave me. That batch became Dr. Doug's Magnesium Balm.
What is magnesium balm good for?
Magnesium balm is good for the spots that feel tight, sore or dry. These are the uses I hear about most:
- Sore muscles after a run, a workout or a long day on your feet.
- Leg cramps and restless, uncomfortable legs in the evening.
- Neck and shoulder tension from desk work or carrying kids around.
- Dry skin on hands, heels and elbows, because the base is a rich moisturizer.
- A bedtime ritual. Massaging balm into your feet or calves is a simple signal that the day is done.
What it is not: a medicine or a treatment for any disease. If cramps, pain or poor sleep are frequent or getting worse, talk to your clinician, because those can have causes worth finding.
How does magnesium balm work?
Magnesium balm works locally: you massage it in, and the magnesium and oils act on the skin and muscles in the area you treat. The massage itself matters too. Rubbing a tight calf for a minute relaxes it, and the balm gives you a reason to do it every day.
I'll be straight with you about the science. Research on how much magnesium passes through skin is still early, and no one should promise you that a balm raises the magnesium level in your blood. If you have a true deficiency, that is a conversation with your doctor and probably a blood test. A balm is for the spot you can put your hand on.
Magnesium balm vs. magnesium lotion, cream and oil
All four deliver magnesium to the skin. The difference is the base, and the base decides how it feels.
| Form | Texture | Common complaint | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium oil or spray | Thin, watery | Stings or itches, feels salty | Quick spray on a large area |
| Magnesium lotion or cream | Light, spreadable | Often needs preservatives and fillers | Daily all-over use |
| Magnesium balm | Thick, rich | Feels heavier at first | Massage into sore or tight spots, dry skin |
I chose a balm because it doesn't sting the way magnesium oil can, and a balm made only from oils and wax doesn't need the preservatives a water-based lotion does.
What's in Dr. Doug's Magnesium Balm?
Eight ingredients you can read in one breath: organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, beeswax, organic shea butter, magnesium chloride, organic peppermint essential oil, lavender essential oil and vitamin E. No synthetic fragrance.
When you compare magnesium balms, look for magnesium chloride as the magnesium source, a short ingredient list, and no synthetic fragrance.
How to use magnesium balm
Use magnesium balm whenever an area feels sore, tight or dry. There's no special timing.
- Take a small amount and warm it between your palms.
- Massage it into the area, a few inches past where it hurts, for about a minute.
- Reapply as often as you like during the day, after activity or before bed.
Patch test a small area first if your skin is sensitive, and skip broken skin. If you have kidney disease, are pregnant or take prescription medication, check with your clinician first. For children, we make a separate Magnesium Balm for Kids for ages 3 and up.
Who should try magnesium balm?
Magnesium balm suits people who want something simple for the same sore spots every day: runners and lifters, people whose legs get crampy or restless in the evening, desk workers with tight shoulders, and anyone who has given up on oral magnesium because of stomach upset. Customers rate it 4.87 out of 5 across 458 reviews on our product page.
Frequently asked questions
What is magnesium balm good for?
Magnesium balm is good for sore muscles, leg cramps, neck and shoulder tension, and dry skin. Many people also use it as part of a bedtime routine. It works on the area where you apply it.
Is magnesium balm the same as magnesium lotion?
Both put magnesium on your skin. Lotion is water-based, lighter and usually contains preservatives. Balm is made from oils and wax, so it is thicker, doesn't need preservatives and is better for massaging into one spot.
Does magnesium balm sting?
Magnesium oil sprays often sting or itch. A balm made with oils and beeswax is much gentler. Patch test first if your skin is sensitive and avoid broken skin.
Where should I apply magnesium balm?
Apply it where you feel it: calves, thighs, feet, lower back, neck or shoulders. For an evening routine, many people massage it into their feet and calves.
When is the best time to use magnesium balm?
Any time an area feels sore, tight or dry. There is no special timing. Many people use it after exercise and again before bed.
Can magnesium balm fix a magnesium deficiency?
No balm should promise that. If you think you are low in magnesium, talk to your doctor about testing. Magnesium balm is for local comfort in the area you apply it.
Is magnesium balm safe for kids?
We make a separate Magnesium Balm for Kids for ages 3 and up. Patch test first, avoid broken skin, and ask your pediatrician if your child has a medical condition.
Dr. Doug Strobel, MD is a board-certified neurologist and the founder of Dr. Doug's Balms. About Dr. Doug