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In certain (seemingly well-rested) corners of the internet, magnesium is the antidote to stress and muscle tension, as potent as a sauna-and-ice-bath regimen but far more accessible for those without a monthly membership to Remedy Place. To wind down for bed, wellness influencers concoct magnesium mocktails to sip while listening to brown noise; others don’t turn off the light before a nightly capsule has been consumed. Some are even spritzing their faces with the best magnesium spray as a step in their evening skin-care routine. Of all its uses and forms, magnesium sprays might be the most easily incorporated, but is there any real benefit? And what exactly is the point of dousing your skin with magnesium?
Vogue’s Favorite Magnesium Sprays:Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray, $23Cymbiotika Topical Magnesium Oil Spray, $36Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil Spray, $25HigherDose Get Salty Body Spray, $35Alo Yoga Magnesium Reset Spray, $48Magnum Solace UltraPure Magnesium Oil Body Spray, $27In This Story:What is the benefit of topical magnesium?Do magnesium sprays actually work?Can you use magnesium spray every day?What to look for in a magnesium sprayMeet the experts“Magnesium is having a hot moment right now, which I love so much because she’s actually a bit basic, but she’s so essential,” says Vanessa Lee, registered nurse, skin-care expert, and founder of The Things We Do. “Magnesium is a mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, including protein synthesis and muscle and nerve function. Plus, it’s necessary for energy production and nervous-system function.” One of the most buzzed-about benefits of taking oral magnesium is its impact on better, deeper sleep—which, in turn, can help promote healthier skin, says Lee. However, if you’re not a big supplement fan, a spray (while less effective) may be a great alternative and a positive addition to any skin-care regimen.
Below, we’ve gathered information on the benefits of magnesium sprays, how to use them effectively, and the six best options to try.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil SprayAncient Minerals
Magnesium Oil Spray
Why We Love It: “Ancient Minerals sources their magnesium chloride from the Zechstein seabed,” says Lee, adding, “this is the most well-known magnesium spray for its purity.” This spray is no-nonsense, with a high concentration of its primary ingredient—100 mg of elemental magnesium per milliliter, which is about six sprays—so a little bit goes a long way.Key Ingredients: Zechstein magnesium chlorideSize: 8 fluid ouncesCymbiotika Topical Magnesium Oil SprayCymbiotika
Topical Magnesium Oil Spray
Why We Love It: Cymbiotika is a brand that’s well-known for its range of supplement offerings, including this high-quality magnesium oil spray. Lee particularly loves this brand because it “conducts its own in-house research along with collaborating with outside scientists, focusing on sourcing from clean and sustainable sources.” This formula also includes aloe vera leaf and lavender extract, both of which may help reduce skin inflammation.Key Ingredients: Magnesium chloride, aloe vera leaf extract, lavender extractSize: 3.4 fluid ouncesSeven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil SpraySeven Minerals
Pure Magnesium Oil Spray
Why We Love It: “Seven minerals uses pure magnesium chloride and tests its products for contaminants,” says Lee. “Plus, this company has eco-friendly packaging, sourcing the plastic from beaches that have been polluted, and they also give back to sea turtle rehabilitation and release.” This is another brand that solely uses magnesium chloride, with no other additional ingredients, for anyone who wants a super-simple formula.Key Ingredients: Magnesium chlorideSize: 12 fluid ouncesHigherDose Get Salty Body SprayWhy We Love It: Unlike other brands, HigherDose markets its magnesium spray as a great option to use right after a workout. They suggest dousing it all over your body to support a calm, balanced body post–sweat sesh. They also use the Zechstein magnesium chloride, which is the purest source available.Key Ingredients: Zechstein magnesium chlorideSize: 5 fluid ouncesAlo Yoga Magnesium Reset SprayAlo Yoga
Magnesium Reset Spray
Why We Love It: Alo’s unique magnesium spray packs in a whole slew of soothing ingredients, including amla, an antioxidant-packed berry with vitamin C; aloe vera, for skin soothing and moisturizing; valerian root, to help ease stress; and, of course, magnesium. This formula is a great option for anyone who wants to reap the benefits of a spectrum of mind- and body-supporting ingredients rather than just topical magnesium.Key Ingredients: Amla, aloe vera, valerian root, chinaberry, magnesiumSize: 3.2 fluid ouncesMagnum Solace UltraPure Magnesium Oil Body SprayMagnum Solace
UltraPure Magnesium Oil Body Spray
Why We Love It: Another pure magnesium formula, this no-frills product is a great, cost-effective option for anyone who wants to give a magnesium spray a try without spending too much.Key Ingredients: MagnesiumSize: 8 fluid ouncesWhat is the benefit of topical magnesium?
As mentioned, magnesium is an essential mineral in the body and plays a significant role in overall health. It’s generally abundant in the human body, and we also take it in through a number of healthy foods (think dark leafy greens and whole grains). One of the functions that’s been getting a lot of hype lately is magnesium’s impact on the nervous system and sleep quality. Some research suggests that taking magnesium can benefit overall sleep quality since it helps reduce the stress hormone cortisol, increases melatonin (a sleep-promoting hormone), and helps regulate the central nervous system.
For these reasons, Lee notes, magnesium can be an asset supporting skin health. “When you sleep better, you have your DNA in your RNA synthesis kind of kicked up, and that’s when we are healing from all the damage of the day,” says Lee.
“I would rather people have a diet that supports magnesium intake,” Lee says. “I would say the gold standard is for you to eat dark leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, and salmon.” But she says, for those with low magnesium, a supplement can be an effective way to get these benefits.
A spray will be less potent but may also have some effects. “Anything we put on the skin does get absorbed into the bloodstream at a certain percentage,” Lee says, adding that you’d have to be really consistent with it to notice any significant impact. And for those who dislike taking any kind of pill, a spray is a great alternative.
Do magnesium sprays actually work?
Again, your skin only absorbs so much of the magnesium present in a spray, but it may still have benefits on your sleep quality and overall health.
Lee notes that while magnesium sprays often get hype around hydrating the skin, she doesn’t believe there’s a direct correlation. “That’s likely a temporary hydration you’re getting because it’s a liquid spray on you,” she says. “It’s not directly helping your skin become more supple and hydrated and elastic like some of these posts might say. And if you are getting something that’s a little bit more prolonged, it’s probably because of other supporting ingredients in that spray.”
That said, again, it may help you calm your body and mind, which has ripple effects for healthier skin—especially if a magnesium spray helps you get consistent with an evening wind-down routine.
Can you use magnesium spray every day?
Yes, in fact, if you’re hoping to glean any benefits from a magnesium spray, consistency is key. Try using it as part of your evening wind-down routine, and notice how it impacts your sleep quality, sense of calm, and skin over time.
Of course, it’s important to also pair this with a daily intake of high-quality foods that naturally contain magnesium, along with other sleep-promoting habits like limiting screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and keeping your room cool.
What to Look for in a Magnesium Spray
When seeking a top-notch magnesium spray, Lee recommends opting for high-quality, well-studied ingredients. She’s personally a fan of brands that work with scientists and those that source ingredients in a sustainable way. You may also want to seek out sprays that feature other body- and skin-soothing ingredients like aloe or arnica, for additional benefits. Ultimately, it comes down to your own preferences and which spray would best contribute to your personal needs and calming routine.
Meet the Experts
Vanessa Lee, registered nurse, skin-care expert, and founder of The Things We Do
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