Calming Magnesium Body Butter

This homemade magnesium body butter helps replace the magnesium that our bodies need to thrive.  I apply a little to my feet and shoulders before bed to help me relax and get a great night’s sleep.  I’m going to show you how I make it (it’s pretty easy), but first, I thought it would be helpful to share a little bit about what a magnesium deficiency is, what causes magnesium deficiency, and the benefits of using a magnesium body butter like this.

What is a magnesium deficiency?

More than 80% of us may have a magnesium deficiency, but most of us don’t know we’re deficient.  That’s because the symptoms of magnesium deficiency are common symptoms of many other conditions as well- feeling tired and run down, not sleeping well, getting headaches, digestive issues, and feeling stressed and anxious are just a few of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency.

What causes magnesium deficiency?

Many aspects of our modern American life can lower our magnesium levels:

• too much caffeine
• junk food (especially processed sugar)
• excess stress
• and poor sleep

just to name a few

What are the benefits of magnesium?

• Helps fall asleep and improve sleep quality
• Reduces stress
• Calms nerves and anxious feelings
• Increases energy
• Eases muscle twitching and cramps
• Soothes aches and pains

What do you need to make homemade magnesium body butter?

This website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link. 

magnesium oil (click here to find my favorite magnesium oil)- Magnesium oil is actually not an oil.  It is a brine made from magnesium and water.  There are several different kinds of magnesium.  The kind I use  is made from magnesium chloride.  Unlike the more common magnesium sulfate found in Epsom salt, magnesium chloride is very readily absorbed into the skin and transported to the cells in a form that is highly bioavailable to the body.  Additionally, magnesium chloride seems to be the least irritating, and the one that I use is triple filtered for less itch and less sting ( a VERY good thing for my super sensitive skin).

unrefined cocoa butter (click here for my favorite cocoa butter)- Cocoa butter is a hard, brittle butter that adds a rich and creamy texture to this whipped body butter.  It’s emollient and moisturizing, and has a velvety texture on skin.

extra virgin organic coconut oil (click here for my info about my favorite coconut oil)- Acts as a carrier oil to dilute the essential oils.  Diluting essential oils when used topically is beneficial because it both (1) makes it safer (less risk of skin reactions and overuse sensitivity) and (2) increases the effectiveness of the essential oils by slowing evaporation and improving absorption.

lavender essential oil– Lavender has a sweet, floral, slightly herbal scent.  Lavender is calming and soothing.  It slows activity in the nervous system to promote relaxation, lift mood, and improve sleep quality.

cedarwood essential oil– Cedarwood has a warm, woodsy and slightly sweet scent that stabilizing & grounding.   Cedarwood works in the brain to stimulates both the limbic region of the brain (which is the center of emotions) and the pineal gland (which releases melatonin to help calm and regulate the circadian rhythm for restful sleep).

frankincense essential oil– Frankincense oil has a warm, earthy scent that is slightly fruity and sweet.  Frankincense promotes deep positive and grounding feelings as well as a true sense of purpose.  It also helps to calm and collect your thoughts.

4 oz. glass jars (buy here) or 2 oz. glass jars (buy here)

wooden stir sticks (I get them here)

heat-safe glass jar or measuring cup (like this)

How to make calming magnesium body butter?

Get a free printable of the calming magnesium body butter recipe – click here

step 1:  cut cocoa butter into small pieces and add 1/2 cup to a heat-safe glass measuring cup (or heat-safe glass bowl)

step 2:  melt cocoa butter using double boiler method.

Do this by placing heat-safe glass measuring cup/bowl inside a pot that has 1-2 inches of simmering water.  Heat over medium heat and stir occasionally until cocoa butter is completely melted.

step 3:  remove the cocoa butter from heat, and add 1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil to the melted cocoa butter.  The heat of the cocoa butter will be enough to melt the coconut oil.  Stir until completely melted.

step 4:  add 1/4 cup magnesium oil and mix to combine

click here to find where to buy my favorite magnesium oil

step 5:  place the mixture in the refrigerator to cool for about 30-60 minutes (until it is cooled completely)

Note: magnesium oil is not actually an oil; it is a brine (or water based).  And as we know, water and oil do not mix.  So the magnesium oil will likely separate from the cocoa butter and coconut oil during this phase.  That’s okay.  When you whip it in the next steps, it will eventually emulsify and hold together.

step 6:  after the mixture is chilled all the way through it will be solid.  Scoop it out of the measuring cup and use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip it.  Start on low and increase speed slowly.  Whip for about 3-5 minutes.

note:  As I said above, magnesium oil is not actually an oil; it is water based.  And since water and oil don’t easily mix, you will likely see droplets of the magnesium oil separating from the butter/oil mixture initially.  Those magnesium droplets may get flung out to the edge of the bowl.  That’s okay, they will eventually get mixed in with the butter/oil mixture and stayed mixed.  It just takes a little while.

step 7:  add in 10 drops each of lavender essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, and frankincense essential oil.  (note: This sounds like a lot of essential oils, but because 1 cup of butter and oil is used, it is less than a 1% dilution (0.6%) .

Then scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue whipping for another 5 minutes or so, until the magnesium body butter is light and fluffy.  A sign to look for to let you know that it’s getting close to being ready – the color of the magnesium body butter will change from yellow to a pale ivory, almost white.

step 9:  scoop the magnesium body butter into glass jars.

This recipe makes enough for two 4 oz. glass jars or four 2 oz. glass jars.

Get a free printable of the calming magnesium body butter recipe- click here

How to make magnesium body butter?

1. use a double boiler to melt 1/2 cup cocoa butter
2. add 1/2 cup of coconut oil and melt
3. add 1/4 cup magnesium oil (click here to find where to buy my favorite magnesium oil)
4. cool for 30-60 minutes in refrigerator (until it is cooled completely and solid all the way through)
5. whip for 3-5 minutes
6. add 10 drops each of lavender essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, and frankincense essential oil
7. whip for another 5 minutes or so until magnesium body butter is light and fluffy

How to use calming magnesium body butter?

I use this magnesium body butter for several different things:  (1) relaxing/sleep, (2) headaches, and (3) muscle cramps.

For Relaxing & Sleep:  at bedtime, massage into feet and the back of neck

For Stress & Headaches:  gently massage a small amount of body butter on the back of neck at the base of the skull as well as on the forehead and temples, being careful to not get any into your eyes

For Muscle Cramps:  apply to the effected area

Things to keep in mind:

• Magnesium can cause itching and stinging, especially the first few times you use it.  Only use a very small amount until your body gets used to it.  Use caution until you know how your body reacts.
• Do not apply to freshly shaven skin, open wounds, or broken skin.
• Coconut oil melts at 76 degrees.  If your home is warmer than that, you’ll want to keep your body butter in the refrigerator.  It will get very firm and hard in the fridge, but just scoop a little out when you need it and it will melt almost instantly once in contact with your skin.

Where to get supplies?

This website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link. 

magnesium oil (click here for where I buy my favorite)

cocoa butter (I buy here)

extra virgin coconut oil (I buy here) – You can also find at grocery store, Costco, and natural of stores.

4 oz. glass jars (like this) or 2 oz. glass jars (buy here) – I like these, but you can you can also find glass jars at Walmart, Target, dollar stores, hardware stores, home supply stores, and grocery stores.

wooden stir sticks (I get them here)

heat-safe glass jar or measuring cup (like this) – you can find at Walmart, Target, or home supply stores

other essential oil posts I think you’ll like:

Best deals for essential oil supplies– diffusers cases, spray bottles, carrier oils, essential oil tools

20 Favorite Roller Bottle Blend Recipes and Free Printable Labels

12 Best Essential Oil Diffuser Blends for Sleep

Sweet Dreams Sleep Spray

DIY Sore Muscle Rub with essential oils

Homemade Vapor Rub with essential oils

How to make essential oil inhalers + 24 favorite inhaler recipes

Clever & Creative Ways to Use Empty Essential Oil Bottles

25+ Easy DIY Gifts Made with Essential Oils

Homemade Essential Oil Healing Salve

soft & silky body butter with essential oils

essential oil face wash for your skin type

super rich & creamy dry hand lotion

DIY Face serum with essential oils for your skin type (dry, mature, sensitive, acne, oily, normal

Calming Diffuser Blends to Help Relieve Stress

DIY Floral Bath Salts

Please join us…

we’re on Facebook here

we’re on Pinterest here

click here to sign up our email newsletter

Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional care.  Always consult your medical doctor regarding your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Disclaimer: Please know that this website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link.