Everyone has heard of epsom salt baths (magnesium sulfate), however not many people know there is a far superior version of magnesium bath flakes known as Magnesium Chloride. Superior in bioavailability and absorption, meaning the body can more easily take it in to raise magnesium levels, and provide more intense and longer-lasting benefits. While both are used for magnesium relaxation, magnesium chloride is also better for skin hydration and can be more effective for people with sensitive skin, as epsom salts sulfate content can be drying, irritating and far less absorbable. We also believe magnesium bicarbonate is potentially the best, most absorbable via transdermal application, but will need more studies and research to conclude this. As with any magnesium application, foot soaks are best, or applying the magnesium chloride oil or any topical form magnesium around the arm pits, and other highly porous areas of the body.
As today, an estimated 75% of Americans have daily magnesium intakes less than the RDA, similar figures estimated for most modern-industrialized nations. These radical figures suggest not only the need for better diets, but also to the need for a deep understanding of the pathways that bring magnesium into and out of the body.
Experience the rejuvenating benefits Mitigate Stress Magnesium Chloride sourced from Ancient Inland Ocean Wellsprings. Our flakes are naturally solar-evaporated and low-sodium. Revitalize in a relaxing, therapeutic, aromatic bath or foot bath of Certified Organic, Biodynamic Rosemary.
How To Take, Simple: Option A – Hot Lymphatic Bath (Full Body) 30-90+ Minutes (Hydrate Before During & After)
- Filtered Water Using a Shower Filter or a Full Home Unit (Omica Organics Use Code: MGS)
- 2+ Cups of Mitigate Stress Magnesium Flakes
- Sustain Water around 103-108 Degrees Fahrenheit (105 Preferrably) can use a bath water heater.
- Add 1+ Cup(s) of Baking Soda
- Add a Few Tablespoons of Borax
- Add a Few Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
- Add a Few Tablespoons of Sundried Clay
- Add a Few Tablespoons of Cream or Coconut Cream
Option B: Hot Lymphatic Foot Bath (Just Feet/Ankles) *This yields more magnesium absorption*
- Hot FIltered Water (101-108 Degrees Fahrenheit)
- 1-2+ Cup(s) of Mitigate Stress Magnesium Flakes
- (Optional) Baking Soda, Borax, Clay etc.
Magnesium Chloride vs. Epsom Salts for Bathing
| Feature | Magnesium Chloride (Flakes/Oil) | Epsom Salts (Mag Sulfate) |
| Composition | Made of magnesium and chloride (MgCl2). Chloride is an essential electrolyte that aids in balancing fluid levels in the body. | Made of magnesium and sulfate (MgSO4). The body requires sulfate for various metabolic processes. |
| Absorption(Topical) | Considered much more bioavailable for transdermal absorption. Its high solubility allows for efficient absorption and utilization by the body. | Has a lower rate of absorption through the skin compared to magnesium chloride. The effects of a bath may be more temporary and less concentrated. |
| Body Utilization | Absorbed more easily and fully utilized by the body. Replenishes magnesium levels more effectively and offers longer-lasting relief from muscle soreness and tension. | The sulfate is often quickly excreted by the kidneys, so the magnesium may not be retained as well by the body. |
| Purity & Sourcing | Often sourced from purified ancient seabeds, like the Zechstein sea, which are protected from modern pollutants. | The purity can vary as some are synthetically produced. Naturally sourced epsom salts can also be susceptible to modern pollutants. |
| Benefits | Provides deep, sustained muscle relaxation and can help hydrate and improve overall skin health. Helps to calm the nervous system and regulate stress hormones more effectively. | Soothes and relaxes muscles, with a focus on temporary relief. The sulfate content is also thought to help detoxify the body. The magnesium sulfate is also perfect (specifically the sulfur content) for detoxifying oxalates within the body. |
| Feel and Consistency | Dissolves more uniformly and cleanly in bathwater, without leaving a residue or clumping. | Is notorious for sometimes clumping in water and can leave a film on the bathtub. |
| Cost | Typically more expensive than epsom salts, but often offers better overall value due to its superior bioavailability and effectiveness. You basically save money because you’re getting more bang for your buck. | Is generally less expensive. |
According to research, magnesium chloride has ‘good’ bioavailability. Taking a sufficient dose of magnesium chloride can reduce or stop the effects of a viral or bacterial attack within twenty minutes. This speed of action is due to its immediate effects on cellular biochemical activity, and consequently on immune system performance.
Magnesium chloride is a smaller molecule when compared to magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts). Comparative studies between the two indicate classically a better absorption for magnesium chloride than for epsom salts as well as better retention for magnesium chloride. Moreover, sulphate infusion (Epsom Salts) leads to a considerable increase in the urinary excretion of magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Some studies suggest Epsom salts are able to cross the skin barrier and increase magnesium absorption, however the results are not nearly as impressive as magnesium chloride.
Following provision of a hair sample for analysis of mineral content each patient tested was instructed to apply 20 sprays of Magnesium Oil Original spray daily, anywhere on the body, plus a 20 minute foot soak using Magnesium Chloride Bath Flakes (using a simple water footbath) twice weekly. At the end of 12 weeks’ treatment a further hair analysis was conducted.
Mineral analysis pre-treatment indicated that 7 of the 9 patients enrolled had low cellular magnesium levels as predicted by our epidemiological analysis. After transdermal applications for 12 weeks all patients except one had a significant increase in cellular magnesium ranging from 7% to 262%. One patient ceased application prematurely, three weeks before final analysis. Overall an average increase of 59.7% was seen. (However pubmed did have an article suggesting this is not the most reliable information, but wait, there’s more!)
How do we raise our magnesium levels?
- Consume MitigateStress.com Magnesium Bicarbonate (internally) spread throughout the day, start low and slow.
- Take Magnesium Chloride Foot Baths (MitigateStress.com) Warm/Hot Water for roughly 20+ minutes. Full-body hot baths are fantastic as well, however if you want to strictly raise your magnesium levels.
- Limit elimination as waste through the “GI” tract – gastrointestinal (colon, intestines, stomach). – By taking: Magnesium Bicarbonate (Water Suspended most bioavailable form) it will limit this issue due to the body’s ease of absorption. As well as transdermal magnesium (our magnesium chloride spray and bath flakes) avoids this issue.
- Lower stress levels and overall excretion by the kidneys.
- You can try to consume certain foods, yet most of the traditionally recommended “magnesium-rich” foods are high in oxalates, phytates, enzyme inhibitors, lectins, mineral blockers, and other anti-nutrients that block magnesium absorption in and of itself.
Dr. Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D. writes:
“I realized that many people can’t take oral magnesium because of the laxative effect. Therefore I began researching and then advising people to put supersaturated magnesium chloride-called magnesium oil on their skin to bypass the intestines; stimulate DHEA production that occurs in the skin; use it in baths and foot baths for muscle aches, joint pain, and foot pain and neuropathy.“
So even though we sell the world’s best magnesium in our proprietary, water-suspended, extremely absorbable bicarbonate (internal) form. Not everyone can handle oral supplementation right away, it takes time to be able to absorb such a powerful supplement and sometimes there are many limiting factors that could prevent someone from achieving their optimal magnesium intake.
This is where transdermal magnesium comes in AKA absorption through the skin. Transdermal magnesium presents a new form of magnesium that bypasses absorption problems in the GI tract and side effects of oral magnesium, bringing the ability to achieve adequate magnesium levels within reach for the millions of people worldwide whose intake is insufficient.
An incredible study showcased participants using a 31% magnesium chloride solution twice daily alongside therapeutic foot soaks around twice weekly. After 90 days, researchers found what happened inside their bodies, not just in their blood, but at the cellular level using hair analysis.
The results were impressive: Almost 90% of participants were shown to have a major increase in intracellular magnesium. Some of the participants increased their magnesium stores by over 200% – this kind of progress is usually attributed to 9-24 months via oral supplementation!
Below is a list of several studies that showcase clear evidence to greatly support these findings. One thing is for sure, despite all the skepticism on transdermal magnesium supplementation and its overall efficacy, there is convincing data and evidence to support transdermal magnesium being a viable solution for raising one’s magnesium levels.
Below is a summarization from most of the searchable studies…
1. Intracellular Uptake via Spray (2013)
- Design: Supersaturated MgCl₂ spray twice daily for 4 months.
- Outcome: ~100% increase in intracellular magnesium (oral mucosa cells); no change in serum meaning topical application enters cells effectively .
2. 31% MgCl₂ (Magnesium Chloride) Spray Pilot (2015)
- Design: 12-week pilot using high-concentration spray.
- Outcome: 59.5% increase in intracellular magnesium in 89% of participants—equivalent to 9–24 months of oral supplementation, suggesting up to 5× faster uptake .
3. Gröber et al. (2017) – Systematic Review
- Design: Literature review of topical magnesium (sprays, baths, creams) vs. oral supplementation.
- Findings: Concluded there’s insufficient evidence supporting superior absorption via skin; most “100% absorption” claims remain unsupported
4. Cream Absorption Trial (2014)
- Design: 2-week, 56 mg/day magnesium cream vs. placebo.
- Outcome: ~8% serum magnesium increase (statistically significant in non-athletes), supporting some systemic uptake .
5. Intravenous vs. Topical in Arterial Thrombosis (Animal Study)
- Design: Rat model comparing IV magnesium and topical cream.
Outcome: Both methods equally reduced clot formation, though only IV raised serum levels—implying topical benefits may be local.
6. Transdermal Trial in Fibromyalgia (2015)
- Design: MgCl₂ spray applied to limbs in fibromyalgia patients (pilot).
- Outcome: Improvements in quality of life, pain, and morning stiffness—suggesting topical magnesium may help musculoskeletal symptoms.
7. Magnesium Balm Review (2025)
- Design: Analysis of balm/spray absorption, including ~8.5% serum rise.
Outcome: Skin penetration modest; hair follicle areas and cream bases may enhance uptake.
8. Dead Sea Water Baths & Skin Barrier (Clinical)
- Design: Human subjects bathed in Dead Sea magnesium-rich water.
- Outcome: Improved skin hydration & barrier function, supporting anti-inflammatory and skin health effects.
9. Animal / Cell Studies & Neuroprotection
- Reviews cite magnesium’s action on pain, stress, neuroprotection—but primarily via oral or IV routes, not topical.
10. Ongoing Pilot Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01968772: Pilot of transdermal MgCl₂ in fibromyalgia patients—ongoing
What These Studies Suggest
- Topical magnesium is able to be absorbed, particularly at the cellular level—but serum changes are modest. Some studies suggest even low serum changes.
- Intracellular uptake with sprays (4 mo) and creams (2 wk) is shown, though based on small or pilot studies.
- Benefits reported include improvements in muscle pain, stiffness, skin health, and quality of life—not specifically sleep or hormone regulation. However, studies not listed here/directly linked to topical magnesium have implied that higher amounts of magnesium in the blood correlates with better sleep.
- Larger Random Controlled Trials are lacking, especially on cramps, sleep, and overall hormonal outcomes, (yet there is not currently anything proving the opposite)
- In conclusion, there needs to be far more funding for these studies, and at this time, there hasn’t been a huge demand for that despite over a decade of reason to believe clinical trials would prove topical magnesium may be even more effective than oral supplementation for certain people.
Our Soil/Food isn’t the same as it was 100 years ago. Magnesium intakes in most industrialized nations are on a decline, and countless medical studies are showcasing extreme deficiencies to a range of conditions. In these times, an adequate magnesium diet must take into account not just the “most absorbable” magnesium sources, but also individual differences that can prevent the absorption of magnesium from the diet and supplements that each person may be taking unknowingly.
Foods that hinder magnesium absorption include:
- Non-fermentable or insoluble fiber, such as whole grain, bran and seeds
- Foods high in phytates, such as whole flours and grains, bran, the hulls of seeds and nuts, and un-sprouted beans and soy
- Foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, leafy greens, nuts, tea, coffee and cacao
Calcium needs Magnesium to become soluble within the body.
It is understood that calcium and magnesium oppose each other at the intracellular level and that calcium requires the presence of sufficient magnesium for it to become soluble within the body. Thus low magnesium intake will produce evidence of high calcium storage outside of the bone (referred to as calcification). Overall 100% of patients improved their calcium/magnesium ratio and the average improvement over the period of this study was 25.2%.
Finally, and the most surprising finding, was the effect of the magnesium on the detoxification of toxic minerals. Seven of the nine test cases (7/9), 78%, showed that using the magnesium oil body spray alongside the foot soak was able to antagonise and release toxic minerals including aluminium, lead, cadmium and mercury amongst others.
We will be writing quite a few more articles on magnesium bicarbonate and magnesium chloride in the near future. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us at support@mitigatestress.com We look forward to hearing from you!
God bless,
Nick & Nathan (Mitigate Stress)
