Oak & Iron Apothecary™: Topical Formulation
Magnesium Lotion
Topical support for muscle comfort and recovery
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Oak & Iron Magnesium Lotion is a topical magnesium product designed to support muscle comfort, post-activity recovery, and nervous-system downshift routines.
This product is offered in three strengths using the same base lotion formulation. The primary difference is magnesium concentration (%). Scent blends may vary by batch.
Gentle (8%)
Gentle (8%)
Bright + Warm
Best for:
First-time magnesium users
Sensitive skin or “tingly” responders
Daily use and larger application areas (legs, feet, shoulders)
Extra Strength (18%)
Extra Strength (18%)
Cooling + Calm
Best for:
Moderate tightness or post-activity recovery
Users who want a stronger option without jumping to clinical
Targeted use or daily use as tolerated
Clinical (27%)
Clinical (27%)
Focused + Strong Our most concentrated blend.
Best for:
Targeted deep tightness or cramping-prone areas
High-demand days (training, long shifts, heavy work)
Experienced magnesium users (more likely to tingle)
What Magnesium lotion is for
What Magnesium lotion is for
This topical magnesium lotion is designed for adults who want support with:
Muscle tightness and soreness
Post-activity recovery
Nighttime leg discomfort
Relaxation routines (especially feet/calves/shoulders)
This product supports comfort and recovery routines. It is not a substitute for medical evaluation when symptoms are persistent or severe.
What Magnesium lotion is not for
What Magnesium lotion is not for
This lotion is not intended to treat:
Acute injury, swelling, or suspected fracture
Progressive neurological symptoms (new weakness, numbness spreading)
Severe calf pain/swelling/redness (seek urgent evaluation)
Any condition requiring medical diagnosis or prescription management
If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or accompanied by red-flag signs, topical magnesium is not the right tool.
How this formula works
How this formula works
Magnesium lotion supports comfort through three practical mechanisms:
- Local routine support for muscle tone
Topical magnesium is often used as part of a recovery routine to support muscle comfort and “settling” after load, training, or long work days.
2) Nervous-system downshift ritual
2) Nervous-system downshift ritual
The massage + topical routine can support parasympathetic settling (especially at night), which many people experience as decreased tension.
3) Consistent application without digestive side effects
3) Consistent application without digestive side effects
Topical use is preferred by some people who do not tolerate oral magnesium (GI upset). This is a topical option for routine use.
Why the formula is intentionally simple
Why the formula is intentionally simple
Magnesium lotions tend to fail in one of two ways:
Too weak to notice
Too strong to tolerate (tingling/irritation)
This line is designed to offer a clear ladder:
Start gentle --> Step up if needed --> Use clinical strength for targeted intensity
We deliberately keep the base formula consistent so users can compare strengths without changing everything at once.
Ingredients: Distilled Water, Magnesium Chloride Flakes (final % differs by strength), Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Vitamin E, Liquid Germall Plus (preservative)
How to use
How to use
Step 1: Start small
Step 1: Start small
Apply a pea-sized amount to one area (calf, foot, shoulder).
Massage 30–60 seconds.
Step 2: Increase as tolerated
Step 2: Increase as tolerated
If well tolerated, expand to additional areas or increase frequency.
Suggested starting frequency:
Gentle (8%): daily
Extra Strength (18%): daily or PRN
Clinical Strength (27%): PRN targeted use, then adjust
Step 3: Best common use areas
Step 3: Best common use areas
Calves / feet
Quads / hamstrings
Forearms / shoulders
Low back / hips
What you may feel (normal vs not normal)
What you may feel (normal vs not normal)
A mild tingle, warmth, or itch can occur, especially with higher strength and on freshly shaved or sensitive skin.
To reduce tingling:
To reduce tingling:
Use less product
Apply to less sensitive areas first (calves vs inner arms)
Use Acorn (8%) as your baseline
Avoid broken skin
Stop use and wash off if you experience:
Stop use and wash off if you experience:
Rash, hives, or persistent burning
Worsening irritation after repeated attempts
Any reaction that feels abnormal for you
Do not use if you are
Do not use if you are
Under age 18
Allergic/sensitive to essential oils or any listed ingredients
Applying to broken skin, fresh shaving irritation, or open wounds
Use caution / consult a clinician if you:
Use caution / consult a clinician if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have kidney disease or are on medically supervised magnesium restrictions
Have complex medical conditions where you’re unsure if topical magnesium is appropriate
Ingredient list
Ingredient list
Magnesium Chloride (Magnesium Chloride Flakes)
The primary active component. Magnesium chloride is included at varying concentrations (8%, 18%, or 27%) depending on strength. It contributes to the characteristic tingling sensation in higher concentrations and is used as part of a topical muscle comfort routine.
Distilled Water (Aqua)
Forms the water phase of the emulsion and dissolves the magnesium chloride to create a stable brine before incorporation into the lotion base.
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii)
Provides emollient support and helps buffer the drying effect of magnesium salts. Shea contributes to skin barrier comfort and improves glide during application.
Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)
Adds spreadability and skin-conditioning properties. Included to balance texture and reduce drag during massage.
Emulsifying Wax NF
Allows the water/magnesium phase and oil phase to combine into a stable lotion. This ingredient is structural and does not contribute active therapeutic effect.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Included to support oil stability and reduce oxidation of the lipid phase. Functions as a formulation stabilizer rather than an active treatment ingredient.
Liquid Germall Plus
Used to protect the finished product from microbial growth. Preservative inclusion is calculated based on total batch weight to maintain product safety over time.
Regulatory note
Regulatory note
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Science & References
Science & References
This formulation includes cosmetic structural ingredients, topical magnesium salts, and optional essential oils. References below reflect available literature on ingredient properties and safety. Evidence regarding systemic absorption of topical magnesium remains mixed and variable.
Key references supporting this product include:
Gröber U et al. Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy. Nutrients. 2015;7(9):8199–8226. PMID: 26390689.
Kass L et al. Effect of transdermal magnesium cream on serum and urinary magnesium levels. J Integr Med. 2017;15(6):455–460.
Lin TK et al. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(1):70. PMID: 29295581.
Thiele JJ et al. Vitamin E in human skin: physiology and topical considerations. Mol Aspects Med. 2007;28(5–6):646–667. PMID: 17719137.
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