While many fitness recovery tools provide hot or cold therapy, compression, massage, and other forms of physical relief, magnesium sprays are becoming a popular option. The best magnesium supplements are often used for recovery, and topical sprays provide a convenient source of magnesium that’s absorbed through the skin.
By applying the spray directly to your skin, you may be able to relieve sore muscles and promote relaxation without needing to take a supplement. This makes magnesium sprays a valuable tool in your health and wellness journey.
If you’re interested in trying a magnesium spray but aren’t sure which one to order, we’ve got you covered. Our team spent plenty of time with some of the most popular sprays on the market, paying close attention to the pros, cons, and rating each one. In this guide to the best magnesium sprays, I’ll share the top seven sprays our team tried to help you pick the perfect one.
Best Magnesium Sprays of 2025
- Best Overall Magnesium Spray: Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil Spray
- Best Magnesium Spray for Cramps: Coach Soak Magnesium Oil Spray
- Best Budget Magnesium Spray: Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray
- Best Magnesium Spray for Restless Legs: Cymbiotika Topical Magnesium Oil Spray
- Best Magnesium Spray for Sleep: Alo Yoga Magnesium Reset Spray
- Best Magnesium Spray for Feet: Magnum Solace Magnesium Oil Spray
- Best Magnesium Spray for Sore Muscles: HigherDOSE Transdermal Magnesium Spray
Best Overall Magnesium Spray: Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil Spray
Good for: People who want a high-quality magnesium spray that won’t break the bank
If you’re looking for a great all-purpose magnesium spray for your recovery needs, Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil Spray offers both quality and affordability, and is our choice for the best overall magnesium spray.
The formula contains magnesium chloride, which Seven Minerals claims is the 100% absorbable elemental magnesium. With no other additives or fillers, this pharmaceutical-grade, gluten-free, non-GMO spray earns a 5 out of 5 for the formulation from our tester, Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC.
Amanda also gave it a 5 out of 5 for the price. A 12-ounce bottle costs about $25, so you’ll only have to pay $2.08 per ounce. Compared to some of the other sprays we tested, this is a very affordable option.
However, despite the high-potency magnesium, Amanda only gave this a 2 out of 5 for absorbability. She said, “It didn’t absorb well, even after I rubbed it in a bit. My skin wasn’t super sticky or tacky, but I could definitely feel a bit of a film left behind.”
We found that many of the sprays felt a little greasy, so don’t let this be a dealbreaker, but it’s worth calling out.
Amanda also gave this 3 out of 5 for the effects, saying, “I felt a bit of relief after I applied it to a sore hamstring, but it wasn’t super powerful.”
With transdermal magnesium sprays, individual results can vary, as everyone’s skin is different, and you may absorb more or less magnesium than someone else. If you want to try a high-quality spray that’s not too expensive, this is the best option we tested.
If you want something that may be a bit stronger and has other ingredients besides magnesium, we recommend trying Cymbiotika Topical Magnesium Oil Spray.
| Price | $2.08 per ounce |
| Key ingredients | Magnesium chloride |
| Other ingredients | N/A |
| Bottle size | 12 fl oz |
Best Magnesium Spray for Cramps: Coach Soak Magnesium Oil Spray
Good for: Anyone who regularly experiences muscle cramping
Muscle cramps and spasms can be uncomfortable, and as someone who regularly experiences both, I was impressed by Coach Soak Magnesium Oil spray.
To test this, I only sprayed it on one of my arms to carefully compare it to the other arm. While my arms weren’t actively cramping, both were a little sore and tight from a workout the previous day, so I was looking for any noticeable relaxation.
For the effects, I give this spray a 3 out of 5. Within a few minutes, my arm felt a little bit tingly. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it was certainly a unique feeling. After a while, I certainly felt a bit looser in that arm. It was still a little sore, but the muscle didn’t feel as tight as the arm I didn’t spray.
The tingling, which other testers also noticed with a few other sprays, didn’t bother me much, but it was an interesting feeling. I give this 4 out of 5 for the side effects, as some users may find the feeling a little uncomfortable.
That said, I’m a fan of this spray, and at $2.38 per ounce, I think it’s fairly priced. I give this 4 out of 5 stars for the price, especially because the spray should last for a while, depending on how much you’re using.
I also like the formulation, which includes both magnesium and MSM, a type of sulfur that’s often paired with topical magnesium to enhance absorption.
If you experience muscle cramps, I think this is a great option to try. However, if you don’t want the tingles or want a product that only contains magnesium with no other additives, you may want to choose Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil Spray instead.
| Price | $2.38 per ounce |
| Key ingredients | Magnesium chloride |
| Other ingredients | Deionized water, methylsulfonymethane (MSM) |
| Bottle size | 8 fl oz |
Best Budget Magnesium Spray: Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray
Good for: Those looking for an affordable magnesium spray
If you’re looking to try out a magnesium spray and aren’t sure where to start, Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil spray is a great choice, and one of the most affordable sprays we tested. I used this one myself, and although I wasn’t sure what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed using this product.
The first thing I appreciate is the formulation, which earns 5 out of 5 stars. Ancient Minerals uses Geniune Zechstein magnesium chloride, a high-purity form of magnesium. According to Geniun Zechstein, this magnesium is extracted from the ancient Zechstein seabed, which is approximately 1,500 meters deep in the Earth’s interior.
In addition to using a pure form of magnesium, Ancient Minerals clearly lists the dosing, which is 100 milligrams of magnesium per milliliter, or 6 sprays.
For absorbability, I give this 4 out of 5 stars. It felt slightly greasy after the initial application, and even after about 30 minutes, it was still oily. However, Ancient Minerals suggests wiping it off after 20 minutes, allowing the magnesium to absorb, so you don’t need to feel oily all day long.
Your skin may also absorb it better than mine did, as most sunscreens and lotions also have a hard time absorbing into my skin.
I also give this 4 out of 5 for the effects. I sprayed it on my quad, which was sore from a workout and having some muscle spasms, and it certainly calmed it down after a while. It gave me a bit of a tingly feeling initially, but Ancient Minerals says this is common, and it wasn’t unpleasant, just a strange feeling.
Overall, if you’re looking to try a magnesium spray, this one has an excellent formulation and affordable price, which is why we named it the best budget magnesium spray.
If you want something with better absorbability, we recommend Cymbiotika Topical Magnesium Oil Spray.
| Price | $2.50 per ounce |
| Key ingredients | Geniune Zechstein magnesium chloride |
| Other ingredients | Trace minerals |
| Bottle size | 8 fl oz |
Best Magnesium Spray for Restless Legs: Cymbiotika Topical Magnesium Oil Spray
Good for: Those who often feel restless and struggle to sit still
For those who can’t seem to sit still without fidgeting, Cymbiotica Topical Magnesium Oil Spray is the best option to help you calm down. This 2022 study1 showed that oral magnesium supplements may relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome, though transdermal magnesium may help, too.
Our tester was Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1, and his wife, who both tried this spray at home. After his trials, Caine gave Cymbiotika magnesium spray a 4 out of 5 for the effects.
“While I didn’t feel much in terms of muscle pain relief, my wife said she did,” says Caine. “She’s on her feet a lot as the GM of multiple coffee shops, and spraying this on her sore calf muscles at the end of the day really seemed to help them feel better the next morning. It also seemed to help us both with relaxing and winding down.”
He also noted that Cymbiotika has added herbal extracts, such as lavender and aloe vera, which may further promote relaxation and potential pain relief.
Caine also gave this 5 out of 5 for absorbability, which is a very high score for this sort of product. Many magnesium sprays we tested leave a greasy residue, but this wasn’t the case with Cymbiotika.
Caine said, “My wife and I have both been using this, and we both agree that it’s a lightweight feel. It absorbs very well; just rub the spray in after applying, and within a minute, it’s pretty much absorbed and dry again. It’s not greasy at all.”
Our only real callout is the price, which only earns 1 out of 5 stars. At $10.58 per ounce, this is a very pricey spray, and while it’s effective and absorbs better than most others, it’s not cheap.
Those with restless legs may be able to find relief from this spray, but if you’re looking for a more affordable option, you may want to consider something like Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray instead.
| Price | $10.58 per ounce |
| Key ingredients | Magnesium chloride |
| Other ingredients | Ashwagandha extract, dragons bloodextract (Croton Lechleri extract), Japanese honeysuckle extract, copper extract, reishi mushroom extract, shiitake mushroom extract, lavender extract, aloe vera leaf juice, dimethyl sulfoxid, organic blue agave ferment, niacinamide, olive extract, arnica extract |
| Bottle size | 12 oz |
Best Magnesium Spray for Sleep: Alo Yoga Magnesium Reset Spray
Good for: Anyone who struggles to get a good night’s sleep
Magnesium is often used in sleep formulas to help promote relaxation, and Alo Yoga Magnesium Reset Spray is a great way to wind down and relax in the evening.
We’ll start with the formulation, which earns 5 out of 5 from our tester, Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC.
The primary ingredient is magnesium chloride, one of the most effective forms for topical magnesium use. In addition to magnesium, it’s packed with antioxidants and other ingredients that promote rest and relaxation. This includes amla, aloe vera, valerian, turmeric, and more, and it also features soothing aromatherapy for added relaxation.
Amanda gave Alo magnesium spray 3 out of 5 stars for the effects. She said, “I felt a tiny bit of relief after I applied it to a sore hamstring, but it wasn’t super powerful. I don’t think it helped with my sleep at all.”
Many customer reviews love this product and say it’s helped them sleep, but Amanda didn’t notice any benefits.
Amanda also gave this 3.5 out of 5 for absorbability, saying, “It didn’t absorb well, even after I rubbed it in a bit. My skin wasn’t super sticky or tacky, but I could definitely feel a bit of a film left behind.”
That said, with any magnesium spray, you can always wipe off the excess residue after 20-30 minutes, so this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
The biggest drawback of Alo’s magnesium spray is the cost. At $48 for a 3.2 oz bottle, this costs $15 per ounce, which is far from cheap. However, you’re getting a lot more than just magnesium, so it may still be worth it.
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable that doesn’t have all the added ingredients, we recommend Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil Spray.
| Price | $15 per ounce |
| Key ingredients | Magnesium chloride |
| Other ingredients | Propanediol, emblica officinalis (amla) fruit extract, aloe barbadensis (aloe) leaf extract, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, glycerin, melia azadirachta (chinaberry) leaf extract, melia azadirachta (chinaberry) flower extract, scutellaria baicalensis (chinese skullcap) root extract, valeriana officinalis (valerian) root extract, withania somnifera (winter cherry) root extract, curcuma longa (turmeric) root extract, ocimum basilicum (basil) flower/leaf extract, brassica campestris (rapeseed) seed oil, sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil, 1,2-hexanediol, sodium citrate, levulinic acid, sodium levulinate, sodium phytate, caprylhydroxamic acid, ocimum sanctum leaf extract, sodium hydroxide, corallina officinalis extract, canola oil, arnica montana flower extract, citric acid, tocopherol, fragrance (parfum), limonene, linalool, citral, pinene, citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil, lavandula hybrida oil, linalyl acetate |
| Bottle size | 3.2 oz |
Best Magnesium Spray for Feet: Magnum Solace Magnesium Oil Spray
Good for: People with aching, tired feet
While magnesium spray can be used anywhere, many people like to apply it to their feet. If you’re interested in trying that, we recommend Magnum Solace Magnesium Oil Spray.
Many claim that magnesium is better absorbed through the feet, though I couldn’t find any research to support this. It might be better than applying to other areas of your body, but we aren’t sure yet.
Aside from possibly better absorption, since magnesium spray is often used to relieve sore muscles and cramps, applying it directly to your feet may be a great idea, especially if you stand all day and want to help relax your feet in the evening.
Our tester for this formula was Kristen Geil, CPT, former managing editor, who used this in the evening before bed.
Kristen gave this a 3 out of 5 for absorbability, saying, “The spray felt silky and not greasy, but I did feel like it took a few minutes to soak in—I didn’t want to spray my feet and get straight into bed, so I was just awkwardly kicking my feet around for a few minutes to dry.”
As with other sprays, you can always wipe off the excess after a while, or wear socks to bed to protect your sheets.
Kristen also gave this a 3-out-of-5-star rating for the effects. She said, “I used this mostly for restful sleep (I was thankfully devoid of sore muscles during testing), and I can’t say that I noticed any major benefits or differences in my sleep. I slept as well as I normally do!”
While she didn’t notice much of a benefit, individual results may vary, and many Amazon reviews report that this helped alleviate leg cramps, twitches, and significantly improved sleep.
The formulation is the strongest point and earns 5 out of 5 stars. It contains elemental magnesium chloride and provides precise dosing, with 220 milligrams of magnesium per 10 sprays. Many sprays don’t disclose the exact amount of magnesium, so we appreciate this transparency.
At $3.75 per ounce, it’s also affordable and often on sale at retailers like Amazon, but if you prefer something even more affordable, we suggest trying Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil Spray instead, our top budget-friendly pick.
| Price | $3.75 per ounce |
| Key ingredients | Magnesium chloride |
| Other ingredients | N/A |
| Bottle size | 8 oz |
Best Magnesium Spray for Sore Muscles: HigherDOSE Transdermal Magnesium Spray
Good for: People looking to relieve sore muscles after a tough workout
Magnesium spray is often used to relieve sore muscles and improve recovery after a workout, and if that’s what you’re looking for, we recommend HigherDOSE Transdermal Magnesium Spray.
Of all the ones we tested, this was one of the most effective sprays, according to director of content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC.
Nicole gave this 3 out of 5 for the effects, saying, “I do think this helps a bit, particularly with sore muscles. I’ve used it on my legs when they’re tight the day after a good workout, and it seems to help relax things.”
She was also impressed with the absorbability, giving it a 4.5 out of 5. This is one of the few magnesium sprays that absorbs very well, and Nicole said, “Overall, this is pleasant—not sticky, greasy, and absorbs well. It does tingle a bit, but nothing that’s uncomfortable.”
As for the formulation, we give this spray 3 out of 5 stars. It contains Zechstein magnesium chloride and purified water, making it a clean formula. However, HigherDOSE doesn’t disclose the amount of magnesium in each spray.
It also costs $7 per ounce, which is right in the middle of the pack from what we tested, but this is one of the few that provided noticeable relief to our testers.
We think this is the best spray for sore muscles, but if you want to try another formula with Zechstein magnesium chloride to see if that works just as well, Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray is a good choice.
| Price | $7 per ounce |
| Key ingredients | Zecsthein magnesium chloride |
| Other ingredients | N/A |
| Bottle size | 5 oz |
Other Magnesium Sprays We Researched
- Luna Nectar Nocturne Magnesium Sleep Oil: We like the formulation here, especially for evening relaxation. However, this product is quite expensive, and we felt there were similar options at a better cost.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Magnesium Sprays
To find the best magnesium spray on the market, our team of expert testers carefully used each spray multiple times. Our team includes certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, fitness enthusiasts, and even an Olympian.
We know what sore muscles and cramps feel like, and we carefully rated each product using our testing methodology. This allowed us to calculate an unbiased score for each product by rating on a scale of 1-5 for the most important factors.
Here are some of the most important attributes we scored.
Formulation
With most magnesium supplements, there are various kinds of magnesium to choose from, including glycinate, malate, citrate, aspartate, and many others.
However, with a magnesium spray, we needed to consider which forms of magnesium have the best absorption through the skin, which differs from what your digestive system can absorb.
Magnesium chloride has the best topical absorption, so we assigned better formulation scores to products containing this form of magnesium. The highest-scoring products also quantify the amount of elemental magnesium contained in each spray, providing even greater label transparency.
Absorbability
Since magnesium sprays are delivered in various forms of oil, absorbability is a big factor to consider. After all, nobody wants to feel greasy for hours after applying the spray.
While some oils absorbed extremely well for our testers, others continued to leave a greasy feeling 20-30 minutes after application. However, we didn’t dock too many points, because some manufacturers, like Ancient Minerals, suggest wiping off the excess oil after 20 minutes, which should be enough time for the magnesium to absorb.
The oil can be wiped off fairly easily, although this can still be messy if you need to apply magnesium on your way to work, or you don’t want to sit with oil on your skin for 20 minutes.
Effects
The third most important factor we considered was the effects our testers felt from a magnesium spray. Oral magnesium supplementation is associated with a wide variety of benefits, as it’s an essential mineral, but we weren’t sure how well topical sprays would work.
Our testers were asked to look for several specific effects, including reduced muscle cramps, decreased pain, overall relaxation, and improved sleep quality. These are the primary benefits that topical magnesium is meant to provide, and all of us were very honest about whether or not we noticed any improvements.
Benefits of Magnesium Sprays
When it comes to the benefits of magnesium, we’ll primarily focus on magnesium in general. It’s an essential mineral involved in many important functions in the human body, like energy production, regulating blood pressure, decreasing tension and stress, and more.
According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, GGR’s Chief Medical Advisor, magnesium deficiency is very common, which is why sprays can be a useful tool.
Before we dive into the benefits, it’s important to understand that most studies are conducted using oral magnesium. Magnesium sprays might work just as well, but individual absorption rates through the skin can vary greatly.
According to a 2017 study2 published in Nutrients, topical magnesium seems promising, but it’s unclear how much the skin impacts absorption. This means that while you might experience some amazing benefits, it may not be as strong or reliable as taking a magnesium capsule.
That said, here are some of the most important benefits of magnesium supplementation.
RELATED: 12 Foods high in Magnesium
Improved Sleep
Magnesium is often used to promote better sleep, and a 2021 meta-analysis3 found that individuals with insomnia who take magnesium fell asleep 20 minutes faster than those who didn’t use magnesium.
This is why magnesium is often a staple ingredient in sleep supplements and formulas, and why sprays are often used in the evening, especially those with added botanicals or essential oils to promote evening relaxation.
Decreased Muscular Soreness
Another common use of magnesium spray is to reduce muscle soreness. This 2024 study4 found that magnesium may have a significant impact on delayed-onset muscle soreness, or DOMS.
The authors concluded that athletes should have a magnesium intake that’s 10-20% higher than sedentary folks. Magnesium sprays provide a convenient way to increase magnesium levels and promote adequate muscle recovery through transdermal absorption, eliminating the need for pills or capsules.
Decreased Stress
For years, magnesium supplements have been used to relieve stress and muscle tension, and many natural stress-relief supplements list magnesium as a staple ingredient.
While magnesium and stress are closely related, the relationship appears to be more complex than initially thought. A 2020 study5 in Nutrients revisited this topic and found that stress can deplete magnesium, and magnesium increases the body’s susceptibility to stress.
In other words, low magnesium stores can increase stress, which then further depletes magnesium. This makes magnesium sprays a valuable tool for maintaining adequate levels and relieving stress.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Magnesium Sprays
Since many of the products on our list share similar ingredients, we understand if you’re still confused about which one to try. Here are some key factors to consider before making a purchase.
Ingredients
While each spray contains magnesium, some contain additional ingredients, such as lavender, aloe vera, MSM, and others. Most users shouldn’t have a problem with these ingredients; however, one of our testers noted that some individuals have experienced allergic reactions to certain ingredients.
As with any product, you should carefully read the label before making a purchase, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.
RELATED: Different Types of Magnesium
Dosing
The research isn’t entirely clear on how much magnesium should be applied topically for optimal results, as most magnesium studies use oral supplementation. However, you can still look for products that are very clear about what type of magnesium is used, and exactly how much you’re going to get in each spray.
GGR’s Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, says, “According to the National Institute of Health, the recommended dietary allowance for magnesium is 300 milligrams to 420 milligrams daily. As long as you’re staying within the recommended dose range for magnesium, it should be generally safe for most people to take.”
Not all sprays disclose the dose, but those that do show an average of about 200 milligrams per dose, which means they should be safe for most users. That said, we always recommend speaking with a healthcare provider before using any magnesium products.
Keep in mind that many other supplements may contain magnesium, such as electrolytes, sleep aids, and stress-relief formulas, so you’ll want to check to see if you’re getting your magnesium elsewhere.
Absorbability
While magnesium oils can feel greasy, some of the products we tested absorbed very well after a few minutes, leaving no residue at all. If you need to apply the spray on your way to work, these are the products to choose.
However, even with the products that didn’t absorb very well, the manufacturers suggest waiting 20 minutes and then wiping the oil off. This should be enough time to allow the magnesium to absorb into your skin. This is what I do when relaxing at home, but if you plan to use a spray on the go, you’ll want to choose a fast-absorbing spray like Cymbiotika Topical Magnesium Oil Spray.
Experts Who Contributed To This Article
FAQs About the Best Magnesium Sprays
What brand of magnesium spray is best?
There are plenty of magnesium sprays on the market worth trying, and as long as the spray contains magnesium chloride, it’ll likely be absorbed through the skin. We think Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray is the best on the market, but there are many brands we like, including Cymbiotika, HigherDOSE, Seven Minerals, and more.
What form of magnesium works best in a spray?
When considering magnesium sprays, magnesium chloride is believed to have the best absorption through the skin and is the form we recommend looking for. If you’re using oral supplements, there are several other forms that work well; however, chloride is best suited for topical application.
Does magnesium spray actually work for pain?
Yes, but it depends on the pain. Magnesium sprays may be able to help relieve cramping and post-workout muscle soreness, but individual results may vary, and magnesium isn’t meant to be a pain reliever.
References
- Jadidi, A., Rezaei Ashtiani, A., Khanmohamadi Hezaveh, A., & Aghaepour, S. M. (2022). Therapeutic effects of magnesium and vitamin B6 in alleviating the symptoms of restless legs syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 23(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-022-03814-8
- Gröber, U., Werner, T., Vormann, J., & Kisters, K. (2017). Myth or Reality-Transdermal Magnesium?. Nutrients, 9(8), 813. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080813
- Mah, J., & Pitre, T. (2021). Oral magnesium supplementation for insomnia in older adults: a Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis. BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 21(1), 125. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03297-z
- Tarsitano, M. G., Quinzi, F., Folino, K., Greco, F., Oranges, F. P., Cerulli, C., & Emerenziani, G. P. (2024). Effects of magnesium supplementation on muscle soreness in different type of physical activities: a systematic review. Journal of translational medicine, 22(1), 629. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-024-05434-x
- Pickering, G., Mazur, A., Trousselard, M., Bienkowski, P., Yaltsewa, N., Amessou, M., Noah, L., & Pouteau, E. (2020). Magnesium Status and Stress: The Vicious Circle Concept Revisited. Nutrients, 12(12), 3672. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123672
