Magnesium Tallow Balm Recipe (For Sleep & Muscle Tension)
If you’ve been searching for a nourishing, simple, and effective magnesium tallow balm recipe, this homemade version is one of my favorite natural products to keep on hand. This rich and creamy magnesium tallow balm combines grass-fed tallow, magnesium flakes, shea butter, and skin-loving oils to create a soothing balm that supports dry skin, muscle tension, restless legs, and overall skin health.
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Unlike many store-bought magnesium lotions filled with preservatives and synthetic ingredients, this homemade tallow magnesium lotion is made with high quality ingredients you can feel good about using on yourself and your family. Whether you’re interested in the benefits of magnesium, looking for a diy magnesium lotion, or simply wanting a more natural way to support your body, this recipe is a great option.
This magnesium tallow balm recipe is also a cost-effective way to make your own magnesium lotion at home using simple ingredients and a few basic tools.
Why You’ll Love This Magnesium Tallow Balm
This homemade magnesium lotion recipe combines deeply moisturizing fats and oils with topical magnesium for a soothing and nourishing balm. The magnesium chloride flakes help create magnesium oil, while the tallow mixture provides fatty acids that support the skin’s natural oils.
Some of the magnesium tallow benefits people love include:
- Supporting sore muscles after a long day
- Helping ease muscle tension and restless legs
- Nourishing dry skin and sensitive skin
- Providing a topical magnesium lotion alternative to store-bought magnesium lotions
- Supporting low magnesium levels through topical application
- Creating a magnesium body butter texture that feels luxurious on the skin
- Using natural ingredients instead of heavily processed skin care products
Magnesium plays a crucial role in the body and nervous system, and many people are interested in topical magnesium lotion as a natural way to support wellness.
What Is Magnesium Oil Made Of?
Despite the name, magnesium oil isn’t actually an oil. Magnesium oil is simply magnesium chloride flakes dissolved in hot water to create a magnesium brine. The slippery texture gives it an oil-like feel. That is why, throughout this blog post I call it magnesium brine instead of magnesium oil.
For this recipe, we make our own magnesium brine using magnesium flakes and hot water before blending it into the melted tallow and oils.
Some people also use epsom salts, which are magnesium sulfate, but magnesium chloride flakes are generally preferred for homemade magnesium lotion because they tend to absorb better and feel gentler on the skin.
I personally like using Ancient Minerals magnesium chloride brine or making my own magnesium water from magnesium flakes.
Magnesium Tallow Balm Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this magnesium tallow recipe:
- 1/2 cup magnesium chloride flakes (not epsom salt)
- 1/2 cup hot distilled water
- 1/2 cup grass-fed tallow
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- 2-3 tbsp jojoba oil or calendula infused olive oil (use 3 tbsp if you want more of a lotion feel, 2 for a slightly thicker balm)
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional for shelf life support)
- Optional: 10-12 drops of lavender essential oils
Optional additions:
- Cocoa butter for a firmer magnesium body butter texture
- Candelilla wax if you want a more solid form tallow balm
- Extra Virgin Olive oil in place of calendula infused oil or jojoba oil
When choosing tallow, look for high-quality tallow from a local farmer whenever possible. Grass-fed tallow is rich in skin-loving ingredients and fatty acids like palmitic acid and linoleic acid. If you don’t have a local farmer to source from, then I recommend Fat Lady Tallow. It is what I personally use and love.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Double boiler
- Glass bowl
- Immersion blender
- Measuring cups
- Clean glass jars for storing. I prefer these amber jars.
An immersion blender helps emulsify the magnesium mixture into the oils so the final diy tallow magnesium lotion has a smoother consistency.
How to Make This Magnesium Tallow Balm Recipe
Step 1: Make the Magnesium Brine
Fist to make the magnesium brine, get some water heating up in a tea kettle or on the stove. You want it to get to a light boil, around 160-180 degrees F.
Then add the magnesium flakes to a heat-safe glass measuring cup or bowl.
Pour the hot distilled water over the flakes and stir until fully dissolved. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine and Melt the Tallow Mixture
Fill the bottom of a double boiler with a few inches of water and place over low heat to medium heat.
In the top portion of the double boiler or a glass bowl set over the pot, combine the grass fed tallow, shea butter, beeswax, and the oil. Slowly melt the ingredients together, stirring occasionally.
The melted tallow mixture should become completely smooth with no solid pieces remaining. Be careful not to overheat the oils. Low heat helps preserve the quality of the skin-loving ingredients.
Step 3: Blend the Magnesium Mixture
Remove the melted tallow mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Slowly pour the magnesium brine into the oils while blending with an immersion blender or hand mixer.
This wet method helps emulsify the magnesium mixture into the oils for a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Add the vitamin E & Essential Oils
Once the mixture looks creamy and fully combined, add: 1/2 tsp vitamin E Oil and 8-12 drops of lavendar essential oil (or essential oil of choice, if using. This part is optional.
Lavender is a popular option for bedtime magnesium body butter, while peppermint is commonly used for sore muscles.
If making magnesium tallow for babies or those with sensitive skin, it’s best to skip the essential oils.
Step 5: Final Blend and Cool
Then blend again and allow to cool before transferring to jars.
If you would like your magnesium lotion extra fluffy and a bit lighter then you can do one more blend. Allow the mixture to cool for another 10-20 minutes at room temperature.
As it begins to thicken slightly, whip again using the immersion blender or hand mixer.. This step helps create a lighter, fluffier homemade tallow magnesium lotion texture.
Step 6: Transfer to Containers
Pour or spoon the finished magnesium tallow balm into clean jars or tins. I prefer to use amber jars.
Leave the containers uncovered until the balm fully cools to room temperature to prevent condensation from forming inside.
Once cooled, secure the lids tightly.
The final texture should resemble a creamy tallow balm.
Tips for the Best Magnesium Tallow Balm Recipe
Use High Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality tallow and clean natural ingredients makes a big difference in the final product.
Don’t Overheat the Oils
Keep the double boiler on low heat whenever possible. Excessive heat can damage some of the beneficial fatty acids and skin-loving nutrients.
Adjust the Texture
If you want a softer magnesium tallow lotion, add a bit more jojoba oil or olive oil.
If you prefer a firmer balm, try adding cocoa butter or candelilla wax.
Start With a Small Amount
If you’re new to topical magnesium lotion, start with a small amount first. Some people experience tingling with magnesium oil, especially if they have symptoms of magnesium deficiency or very low magnesium levels.
Magnesium Tallow Balm Benefits
There are many reasons people love magnesium tallow balm benefits.
Deep Moisture for Dry Skin
Tallow closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, making it incredibly nourishing for dry skin and sensitive skin.
Support for Sore Muscles and Muscle Tension
Many people use homemade magnesium lotion after a long day to support sore muscles and muscle tension.
Natural Skin Care Products
This diy magnesium lotion uses natural products instead of synthetic ingredients commonly found in store-bought magnesium lotions.
A Cost-Effective Way to Make Your Own Magnesium Lotion
Making your own magnesium lotion at home can save money compared to purchasing organic magnesium lotion or other topical magnesium lotion products.
Can You Use Magnesium Tallow for Babies?
Many people are interested in magnesium tallow for babies because of the gentle, nourishing ingredients.
However, babies and young children can have more sensitive skin, so it’s important to use caution. Avoid essential oils and always patch test first.
This blog post is not medical advice, and you should always consult your healthcare provider with questions about topical magnesium for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Magnesium Chloride and Epsom Salts?
Magnesium chloride flakes are different from epsom salts.
Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate, while magnesium chloride is often preferred for magnesium oil and homemade magnesium lotion recipe formulations. Here is my favorite brand of Magnesium Chloride flakes and the one I use for this recipe.
How Much Magnesium Is in This Recipe?
The exact amount of magnesium depends on how much magnesium chloride flakes are used and how many ounces of lotion you make.
Can I Use A Different Oil?
Yes! Olive oil, jojoba oil or any oil of choice works well in this magnesium tallow recipe.
Why Use Tallow in Magnesium Lotion?
Tallow contains beneficial fatty acids like palmitic acid and linoleic acid that help nourish the skin.
Beef fat rendered into tallow has been used traditionally in tallow lotions and tallow balm recipes for generations.
Shelf Life and Storage
Because this homemade tallow magnesium lotion contains water from the magnesium brine, it’s best stored in a cool place and used within a few months.
Vitamin E oil may help support shelf life, but this recipe does not contain a strong preservative system.
Always use clean hands when applying your magnesium tallow balm.
Why I Use Beeswax Instead of an Emulsifier
When creating this magnesium balm, I intentionally chose to use beeswax instead of a conventional emulsifying wax. My goal was to keep this recipe as simple, traditional, and naturally derived as possible while still creating a rich, nourishing texture.
Many commercial lotions rely on emulsifiers to permanently bind water and oils together into a perfectly smooth cream. While emulsifiers can create a very stable product, some natural living enthusiasts prefer to avoid highly processed ingredients commonly found in conventional skincare formulations.
Beeswax has been used for generations in homemade balms and salves because it naturally helps thicken and suspend oils and liquids while also creating a protective barrier on the skin. Although it does not create a true permanent emulsion like commercial emulsifying waxes, I personally prefer the simplicity and natural origin of beeswax in DIY skincare recipes.
Final Thoughts on This Magnesium Tallow Balm Recipe
This magnesium tallow balm recipe is one of my favorite homemade skin care products because it combines nourishing fats with the benefits of magnesium in a simple and approachable recipe.
Whether you call it a magnesium tallow balm, magnesium tallow lotion, diy tallow magnesium lotion, or homemade tallow magnesium lotion, it’s a wonderful natural way to support skin health while avoiding many ingredients found in store-bought magnesium lotions.
If you’ve been wanting to try a tallow magnesium balm recipe or topical magnesium lotion, this recipe is a great way to get started. And if you make this recipe, let me know in the comments! I love seeing your homemade creations. 🙂
More Reader Favorite Tallow Skincare Recipes
If you love this recipe then check out some of my other tallow skincare recipes:
Magnesium Tallow Balm Recipe
Equipment
- Glass jars or amber jars for storing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup magnesium chloride flakes not epsom salt
- 1/2 cup hot distilled water
- 1/2 cup grass fed tallow
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- 3 tbsp jojoba oil calendula infused olive oil or oil of choice
- 1/2 tsp vitamin E optional
- 10-12 drops essential oils optional
Instructions
- Fist to make the magnesium brine, get some water heating up in a tea kettle or on the stove. You want it to get to a light boil, around 160-180 degrees F. Then add the magnesium flakes to a heat safe glass measuring cup or bowl. Pour the hot distilled water over the flakes and stir until fully dissolved. Set aside.1/2 cup magnesium chloride flakes, 1/2 cup hot distilled water
- Next, combine and melt the tallow mixture. Fill the bottom of a double boiler with a few inches of water and place over low to medium heat. Bring the water to a light boil. In the top portion of the double boiler or a glass bowl set over the pot, combine the grass fed tallow, shea butter, beeswax, and oil. Slowly melt the ingredients together, stirring occasionally.1/2 cup grass fed tallow, 2 tbsp shea butter, 2 tbsp beeswax, 3 tbsp jojoba oil
- Remove the melted tallow mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Slowly pour the magnesium brine into the oils while blending with an immersion blender. This wet method helps emulsify the magnesium mixture into the oils for a creamy consistency.
- Once the mixture looks creamy and fully combined, add the vitamin E Oil and lavender essential oil (or essential oil of choice, if using.) This part is optional. Lavender is a popular option for bedtime magnesium body butter, while peppermint is commonly used for sore muscles.1/2 tsp vitamin E, 10-12 drops essential oils
- Then blend again and allow to cool before transferring to jars. If you would like your magnesium lotion extra fluffy and a bit lighter, then you can do one more blend. Allow the mixture to cool for another 10-20 minutes at room temperature. As it begins to thicken slightly, whip again using the immersion blender or hand mixer. This step helps create a lighter, fluffier homemade tallow magnesium lotion texture. However it is not necessary. For the balm that is in the pictures of this blog post I did not do this second blend.
