Epsom salt and magnesium lotion are essentially the same thing under different names — both deliver magnesium through the skin, which many people find easier than oral supplements. This recipe makes about 8 oz, lasting most users 2 to 3 weeks of daily use. Ingredient ratios and step-by-step are below.
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What you need
- 1 cup Epsom salts (finely ground if possible)
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup coconut oil (or almond oil for a lighter feel)
- ½ cup beeswax pellets (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp shea butter or cocoa butter (extra moisture)
- 10–15 drops essential oil of choice (lavender for relaxation, peppermint for cooling sore muscles, or eucalyptus for sinus relief)
Instructions
Epsom salts have amazing health benefits, but being able to soak in a tub of Epsom salts
This lotion tends to settle after a few days, so I like to keep mine in a container that is easy to shake and mix up if it separates.
Why Make Epsom Salt Lotion?
- Muscle Relief – Epsom salts are rich in magnesium sulfate, which can help relax tight muscles and reduce soreness.
- Cramps & Restless Legs – Many people use magnesium topically to ease leg cramps, PMS discomfort, or restless legs at night.
- Hydration Boost – This lotion doubles as a soothing moisturizer, leaving your skin soft and nourished.
Natural & Customizable – You control the ingredients. No added chemicals, dyes, or strong fragrances.
Make sure you mix it before applying it. This lotion is salty so you may want to avoid any open wounds or delicate skin areas.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Dissolve the salts – In a saucepan, warm the distilled water and stir in the Epsom salts until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- Melt the oils – In a double boiler (or heatproof bowl over simmering water), melt together the coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Stir until smooth.
- Blend into lotion – Once slightly cooled, slowly drizzle the saltwater solution into the melted oils while blending with a hand mixer or immersion blender. Continue blending until it forms a creamy lotion.
- Add essential oils – Stir in your chosen essential oil(s) for fragrance and added benefits.
- Store & use – Pour into a clean jar or pump bottle. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 2–3 months.
Tips for the Best DIY Epsom Salt Lotion
- Texture Check – If your lotion feels too thick, whip in a little more distilled water. If too runny, melt and add extra beeswax.
- Sensitive Skin? – Test a small amount on your inner arm first. Some people may find Epsom salts a little strong on freshly shaved or broken skin.
- Make it Whipped – For a lighter, fluffier texture, whip the cooled mixture with a stand mixer for 3–5 minutes.
- Gift Idea – Spoon into small mason jars, tie with ribbon, and gift as a thoughtful homemade wellness present.
Variations to Try
- Magnesium Lotion Alternative – Substitute Epsom salts with magnesium flakes (magnesium chloride) for an even more absorbable magnesium boost.
- Cooling Muscle Rub – Add peppermint and eucalyptus oils for a refreshing post-workout rub.
- Bedtime Blend – Mix in lavender and chamomile essential oils to calm the mind and prepare for sleep.
How to Use Your Homemade Lotion
Massage a small amount into sore legs, shoulders, or anywhere you feel muscle tightness. It’s also wonderful for moisturizing dry feet before bed (pop on socks afterward to lock in the hydration).
Use daily for muscle support or just when you want a little spa-like self-care at home.
This DIY Epsom Salt Body Lotion is an affordable, natural way to combine skincare with self-care. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy mum, or simply someone who loves natural remedies, this lotion can become a soothing part of your daily routine.
Apply to the skin like a normal moisturiser. It is great for burns, stings and aching tired joints.
Want to add some essential oils to add some fragrance to your lotion? Here are some of my favorite essential oils that will not only smell great but also help your body to detox.
We have listed what each of these could be used for.
Lavender Essential Oil
Basil Essential Oil
Lemon Essential Oil
Patchouli Essential Oil
Check out this article on choosing an essential oil for your skin.
I cut the recipe back on the water to a 1/4cup of almost boiling water dissolving the Epsom salt into and adding it to straight refined coconut you can buy straight off the self from any location we have alot of customers one was in the process of losing her foot from sore and other reasoning but with the right essential oils the doctors have told her no she can keep her foot and she is a advocate for my homemade products hoping this will benefit her as well as other for many purposes and the mixing process I used a electric mixer and ended up with a creamy body butter.
Hi wish to know why applying on feet would require wearing socks before you stand up, because it gets slippery is it? Or is it something else?
We just made it it’s a little runny but it work for pain in my lags
Donna Says
Nov 9th 2019
I used Epsom salts, Coconut oil and a non fragrance body cream. It went on well, and it has been almost an hour and my pain in my legs, arms, hands, back and feet feel much much better. The only thing is I applyed the lotion in the bathroom and rubbed it last on the bottom of my feed. Well needless to say, I was sitting on the floor in a matter of seconds. I knew better, I should have applyed to my feet and put socks on before standing up. 🙂
My hint: Don’t make this in as big batches as their recipe. I make little batches of just a couple tablespoons at a time. That way you can adjust proportions of it’s too watery, without ending up with buckets of the stuff. I also use a mix of a hand cream that is solid at room temperature, and a little bit of pure lanolin.
I just finished making mine and it came out GREAT!
I didn’t follow the recipe cause I know it’s excessive just by reading it. Also, I didn’t use regular lotion, I instead use raw Shea butter, it’s very thick. I highly advice to soften by sit in a hot water.
Thank you so much for the recipe, I hope this works. I run and us runners have a lot of aches and pains!
I wouldn’t use water, I think I would dissolve the epsom salts in coconut oil as a lotion. Less likely to be watery and seperate.
I’ll try coconut oil to dissolve instead. I never thought of that. It may just work. I don’t want it completely watered down
I tried dissolving the Epsom salts in coconut oil over low heat. It didn’t work. You have to dissolve it in water first.
I used my vitamins instead.I used a mortar and pestle to grind up 2, 500 mg tablets and mixed them with coconut oil. It worked very well.
I made the lotion and it was watery and separated over night. I’m so disappointed…
I just tried this and the next morning it was like water any suggestions
The lotion you choose should have a thick consistency and should not contain petroleum or mineral oil as ingredients. The reason for this is because the oil ingredients will separate from the water once mixing together.
(https://extrawellness.net/diy-epsom-salt-lotion/)
I just made this today. I had cancer last year and chemo so my feet stay swollen. We will see how this does.
I think I’ll try this soon
Will consider making this to use on my feet. I have heel spurs and the only thing that helps is soaking my feet in epsom salt water.
epsom salts is the best and safest cure also for constipation
Courageandfear, constipation? How, do you dissolve and drink? Never heard of consuming it but I’m a novice lol
hello, I just tried to make the lotion, but the salt is still “feelable” – have to shower it off. Does it dissolve completely in the water? My mixture was still kind of milky, even though I let it set (and shook it too) for 15 minutes. Would be glad if you could help : ) Thank you, Ava
I would use water a little more “hot” than warm. I use very hot water to dissolve my epsom salts, before I soak my feet in the water.
I put shea butter and a body butter in my little chopper. I deluted the salt that was soaking in hot water. I added it to the blender chopper. It came out creamy. I only made a one cup recipes
I made the lotion with very thick vitamin E moisturizer. It worked up wonderful. But once it say overnight it became very watery. Anything I can do to fix it? Or any suggestions on another moisturizer to use? Thanks
I like the idea of the ES in a lotion, but can’t help but wonder if the salt would cause the skin to chap or chafe. Just curious if anyone has had this happen.
In professionally made ES lotions (like morton’s brand) it does not, at all. IDK about homemade stuff though.
I really was thinking to make a whole benefit of epsom salt..i think this is the one!…thank you
like it very much, thank you for sharing, Ria
this ES-lotiion sounds like a winner.
I love this recipe. I’m in my 70’s & family has used Epsom salts for years., (To soak our feet, in treating a wound on the foot or the hand), to bathe in, & to put around roses to eradicate aphids. I love this handy way of using it, for stings & aching joints.