Magnesium chloride is a mineral salt compound that has become increasingly popular for both topical application and dietary supplementation. It is a highly soluble form of magnesium, making it readily absorbed when dissolved in water. This compound plays a role in numerous bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function, energy production, and bone health. Due to its diverse applications, the product is sold in various physical forms and is available through a wide range of retail channels, making it important for consumers to know where to look and how to confirm the quality of their purchase.
Different Forms of Magnesium Chloride Available
Magnesium chloride is primarily found in three distinct formats, each designed for a specific route of administration. One of the most common forms is magnesium chloride flakes, a highly concentrated form intended for transdermal use. These flakes are typically dissolved in a warm bath or foot soak, allowing the magnesium to be absorbed through the skin for full-body relaxation and relief from muscle tension.
Another popular format is “magnesium oil,” which is a highly saturated aqueous solution of magnesium chloride, not a true oil. This brine is ideal for targeted topical application, such as spraying directly onto sore muscles or areas experiencing cramps. Applying the solution directly allows for localized absorption, bypassing the digestive system entirely.
Magnesium chloride is also available as an oral supplement, often in capsule or tablet form, to boost systemic magnesium levels. While highly soluble, some prefer other magnesium compounds like glycinate or malate due to magnesium chloride’s tendency to have a salty taste or a moderate laxative effect. Some advanced oral formulations are designed for continuous, low-dose release to improve absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects.
Where to Find Magnesium Chloride Retailers
Online platforms represent one of the most comprehensive sources, offering the widest selection of forms, brands, and quantities. Large e-commerce marketplaces and specialized supplement websites typically carry everything from small bottles of magnesium oil to large bags of bath flakes.
Shopping online often provides the benefit of accessing bulk quantities, which can significantly reduce the cost per ounce, particularly for bath flakes used frequently. Buyers must vet online sellers carefully due to the lack of in-person quality checks.
For immediate or smaller purchases, physical stores are a convenient option. Drugstores and pharmacies commonly stock oral magnesium chloride supplements. Large retail chains, like superstores, often carry both the oral supplements and the topical flakes, typically located in the bath or health and wellness sections.
Health food stores, wellness centers, and specialized bath and body shops are the most likely local sources for higher-end topical products, such as magnesium oils and flakes marketed with specific sourcing claims. These retailers tend to focus on products with fewer additives and may carry smaller, premium-packaged items. Pricing in physical stores is generally higher compared to bulk online purchases, reflecting the convenience of immediate access.
Ensuring Product Quality and Purity
Verifying the quality and purity of magnesium chloride is necessary, especially since it is used internally or absorbed through the skin. The geographic source of the raw material is a primary indicator of quality, with two sources frequently highlighted: the Dead Sea and the Zechstein Sea.
Magnesium chloride sourced from the ancient Zechstein Seabed in Northern Europe is often favored because it is extracted from deep subterranean deposits, shielded from modern environmental contamination. In contrast, magnesium chloride harvested from the Dead Sea is extracted from an open body of water, potentially exposed to contemporary pollutants. Consumers seeking the highest purity should look for products derived from the Zechstein source, often certified by the “Zechstein Inside®” quality label. This certification confirms the product has undergone testing and analysis to meet purity standards.
Checking the ingredient list for unnecessary additives is a practical step in confirming quality. Topical flakes and oils should ideally contain only magnesium chloride and water, without added fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. For oral supplements, confirming the product has been subjected to independent, third-party testing for heavy metals and purity provides assurance about the quality and safety of the contents.