Magnesium Chloride Flakes are a highly soluble, crystalline form of magnesium chloride hexahydrate, commonly used for topical application. The compound dissolves readily in warm water, allowing the body to absorb magnesium through the skin (transdermal absorption). This method is popular for muscle relaxation and general wellness, bypassing the digestive system. This guide outlines reliable sources and necessary quality indicators to ensure you acquire a pure, effective product.
Primary Retail Sources for Purchase
Large online retailers offer the most convenient way to purchase magnesium chloride flakes, providing a wide variety of brands and competitive pricing. These platforms stock the flakes in resealable pouches or tubs, typically ranging from two to ten pounds. This channel provides extensive customer reviews and product transparency, which helps in evaluating different options.
For consumers needing immediate access, local brick-and-mortar locations provide a quick solution. Health food stores, pharmacies, and natural wellness shops are the most likely places to carry magnesium flakes, often near bath salts or mineral soaks. While selection may be smaller than online, buying locally guarantees immediate use and allows for inspection of the packaging.
For long-term users or businesses, purchasing from bulk or specialty suppliers is the most economical choice. These suppliers offer magnesium chloride in large bags or drums, sometimes weighing 25 kilograms or more. This provides a significant cost reduction per pound and is ideal for high-volume use, such as in spas or for frequent individual soaks.
Key Factors When Selecting a Product
The quality of magnesium chloride flakes depends highly on their source and processing, making certification and origin important considerations. Look for products labeled as pharmaceutical or food-grade, which indicates they meet strict standards for purity and heavy metal testing. This grading ensures the product is clean enough for cosmetic use, though topical application is most common.
The most recognized source is the Zechstein Sea, an ancient seabed located deep underground in Northern Europe. Magnesium chloride from this source is considered the purest available because the deposits formed over 250 million years ago, protected from modern surface pollutants. Products sourced from the Zechstein seabed typically bear a specific quality emblem or certification on the packaging.
Always verify the ingredients list to confirm the product is pure magnesium chloride hexahydrate without unnecessary additives. Lower-quality products may include fragrances, dyes, or anti-caking agents. The purest flakes should be white, odorless, and dissolve completely in water without leaving residue.
Practical Application Methods
Magnesium chloride flakes are primarily used in transdermal applications, most commonly as a full-body bath soak. For a standard bathtub, dissolve 1.5 to 2.5 cups of flakes into warm water. Soaking for a minimum of 20 minutes allows sufficient time for the magnesium to be absorbed through the skin.
A more concentrated application can be achieved through a foot soak, which is convenient for those without a bathtub or who want targeted application. Dissolve approximately one cup of flakes into a basin containing a few liters of warm water. Soaking the feet for 15 to 20 minutes is recommended for this method.
The flakes can also be dissolved in distilled water to create a topical “magnesium oil” spray solution. A common ratio is one part magnesium flakes to one part warm water, stirred until fully dissolved. This liquid solution can be stored in a spray bottle and applied directly to the skin for localized relief or before sleep.