Uses of Magnesium Oil on the Feet (2025)

Magnesium oil products for feet are marketed for many purposes, but only small studies exist on their use for specific conditions or effects. Because the skin does not absorb magnesium well, magnesium oil applied to the feet may have local effects, but whether it can have systemic effects remains unclear.

Jump to Key Takeaways.

1. May Help With Skin Conditions

Magnesium oil may reduce swelling, irritation, pain, and discomfort at the site of application through an anti-inflammatory effect. Several small studies have examined the impact of magnesium oil on different aspects of foot health.

Conditions that might improve when you apply magnesium oil to your feet include:

• Psoriasis: An autoimmune skin condition that causes thick scales on the skin
• Atopic dermatitis: Also called eczema, causes frequent rashes, dry skin, and itching
• Allergic skin reaction: Can cause a rash, itching, and blisters due to skin contact, foods, or other environmental exposures
• Hailey-Hailey disease/familial benign chronic pemphigus: A hereditary disease that causes skin blisters
• Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: A rare hereditary disease that causes skin and eye discoloration

Talk to a healthcare provider before using magnesium oil for any condition.

2. May Help Relieve Pain or Discomfort

Research has shown that topical use of magnesium oil may help reduce pain or discomfort of peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is a disease that degenerative nerve damage causes. Common causes include diabetes, alcohol use, kidney disease, chemotherapy, and autoimmune disease. Topical magnesium may help reduce the pain but does not repair the nerve damage.

3. May Help With Relaxation

Many people experience relief of soreness or can help relax with a gentle foot massage, foot reflexology or foot soak. Massage with magnesium creams, oils, or Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) foot baths may help you relax and may soothe your feet.

Additionally, while oral magnesium supplements may help with sleep, it's important to know that topical magnesium has not been promoted as a sleep aid.

How to UseMagnesium Oil on the Feet

Magnesium oil products are available as creams, gels, oils, patches, and sprays. They are available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. Magnesium oil skin formulations have different components and additives, which can result in different effects.

There are no well-established guidelines for using magnesium oil on your feet, but the available research studies help provide some direction, including the following:

• You can soak your feet in an Epsom salt solution composed of 2 cups of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) with a tub full of water for a maximum of 15 minutes.
• When using oils, creams, or gels, apply them to your hair follicles for better absorption.
• Special wound dressings containing magnesium can be part of wound care and infection prevention.
• Use a magnesium oil-based lotion or cream to massage your feet and help you relax before bed.
  

Are There Side Effects?

Magnesium oil applied to feet has been found to be generally safe, but it can cause side effects, such as:

• Skin irritation
• Rash
• Allergic reaction

If any product is making your feet feel worse or causing you to develop new symptoms, call your healthcare provider for advice and to discuss whether you need an in-person evaluation.

Key Takeaways

• Magnesium oil products are sold OTC and may be marketed for use on the feet.
• There is some evidence that magnesium oil could be beneficial for some foot conditions, including allergic skin reactions, rashes, and psoriasis.
• You can use over-the-counter creams or oils that contain magnesium on your feet if it helps you relax or as part of a foot massage.