Magnesium lotion is popular for sleep. Does it work? : NPR
Magnesium lotion is the latest wellness trend sweeping social media, with influencers swearing it helps everything from better sleep to easing sore muscles. But does the science back it up?
What People Are Saying
Videos on TikTok show users rubbing magnesium cream on their feet before bed, claiming it eases leg cramps, helps kids sleep, improves mood, and even reduces joint pain. One user calls it “magic in a bottle.” Others say it helps with conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis.
The craze has turned into big business. In 2024, the market for topical magnesium products was estimated at more than $400 million.
What Science Says
Here’s the catch: there’s little to no evidence that magnesium can actually be absorbed through the skin.
“Skin is a barrier, not a sponge,” explains Dr. Nicholas Theodosakis, dermatologist and researcher at Harvard. While some medications work through patches, magnesium isn’t proven to be one of them.
So why do some people feel better? Experts suggest the benefits might come from the soothing massage when applying the lotion, or simply from the moisturizing effects of the cream itself.
Doctors Weigh In
Dr. John Winkelman, a Harvard sleep expert, says he doesn’t recommend magnesium lotion as a treatment — but he doesn’t dismiss it either. “The risks are extremely small,” he says. One of his patients reported that “magnesium butter” helped her sleep, and he acknowledges that the placebo effect can be powerful, especially when it comes to sleep.
Still, Winkelman stresses that proven medical treatments exist for sleep disorders like restless legs syndrome, and consumers should be cautious. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements and lotions aren’t reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.
The Bottom Line
There’s no solid scientific proof that magnesium lotion helps with sleep or medical issues. But if applying it feels relaxing, improves your bedtime routine, or simply makes your skin softer, it’s unlikely to cause harm — other than costing you money.
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