Magnesium supplements for sleep in general are having a moment. One thing that has been puzzling to me is how much topical magnsium– magnesium sprays and lotions- have become so incredibly popular now for sleep deprived parents.. But do they work?
1. The Rise of Topical Magnesium for Kids
If you spend any time on social media—especially TikTok or Instagram—you’ve likely come across viral bedtime routines featuring magnesium sprays or lotions. These videos often show parents rubbing magnesium cream on their child’s feet or back while claiming it helps their kids fall asleep faster or stay asleep longer.
For example, a TikTok video from user Rachel Partridge (@rachelmpart) that garnered over 1.5 million views walks through her “kid’s bedtime routine,” including applying magnesium lotion as a key step (watch here). Comments on the video are filled with parents asking where to buy it or reporting their own positive experiences.
This online enthusiasm is translating into real-world sales. According to a 2024 trend report by Happi magazine, magnesium creams showed a 220% year-over-year growth in online interest, with 77.8% of that growth driven by Google Search alone. The report specifically noted that consumers associate these products with bedtime, citing the hashtag #bedtimeroutine, which averages 44,900 weekly views (source).
Meanwhile, product reviews on natural health retailer sites and Amazon are overwhelmingly positive, although these are anecdotal and not based on clinical outcomes.
Even pediatricians are being asked about it. In an ABC News Australia piece on the trend, Dr. Harriet Hiscock, (who authored one of the best studies on the safety and efficacy of sleep training) a consultant pediatrician and sleep expert, stated:
“There’s no strong evidence to say that magnesium lotion helps kids sleep… There would be little to no absorption from the spray.”
(Full article)
So while the trend is real—and growing—it’s being driven by influencer anecdotes and marketing, not medical science.
2. What Are Magnesium Sprays and Lotions?
These products typically contain magnesium chloride or magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt). Sprays are often marketed as “magnesium oil” (despite not being an oil), and lotions are creams fortified with magnesium salts.
Common claims:
- Helps with sleep
- Reduces anxiety or hyperactivity
- Relaxes muscles or eases growing pains
I’m not going to link to any of these products because I do not believe that they help.
But NONE of these claims are backed by high-quality research, or ANY RESEARCH AT ALL in children.
3. Can Magnesium Be Absorbed Through the Skin?
Short answer: probably not—at least not in any meaningful amount.
One of the best studies on this topic is a 2017 randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in PLOS One. In it,
12 weeks of transdermal magnesium did not significantly increase serum magnesium levels compared to placebo.
Kass et al., 2017 – PMID: 28319173. Non athletes did see a significant increase.
A 2019 review in Nutrients concluded that there’s insufficient evidence to support the use of transdermal magnesium for systemic effects.
PMID: 31842401
There were two more recent trials that I identified
- A study of 20 adults (average age of 78.9 years old!) with chronic kidney disease were treated with transdermal magnesium for neuropathy (pain issues) related to their kidney disease. This study showed improvement in the nerve pain but no change in serum magnesium. (Athavale et al 20 Journal of Palliative Medicine 2023).
- A study of six adult patients with ileostomy (connection of the small bowel allowing drainage outside the body) showed that a topical magnesium spray increased magnesium levels in half the participants. (Nightingale J et al Intestinal Failure 2024). It’s important to note that these patients were likely unable due to absorb magnesium through the diet due to their very specific condition.
NONE of these studies were examining sleep. The only studies showing an improvement in blood magnesium levels were in very sick or elderly individuals. There are NO studies looking at children.
Bottom line: While it may feel nice as part of a bedtime routine, it’s not actually supplementing your child’s magnesium in a measurable way.
4. Does It Help Kids Sleep?
There are no studies looking at magnesium sprays or lotions for sleep in children.
In adults, oral magnesium may improve sleep in those with magnesium deficiency or in older populations. For example, one small RCT found oral magnesium helped older adults with insomnia fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply (Abbasi et al., 2012 – PMID: 23618407).
But again, that’s oral magnesium. Not topical. And not in children.
If you are interested, here is my COMPREHENSIVE guide to magnesium and sleep in children
If a magnesium lotion seems to “work,” it’s likely due to:
- The relaxing bedtime routine
- The placebo effect
- Natural developmental changes in sleep
5. Are These Products Safe?
Mostly, yes—but not risk-free.
Topical magnesium can cause:
- Skin irritation (especially in children with eczema)
- Stinging or itching if applied to broken skin
- Unknown ingredients due to lack of FDA regulation for supplements
Some kids may also end up licking their fingers or skin afterward, which could lead to small unintended oral doses. I don’t know about you, but I’m not recommending that babies or toddlers eat skin care products.
6. Real Sleep Solutions for Children
Magnesium sprays are not harmful, but they’re also not helpful.
Here’s what is helpful:
- Consistent sleep and wake times
- Dim light in the evening
- Predictable bedtime routines
- Behavioral strategiesaka using one of the best sleep training techniques.
You can learn more in my post on evidence-based sleep interventions for children, or check out my melatonin guide for details on when (and when not) to use supplements.
We also covered magnesium and melatonin on the Sleep Edit podcast.
But if you are still curious. . .
Honestly, save your money. This is snake oil.
If you’re still tempted to try a magnesium lotion:
- Choose a product with minimal ingredients and no added fragrance
- Test a small area first
- Don’t expect miracles
- Use it as part of a calming routine—not a cure-all
8. TL;DR
🛑 There is no evidence that magnesium sprays or lotions improve sleep in children.
🧪 They’re poorly absorbed through the skin.
🚫 They may cause skin irritation.
✅ Focus on behavioral sleep strategies instead—they actually work.
9. FAQs
Can magnesium lotion help kids sleep?
There is no high-quality evidence that magnesium lotion helps children fall asleep faster or sleep better.
Is magnesium lotion safe for toddlers?
Generally yes, but always test a small patch and avoid if your child has sensitive skin or eczema.
Where should I apply magnesium lotion?
Most products suggest feet or back. There’s no scientific reason to prefer one site over another.
What’s the best natural sleep aid for kids?
A consistent bedtime routine, dim lighting in the evening, and screen-free time before bed.
Still have questions? Leave a comment below.
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