When Did People Start Using Magnesium for Skin?

Magnesium might seem like a modern skincare trend, but its history goes way back. Long before it showed up in clean beauty products and natural deodorants, early civilizations were already using magnesium compounds to care for their skin. So when did magnesium skincare start? The answer takes us from ancient healing baths to today’s gentle, science-backed formulas.

Ancient Beginnings: The First Uses of Magnesium for Skin

Let’s start at the beginning. The earliest documented use of magnesium for skin health can be traced to Ancient Greece and Rome. While people back then didn’t know it as “magnesium,” they did use mineral-rich salts and clays that contained magnesium compounds.

• Epsom salts: Discovered in the 1600s in Epsom, England, these magnesium sulfate crystals were used to soothe sore muscles and irritated skin.
• Dead Sea treatments: Even earlier, people bathed in the Dead Sea, which is rich in magnesium and other minerals. These treatments were used to calm skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• Clay masks: Natural clays containing magnesium were used in traditional medicine to detox the skin and reduce inflammation.

These ancient magnesium skin remedies were often passed down through generations. People may not have known the chemistry, but they understood the results. Their skin felt calmer, smoother, and cleaner after using these natural treatments.

Medicinal Roots: How Magnesium Became a Healing Tool

As medicine evolved, so did the early medicinal uses of magnesium. In the 18th and 19th centuries, doctors began isolating magnesium compounds and using them for both internal and external treatments. One standout was magnesium sulfate, which became a go-to for skin inflammation and wound care.

By this time, magnesium was officially recognized in pharmacopeias. That means it was listed as a trusted medical substance. People used it in:

• Soothing baths for rashes and irritated skin
• Compresses for burns and cuts
• Lotions or salves for dry or inflamed skin

These traditional magnesium skin treatments laid the foundation for what we now call “topical magnesium.” Even though the delivery methods have changed, the basic idea is the same: magnesium helps your skin heal.

Getting Specific: When Did Magnesium Skincare Start?

If you’re wondering, when did magnesium skincare start in the way we know it today, the answer is the late 20th century. That’s when natural skincare brands began looking for alternatives to harsh chemicals. Magnesium stood out because it did a lot without irritating sensitive skin.

This was especially true for deodorants. Until then, most deodorants relied on aluminum to block sweat. But aluminum can clog pores and trigger irritation. That sparked interest in magnesium for odor control.

Magnesium doesn’t stop you from sweating. It just stops the stink. Magnesium hydroxide, a key compound in many natural deodorants, neutralizes odor-causing bacteria without messing with your skin’s natural balance.

The rise of magnesium deodorant

The history of magnesium deodorant really took off in the 2000s. Clean beauty brands began using magnesium hydroxide as a safer alternative to aluminum. People with sensitive skin quickly noticed the difference. No more stinging or redness. Just fresh, calm underarms.

Today, magnesium deodorants are everywhere. And for good reason. They work, they’re gentle, and they’re backed by centuries of use.

Why Magnesium Works So Well on Skin

Magnesium isn’t just trendy. It’s effective. Here’s why it’s become a favorite in modern skincare:

• It calms inflammation: Magnesium helps regulate your skin’s inflammatory response, which is key for conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea.
• It reduces odor: Magnesium hydroxide stops the bacteria that cause body odor without blocking your pores.
• It supports barrier function: Magnesium helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier, keeping it soft and balanced.

In short, magnesium is like a multitasking friend for your skin. It soothes, protects, and restores without harsh side effects.

Magnesium Skincare Timeline: A Quick Look Back

Let’s zoom out and look at the magnesium skincare timeline from ancient to modern:

• Ancient times: People bathed in mineral-rich waters and used magnesium-rich clays to heal skin
• 1600s: Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) discovered and used for skin and muscle relief
• 1800s: Magnesium added to medicinal salves and washes
• 1900s: Magnesium recognized for skin health in dermatology and alternative medicine
• 2000s: Magnesium hydroxide becomes a popular ingredient in natural deodorants
• Today: Magnesium shows up in serums, lotions, sprays, and deodorants for sensitive skin

This timeline shows that magnesium isn’t just a fad. It’s a proven ingredient with a rich history and real results.

Magnesium in Today’s Skincare Routines

With all this history, it’s no surprise that magnesium is having a modern moment. If you’re new to it, here are a few ways to try it:

• Deodorant: Look for products with magnesium hydroxide instead of aluminum
• Body sprays: These deliver magnesium chloride through the skin to support muscle recovery and calm irritation
• Bath soaks: Epsom salt baths are a classic way to soothe skin and relax muscles
• Serums: Some face products now include magnesium to help with redness and sensitivity

Whether you’re dealing with body odor, dryness, or inflammation, magnesium offers a gentle, effective way to care for your skin.

Quick Takeaways: The History of Magnesium for Skin

• Magnesium has been used on skin for thousands of years, starting with mineral-rich waters and clays
• Early uses of magnesium on skin focused on healing, calming, and detoxifying
• Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) and magnesium hydroxide are two of the most common forms used in skincare
• Magnesium deodorant became popular in the 2000s as a gentler alternative to aluminum
• Today, magnesium is used in many skincare products for sensitive skin and odor control

Final Thoughts

So, when did people start using magnesium for skin? The truth is, they’ve been using it all along. From ancient baths to modern deodorants, magnesium has always played a quiet but powerful role in skin health. The science has caught up with tradition, and now we know why it works so well.

At MAGS Skin, we believe in using ingredients with a proven track record. Magnesium isn’t just trendy. It’s timeless. And it’s one of the best tools you can give your skin.