Ingredients

Magnesium for skin and recovery

A close look at topical magnesium chloride — the mineral behind our recovery range, and what it is honestly good for.

The ingredient

Magnesium

The mineral at the centre of the range

Magnesium is a mineral your body needs for muscle and nerve function, and most of it comes from food. In skincare, the form you usually see is magnesium chloride, applied to the skin rather than swallowed.

People reach for it after training, after a long day on their feet, or when they just want a calming step in a routine.

MgCl₂
Magnesium chlorideThe form you usually see in skincare
Applied, not swallowedPut on the skin rather than taken as a supplement
Muscle comfortThe most common reason people reach for it
A long traditionBath soaks and sprays for post-activity recovery

Muscle comfort is the claim we are comfortable standing behind — and it is why magnesium sits at the centre of the PepChoice range.

Being straight about the evidence

What we will not claim

The evidence that topical magnesium repairs or strengthens the skin barrier is limited. You will find bold claims elsewhere about magnesium and barrier function.

We are not going to repeat them, because the research does not clearly support them yet. What magnesium is traditionally used for is comfort and post-activity recovery — and that is how we talk about it.

We would rather undersell magnesium than make a claim the evidence cannot carry.

What to expect

What the tingling is

A light tingle is common. A sharp sting is not.

Many people feel a light tingling or mild sting when they first apply topical magnesium, especially on freshly shaved or very dry skin. This is common, and it usually fades as your skin gets used to it.

If it stings sharply or the skin stays red, rinse it off and use less next time, or dilute it. Sensitive skin can start with a small amount and build up slowly.

A few plain safety notes: this is for external use on intact skin only. Avoid broken or freshly shaved skin if it stings. Patch test first if you are sensitive. If you are pregnant, nursing or on medication, check with a professional first.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Two ways to use it

Two products, two different jobs

PepChoice carries magnesium in two products, and it helps to keep them apart. Many people use both — bar first, then lotion.

  • The Beauty Bar — daily step

    The daily cleansing step. It brings magnesium into an everyday wash-off routine and rinses clean. The simple place to start.

  • The Recovery Lotion — treatment step

    The leave-on treatment. It stays on the skin and carries both magnesium and the copper peptide GHK-Cu, so it does more than cleanse.

How to apply it

Put it where you feel the day most

Legs, shoulders, or the back of the neck after activity — apply magnesium where you feel it most.

For the bar, use it as you would any cleanser. For the lotion, smooth it on and leave it. How often is up to your skin: daily is fine for most people once past the first tingle.

Common questions

Magnesium, answered

Anything we have not covered? Ask us — we answer every message ourselves.

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What does topical magnesium do?

It is most commonly used for muscle comfort and post-activity recovery — the traditional use with the longest track record. Claims about skin barrier repair are not well supported yet, so we do not make them.

Why does it tingle or sting?

A light tingle is common, especially on dry or freshly shaved skin, and it usually settles with use. If it stings sharply or leaves redness, rinse it off, use less, or dilute it next time.

How often should I use it?

Daily works for most people once the first tingle passes. If your skin is sensitive, start a few times a week with a small amount and build up as it gets comfortable.

Where should I apply it?

Put it where you feel activity most — legs, shoulders, or the back of the neck. Use it on intact skin only, and avoid broken or freshly shaved areas if it stings.

Bar or lotion — which one?

The Beauty Bar is your daily wash-off cleanser. The Recovery Lotion is the leave-on treatment that stays on the skin and also carries the copper peptide GHK-Cu. Many people use both, bar first, then lotion.

Is it safe if I am pregnant or on medication?

Check with a professional first. We would rather you ask than guess. It is for external use on intact skin, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition.