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Magnesium and tallow are increasingly popular ingredients in the natural skincare world, but combining the two is not as straightforward as it might seem. If you’ve seen products claiming to offer “magnesium-infused tallow,” you may wonder: Can you dissolve magnesium into tallow without water? Let’s dive into the science behind magnesium chloride (commonly found as magnesium flakes), tallow, and how they work together (or don’t).
Why Magnesium Flakes Don’t Dissolve in Tallow
Magnesium flakes are composed of magnesium chloride, a water-soluble ionic compound. These flakes dissolve in water because they are hygroscopic, meaning they attract and bind to water molecules. When the flakes come into contact with water, the strong attraction between water molecules and magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) or chloride ions (Cl⁻) breaks the ionic bonds, allowing the flakes to dissolve.
Tallow, on the other hand, is a fat-based lipid and contains no water. Since magnesium chloride is not soluble in nonpolar substances like fats, it will not dissolve or infuse into tallow, even when heated. Instead, the flakes will remain as solid particles suspended in the liquid tallow.
What Happens When Tallow Solidifies?
If magnesium flakes are mixed into melted tallow and the mixture is left to solidify:
- The flakes will remain as solid particles, evenly distributed only if the mixture is stirred consistently before cooling.
- Over time, the flakes may settle to the bottom or clump together.
- When applied to the skin, these undissolved flakes will act more like a mild exfoliant rather than providing magnesium absorption, as magnesium requires water to become bioavailable.
Key Takeaway: Can you dissolve magnesium into tallow without water? No, magnesium flakes won’t dissolve or infuse into tallow unless water is present to break down the magnesium chloride.
Understanding “Magnesium Oil” in Products
Many products claim to contain “magnesium oil,” but here’s an important fact: magnesium oil isn’t an actual oil. It’s simply magnesium chloride dissolved in water. Because it’s water-based, incorporating magnesium oil into a tallow product creates a mixture of water and fat, which requires:
- An Emulsifier: To keep the water and fat from separating. Examples include beeswax or lecithin.
- A Preservative: To prevent bacterial and fungal growth in the water component. Options include Germal Plus or Optiphen.
If you’re purchasing a “magnesium-infused tallow” product, check the ingredient list. Without water, emulsifier, and preservative the product is likely just a tallow exfoliating butter with undissolved magnesium flakes.
Customizing Magnesium and Tallow Products
If you’re making your own magnesium tallow or customizing a recipe, here are some options:
1. Whipped Tallow with Magnesium Flakes
- Add magnesium flakes to melted tallow for an exfoliating butter.
- Be aware that the magnesium won’t dissolve or absorb into the skin in this form.
2. Magnesium Oil and Tallow Emulsion
- Dissolve magnesium flakes in a small amount of water to create magnesium oil.
- Whip the magnesium oil into softened tallow, adding an emulsifier and preservative for stability.
3. Layering Method
- Apply magnesium oil directly to the skin, then follow with whipped tallow to lock in moisture and reduce irritation.
While magnesium and tallow each offer incredible benefits, their combination requires proper formulation to be effective. Without water to dissolve magnesium flakes, the magnesium won’t infuse into tallow or become bioavailable for skin absorption. Understanding this can help you make informed decisions when purchasing or crafting your own magnesium tallow products.
Remember: If a product claims to be “magnesium oil-infused,” it must have water, an emulsifier, and a preservative to be effective and safe. If not, you’re simply buying a tallow exfoliant—not a true magnesium-infused balm.
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Want to learn more about Tallow and how to make Tallow Products? Check out our book, Timeless Tallow!