Magnesium plays a role in more than 300 unique bodily processes, so it’s no secret you need to get plenty of it. The problem is, this vital mineral isn’t found in many foods - so you need a supplement. It becomes apparent pretty quickly that not all magnesium is created equal, though.
From powders to pills to topicals, and of course, different forms of magnesium, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options at your disposal. We’re here to simplify things for you by comparing two of the most popular: magnesium malate vs magnesium chloride.
Magnesium malate is a combination of magnesium and malic acid, and is actually found naturally in fruits such as apples. It supports energy metabolism and can be used to combat fatigue and other chronic conditions.
On the other hand, magnesium chloride is widely considered to be the best magnesium for stress, the best magnesium for sleep, and so many other uses, for one simple reason: it’s the most bioavailable form of magnesium available.
This means your body is able to use it more efficiently than any other type of magnesium available. It’s why we’ve used magnesium chloride in our world-renowned magnesium bath soak formulations here at Flewd Stresscare.
Learn more about the differences between magnesium malate vs chloride below, or save yourself the hassle and just tap into the full potential of our stress relief bath soak recipes today!
What’s the Difference Between Magnesium Malate and Magnesium Chloride?
Magnesium helps regulate nerve function, muscle contraction, energy production, and stress response. That’s why you might struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or recover from physical or mental strain when you’re deficient. Even focusing on tasks becomes difficult.
It goes without saying you need a magnesium supplement in your arsenal, but what’s the difference between magnesium malate and magnesium chloride?
Really, the only similarity they share is the word “magnesium.” They differ in structure, absorption rate, and intended benefit. Understanding how each works makes it a whole lot easier to choose between magnesium malate vs magnesium chloride.
What is Magnesium Chloride?
This compound of magnesium and chlorine is typically harvested from natural saltwater sources like seawater or brine pools. It’s highly soluble, meaning it dissolves easily in water and is well-absorbed by the body.
This is why it’s so popular as an epsom salt alternative in the bathtub, or in topical sprays. It absorbs really well transdermally, or through the skin. This bypasses the digestive system altogether so there aren’t any uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects like other forms of magnesium.
Magnesium chloride is commonly used for calming the nervous system, reducing muscle tension, and supporting restful sleep. It helps regulate cortisol levels and supports GABA activation, a neurotransmitter that slows down nerve activity and gets you into a relaxed state.
You can see why people dealing with high stress, physical tightness, or poor sleep are drawn to magnesium chloride. It’s a gentle, quick solution for finding a sense of balance and calm.
It’s a functional, versatile form of magnesium that plays well with evening routines, and we think the best way to tap into its potential is through our bath soaks, be it our muscle bath soak, anxiety bath soak, or even a serotonin bath soak. But let’s look at the other half of the magnesium malate vs chloride debate.
What is Magnesium Malate?
As we said earlier, this combination of magnesium with malic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in apples and other fruits.
It’s actually the complete opposite of magnesium chloride in terms of what it does: it supports cellular energy production. That’s because malic acid plays a role in the Krebs cycle. This is a process your body uses to generate energy from food.
This form is usually taken as an oral supplement, and it’s the go-to for people struggling with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. It may help reduce muscle soreness and improve physical stamina, though most believe magnesium chloride is better in this regard.
Absorption depends on the health of the digestive tract, and this is another big difference between magnesium malate vs magnesium chloride. A lot of people report gastrointestinal discomfort when taking it in high doses.
This is because it has fairly low bioavailability, so the solution is to take a higher dose. Sounds great, until you realize the strain this puts on your digestive system - and the side effects it manifests in.
All that being said, which is the better form of magnesium for your personal wellness goals: magnesium malate vs chloride? We’ll compare and contrast the two side by side below.
Magnesium Malate vs Magnesium Chloride: Which Form is Superior?
We want to be clear in saying all forms of magnesium have their pros and cons, but it’s true that some are better than others. You need to make magnesium supplementation a priority, so which form is going to produce the best results?
Absorption and Bioavailability
This is what matters most when comparing magnesium malate vs magnesium chloride: how much of what you give your body can it ACTUALLY use?
Magnesium chloride has the obvious edge here, especially when applied transdermally. It dissolves easily in water and is quickly absorbed through the skin. It’s a perfect choice for those who want consistent, reliable results without taxing their digestive system.
What makes magnesium chloride really special, though, is you can get the magnesium right to where it’s most needed through a bath soak - be that the lower body, the upper body, or throughout the entire body.
On the other hand, magnesium malate is almost always taken orally, through pills or powders. It has to pass through the digestive system. While it’s reasonably bioavailable, its effectiveness depends on gut health, meal timing, and how well an individual tolerates oral supplements.
Functional Benefits
To a certain extent, choosing between magnesium malate vs chloride comes down to your goals. They sort of sit on opposite sides of the spectrum as far as benefits. One is uplifting, the other relaxing.
Magnesium malate is more energizing in nature, which is why it’s relied on by those with fatigue-heavy conditions like fibromyalgia or general low energy. It still offers elemental magnesium, but the malic acid leans more toward energy metabolism rather than relaxation.
The benefits of magnesium chloride tend to be a bit broader. Anyone struggling with stress, muscle tension, disrupted sleep, or trouble focusing could find relief from this form of magnesium.
It supports relaxation, helps calm the nervous system, and promotes better recovery from both physical and mental fatigue. It fits easily into nighttime routines and stress support protocols because it works with the body’s natural calming processes.
Digestive Tolerance and Delivery Method
Perhaps the biggest benefit of magnesium chloride is that it won’t produce any unpleasant side effects when applied topically to the skin. You can bypass the digestive system and avoid any of the bloating or loose stools associated with other forms of magnesium.
This also makes it more flexible for people who are sensitive to capsules or who already take multiple supplements, and don’t necessarily need another pill or powder complicating things.
In contrast, magnesium malate is exclusively available in oral supplements. Sounds convenient, sure - but while it’s generally well-tolerated in small doses, some users find it can create discomfort or simply deliver less usable magnesium than expected.
This effect is really pronounced in individuals with existing GI issues or absorption challenges. There’s really no telling just how much magnesium you actually get since its bioavailability is a bit underwhelming, too.
So, Which Type of Magnesium is Right For You?
Given the clear difference between magnesium malate and magnesium chloride, it’s actually a lot easier to choose between the two compared to other forms.
Magnesium chloride is the no-brainer choice if your main concerns are stress, sleep quality, or muscle tension. It works quickly, absorbs efficiently through the skin, and supports the body’s natural calming pathways without taking a digestive toll.
Don’t get us wrong, magnesium malate does have its place. People dealing with fatigue find it beneficial for supercharging energy production, but that’s pretty much it. There are also the digestive concerns that raise red flags.
All things considered, we think it’s an easy choice between magnesium malate vs chloride. Stick with the more versatile, easily absorbed, and well-tolerated form in magnesium chloride.
What About Other Forms of Magnesium?
This comparison of magnesium malate vs magnesium chloride is just one of many we’ve explored here at Flewd Stresscare in the pursuit of picking the perfect form of magnesium.
You can explore similar resources on topics like magnesium sulfate vs magnesium chloride, magnesium oxide vs magnesium chloride, or magnesium glycinate vs magnesium chloride. But you’ll find a similar takeaway: magnesium chloride is the best choice in the world.
All forms have their unique appeal, but magnesium chloride provides fast, full-body support that works with your body’s natural systems. So, bring its potential into your wellness ritual at Flewd Stresscare today!
Experience the Magic of Magnesium Chloride Firsthand at Flewd Stresscare!
We create magnesium chloride-based soaks that support real recovery, not just surface-level relaxation. We focus on the physical and emotional toll of stress, and how it shows up in your body: poor sleep, tension, anxiety, irritability, and burnout.
That’s why our soaks aren’t built like bubble baths. Instead, they’re functional, ingredient-driven, and formulated to work with your body, not against it. It all starts with the most bioavailable magnesium chloride, but different formulations are infused with other ingredients:
- Ache Erasing: Magnesium chloride, vitamins C & D, and omega-3s to ease inflammation and muscle tension. Scented with mandarin, clementine, and blood orange.
- Anxiety Destroying: Magnesium, B-complex vitamins, and zinc to calm nervous system overload. Smells like a tropical coastline - lime rind, warm sea salt, and soft florals.
- Insomnia Ending: Magnesium, vitamins A & E, and L-carnitine to support circadian rhythm and deeper rest. Bright, crisp yuzu with a soft floral finish.
- Sads Smashing: Magnesium, B3, B6, and nootropic lithium to help regulate serotonin and emotional balance. Smells like desert rain: green, minty, and woody.
- Rage Squashing: Magnesium, chromium, and B12 to reduce cortisol spikes and emotional reactivity. Earthy blend of jasmine, pine, leather, and spice.
- Panic Crushing: Magnesium, boron, and omega-3s to support hormone balance and muscle calm. Scented with soft floral, warm spice, and grounding wood notes.
The soaks are 99% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. You never have to worry about a residue getting left behind in the tub, either. No artificial colors or other nasties here. Plus, they’re so easy to add to your self-care ritual.
Fill your tub with warm water, then pour in the full pouch. Soak for at least 15 minutes (longer if you’d like). There's no need to rinse afterward, though you can. Use them at least 3 times per week for best results. Get started today!
Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Magnesium Malate vs Chloride
Magnesium malate and magnesium chloride serve different purposes, and choosing the right one depends on your needs. Malate may offer daytime support for energy and muscle fatigue, but chloride delivers faster, more targeted results for stress, tension, and sleep.
It’s better absorbed, easier on digestion, and works well as part of a relaxing routine. All things considered, we think the choice between magnesium malate vs magnesium chloride is simple.
Feel the difference firsthand at Flewd Stresscare. Sooth your system with magnesium that actually gets to work using our expertly formulated bath soaks, trusted by over 100,000 happy customers and counting!
