Magnesium “oil” isn’t actually an oil — it’s magnesium chloride dissolved in water. So if you’re trying to add it to a salve (which is oil + wax only), it will separate. Water and oil won’t stay mixed without an emulsifier. You have three options: 1️⃣ Keep it a true salve (no magnesium oil) Infuse your comfrey + arnica into oil, strain, then make a normal balm with wax. This will stay stable because it’s fully oil-based. 2️⃣ Make it a cream instead of a salve If you want magnesium included, you need: An emulsifier (e.g. Emulsifying Wax, BTMS, etc.) A preservative (because magnesium oil = water phase) Then it becomes a lotion/cream, not a salve. 3️⃣ Use magnesium flakes directly? No — they won’t dissolve in oil. They must be dissolved in water first, which again means you’re making an emulsion product. That separation you’re seeing isn’t failure — it’s chemistry. Salves = oil only Magnesium oil = water Water + oil = needs emulsifier

If you’re new to balm making or want to understand waxes, oils, and ratios properly, start with our Lip Balm Foundations Course. This post is for quick questions, tips, and deeper dives once you’ve got the basics down. 👉 Start here: Lip Balm Foundations Course