how is this different from epsom salts?

Epsom salts are magnesium SULFATE. But this product is magnesium CHLORIDE. The two are very different chemically. Most importantly, magnesium chloride is better for making magnesium oil (you can boil it half and half with filtered water and let it cool down... voila! Fresh magnesium oil).

If I mix magnesium with water and then with coconut oil to make a lotion would I have to add a preservative? Thank you.

No, you would not need a preservative if you mixed your own lotion containing: magnesium, water and coconut oil together. As magnesium chloride is a salt and already a self preserver. In addition, you may be interested to know that Ancient Minerals also makes a great lotion, gel and spray as well. Enjoy!

what is the right proportion of Ancient Minerals magnesium flakes and water to make magnesium spray oil

I suggest putting 25% flakes in a little travel spray bottle to start, then adding hot tap water to dilute. Then it won't tingle as much when you first use it. I use 50% now after my body mag levels became normalized. Your body sucks it in about 30 minutes then it's all gone. That's why most spray it 30 minutes before showering. I carry it around everywhere.

what is the chemical composition difference between this and epsom salts?

Mg sulfate (MgSO4) is epsom salts. Sulfates are salts of sulfuric acid. Mg chloride (MgCl2) is what this product consists of. Chloride is an ion and is an electrolyte that is important for transmitting nerve impulses among many other things. If you can handle all the sciency mumbo jumbo, I recommend Googling "NIH magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride" or something similar to ensure you get legit results. This study seems to be legit and relatively easy to decipher: http://www.jle.com/fr/revues/mrh/e-docs/magnesium_chloride_or_magnesium_sulfate_a_genuine_question_266651/article.phtml?tab=texte The bioavailability of MgCl2 is good vs. the low bioavailability of MgSO4. My personal experience? I've used both epsom salts in the bath and used magnesium chloride in the bath as a treatment for a neurological syndrome I have that is quite horrible. I feel like the magnesium chloride has helped me more in decreasing the pain, at least temporarily. There is certainly a difference in terms of chemical composition of both of these compounds. While neither is "better" than the other per se, for the purpose of taking a bath to help with pain I would recommend the magnesium chloride over the epsom salts.

ASIN	B00BBD508C
ASIN	B00BBD508C
Amazon Bestseller	#343,260 in Beauty ( See Top 100 in Beauty ) #3,702 in Bath Salts
Customer Reviews	4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (7,906)
Date First Available	April 1, 2013
Global Trade Identification Number	00091037574565, 00853956003201
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Item Weight	3.63 kg
Item model number	AMF-8
Manufacturer	Ancient Minerals
Manufacturer	Ancient Minerals
Product Dimensions	12.1 x 26.9 x 38.2 cm; 3.63 kg
Product Dimensions	12.1 x 26.9 x 38.2 cm; 3.63 kg
Special Ingredients	Magnesium Chloride
UPC	885799641388 885106712091 885127322200 091037574565 853956003201

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes of Pure Genuine Zechstein Chloride - Resealable Magnesium Supplement Bag That Will Outperform Leading Epsom Salts (8 lb)

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