Many commercial day creams contain synthetic ingredients that can harm the skin, especially given their high cost.
Thankfully, you can create a 100% natural homemade day cream using a time-tested formula.
This ultra-rich, nourishing blend draws from an ancestral recipe developed nearly 2,000 years ago by the renowned Greek physician Galen, known as Galen's cerate.
Its creamy texture leaves skin incredibly soft and smooth, while the proven benefits of its ingredients provide anti-wrinkle properties.
Best of all, this recipe is straightforward and simple to prepare at home.
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
- 8 tablespoons of grated beeswax
- 200 ml sweet almond oil
- about 120 ml of rose water
- 2 small airtight containers
1. Grate the equivalent of 8 tablespoons of beeswax.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the wax and honey in the sweet almond oil.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Add the rose water drop by drop while whisking the mixture.
5. Continue adding rose water: stop only when the water begins to bead on the cream.
6. Mix for about 1 min more, until the cream cools down.
7. Put your moisturizer in small clean jars. Let cool completely before putting the lids on.
Your ancestral day cream is now ready.
It's quick, affordable, and effective—no need for pricey brands like L'Oréal, Avène, Clarins, Lancôme, Nuxe, Nivea, or Yves Rocher.
Use it on your face or body for supple, soft skin. Bonus: it doubles as a gentle makeup remover.
This recipe yields enough for about 2 small glass jars, such as repurposed baby food jars.
Note that the cream may thin slightly as it cools.
Beeswax is available online for around €4 or at organic stores.
Sweet almond oil works best, but olive oil, apricot kernel oil, or other nut oils are suitable substitutes.
Rose water adds a subtle fragrance; for unscented, use demineralized water. It's sold in large bottles at organic stores or online for about €9.
For a fully artisanal touch, try making your own rose water with this simple recipe.
