Homemade Ceramide Moisturizer (DIY CeraVe-Style Knockoff)

If you love that thick, gentle, ceramide-packed face lotion from the drugstore aisle (the one that sounds a lot like CeraVe) but you don’t love the price tag or the added chemicals, this homemade version is for you. This recipe creates a rich, hydrating moisturizer with ceramides and niacinamide to support your skin barrier— without alcohol, fillers, or ingredients you can’t pronounce.

This DIY “CeraVe-style knockoff” is:

• Hydrating – glycerin + lightweight oils
• Barrier-supportive – ceramides + niacinamide
• Affordable – made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients
• Customizable – adjust oils, thickness, and add-ons

Note: This is a homemade dupe inspired by a popular ceramide moisturizer. It is not the official formula and is not affiliated with their brand.

Ingredients for DIY CeraVe-Style Moisturizer

Water Phase

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 1 teaspoon niacinamide powder (optional)

Oil Phase

• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil or sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon emulsifying wax
• 1/2 teaspoon cetyl alcohol (optional — helps match that CeraVe texture)

Cool-Down Phase

• 1/8 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 1/4–1/2 teaspoon ceramide powder
• Broad-spectrum preservative (like Optiphen) — use as directed

Equipment: Two heat-safe jars, saucepan, spoon or spatula, stick blender (preferred) or an electric hand mixer, clean jar for storage.

How to Make Your CeraVe-Style Moisturizer

Step 1: Water Phase

1. Combine distilled water and glycerin in a heat-safe jar.
2. Add niacinamide if using and stir lightly.
3. Place the jar in a saucepan of hot water and gently heat.

Step 2: Oil Phase

1. In a second jar, combine jojoba/sweet almond oil, shea butter, emulsifying wax, and cetyl alcohol.
2. Heat until everything melts and the mixture is fully liquid.

Step 3: Emulsify

1. Remove both jars from heat.
2. Slowly pour the oil phase into the water phase while stirring.
3. Blend with a stick blender or electric hand mixer for 1–3 minutes until creamy.

Step 4: Cool-Down Additions

1. Let the mixture cool until warm but not hot.
2. Add vitamin E and ceramide powder.
3. Add preservative and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Jar and Store

1. Pour the moisturizer into a clean jar or pump bottle.
2. Let it cool completely — it will thicken as it cools.
3. Label with the date and ingredients.

How to Use

Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin. Use morning and night, or anytime your skin needs extra hydration. This formula absorbs quickly and leaves the skin soft, hydrated, and smooth without heavy residue.

Storage & Shelf Life

• With preservative: 2–3 months in a cool, dry place.
• Without preservative: Refrigerate and use within 5–7 days.

Safety Notes

• Patch test before use.
• Check for personal allergies to oils or additives.
• For external use only.

This DIY CeraVe-style moisturizer is a budget-friendly way to get that beloved drugstore-lotion feel using ingredients you control — simple, clean, nourishing, and perfect for everyday use. A more natural alternative to the popular Cerave-style moisturizer. 

Safety Note: I am NOT a medical professional. Please research ingredients, check for allergies, and confirm pet safety. Use gently and at your discretion.