Yes. Our products are formulated for very sensitive,
compromised skin, including skin affected by chemotherapy. They focus on supporting barrier function, calming redness and irritation, and providing a
gentle, protective layer when skin feels reactive or uncomfortable.

The formulas contain no parabens, sulphates, or common irritants. We use very low levels of carefully chosen essential oils (0.5%), which most people tolerate well — but everyone’s skin behaves differently during treatment. If you’re on the highly sensitive end, you can do a small patch test first. And if you’d prefer to try a sample before buying, email me at vicky@bravecrab.co.uk
and I’ll post one to you.

Our products are formulated for very sensitive and compromised skin, and the ingredients are chosen to support the skin barrier and soothe dryness, tightness and irritation. They can be helpful before radiotherapy begins, as keeping the skin well‑nourished beforehand can support overall skin resilience.

For skin currently receiving radiotherapy, it’s important to follow the advice of your radiotherapy team. Many oncology departments ask patients not to use any skincare products on the treatment area during active treatment, because the skin can become extremely reactive. Once your team confirms that you can start moisturising the area again, our balms are designed to be gentle, calming and barrier‑supportive.

You can use Brave Crab balms on skin that is dry, sore, cracked or mildly broken — the kind of irritation many people experience during
treatment. The formulas are gentle, protective and designed to support the skin barrier.

If the skin is very broken, weepy, oozing or affecting a larger area, that’s different. Skin in this condition is more vulnerable to infection and may need medical treatments — for example, steroid creams or antibiotics — so it’s important to check with your oncology or dermatology team before applying any skincare product.

Balms vary in price because the ingredients vary hugely.
Brave Crab uses carefully selected, premium plant oils and butters — including ingredients like Lipex SheaSoft and CocoSoft, which create a smoother, more comfortable skin feel than the heavier textures found in many basic balms. The formulas also include CO₂ plant extracts and a broad blend of nourishing oils, giving a richer profile of fatty acids and antioxidants than simpler balms made with only one or two base oils. Everything is COSMOS Organic, so the raw materials meet strict environmental and purity standards. The price reflects the quality, sourcing and intention behind the formulations.

The balm has a shelf life of 12 months once opened. As soon as the lid comes off, natural ingredients slowly begin to oxidise, so it’s best to keep it in a cool place, out of direct sunlight, with the lid firmly closed. Stored well, it stays in beautiful condition throughout the year.

Because balms are highly concentrated, a little goes a long way. Depending on how much you use and which areas you apply it to, a tube can last several months, often around six to nine with typical use. If you prefer to focus on specific dry or sensitive areas, it naturally lasts even longer.

 

Most of us are used to moisturisers — they’re quick, they sink in fast, and they feel familiar. Traditional moisturisers are mostly water (often 50–70% or more), which makes them lightweight and easy to apply. They’re great for short‑term hydration, but the water in them evaporates quickly, especially when the skin barrier is weakened.

During cancer treatment, one of the biggest changes for the
skin is its barrier function. The surface layer of the skin (including the acid
mantle) can become disrupted, which means moisture escapes more easily and the skin becomes drier, tighter and more reactive.

Balms work differently. They don’t rely on water. Instead, they create a gentle, breathable layer that helps hold moisture in, support the
barrier and protect the skin while it’s vulnerable. They’re rich in oils and
butters that are structurally similar to the skin’s own lipids, so they sit
comfortably on the skin and help it feel nourished and cocooned rather than dry and exposed.

This kind of formulation gives the skin a steady, lasting sense of comfort that many people find they can’t achieve with water‑based moisturisers during treatment..

Skincare only helps if you actually want to use it. Many traditional balms can feel heavy or sticky, which means they end up sitting on the shelf — offering no comfort, no barrier support and no moment of care for yourself. Brave Crab formulates balms to feel smooth, comfortable and inviting, so they fit naturally into a small daily ritual.

When a texture feels good, people use it consistently, and that’s when the skin benefits really start to build. These moments also become small pauses of calm in the day — a ritual that supports not just your skin, but your overall sense of wellbeing.