How One Woman’s Cancer Fight Inspired a Skincare Line for Everyone
August 21 | 4 minute read
Words by Rosanne Stewart
2023 was the year the world turned upside down for Jess Armstrong. Diagnosed with breast cancer, the mum of two little ones (then only three and five) suddenly found herself facing chemotherapy, surgery and hormone therapy. It was exhausting, terrifying and, unexpectedly, the beginning of something amazing, too.
Halfway through her treatment, Jess noticed a change in her skin. “It was unbearably dry, red and irritated” she says. “I could no longer use the products I used to, and the ones recommended by doctors were clinical and joyless.”
That frustration turned to rocket fuel. “I wanted indulgent, comforting, nourishing,” she tells us. With a background in product development and marketing, she knew she could do better. “When everything else feels out of your control, your skincare routine can be something you still own.”
Enter: FUCA
FUCA was born. A range of fragrance-free, no-nonsense formulas designed to soothe even the most reactive skin (while not looking not-too-shabby on the bathroom shelf either!).
The name stands for F U Cancer, inspired by text messages Jess sent friends during treatment. “It was something we said over and over. It seemed fitting, to show cancer that it didn’t win,” she says.
The Dirty Dozen
The key difference Jess wanted with FUCA products? Steering clear of 12 potential irritants Jess calls The Dirty Dozen – think: parabens, essential oils, drying alcohols and silicones – and loading up on barrier-repairing, skin-soothing actives instead.
The debut trio, The Barrier Boosting Routine, is designed as a complete, skin-loving ritual:
Step one: a gentle cleanser that removes make up and sunscreen without stripping.
Step two: a hydrating serum powered by three types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and provitamin B5.
Step three: a ceramide-rich cream to replenish and fortify the skin barrier.
“The complete three steps are meticulously formulated to help rejuvenate and repair skin back to its dewy glory,” Jess explains.
Skincare for Everyone
But Jess is clear: this brand isn’t just for people dealing with cancer. “Whether you’re facing cancer, pregnancy or simply have sensitive skin, I wanted FUCA to be a safe haven.”
The response has been incredibly moving. “I’ve had women tell me they’ve waited years for a brand like this.” Jess shares. “Others say FUCA has given them back the confidence to enjoy beauty again after years of reactions.”
Beauty That Represents
Every face in FUCA’s campaigns belongs to someone touched by cancer. “Representation matters,” Jess says. “We’re not a minority – yet we’re almost invisible in beauty.”
The brand also donates to the Breast Cancer Network Australia, runs FUCA Club (movement classes and workshops for women with cancers) and gifts products to chemotherapy wards.
“Cancer didn’t just take my health; it took my femininity, my confidence, my hair, I even lost a nipple. But a skincare routine can be a small, daily act of kindness to yourself.”
Looking ahead, FUCA is already working towards sensitive-skin friendly sun care, launching in summer 2025. And beyond that? Jess is dreaming big. Eventually, she hopes to create a retreat for women undergoing treatment – a place to rest, restore and be surrounded by nature. “Free of charge, of course,” she adds.
Until then, FUCA is here for anyone ready to reclaim their skin. As Jess puts it, “because in the end, this isn’t just about skincare. It’s about feeling seen.”
