If you’ve got skin that gets:

Sun-kissed a bit too hard

Weathered

Bitey itchy insect attacks - hello mozzies

Razor irritation / shaving rash

Dry, cracked patches

Chafing (thighs, underboob, anywhere friction lives)

Redness + reactive flare-ups

Itchy, uncomfortable spots

Random angry patches you can’t explain

Winter Dryness

Summer Dryness

All types of skin irritations..

Cystic acne

Chronic flareups and breakouts

Angry wounds

Cuts and abrasions

Bruised

SOS is concentrated, herbal-infused nourishment for skin that's feeling dry, uncomfortable, reactive or thoroughly put through its paces.

With regular or as-needed use, it helps:
• Comfort dry, itchy-feeling and irritated-feeling skin
• Soften rough, cracked and weather-beaten areas
• Nourish skin through periods of dryness and flare-prone behaviour
• Protect and condition skin exposed to wind, cold, friction and everyday outdoor life
• Soothe the feeling of skin after shaving, chafing and general wear and tear
• Support a soft, comfortable and well-conditioned skin barrier
• Give hardworking hands, elbows, knees and feet some serious TLC

SOS is also a much-loved choice among CVO customers navigating eczema-prone, psoriasis-prone, acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin.
And this isn't necessarily an all-over moisturiser.

SOS is the jar you reach for when a particular patch of skin starts demanding attention.
A little.
Right where you need it.
Whenever your skin starts carrying on like a pork chop.

Most “healing” products are basically:
water + preservatives + perfume + vibes.

SOS is different.

It’s built on grass-fed tallow, which is rich and skin-compatible ~ then infused with traditional skin-soothing herbs, and finished with essential oils chosen for their supportive, skin-friendly reputation.

This isn’t a lotion.
This is a protective, nourishing balm that sits where you put it and supports the skin barrier like a proper grown-up.

1) It’s tallow-based (not water-based)

So it actually stays on the skin and supports it, instead of evaporating and leaving you dry again.

2) It’s herbal-infused

This isn’t “throw a drop of lavender in and call it botanical.”
These herbs are infused into the fat phase, the old-school way.

3) It’s made for real Aussie life

Sun. Wind. Salt. Heat rash. Bugs. Tradie hands. Kid scrapes. BBQ burns.
This is a balm that earns its spot in your bag.

SOS isn't tallow with a few herbs thrown in for decoration.

Each botanical has been chosen deliberately, with our herbs slowly infused directly into the tallow before the balm is finished with its aromatic botanical oils.

Grass-Fed & Grass-Finished Beef Tallow

The rich, protective heart of SOS.

Tallow creates the dense, nourishing base that gives SOS its staying power. It softens and conditions dry, stressed skin while helping reduce moisture loss and leaving a protective layer exactly where you've applied it.

Calendula

One of the great traditional skin herbs.

Calendula has a long history of use in herbal preparations for dry, delicate and irritated skin, which makes it a natural fit for a balm designed for those my skin is carrying on again moments.

Plantain

Not the banana. The humble little herb growing underfoot.

Plantain has been treasured in traditional herbalism for generations and is one of the herbs that gives SOS its proper old-fashioned apothecary character.

Yarrow

Another traditional skin herb with centuries of folk use.

We slowly infuse yarrow into the tallow alongside calendula, plantain and lavender, creating the botanical foundation of SOS rather than simply adding a token herbal extract at the end.

Lavender

Lavender plays two roles in SOS.

It's infused directly into the tallow and also appears as an essential oil in the finished balm, bringing its unmistakable botanical aroma and its long tradition of use in skin preparations.

Jojoba Oil

Silky, lightweight jojoba helps give SOS beautiful glide and spreadability while conditioning the skin without making this already-rich balm unnecessarily heavy.

Castor Oil

Thick, glossy and wonderfully substantial, castor oil adds richness and staying power to SOS and helps give the balm that protective, concentrated feel.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Fresh, sharp and unmistakably Australian.

Tea tree gives SOS part of its characteristic herbal aroma and has a long history of use in Australian topical preparations.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Herbaceous and invigorating, rosemary adds another layer to SOS's botanical character and complements the infused herbs beautifully.

Helichrysum Essential Oil

The little luxury hiding inside the workhorse.

Helichrysum is a prized aromatic botanical traditionally used in skin preparations and gives SOS another layer of depth alongside lavender, rosemary and tea tree.

No water. No synthetic fragrance. No unnecessary filler.

Just tallow, herbs and botanical oils brought together with purpose.

SOS is concentrated, so start small.

Warm a small amount between clean fingertips until the balm begins to soften, then gently press it onto the area that needs attention.

For small areas
Start with less than a pea-sized amount. SOS spreads beautifully once warmed.

For hands, feet and larger areas
Warm a little more between your palms and massage gently over the skin.

For dry, reactive or uncomfortable-feeling patches
Press rather than aggressively rub, particularly when the skin is already feeling sensitive.

Reapply as needed, especially after washing, showering, swimming or spending time outdoors.

A Few SOS Rules

Patch test first if your skin is particularly sensitive or reactive.

Avoid the eyes, and other sensitive areas.

For children aged 2–6, use sparingly and with care. SOS is not recommended for babies or children under 2.

And remember: use less than you think.

This little jar spreads.

Open the jar and the first thing you'll notice is the unmistakably herbal aroma.

Interestingly, everyone seems to smell SOS a little differently.

Some people describe it as almost green-tea-like, fresh and botanical. Others immediately pick up the rosemary and tea tree, with lavender softening the blend and precious helichrysum sitting quietly underneath.

It's green, herbaceous, earthy and purposeful.

Scoop out a small amount and warm it between clean fingertips.

The dense balm begins to soften with your body heat, becoming silky and easy to spread exactly where you want it.

Press it gently onto the skin rather than aggressively rubbing.

SOS leaves behind a rich, protective layer that feels substantial without needing to be slathered on.

This is concentrated skincare.

A little patch needs a little balm.

A pair of hard-working hands might need a little more.

And because SOS was made for real life, it doesn't need a beautiful bathroom shelf to make sense.

Bathroom cabinet. Handbag. Work bag. Caravan. Camping kit. Beach bag.

Wherever life happens, SOS earns its place.

This isn't the precious jar you save for special occasions.

It's the one you actually use.

Choose SOS if your skin has a habit of carrying on.

It's our herbal workhorse for skin that gets dry, itchy-feeling, reactive, weather-beaten, chafed, rough or simply needs more targeted attention than your everyday moisturiser.

You'll especially love SOS if:

• Your skin is prone to dry, uncomfortable or reactive-feeling patches
• You experience recurring flare-prone skin
• Your skin is eczema-prone, psoriasis-prone, acne-prone or rosacea-prone
• Your hands take a beating from work, gardening, washing or the weather
• Shaving, friction, wind, cold or outdoor life regularly leave your skin feeling unhappy
• You want one concentrated balm that can live in the family cupboard and be reached for as needed
• You love traditional herbs and don't mind your skincare smelling properly botanical

Especially useful for:
• Reactive-feeling skin
• Problem-prone skin
• Hard-working hands
• Outdoor families
​​​​​​​• The "something always happens" kids
• Teen skin
• Men & women
• Everyday skin SOS moments

SOS May Not Be Your Balm If...

You're looking for something completely fragrance-free or your skin doesn't tolerate essential oils.

For very sensitive skin or those wanting a simpler formulation, explore Natural Unscented.

For babies, younger children or families wanting a gentler herbal balm without essential oils, choose Botanical Babe.

And if you're simply looking for a beautiful everyday facial moisturiser rather than targeted SOS support, one of our daily tallow balms may suit you better.

SOS isn't necessarily the balm you use everywhere, every day.

It's the balm you're very glad you own when your skin starts carrying on.

Is SOS suitable for sensitive or reactive skin?

SOS was created for skin that needs extra comfort and targeted care, but it does contain essential oils and everyone's skin is different.

If you're particularly sensitive or reactive, patch test first.

If you know your skin doesn't tolerate essential oils, Natural Unscented or Botanical Babe may be a better CVO match.

Can I use SOS on children?

SOS is not recommended for babies or children under 2 years.

For children aged 2–6 years, use sparingly and with care. Patch test first and avoid the eyes, mouth and other sensitive areas.

For babies and younger children, we recommend Botanical Babe, our gentler herbal tallow balm made without essential oils.

Does SOS contain essential oils?

Yes. SOS contains lavender, tea tree, rosemary and helichrysum essential oils.

These complement the calendula, plantain, yarrow and lavender slowly infused into the tallow and give SOS its distinctive green, herbaceous aroma.

Can SOS be used on the face?

Yes, SOS can be used as targeted facial skincare.

Start with a tiny amount and avoid the eye area. If your skin is particularly sensitive or you're introducing SOS for the first time, patch test first.

SOS isn't necessarily intended to replace your everyday facial balm. Think of it as the jar you reach for when particular areas of your skin are asking for extra attention.

Is SOS the same as your everyday tallow balms?

No.

Our everyday tallow balms are designed primarily for daily facial nourishment.

SOS is the herbal workhorse.

It's designed for those targeted my skin is carrying on again moments and for areas that need a little more attention.

How long does a jar last?

That depends entirely on how you're using it.

Because SOS is concentrated and many customers use it on targeted areas rather than all over the body, a little can go a surprisingly long way.

Start small. You can always add more.

Is SOS greasy?

SOS is a rich, water-free balm, so it will naturally feel more substantial than a conventional lotion.

The trick is quantity.

Warm a small amount between your fingers, press it into the skin and give it a moment to settle.

If you're sliding around like a greased-up Christmas ham, you've used too much.

Try it. Use it. Let your skin decide.

If this product doesn’t noticeably improve how your skin feels within 30 days, we’ll refund you 100% of your purchase.

No store credit.
No hoops.
No awkward emails.

Just reach out to our team within 30 days of delivery and we’ll take care of it.

Because our formula is intentional and it doesn’t need fine print to hide behind.

This product is for external use only.

This product is a cosmetic product intended to support the appearance and comfort of the skin.
It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or disease.

Individual results may vary.

If you have a known skin condition, allergies, are pregnant, or under medical care, consult your healthcare professional before use.

If irritation or adverse reaction occurs, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Yes! Please go see your doctor or specialist.
(Preferably one who understands skin.)

A Little Goes a Long Way

SOS is a concentrated, water-free balm.

For targeted areas, you may only need a tiny amount at a time, so one jar can hang around in the family cupboard for quite a while.

Always use clean, dry fingers or a cosmetic spatula when dipping into the jar.

Your SOS Will Change With the Weather

Tallow is a natural fat, so its texture responds to temperature.

In cooler weather, SOS may become firmer. During an Australian summer, expect it to become softer and silkier.

This is completely normal and doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your balm.

Shelf Life

For best freshness, use SOS within approximately 6–12 months of opening.

Keep the lid firmly closed and store the jar somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and moisture.

If you live somewhere particularly hot and humid, refrigeration can help keep your balm beautifully fresh.

SOS Has Character

Because SOS is made in small batches with naturally derived ingredients and real herbal infusions, subtle variations in colour, aroma and texture can occur from batch to batch.

That's part of the character of handmade herbal skincare.

Some jars may smell greener. Some may reveal more rosemary or tea tree. Temperature can make the balm firmer or softer.

Different batch. Same SOS.

Keep It Clean

SOS may live in the work bag, bathroom cabinet, caravan or camping kit...

But please don't introduce half the Australian bush into the jar.

Clean fingers. Dry fingers. Lid back on.

Your SOS can handle a lot. Muddy fingers aren't one of them.

SOS existed long before CVO Skin.

More than 11 years ago, my daughter was struggling with eczema.

I already had a background in herbalism, but I was at the end of my tether with her skin and determined to find something that could help.

So I went deeper.

I studied the herbs traditionally used for eczema and troubled skin and kept coming back to calendula, plantain, yarrow and lavender.

Those four herbs became the foundation of SOS.

I infused them into a balm made from shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax, then brought in lavender, helichrysum, tea tree and rosemary essential oils to complete the blend.

That original SOS became part of my previous herbal business.

And people loved it.

Over the years, I made it for family after family and watched this little herbal balm develop a reputation of its own.

Then CVO came along.

When I fell in love with tallow skincare, I knew there was one formula from my herbal days that absolutely had to come with me.

SOS.

I took the herbal blend I'd spent years making and transferred it into the tallow world.

Out went the shea butter.

Out went the coconut and olive oils.

Even the beeswax became unnecessary.

The herbs stayed.

The essential-oil blend stayed.

And grass-fed tallow became the new heart of SOS.

For me, it completely levelled up the balm.

I've continued refining the formula since, adding jojoba and castor oils to give SOS its beautiful glide, spreadability and rich, substantial finish.

But the herbal heart of the formula I first created for my daughter all those years ago remains.

Today, I've sold thousands of jars of SOS, and it has become one of the most loved and trusted products I make.

What began as a herbalist mum, at the end of her tether and determined to find something for her little girl's skin, eventually became the herbal workhorse of CVO.

More than 11 years later, I'm still making it.

And I think that says quite a lot about this little jar.

~ Meeka
Founder & Formulator