“Know Your Normal”: Cork skincare founder launches Pink Balm after cancer diagnosis

Here’s a timely reminder to step up your self-care.
When Caoimhe Donoghue co-founded Doctrine Skincare, she was used to talking about daily routines, healthy complexions, and soothing cleansers. But in December 2025, her world shifted entirely.
At just 32 years old – and only seven months after welcoming her second baby – the Cork mum was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. There was no obvious lump. Instead, it was just a subtle change that would have been easy to brush off during the chaos of caring for a newborn.
Trusting her gut, Caoimhe decided to get it checked out – a decision that likely saved her life, as her tumour nearly doubled in size in just a few short weeks.
Since then, Caoimhe has faced an intense journey, including chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiation, with ongoing treatments planned over the next five years. But amid the hospital visits and heavy medical appointments, she found comfort in a simple, familiar habit: her daily skincare routine. Taking those quiet few minutes every morning and night became an anchor, helping her feel like herself again.
Now, she’s turning that personal ritual into a way to give back and help other women.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October 2026, Doctrine is releasing a special limited-edition Pink Divinity Balm – a vibrant pink twist on their iconic original cleansing balm.
Twenty per cent of every single sale goes directly to Breast Cancer Ireland to support vital cure research. At €42, it’s available online at doctrineskincare.com and in selected stockists nationwide starting this October.
Beyond raising funds for life-saving research, Caoimhe’s biggest message to everyone in Cork and beyond is simple: know your normal, trust your instincts, and never ignore even the smallest change.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your autumn cleansing routine or just want to support an incredible local Cork business fighting for a brilliant cause, keep an eye out for this pink jar next month.

