Real Ingredients – Real Results: Why ClimbCare Outperforms the Rest

If you’re a climber, you already know; your hands take a beating. Blisters, splits, dryness, and raw, red knuckles can feel like a rite of passage. I’ve tried all the popular hand balms; Rhino Repair, Climb On, Climb Skin; and while they offer some relief, I always found myself thinking, “There’s got to be something better.”

So, I made ClimbCare; a hand balm built from the ground up, using real ingredients that deliver real results. No fluff, no fillers, and no compromises. Just clean, simple, and skin-loving goodness. Here’s why it works, and why I believe it outperforms the rest.

What’s Wrong With Most Climbing Hand Balms?

Let get real, there are a few half decent hand balms on the market. Some smell great. Some feel fancy. A few help a bit… but most will leave you disappointed. Not because they are terrible, but because they just don't deliver the deep, lasting recovery that your hands actually need.

Here’s the issue: a lot of balms are made to feel good; not to heal.

They Rely on Quick Fixes, Not Long-Term Repair

Some balms feel amazing the moment you put them on. They give that smooth, moisturized feeling... for about 20 minutes. Then? Your hands are dry again; or worse, still raw underneath that soft surface.

Climbers need more than surface-level hydration. We need products that go beneath the surface, helping skin actually rebuild after repeated abuse from rock, chalk, friction, and cold weather.

They’re Full of Fillers and Hidden Irritants

Flip over the tin or tube and check the ingredients. You’ll often find:

Water (aqua) – harmless sounding, but it waters down the balm and requires preservatives to stop it from going bad. Both Rhino and ClimbSkin list water as their main ingredient.

Emulsifiers & synthetic waxes – they bind ingredients but often clog pores and can irritate broken skin.

Fragrance or “parfum” – a vague term that can hide dozens of mystery chemicals, many of which are known allergens.

These additives might help with shelf life or texture, but they do nothing for your skin. Worse, they can actually slow down healing or cause stinging when applied to cuts or flappers.

They’re Too Greasy—or Not Moisturizing Enough

You’ve probably experienced this one: a balm that leaves your hands slick for hours (hello, chalk fail), or one that absorbs instantly but does absolutely nothing to ease the stiffness or dryness.

That sweet spot between effective and non-greasy is hard to find—but it’s essential for climbers. You want something you can use between climbs, not just before bed.

They’re Made for the Masses, Not for Climbers

Let’s be honest: many skincare brands jumped on the “climber balm” trend without really understanding our needs. They repurpose general skincare formulas, slap on a carabiner graphic, and call it a day.

But climbing skin has unique demands. We don’t just need softness; we need durability, fast healing, and the ability to bounce back after daily abuse. That’s what most commercial balms miss.

ClimbCare vs. The Big Names: What’s Really in Your Balm?

When it comes to what you’re putting on your skin; especially skin that’s raw, cracked, or bleeding after a session; it matters. I’ve done my research, read the labels, and tested everything I could get my hands on. So let’s get real about what’s inside some of the most popular climbing balms; and why ClimbCare will always win.

🧴 Rhino Repair

What it gets right:

• Natural-leaning formula with hydrating oils
• Well-known in the climbing world
• Includes soothing ingredients like Lavender 

Where it lacks:

• Contains honey → ❌ Not vegan
• Water-based → Requires preservatives and emulsifiers to stop is going rancid. 
  
• Diluted potency due to water content
• Can feel sticky or tacky on the skin
• Preservatives may irritate sensitive or cracked hands

🧴 ClimbSkin

What it gets right:

• Silky texture, fast absorption
• Popular with performance athletes
• Includes good oils like shea, arnica, and wheat germ

Where it lacks:

• Contains phenoxyethanol & Other Chemicals→ All linked to skin irritation
• Includes “parfum” (fragrance) → Could hide allergens or irritants
• Water-based formula → Less concentrated, requires synthetic stabilizers
• Vegan status unclear → May contain animal-derived ingredients

🧴 ClimbOn

What it gets right:

• Simple, natural formula
• Cult favorite with a long history in the climbing scene

Where it lacks:

• Contains lanolin (wool wax) and beeswax → ❌ Not vegan
• Essential oil allergens like linalool, limonene, eugenol → Can cause reactions on cracked or sensitive skin
• Waxy texture → Sits on top of skin instead of deeply absorbing
• Scent can be overpowering or irritating for some

Why ClimbCare Wins

With so many options out there, why does ClimbCare rise above the rest? Simple: it's made by someone who actually needs it. As a climber, I know what trashed hands feel like. As someone living with a muscle-wasting condition, I know how precious skin health can be. That’s why ClimbCare isn’t just another balm—it’s a purpose-built recovery tool.

Here’s why it outperforms the competition:

Real Ingredients, No Compromise

Every ingredient in ClimbCare was chosen for a reason; and that reason is healing. No water, no synthetics, no cheap fillers. Just pure, skin-loving ingredients that:

• Deeply Nourishing Ingredients
• Protects without suffocating
• Heals splits, flappers, and raw skin fast

From vitamin-rich tallow (or mango butter for the vegan version), to anti-inflammatory helichrysum and frankincense, ClimbCare goes beyond softening your skin; it actively helps it recover. Find the full list of ingredients here: ClimbCare Ingredients

Designed for Climbers, Not Consumers

ClimbCare wasn’t whipped up in a boardroom or mass-produced in a factory. It was crafted in small batches, by a climber, for climbers. I built it to solve the problems other balms didn’t:

• Healing that lasts overnight (not just for an hour)
• No greasy mess - Arrowroot minimises greasyness
• Fast absorption and long-term results

It’s tested on real, chalk-dusted hands—not lab mannequins.

Vegan or Non-Vegan? You Choose

Not everyone has the same values—and that’s okay. Whether you prefer the original tallow-based formula for its unmatched skin compatibility, or the plant-powered vegan version with mango butter and candelilla wax, you’re still getting the same commitment to quality and performance. No shortcuts. No substitutes for effectiveness.

Cleaner Than the “Natural” Brands

ClimbCare avoids:

• Fragrance oils that can irritate broken skin
• Preservatives that don’t belong in something meant to heal
• Synthetic emulsifiers that dilute potency

Compare it to other balms that include phenoxyethanol, parfum, or even preservative cocktails; you’ll see the difference. Your skin doesn’t want chemicals. It wants nutrients. And that’s all ClimbCare gives it.

It Just Works

This isn’t about marketing; it’s about results. Climbers who try ClimbCare come back because they notice the difference:

• Split tips heal faster
• Hands feel stronger, not just softer
• Less irritation, fewer flare-ups

It’s not just skincare. It’s skin repair.

Closing Thougths From Me:

ClimbCare wins because it was made with intention, honesty, and real climbing life in mind. You don’t need hype. You need hands that can keep climbing; and that’s exactly what ClimbCare delivers.

If you’re tired of greasy balms, underwhelming results, and ingredient lists you can’t pronounce; give us a try. Your hands deserve better.

See you on the wall.