A little bit of product goes a long way when it comes to beard styling and maintenance.
Whether you want to make your facial hair more manageable, reduce itch, improve the condition or just encourage healthy growth, beard oil is a must.
With so many options you may be unsure where to begin so here’s everything you need to know when looking for the best oil for your beard.
1. Proraso Beard Oil (Top Pick)
The Proraso Beard Oil softens your hair, soothes your skin and has a great woody scent. The brand has stood the test of time and this oil is well-rated for its use in cold and dry climates where your skin and beard may be dry and in need of some extra attention.
This oil is made in Italy and offers great quality. It can handle all beard types but is particularly well suited to thicker and longer styles.
This gentle formula protects and nourishes, it helps stop flaking and prevent itching while also taming and softening your beard. After application, your beard will have a medium shine without feeling heavy or looking wet.
What We Like:
- Nourishing formula
- Softens and soothes
- Ideal for longer beards
What We Don’t Like:
- Scent can be overpowering
2. American Barber Beard Oil
The American Barber Beard oil is designed for use on longer beards. This is a multi-purpose oil that softens and conditions with just a few drops.
This oil is lightweight but strong as it is filled with conditioning properties to help you tame your beard. It is light and gentle enough that you can use it as part of your regular routine.
This oil leaves your facial hair soft and smooth. Although it is best suited for longer styles, it can still be used on shorter lengths so if you’re in the process of growing your beard out this is a good option that will last you well.
What We Like:
- Best for longer beards
- Lightweight
- Conditions and tames
What We Don’t Like:
- No indication of whether it is scented or unscented
3. Mountain Man Badass Beard Care Beard Balm
The Badass Beard Balm from Mountain Man is an effective product that works great on all beard types. It is handcrafted, contains all organic ingredients and is great value for money. This balm comes with a little black bag for storage and a guitar pick for scooping the product from the tin easily.
The balm has a subtle pine scent, is easy to work with and styles with a light-medium hold. It will help tame those fly-away hairs while also soothing your skin.
This balm is designed to help improve the health and condition of your beard. Its formula also works to hydrate dry skin, reduce skin irritation, minimise itch and encourage healthy beard growth.
What We Like:
- Improve beard health and condition
- Easy to work with
- Organic
What We Don’t Like:
- The scent is subtle so is maybe not as long-lasting as some products
4. Milkman Beard Oil – King of Wood
Milkman ticks all the boxes with their preservative-free, vegan-friendly, Australian made beard oils. King of Wood has a rich, deep scent and coats your hair, sealing in moisture and leaving it soft to touch.
Made using botanical oils, this balanced formula is designed to be itch-free and make your beard more manageable and easier to style. Your beard will feel great and will be free from tangles.
The Milkman beard oils come with an applicator, making it quick, easy and clean to measure out and use the desired amount.
What We Like:
- Australian made
- High quality
- Moisturising formula
What We Don’t Like:
- Higher price compared to other options
5. SEB MAN The Groom Hair and Beard Oil
The Groom Hair and Beard Oil from SEB MAN is a great all-round grooming product that is designed to moisturize and cool skin while smoothing and adding definition.
It is infused with grape seed, jojoba, almond and argan oil. The oil has a thick consistency and you only need to use a small amount to control your hair and beard so the 30ml bottle should last well. Once you spread it evenly throughout your hair it will add controlled definition and shine.
Uncomplicated in its design and use, the oil can be used on hair and beard so you can simplify your routine and not worry about using separate products.
What We Like:
- All-round use
- Fresh scent
- Gentle formula
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t help with shaping
Beard Oil Buyers Guide
With so many beard oil products available, how do you know which one is best for you? Use this guide to help you figure it out without having to trial lots of different products.
Your Beard Type
First, you should think about your skin and beard needs, for example:
- Is your beard thick? Thick beards generally benefit from stronger oil.
- Does your beard feel coarse? A coarse, dry beard will need conditioning beard oil to help soften the hair.
- Does your skin irritate easily? Sensitive skin will react to harsh chemicals so be sure to check the oils ingredients list.
- Is your skin dry and itchy? Try to go for options with natural ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil and argan oil that help to soften your beard while also soothe your skin. Many beard oils with these ingredients will also contain vitamin E which acts as a stabilizer.
- Do you want to reduce irritation, moisturize and prevent the effects of ageing? Choose options that contain apricot kernel oil.
- Do you want a great all-rounder that covers all bases? Look for oil with aloe vera.
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Beard Oil Ingredients
Beard oil contains a range of ingredients and it’s always better to go for natural ingredients as they are gentler on your beard and skin.
- Carrier oils – these are from the fatty part of a nut or palm, carrier oils are often used for massage or pain relief. The carrier oil forms the base of the beard oil. Key examples include argan oil, jojoba oil, almond oil and sunflower seed oil.
- Essential oils – beard oils contain a small amount of essential oil such as peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus or lavender. Essential oils are great but they can be powerful so the correct dilution rate is essential to ensure it is gentle enough to use on your face.
Ease of Application
You will want an oil that is easy to apply and distribute evenly throughout your facial hair. Some beard oils come with a dropper which makes it a lot easier to get the desired amount out of the container. An easily applied beard oil is a must if you want to add it into your regular grooming routine.
Size
Most beard oil products come in a small glass bottle, it might not look like a lot but it will last you a long time as you only need a couple of drops each time. If you are trying out a new mixture, buy the smaller container as it gives you a chance to see if it works for you.
While buying a larger bottle size might seem like a good idea, keep in mind that beard oils have a shelf life of about 1 year and it may be less if it is made from natural oils.
Price
Price is not a good indicator of product quality, and premium price does not mean you are getting a premium product. Instead of relying on the price tag as an indication, look at the ingredients list, whether the brand is reputable and whether the beard oil respects and adheres to quality standard and regulations.
Why Use Beard Oil?
The best beard oil can transform your facial hair and the skin beneath it.
Apply beard oil to:
- Tame your facial hair
- Stop and prevent beard itch and dandruff
- Moisturize
- Reduce dryness and damage
- Smell amazing
Beard Oil vs Balm
A beard oil is a liquid while a balm is a soft solid that contains ingredients such as cocoa butter, beeswax or coconut oil to give it that thicker balm consistency. Balms also tend to contain waxes that help with styling.
Beard Oil FAQs
For best results, apply beard oil twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening before bed. Just make sure you don’t over-apply oil as this will leave your beard hairs looking greasy.
You can apply too much oil in one go and this will cause your beard hair to look greasy. It can also cause the skin underneath to become oily and you may experience clogged pores, blackheads and spots. It is best to use less and add more as needed.
