Let’s face it! Growing a beard is a bit more than just following a trend—it’s a way to showcase your style and give yourself a boost of confidence. But keeping a beard healthy and tamed takes work, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself on the hunt for the perfect beard balm to make that process easier.
So, if you’re here, you already know that using one of the best beard balms will help you achieve that well-groomed look, and I’m glad to share my personal experience to guide you in the right direction. In this post, I’ll walk you through the things to look for when buying a beard balm, my reviews of the top 7 beard balms, and even help you understand the differences between beard oil, balm, and wax. You’ll also get an easy guide on how to apply it the right way. Let’s dive in!
Quick Summary: What You Should Know Before You Buy
Before you buy: 4 things to consider when purchasing a beard balm
- Check Your Ingredients When I’m picking a beard balm, I always look for natural or organic ingredients. Balms stay on your beard and skin for quite a while, so using a product with harsh chemicals can lead to irritation or other unwanted reactions. Natural is always better.
Here’s what you want to look for in your balm:- Carrier oils like jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. These help moisturize and nourish.
- Natural butters like shea butter and cocoa butter to hydrate both beard and skin.
- Essential oils such as lavender, cedarwood, and eucalyptus for a nice scent without irritation.
- Beeswax for hold, although if you’re vegan, look for alternatives like carnauba or jojoba wax.
- What to avoid: Ingredients like isopropyl alcohol, sulfates, mineral oils, and artificial fragrances can strip your beard of moisture and clog pores, leading to dryness, split ends, and even beardruff.
- Check Its Hold Level Balms come in different hold strengths—low, medium, and strong. If you have a thick, curly beard like mine, a stronger hold is key to keeping everything in place. For shorter or more manageable beards, a light to medium hold should do the trick.
- Check Its Price No need to break the bank! Great balms are available between $5 and $40. While you can find quality options around $20, I’ve come across some real bargains that work just as well for less.
- Check Its Scent Whether you like scented or unscented balms, I suggest going for naturally derived fragrances. Artificial scents can dry out your beard and irritate your skin. I prefer a subtle, masculine scent that doesn’t clash with my cologne.
The 7 Best Beard Balms for Men
1. Best Conditioning Balm, Affordable: Honest Amish Beard Balm
What stands out about this beard balm:
- Medium to light hold
- All-natural ingredients
- Extremely hydrating and conditioning
The best beard balm for: Men with short to medium beards who want to keep their beard soft and well-conditioned.
Overview: If you’re into beard care, you’ve likely come across Honest Amish before. They’ve been around for a long time, and with good reason—their products are top-notch. The Honest Amish Beard Balm is packed with natural ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and essential oils like lavender. No harsh chemicals, preservatives, or artificial fragrances here, which I love because it’s safe for all beard and skin types.
How does it perform?
The butters in this balm provide deep hydration, making your beard soft and itch-free after just a few uses. I’ve found it works great on short to medium beards, providing a light to medium hold. It’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly, though it can leave a bit of a greasy residue on your hands. For me, that’s a small price to pay for a beard that stays hydrated and looks healthy.
The good:
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- Reduces beardruff and itchiness
- Deeply nourishes and softens the beard
- Affordable and free from harmful chemicals
The bad:
- Can feel a little greasy on the hands
- Not strong enough for taming long, thick beards
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for an affordable all-rounder that’s great for conditioning, Honest Amish Beard Balm is one of the best.
2. Best Versatile Balm: Beardbrand Utility Balm
What stands out about this beard balm:
- Light to medium hold
- Shea butter formula
- Amazing “Old Money” scent
The best beard balm for: Men who want a multi-purpose balm that works for both their beard and skin.
Overview: I love when a product does more than just one thing, and that’s exactly what the Beardbrand Utility Balm offers. It’s made with shea butter and jojoba oil, making it not only great for beards but also for skin, hair, and even tattoos. With vitamins A and E packed into the mix, it hydrates and softens the beard while reducing any signs of aging on your skin.
How does it perform?
The balm itself has a smooth, creamy texture, which makes it super easy to apply and leaves little to no greasiness. After rubbing it in, my beard felt soft and manageable, without weighing it down. The light to medium hold makes it perfect for shorter beards, but it won’t provide enough structure for longer ones. As for the scent—wow. The “Old Money” fragrance is a warm, woodsy scent that sticks around all day without being overpowering.
The good:
- Great for beard, skin, hair, and tattoos
- Deeply moisturizing with a luxurious scent
- High-quality packaging
The bad:
- A bit on the pricier side
- Might not be suitable for those sensitive to strong scents
Bottom Line:
If you’re after a versatile, premium balm that works wonders on both beard and skin, Beardbrand Utility Balm is worth the splurge.
3. Best Vegan Balm: Seven Potions Beard Balm
What stands out about this beard balm:
- Vegan-friendly formula
- Medium hold
- Very hydrating
The best beard balm for:
Those looking for a vegan-friendly option that still delivers on hydration and control.
Overview:
I’m always on the lookout for beard products that are natural and effective, and Seven Potions Beard Balm really stands out for its vegan formulation. Instead of beeswax, it uses carnauba and jojoba wax, which are great alternatives, though they don’t quite offer the same hold as beeswax-based balms. What’s impressive, though, is how well it still works for conditioning and taming beards.
This balm contains key ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, peach oil, and apricot oil, all known for their moisturizing and antioxidant properties. When I first used it, I found it absorbed easily into my beard without feeling greasy, unlike some other balms I’ve tried. The hold is comparable to Honest Amish Beard Balm, but perhaps a bit stronger, making it ideal for short to medium-length beards.
If you’re curious about the scent, the sandalwood and citrus blend is subtle and pleasant without being overpowering. It fades fairly quickly, leaving just a hint behind, which I found refreshing.
For those who prefer an unscented option, Zeus Conditioning Beard Balm is a solid alternative, though it’s not vegan since it contains beeswax. Additionally, if you have a long or thick beard, you might need something with a bit more hold, like Smooth Viking or Rocky Mountain Barber Beard Balm, both of which offer more control but aren’t vegan.
The good:
- Great sandalwood/citrus scent
- Vegan-friendly formula
- Not greasy, absorbs well
The bad:
- Doesn’t offer enough hold for longer or thicker beards
- A bit more expensive than other balms
Bottom Line:
Seven Potions Beard Balm is an excellent choice for those seeking a vegan-friendly balm that conditions well and smells great. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but worth it if you’re looking for premium, natural ingredients.
4. Best Beard Styling Balm: Smooth Viking Beard Balm
What stands out about this beard balm:
- Strong hold
- Highly hydrating
- All-natural ingredients
The best beard balm for:
Guys with long, thick, or curly beards that need serious taming.
Overview:
If your beard feels like it has a mind of its own, Smooth Viking Beard Balm is a game-changer. This balm provides a strong hold, and when I say strong, I mean Viking strong! It’s hands-down one of the best balms I’ve found for keeping unruly beards in check without making the hair feel stiff or unnatural.
It does have a thicker, waxier texture compared to other balms, so if you apply too much, it can feel a bit greasy. But I’ve found that it melts easily between your hands, and with the right amount, it works wonders for shaping and controlling longer beards. Despite its strong hold, it doesn’t sacrifice on moisture. Thanks to ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and pumpkin seed oil, it keeps your beard soft and hydrated all day.
The one downside for me was the scent—it’s not terrible, but it didn’t quite hit the mark. It’s a bit synthetic, almost like a deodorant, and not what I’d expect from an all-natural balm. That being said, the scent fades fairly quickly, so it wasn’t a dealbreaker.
The good:
- Strong hold without feeling too heavy
- Keeps hair moisturized all day
- Can be used to style your mustache as well
The bad:
- Scent might not be for everyone
- Can feel greasy if you over-apply
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a balm that can tame a wild beard and keep it hydrated, Smooth Viking Beard Balm is one of the best out there.
5. Best Scented Balm: Billy Jealousy Scented Beard Balm
What stands out about this beard balm:
- Available in a variety of scents
- Very moisturizing
- Medium to strong hold
The best beard balm for:
Those who value a premium scent and luxurious beard care.
Overview:
When it comes to premium scents, Billy Jealousy Scented Beard Balm takes the cake. With six different aromas to choose from, this balm allows you to personalize your beard care experience. I went with their Devil’s Delight scent, and I’ve got to say—it’s one of the best-smelling balms I’ve tried. It has a rich, masculine fragrance that lingers just long enough to feel like you’re wearing a high-end cologne.
Aside from the amazing scent, this balm also delivers when it comes to performance. It’s formulated with natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax, so it provides great moisture and a solid hold. I found the texture to be on the thicker side, but it spreads easily and doesn’t leave my beard feeling greasy. The hold is medium to strong, making it ideal for longer beards.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re sensitive to fragrances, this balm might not be for you. The scent is more noticeable than some of the other balms I’ve reviewed, so if you prefer something lighter or unscented, you might want to check out Seven Potions or Zeus Conditioning Beard Balm.
The good:
- Incredible, cologne-like scent
- Hydrates and tames even longer beards
- Provides medium to strong hold
The bad:
- Contains fragrance, which could irritate sensitive skin
- Thicker texture may not suit everyone
Bottom Line:
If you want a beard balm that smells as good as it performs, Billy Jealousy is a luxurious option that keeps your beard moisturized and under control while delivering an unforgettable scent.
6. Best Unscented Balm: Zeus Conditioning Beard Balm
What stands out about this beard balm:
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Nourishes and conditions
The best beard balm for:
Anyone who prefers grooming products without scent.
Overview:
If you’re someone who’s sensitive to fragrances or simply prefers not to have any scent in your beard products, Zeus Conditioning Beard Balm might be your perfect match. It’s formulated with all-natural ingredients, including beeswax, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter, making it a fantastic option for nourishing and conditioning your beard without the risk of irritation from artificial fragrances.
I love that it offers a medium to light hold, which works great for shorter beards. While it won’t provide the kind of firm hold you might get from stronger balms like Smooth Viking Beard Balm, it does a great job keeping shorter, more manageable beards looking healthy and groomed.
As far as the texture goes, it’s thick but not greasy, and I found that after warming it up in my hands, it applied smoothly without any shine. Though it’s unscented, you may pick up a very faint natural smell from the sunflower seed oil, but it disappears quickly.
The good:
- Light to medium hold that doesn’t make the beard feel stiff
- Fragrance-free, ideal for those sensitive to scents
- Doesn’t leave the beard overly shiny or greasy
The bad:
- A bit on the pricey side for an unscented option
Bottom Line:
Zeus Conditioning Beard Balm is one of the best unscented options out there, offering fantastic conditioning without any overpowering fragrance.
7. Best Liquid Balm: Proraso Liquid Beard Balm
What stands out about this beard balm:
- Liquid formula
- Excellent conditioning properties
- Variety of available scents
The best beard balm for:
Those who prefer a lighter, non-greasy balm with easier application.
Overview:
Proraso Liquid Beard Balm is unique in that it breaks away from the typical balm texture. Instead, it’s a liquid, and it performs incredibly well in conditioning your beard and soothing the skin underneath. If you’re someone who doesn’t like the thicker, waxier feel of traditional balms, this product is worth considering.
The liquid texture makes it super easy to apply evenly throughout your beard, and I noticed how refreshed and hydrated my beard felt immediately after use. It contains ingredients like glycerin, cedarwood, saffron, and eucalyptus, all known for their conditioning benefits. However, because of the lack of wax, it doesn’t offer much control for longer beards, so if styling is your goal, you’ll want to go with a different balm from this list.
As for the scent, I tried the Wood and Spice version, and it’s a great masculine scent that lasts for about an hour. It’s a little strong, so you might want to avoid using cologne at the same time. The only downside is that it contains some artificial ingredients, including fragrance and alcohol, which may irritate those with sensitive or very dry skin.
The good:
- Easy to apply and less greasy than traditional balms
- Conditions and softens the beard well
- Subtle, low-shine finish
The bad:
- Contains fragrance and alcohol, which may irritate sensitive skin
- Lacks hold for those with longer beards
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for an easier application with great conditioning benefits, Proraso Liquid Beard Balm is a premium choice. It’s ideal for those who want to hydrate their beard without the thicker feel of traditional balms
How We Chose the Best Beard Balms
Our approach to selecting the best beard balms comes from a combination of personal experience, extensive product research, and real customer reviews. We looked for balms that address key factors, such as ingredients, scent (or lack of it), level of hold, and overall performance. Our goal was to provide options for different beard types, lengths, and personal preferences to ensure there’s something for everyone.
Beard Balm vs Beard Oil vs Beard Wax: What’s the Difference?
With so many beard care products out there, it’s easy to get confused about what you need and when to use each. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between beard balm, beard oil, and beard wax.
Beard Oil
Beard oil is a conditioning product primarily designed to hydrate the skin beneath your beard, reducing itchiness and beardruff. It’s made from carrier oils (like jojoba or argan oil) and essential oils, which make it lightweight and easy to absorb. Beard oil is great for daily use, especially if you have a shorter beard or just want to keep your facial hair soft and your skin moisturized.
Beard Balm
Beard balm is thicker than beard oil, thanks to the addition of butters and waxes like beeswax. This makes balm more suitable for longer beards that need extra conditioning and some hold to keep the hairs in place. Balms are a great balance between hydration and styling, giving your beard a well-groomed appearance while nourishing it for the long term.
Beard Wax
Beard wax, on the other hand, is primarily for styling. It contains more wax than balm and is meant to tame unruly beards, giving you a firm hold throughout the day. While it can offer some conditioning benefits, its main purpose is to shape and control the beard, particularly if you have a long or curly one.
Can You Use Beard Oil and Balm Together?
Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, many men find that using both beard oil and balm gives them the best of both worlds: deep hydration from the oil and the added control and hold from the balm. Just remember to apply the oil first, as it absorbs quickly into the skin, followed by the balm to lock in moisture and shape the beard.
How to apply beard balm in 6 simple steps
If you’re new to the beard care routine, don’t stress! Applying beard balm is simple, and I’ve got you covered with these six easy steps to get the most out of your balm and ensure your beard looks and feels its best.
1. Apply your beard balm at the right time
The best time to apply beard balm is after your morning shower. Why? Because your beard will be warm and slightly damp, which makes it more absorbent to the balm’s nourishing ingredients. Plus, applying it early in the day ensures your beard stays controlled and looking great throughout the day.
2. Use the right amount
Take about a thumbnail-sized amount of beard balm from the tin. If you have a longer or thicker beard, you may need to double that amount. It’s always best to start small—you can add more if needed, but overdoing it can leave your beard feeling greasy.
3. Rub the balm between your hands
Rub the balm between your palms in a circular motion until it completely melts. This will make it easier to spread evenly through your beard and help distribute the nourishing ingredients from root to tip.
4. Start from the bottom
Begin applying the balm at the bottom of your beard and work your way upwards. By starting at the base, you’ll ensure that the balm gets down to the skin, where it can help prevent dryness and beardruff.
5. Spread it evenly
Using open hands, massage the balm into your beard in a circular motion. Make sure you’re working it in from the roots, not just applying it to the surface. Dig deep to nourish both your beard hair and the skin beneath.
6. Brush your beard
Once the balm is fully worked into your beard, grab a natural beard brush and brush your beard to spread the balm evenly and give it a well-groomed, controlled look. A brush will also help you shape your beard and ensure you didn’t miss any spots.
And that’s it! You’re ready to step out with a perfectly conditioned and styled beard that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
Well, that wraps up our guide to beard balms! I hope this article has helped you make a more informed decision about which balm is best for your beard care needs. Whether you’re looking for hydration, hold, or something fragrance-free, there’s a balm out there for everyone.
As always, if you have any comments, questions, or want to share your experience with beard balms (or any of the products we’ve reviewed), feel free to reach out. Your feedback is always appreciated!
Until next time, keep that beard looking sharp!
