Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm - Do you need both?
Beards grow themselves.
But if you want to help yours along - healthier, fuller, and looking its absolute best - then quality products make a big difference.
Enter beard oil and beard balm.
Both are designed to keep your beard happy, strong, and well‑behaved… but do you need both? Or is one better than the other? Let’s break it down.
Beard Oil
A quality beard oil is a daily essential for any beardsman. It’s especially important in the early stages of growth, helping to reduce itch while delivering much‑needed moisture to both your skin and beard hair.
Think of it as a moisturiser — but for your beard.
Why beard oil deserves a spot in your routine:
- Hydrates and nourishes the beard, adding a healthy, manly shine
- Moisturises the skin underneath, helping prevent beardruff
- Supports stronger, healthier beard growth
- Stops that almighty beard itch
- Makes your beard smell bloody good
- Helps keep things neat and tidy
Quality matters here. Not all beard oils are created equal, and it all comes down to the carrier oils used. A top‑tier beard oil will typically include oils like jojoba, argan, almond, castor, and ideally a hit of Vitamin E.
Common oils you’ll find in a quality beard oil:
Jojoba Oil
One of the most important oils in any beard oil worth using. It mimics your skin’s natural oils (sebum), locks in moisture, helps fight bacteria and fungi, and can even promote healthy beard growth.
Argan Oil
Known for protecting and regenerating both skin and hair. It locks in moisture, reduces breakage, and is rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids — great for all skin types.
Almond Oil
A popular skincare staple. It softens, soothes, and nourishes the skin while delivering proteins and Vitamin D.
Avocado Oil
Packed with vitamins and minerals, including biotin. Excellent for supporting healthy hair growth.
Grapeseed Oil
Lightweight, fast‑absorbing, and rich in Vitamin E and Omega 6. Great antiseptic and moisturising properties.
Hempseed Oil
High in fatty acids that help strengthen damaged hair, add shine, and support thicker growth.
Meadowfoam Oil
An ultra‑stable oil that locks moisture into the skin and adds shine to dry or damaged hair — while also helping extend product shelf life.
Castor Oil
A long‑lasting carrier oil that nourishes hair follicles and can promote growth without clogging pores.
Coconut Oil
Strengthens follicles, locks in moisture, and supports all‑round beard health.
👉 Check out our range of premium beard oils here.
Beard Balm
Beard balm does many of the same things as beard oil - moisturising, conditioning, and softening the beard - but with one key difference.
It’s thicker.
Because beard balm is made with a wax and/or butter base, it absorbs more slowly and provides light hold and styling. That makes it perfect for longer, unrulier beards that need a bit of discipline.
Why choose beard balm?
- Provides moisture and conditioning
- Adds shape and control
- Tames stray hairs
- Keeps longer beards looking sharp all day
If your beard has a mind of its own, balm is your secret weapon.
👉 Check out our range of quality beard balms here.
So… One or Both?
That one’s up to you - it really comes down to preference. But here’s our take:
- Short beard or just starting out? Go with a beard oil.
- Longer, unruly beard? Beard balm will keep things under control.
- Love your beard and don’t mind options? Use both - you won’t regret it.
How to Use Them Together
Apply beard oil first, working it into both your beard and the skin underneath.
Follow up with beard balm for extra moisture and light styling.
Pro tip: A beard brush helps distribute product evenly and keeps everything looking sharp.
Beard on.
