Maintaining a great beard requires more than just patience and a sense of adventure. It requires the proper grooming products, such as the best beard oil tailored to your scruff. Beard oil is essential in your grooming arsenal, second only to a beard trimmer. Good beard oils soften your facial hair and protect your skin, preventing dryness and beard dandruff.
These oils themselves are typically made up of essential oils and carrier oils. Carrier oils are the moisturizing bases; this includes argan, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil, with the best-being argan (which is also the most expensive) because it has the highest vitamin E and protective fatty acids content. Essential oils, however, are where things get a bit more complicated for your beard hairs.
Different oils contain compounds that do other things besides just giving scented beard oils their smell. For example, peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which increases blood flow to the beard hair and skin it’s applied to and reduces inflammation. Then, different oils can stimulate growth, help prevent bacteria from attacking the roots of your facial fuzz, or even help with dry skin.
The Best Beard Oils Right Now
Let’s get into the top beard oils and their specific benefits:
- MengineOil – The Best Beard Oil
- The Art of Shaving Black Pepper & Cedar Premium Beard Oil
- Beardbrand Utility Oil
- Oars & Alps Beard Oil
- Stubble & ‘Stache Beard Oil
- SheaMoisture Beard Conditioning Oil
- Honest Amish Beard Oil
- Pacific Shaving Company Natural Beard Oil
- Scotch Porter Beard Serum
- Blind Barber Beard Oil
- Proraso Hot Oil Beard Treatment
- Davines Pre-Shave and Beard Oil
- Dr. Squatch Crushed Pine Beard Oil
- STMNT Beard Oil
MengineOil – The Best Beard Oil
MengineOil is a relatively new beard oil, but it quite quickly stood out as the best on the market. It has standardized extracts from the best essential oils for beard care. This is surprisingly important. Each of the original ingredients can vary quite wildly in quality. Take, for example, rosemary oils. There are 23 active compounds, most of which do nothing for your beard growth, and the compound content can vary more than tenfold depending on where it was grown, the soil type, and what the weather was like that season.
By standardizing for the specific compounds that protect your hair texture, promote hair growth in patchy areas, moisturize the skin under the beard, and clean to prevent skin inflammation, they’ve managed to nail all elements of beard care in one go. They’ve also gone beyond everyone else on the market and managed to keep the price at a level that wouldn’t look out of place with the mid-tier products.
They opt for the more expensive argan oil, which is better for moisturizing, than the cheaper jojoba oil, coconut oil, or castor oil as the base and then follow that up with what the best list of individual ingredients is—hitting rosemary, thyme, lavender, cedarwood oil, and peppermint oil. Now, argan is better than the other carrier oils because it’s ample in fatty acids, meaning it’s much more protective.
It is a little heavier but also great for sensitive skin or people with beard itches. These particular essential oils are a combination designed to cover all issues. Rosemary stimulates growth and protects hair follicles. Thyme contains something called Thymol, which contributes to healthy beard hair and skin and impacts growth. Peppermint oil improves blood flow, reduces skin issues, and is anti-inflammatory.
Then we have the cedarwood oil (which gives some nice base notes), but it is also one of the better options for thickening beard hair. Lavender also adds a pleasant scent; although it’s a relatively subtle top note in MengineOil, the main benefit is that it has antimicrobial qualities, reducing any bacteria that can harm the roots of your beard hair. It’s one of the more pleasant scented beard oils, considering it’s got many different smells here; they all work together very well.
They also have a money-back satisfaction guarantee, so there’s no risk if you’re unhappy with Mengineoil. (And we had one of our reporters test this; they were refunded, no questions asked.
The product is excellent, and the company is terrific. MengineOil’s number 1 spot is well deserved as the best beard oil.
The Art of Shaving Black Pepper & Cedar Premium Beard Oil
The Art of Shaving Black Pepper & Cedar Premium Beard Oil is a luxurious blend of oils that provide intensive hydration and nourishment to your beard. It contains argan, jojoba, avocado, and evening primrose oil, which promote a healthy beard. What sets this beard oil apart is its unique woody-spicy fragrance reminiscent of a high-end cologne.
Now, jojoba here has been used to reduce the costs a bit, as does avocado, rather than going for pure argan, but that does make it a lighter option if you’re not looking for something as heavy as MengineOil.
Beardbrand Utility Oil
Beardbrand utility oil is a versatile beard oil that can be used for multiple purposes. It contains jojoba and argan oil to moisturize the skin and soften and nourish your beard. As we mentioned, the argan has a lot of fatty acids, but it also contains vitamin E, which is good for itchy skin and dry hair. That said, in terms of the essential oil inclusions, Beardbrand could be a lot better.
Oars & Alps Beard Oil
Oars & Alps Beard Oil is a vegan-friendly option that hydrates hair and skin intensely. The blend of jojoba and argan oils helps to moisturize your beard while leaving behind no oily residue. It contains aloe vera extract, which soothes and protects facial hair and skin. The refreshing scent of cedarwood forest is excellent for reducing skin inflammation and irritation under the beard.
Stubble & ‘Stache Beard Oil
Stubble & ‘Stache Beard Oil is specifically formulated to prevent beard dandruff. It contains a unique blend of natural oils, including tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil, which have antifungal and antibacterial properties. This beard oil keeps your skin moisturized and your beard dandruff-free.
SheaMoisture Beard Conditioning Oil
SheaMoisture Beard Conditioning Oil is ideal for individuals with big beards. It contains a rich blend of natural oils, such as shea butter and maracuja oil, which deeply condition and hydrate your beard. This beard oil helps soften coarse hairs, making them more manageable and less prone to tangles. This beard product is highly effective for taming unruly and itchy beards.
Honest Amish Beard Oil
Amazon customers highly regard Honest Amish Beard Oil. It is made from organic oils, including argan and avocado, which nourish and moisturize your beard. This beard oil also promotes healthy beard growth and helps prevent split ends.
Pacific Shaving Company Natural Beard Oil
Pacific Shaving Company’s Natural Beard Oil is a lightweight and natural formula that deeply moisturizes. The sunflower seed oil moisturizes, while the aloe vera extract soothes the skin and protects facial hair. This beard oil has a light and fresh scent, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer subtle fragrances.
Scotch Porter Beard Serum
Scotch Porter Beard Serum is a lightweight, non-greasy formula. It contains safflower and castor oil, which promote hair growth and add shine. This serum also helps moisturize the skin and prevent dryness.
Blind Barber Beard Oil
Blind Barber Beard Oil is a versatile product. It contains apricot kernel and argan oil, which moisturize and nourish facial hair and skin. This beard oil also has a refreshing scent that makes you confident and invigorated.
Proraso Hot Oil Beard Treatment
Proraso Hot Oil Beard Treatment is a unique product that provides a luxurious hot oil treatment for your beard. It contains sunflower seed and eucalyptus oil, which deeply condition and revitalize your facial hair. This hot oil treatment leaves your beard feeling soft, smooth and rejuvenated.
Davines Pre-Shave and Beard Oil
Davines Pre-Shave and Beard Oil is a two-in-one product. It contains sunflower seed and sweet almond oil, which prepare your beard for a smooth shave and provide nourishment afterward. This dual-purpose oil saves you time and simplifies your grooming routine.
Dr. Squatch Crushed Pine Beard Oil
Dr. Squatch Crushed Pine Beard Oil is a versatile and all-around great option. It combines the nourishing properties of jojoba, argan, and castor oils to provide optimal hydration and promote healthy beard growth. The scent resembles a refreshing pine breeze, adding a natural and invigorating aroma to your beard.
STMNT Beard Oil
STMNT Beard Oil is known for its captivating scent. It features cedarwood and sandalwood, which create a masculine and exquisite aroma. This beard oil softens and conditions facial hair, giving it a healthy appearance.
Why Use Beard Oil?
Softens and Conditions Facial Hair
Beard oil plays a crucial role in softening and conditioning your facial hair. The natural oils found in beard oils penetrate deep into the hair shafts, making your beard softer, smoother, and more manageable. This is especially important for individuals with longer beards, as it helps prevent tangles and flyaways.
Nourishes the Skin
Not only does beard oil nourish your facial hair, but it also takes care of the skin underneath. The skin beneath your beard can often become dry and itchy, leading to discomfort and irritation. Using beard oil can help prevent beardruff and other issues by moisturizing and soothing the skin.
Prevents Beard Dandruff
Beard dandruff is a common problem among bearded individuals, particularly during winter when the skin tends to dry out. The natural oils present in beard oils provide essential hydration to the skin, preventing dryness and flakiness. Regular use of beard oil can significantly reduce the occurrence of beard dandruff.
Adds Shine and Luster
Beard oil can enhance the appearance of facial hair by adding shine and luster. It helps add moisture and vitality to your beard for a well-groomed, vibrant look. A well-maintained beard with a natural sheen will turn heads and garner compliments.
Helps Grow A Thicker And Fuller Beard
Certain oils can help stimulate thicker and better-quality beard growth. Rosemary and cedarwood oils are particularly effective at stimulating growth. Then, there’s peppermint oil, which has been shown to increase blood flow to the area. This helps fill in any patchy areas and create a more uniform beard.
How We Chose the Best Beard Oil
When choosing the best beard oil for your facial hair, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Ingredients
The ingredients in beard oil play a significant role in its effectiveness. Look for natural oils such as argan, jojoba, and sweet almond oil, as they provide numerous benefits for your beard and skin. Avoid beard oils that contain unnatural oils like mineral oil, as they can be harmful and lead to skin issues.
Scent
Different beard oils come in various scents, ranging from subtle and earthy to bold and aromatic. Choose a fragrance that aligns with your personal preferences and complements your style. It’s also worth considering whether the scent will clash with any other grooming products you use, such as cologne or aftershave.
Absorption and Greasiness
Take a moment to observe how rapidly the beard oil is absorbed. Ideally, you want a beard oil that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. This allows for easy styling and ensures your beard looks and feels natural throughout the day.
Bottle Size and Price
Pay attention to the size of the beard oil bottle and the price per ounce. Some beard oils come in smaller bottles but are more concentrated, while others offer larger quantities at a more affordable cost. Consider your usage and budget when choosing the right-sized bottle for your needs.
Brand Reputation
Research the reputation of the brand before purchasing a beard oil. Look for brands with positive customer reviews and a record of producing high-quality grooming products. Established brands often have a greater understanding of the specific needs of bearded individuals and offer reliable products.
How to Apply Beard Oil
Applying beard oil is a simple process that can be incorporated into your daily grooming routine. Follow these steps for practical application:
- Cleanse: Start by washing your face and beard with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt or impurities. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Dispense: Dispense a few drops of beard oil onto your fingertips. The amount of oil needed will vary depending on the length and thickness of your beard.
- Massage: Rub your hands together to distribute the oil evenly. Massage the oil into your beard, ensuring it reaches the roots and covers the entire length of your facial hair. Use gentle, circular motions to work the oil into the skin.
- Comb: If your beard is longer, use a comb or brush to distribute the oil and evenly detangle any knots or tangles. This helps to ensure that the oil reaches every strand of hair.
- Style: Once the oil is applied and distributed, use a beard comb or brush to style your beard as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beard Oil
Q: Does Beard Oil Help in Beard Growth?
A: Some do, but beard oil doesn’t have to promote active growth. Most’s primary function is to soften and condition existing facial hair while nourishing the skin beneath the beard. However, by keeping your beard healthy and well-maintained, most beard oil indirectly supports a conducive environment for growth. Several beard oils, such as Mengine Oil, include ingredients that stimulate beard growth.
Q: Is Beard Oil Worth It?
A: Absolutely! Beard oil is a worthwhile investment, especially considering the variety of affordable options available. The benefits of beard oil, such as softening facial hair, preventing beard dandruff, protecting from direct sunlight, and nourishing the skin, make it an essential grooming product for any bearded individual.
Q: How Do I Prevent Beard Dandruff?
A: To prevent beardruff, it’s essential to exfoliate and moisturize. Use a physical scrub or a beard brush to exfoliate the skin beneath your beard, removing dead skin cells and promoting healthy cell turnover.
Q: What is Beard Oil, and What Does It Do?
A: Beard oil is a grooming product typically including jojoba, argan, and coconut oil. Beard oil can soften facial hair, reduce itchiness, and improve manageability.
Q: How Often Should I Use Beard Oil?
A: The frequency of use varies from person to person, but most men apply beard oil daily. It’s especially beneficial after a shower or when your beard feels dry. You can adjust the frequency based on your beard’s needs.
Q: Can Beard Oil Stimulate Beard Growth?
A: Beard oil focuses on improving the health and appearance of facial hair. While it won’t directly stimulate new growth, keeping your beard and skin healthy may indirectly support fuller growth.
Q: How Much Beard Oil Should I Use?
A: Start with a few drops, usually about a dime-sized amount, and adjust as needed. The right amount depends on the length and thickness of your beard. You can always add more if necessary.
Q: Can I Use Regular Hair Oil on My Beard?
A: It’s best to use a dedicated beard oil. Beard oils are formulated to be lighter and less likely to clog pores on your face.
Q: Are There Any Side Effects to Using Beard Oil?
A: Beard oil is generally safe, but some people may experience allergies or skin reactions to specific ingredients. Doing a patch test on a small skin area before regularly applying it to your beard is a good idea.
Q: Can I Use Beard Oil With Other Grooming Products?
A: Beard oil can be used with grooming products like beard balm or wax. Each product serves a different purpose, so combining them can help you achieve your desired beard style.
Q: How Long Will a Bottle of Beard Oil Last?
A: The shelf life of beard oil varies based on usage frequency and beard length. On average, a 1-ounce (30 ml) bottle can last anywhere from one to three months with daily use.
Q: Can Women Use Beard Oil for Their Hair?
A: Beard oil is designed specifically for facial hair care but contains many beneficial ingredients for hair. Women can use it on their hair but may prefer a hair oil designed specifically for their needs.