Beard Balm is a popular grooming product among men with beards. It is a leave-in conditioner that helps to nourish, hydrate, and style facial hair all in one.

Made from a different blend of natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils, beard balm provides numerous benefits to the skin and hair.

It can help with unruly beards, soothe irritation, and prevent dryness and flakiness.

Additionally, beard balm can provide a subtle hold to shape and define facial hair, making it an essential product for those looking to maintain a well-groomed appearance. 

Best Beard Balms

For more detailed and complete product reviews on benefits and features, keep reading.

Every man’s beard is unique, so some balms that work on your friends’ mane won’t have the same effect for you.

We know that the search for an ideal beard balm for your facial hair can be daunting and exhausting.

It requires a lot of time, patience and experimentation, all things for which you may not have enough time or money.

The following list with the best beard balms currently on the market will equip you with enough knowledge that will help you in finding your perfect beard balm.

Best Beard Balms Reviewed

Best Softener

We’ve been using the Honest Amish Beard Balm in our salon for all of our customers with rough, scraggly beard for years now.
I’ve tried testing some other balm options out there, but none so far has managed to make beard so soft like this one.

Something I’ve also noticed is less beard dandruff after using it on our repeated customers’ beards two to three times.
So yeah, it’s my go-to resource for the coarse facial hair.

I love how it also conditiones and nourishes the skin beneath the beard. The one thing I appreciate the most about it are the all-natural ingredients. You don’t see this everyday even with the balms that claim to be all natural. This one delivers though.

However, I always make sure to ask the client if he’s allergic to nuts. Why? Because this balm has nuts in it so I use for an alternative in that case. It would be good to have an option without the nuts since the balm ticks all the other boxes.

One thing that might be improved is the consistency since it’s thin, which makes it a little bit challenging to spread across the beard evenly.
It comes in a 2 oz tin, which is a bit on a smaller side since you need to use quite a bit of the product due to its consistency.

The scent is something between licorice and anise and it’s either you like it or not. All in all, as said, it’s my go-to balm in most cases.

Customers feedback:

The favorite thing almost all the customers report is how soft their beard is after the usage of the Honest Amish balm.
Next to this are its ability to remove beard itch and dandruff rather quickly, after only a few applications.

This is something we notice in our clients too. Some guys don’t like the anise scent which is overpowering and tends to linger for quite a while. Also, even though it’s very thin, some report it tends to feel quity greasy and not absorbing well into the beard.

Disclaimer: Might be due to the amount used, since in our barbershop we haven’t received the same complaints.

Best Absorption

When you apply the balm to your mane, you want it to soak into every strand to moisturize the roots and face skin.
This helps in eliminating beardruff and dreaded itchiness.

And that’s exactly what the Viking Revolution Beard Balm does, which is why we specifically like to use it on the clients with long beards.

It literally lasts for ages, even though one tin is only 2 oz. We use about a pea-size (more or less) for every client’s beard and it’s still more than enough to cover all of it. The consistency is uniform, it melts easily and it doesn’t feel greasy on hands or strands afterwards.

That’s a 5 star feature in our books (and in out long, bushy beards clients’ books since they’ve been raving about this).

It’s not every day you found a balm with the highest-quality, all-natural ingredients that absorbs so easily yet doesn’t make your beard look shiny like the Viking Revolution does.I might sound picky, but I also love when I can the product’s content out of the tin easily.

With the wide and shallow tin, this balm delivers in that compartment too. While I’d prefer the mango smell to last a little longer, our clients who are sensitive to fragrances love that the scent goes away after only a few minutes. A matter of personal preference, I guess.

With so many cool features and benefits (and an affordable price), we’re a bit disappointed by the weak hold of this balm.
It might not be suitable for the wild, scruffy beards just because of this, which really is a shave since it delivers on every other end.

Customers feedback:

Just like us, bearded guys love the smell and affordability of this balm. Another praised feature is the absorption and the fact that it doesn’t make a beard look shiny or greasy.

However, quite a few report that it doesn’t help much in softening the beard or managing the very coarse, stray strands.

Best Ingredients

Not every day you run into a beard balm with a superior hold and shaping powers like Smooth Viking Beard Balm. This is one of the reasons why we don’t only use it in our barbeshop, it’s also the reason why I personally use it when I want my beard to look a certain way.

Up to 87% of our clients report that it also makes their beard really soft and keeps it moisturized and well-nourished the whole day.

How can it not with such a combination of potent, natural ingredients like sweet almond, jojoba, argan, sunflower and pumpkin seed oil, shea butter and vitamin E. Since it has a thick consistency and you only need a small amount, 2 oz tin lasts for a few months.

I’ve noticed you need to be really careful with the application though since it tends to leave a slightly greasy residue, which I’m not a fan of and neither are most of my clients.

I usually don’t like to comment the scent since it’s mostly a matter of personal preference, but this balm could have much better and longer lasting smell.

Customers feedback:

Easy to absorb and strong hold seem to be the most common praises this balm receives from the customers. On another note, some buyers claim that it smells bad after only a few minutes. Significant number of them dislike the greasy residue after the application as well.

Best Scent

Rocky Mountain Cedarwood Beard Balm was actually recommended to me by one of our long-term clients with one of the best, longest and thickest beards so I had to order a few tins to test it out. Turns out, 7 out of 10 of them liked it.

What they particularly liked? The scent. The hold. The fact that it’s easy to absorb. What I liked the most? The eight powerful, all-natural and top-notch ingredients. The fact that it doesn’t leave gresy or oily residue and doesn’t cause that weigh down feeling.

We can argue on the hold since I like it a bit stronger. A mix of cedarwood and eucalyptus scent is light, not too overpowering, but not entirely my cup of tea. If you’re clumsy (like me on the busiest barbershop days), you’ll like the nice little detail in the form of a screw-top lid.

This allows the balm and tin in which is stored to never go to waste, accidentally open or get damaged. Unfortunately, due to its consistency and 2 oz tin it doesn’t last for long.

Customers feedback:

Most buyers like the lightweight cedarwood scent that is the strongest at first and then dissipates very quickly. Others dislike this very same feature. It’s also very popular among the guys who don’t like oily or heavy products in their beard.

The fact that it melts easily and ease of application are two other praised benefits. Among the many reviews, you’ll discover that the Rocky Mountain balm doesn’t do really well in getting rid of the beard dandruff.

The texture combined with the small tin is another thing customers don’t really like.

Best Value for the Money

In the early days of our barbershop, I was searching for the quality beard balm that combines quality ingredients, melts and spreads easily and provides value for the money.

I found all 3 of these things in the Prophet and Tools Beard Balm and has since been the balm we use regularly in the barbershop.

Where all other balms contain only 2 oz, this one is 60gr. Where all other balms’ effects dissipate after a few hours, this one provides a full-coverage for up to 12 hours, so you only need to apply it once a day.

We normally use it on clients who need their beard to look certain way for a special occasion since you apply it once and don’t think about it.

We’ve tested it on clients of all ethnicities and in 99% of situation it made their beards neater, fuller looking and eliminated irritation, split ends and dandruff. Not to mention it didn’t leave yellow stains even on white beards.

When you rub it between the fingers, it’ll melt exceptionally fast and turn into a crystal white color, blending with your facial hair’s color without staining the strands. Now, you don’t see that every day.

When a new client walks into the barbershop, Prophet and Tools balm is what I like to use and I always ask for their feedback.
So far, we had only a handful of guys who didn’t like its citrus scent, the others loved it.

Also we’ll often hear: ‘It’s so lightweight, I hardly even notice it’s there, yet my beard looks amazing.’ It sure does.
On a side note, it contains nuts, so make sure you don’t have nut allergies before the application.

Customers feedback:

The favorite things amongst buyers are the subtle citrusy scent and how easily it melts and absorbs into the beard.
On a side note, some argue the hold this balm provides isn’t very strong.

Best Hold

If you have a beard, you know about the Honest Amish Heavy Duty Beard Balm, arguably the most well-known balm on the market.
That’s why it hold a special place on the shelves in our barbershop as well.

We’ve had clients asking specifically for this balm to be used on their precious mane. We can’t argue with the fact of how expertly softens, tames and shapes the beard.

It contains the finest organic oils and butters, so no wonder (but also nuts, so make sure you’re not allergic before you get this one).

I love using it on my beard as well because it’s provides good everyday hold without being stiff or too greasy (if you don’t use too much, that is). Been there, done that and it did make my beard greasy, but I can’t blame it on the balm that I overapplied.

Since then, I’ve been using the right amount and the 2 oz tin should last you for well over a month. You can thank the thick consistency for that. This enables it to soak up pretty quickly.

If you want a thicker-looking beard, with no itch and flakes, get this balm since it helps with this after only 2 uses.
You’ll probably like the fresh citrus scent that goes away rather quickly. I know my clients do.

Customer feedback:

With one of the best ratings in the beard balm category, Honest Amish Heavy Duty version is loved amongst customers due to its ability to melt and spread easily, subtle citrus scent and the fact that it doesn’t make a beard look and feel stiff or greasy.

A few complaints state that it became too dry or oily over the years and it caused irritaion to some men (might be due to allergy to nuts or sensitivity, but who knows).

Best Overall

Since it hit the market, we’ve been using Beardoholic Leave-in Conditioner and Beard Balm in our barbershop regularly.
Where other beard balms fail to deliver (and you have to get other balms to cover for the things missing), this guy has it all.

I might sound biased, but we did made Beardoholic balm to be an all-in-one solution.

After doing an extensive research and seeing what other balms miss, we made sure to create the product that fills in all the gaps, while keeping the things bearded guys love in other balms as well.

We tested it in the barbershop on our long-term clients and 9/10 clients said they love the strong hold it provides, how lightweight, non-greasy it feels and how easily it absorbs. Another thing they reported is that beard itch and beardruff are completely gone within days.

As you know, I’m a big fan of the natural, high-end ingredients and that’s what this balms offers. Sure, it’s stored in a classic 2 oz tin, but it can last for months if you don’t overdo it since a little goes a long way.

We can argue on the orange scent. Some like it, some not so much, but fresh, citrusy balms are always my go-to and it seems most of my clients feel the same. Matter of preference, I guess.

Customers feedback:

Softening and moisturizing ability, hold and absorption are the favorite things among the buyers. Some men would prefer the smell to be a bit stronger or to be unscented, so we’re work on that in the future.

What Is Beard Balm

When you break it all down and strip away all the unknown confusion around this mystical beard balm, it’s an incredibly simple product to understand and use.

Essentially, a beard balm is a type of pomade for your facial hair.

One of the most popular beard care products for good reason, a beard balm is typically comprised of a variety of waxes and oils that are designed to support different types of beard.

Using the soft putty on your mane works twofold, both allowing you to gently guide your hair into the places you desire for optimal aesthetic appeal while also locking in loads of moisture and functioning as a leave-in conditioner of sorts.

So, before you jump on the next kit you see, check to make sure a high-quality beard balm is part of the deal.

Common Ingredients in the Best Beard Balms

When it comes to products you regularly use on your body – especially your facial skin and hair – it is always better to opt for all-natural. The beard balm is no exception.

The majority of high-quality balms that are actually worth your hard-earned cash is made with organic materials and natural ingredients like vitamin E, so it’s easy to weed out low-grade products from the start by skimming through the listed breakdown of what’s in a product.

Great, so you know to opt for “natural” products. Now what?

There are many different types of balms with a diverse array of benefits for different hair types and styles.

But a few common ingredients are used widely, as they are great building blocks to make a killer beard balm.

Those include:

High-Quality Oils

Carrier oils such as argan, jojoba, and grapeseed are relatively light oils that not only nourish your hair but also hydrate and protect the skin below it.

Natural Butters

Many products contain shea butter, aloe vera or cocoa butter, giving beard balm a creamy texture that’s appealing to the touch and also easy to apply.

Shea butter is also great for deep moisturizing and conditioning.

Essential Oils

This is where brands can really design products with specific care needs in mind.

In addition to their amazingly fresh scents, many oils – such as bergamot or tea tree – have antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

Others, like peppermint oil, are incredibly stimulating and cooling for the skin.

Sealant

A wax, usually beeswax, gives hold to hair and locks in all the moisture.

When used in a beard balm, the ratio of wax to other ingredients is much less than if you seek out wax alone for shaping, but it does give an added structure that allows you to groom and style to your liking.

Benefits of Using Them

The benefits of these products are many. Depending on what added essential oils are included in a specific tin, the results may be different for everyone.

But a few benefits are universal when it comes to a beard balm.

They make great beard softeners. As hair grows, it can easily become brittle and unruly if not well-maintained.

The line between a gorgeous, full mane and a scratchy bird’s nest is thin, and if you’re not adamant about beard care, things can go south quickly.

A beard balm can help keep your hair feeling soft and looking full. They genuinely improve the health of your skin and hair, not just how it all looks.

Because these products all packed with powerhouse oils and often handcrafted with specific types of skin and hair in mind, they provide excellent nutrients and moisture to the skin hiding under your hair.

Regardless of your skin type – oily, dry, or combination – there is a beard balm that’s right for you.

They can help prevent split ends. 

The rich oils in a beard balm can help keep nutrients and moisture locked into the hair and prolong the life of your beard.

They can cure and help prevent beardruff. Yup, you heard that right. Beardruff is dandruff that forms under a beard, and it’s an issue many people face.

They give you the ability to style your whiskers and look your best, with little to no effort.

What to Look for

There are many folks out there who want to use these products but don’t have all the know-how to seek out high-quality ingredients that will work best for their specific skin and hair.

When trying to decide where to buy a beard balm for your beard, it’s helpful to know what signs to look for that show a product is worth the investment.

The number one thing to keep in mind when shopping for a great beard balm is that synthetic ingredients are a no-go.

Just like you need to be wary of the artificial ingredients you consume through food and drinks, you should remain conscious of fillers in ingredient lists for hair and skin products as well.

Look for a product that boasts a long-lasting effect and has the reviews to back up that claim.

No one wants their mane to become unruly part way through a busy day.

Additionally, don’t let yourself be fooled by scent alone. Just because a product smells delicious doesn’t mean it is high-quality, and some of the best beard balms are only scented mildly or not at all.

Beard Balm vs Beard Oil: What’s the Difference

Now that you have a better understanding of what best beard balm is, it’s important to know what it isn’t.

And it most definitely is not the same thing as beard oil.

Commonly confused, balm and oil are two different products that serve different purposes.

And while there are hundreds of products out there they are relatively simple products.

In essence, beard oil is specifically crafted to match the natural oils that your body already produces.

Typically, a combination of different nutrient-dense oils such as jojoba oil or argan oil, these products provide the hair follicles with maximum moisture and are considered an essential tool when growing out beard.

Do You Need Balm and Oil?

Unlike beard balm, oils do not play a major role in styling, but they do set beards up for success and keep them looking full and healthy.

Because of this symbiotic relationship, many people opt to use both oil and a beard balm as a way to keep their beard healthy while also expertly styled.

You don’t need both, but depending on your beard goals, the combination can take things to the next level.

How Long Does a Tin of Balm Last

On average, a 1oz tin of beard balm will last upwards of a month if used regularly.

It depends on your beard length, if you have a short beard, your tin will last longer and vice versa for long beards.

So, when you think about how much bang you’re getting for your buck, beard balms truly are a great investment as you become your best-bearded self.

DIY Beard Balm vs Store-Bought: Which Is Better

When it comes to health and beauty supplies, there will always be a battle between the DIYers and those who buy products ready to use.

Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with either of the options, as long as the end result is improving the health of your skin and hair.

Nowadays, there are so many amazing products available in stores that are handmade and have high-quality ingredients.

While these may cost slightly more than it would make your own products, the convenience may be worth the extra few bucks.

On the other hand, if you have specific needs that a certain combination of oils could meet, then making your own products could be extremely fulfilling and worthwhile.

Regardless of what you choose, as long as the ingredients are natural and the product is working for you, there is no wrong answer.

If you’re feeling crafty, check out this guide on how to make a beard balm DIY and see for yourself which you prefer.

How and When to Apply It: Basic Beard Grooming Steps

Just like your head hair, you shouldn’t wash your beard every day.

But when you do, make sure to wash your beard with beard shampoo or beard bar soap.

This sets you up for a great grooming experience once you’re ready to apply your beard balm.

It’s best to apply beard balm when your skin and hair are warm and damp, such as after a shower, for optimal absorption.

Here are the basic steps:

Step 1

Take approximately a dime-sized amount of beard balm and rub it between your palms until it melts.

Step 2

Massage the melted product into your hair using a downward motion, beginning at the cheeks.

Start the process at the root of the hairs and work out to the tips for the best results and an even coating.

Step 3

Then, using a beard comb or brush, sculpt the mane into the desired style and tame any flyaways.

If you have a long beard, a comb will work best.

For shorter hair, try a brush for beard and mustache.

Final Word

So, what are you waiting for? With the proper knowledge and a small amount of effort, beard balms can become an easy addition to your grooming routine and take your beard game to a new level.

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