Beard oil is a conditioning product used to hydrate and soften beard hair. It’s also useful for moisturizing the skin underneath your beard.
People apply beard oil to keep their facial hair appearing fuller, softer, and more manageable. Some also use it with the aim of encouraging beard growth.
Continue reading to learn about beard oil’s benefits and common misconceptions. You’ll also find guidance on how to apply beard oil and a simple recipe to make your own.
Why do people use beard oil?
Tame the unruly
Facial hair typically has a coarser texture than scalp hair. Beard oil helps soften and add luster to beard hair. It also smooths stray hairs so the whole beard appears tidier and more groomed.
Hydrate the skin underneath
Beard oil helps keep the skin beneath your beard supple and healthy. It can also cut down on beard dandruff and itchiness.
Enhance fullness
Beard oil can make a patchy beard seem thicker and more luxuriant. For that reason, some individuals use beard oil hoping it will support hair growth.
Improve scent
Beard oil often has a pleasant aroma and can stand in for cologne. You can craft your own beard oil and pick a fragrance you like, or purchase a pre-blended product with a scent that appeals to you.
Does beard oil promote hair growth?
Not conclusively proven
There’s no definitive scientific proof that beard oil directly stimulates beard growth. That said, anecdotal reports suggest some essential oils commonly added to beard oil may aid in supporting or encouraging beard hair growth.
Examples include ylang ylang, bay leaf, and other essential oils rich in antioxidants.
Best used as a moisturizer
Beard oil is most valuable as a moisturizer for the skin under the beard. You’ll likely notice an improvement in the condition and look of your skin and facial hair soon after beginning regular use.
All skin types, even oily skin, benefit from nourishment and hydration. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, consider a beard oil containing essential oils with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, such as tea tree oil or cinnamon.
How do you use beard oil?
The ideal time to apply beard oil is after showering and shampooing your beard, or after washing your face. Applying when pores are open helps your skin absorb the product better.
You can try using beard oil daily or every other day to see what works best for you.
Avoid using too much oil, or your beard may look oily rather than well-kept. Tips for application:
- Dispense three to five drops of beard oil into your palms and rub it into your beard, moving downward. Do this when your beard is damp but not soaked.
- Be sure to work the oil through the entire beard.
- If your beard is dense or long, use a comb to distribute the oil evenly.
- You’ll likely need a larger amount for a long, thick beard.
- Finish by styling as desired.
What about beard balm?
Beard balm is another option to gain similar benefits. It’s thicker than beard oil and has a creamy, semi-solid texture.
You can use beard balm much like beard oil. Both products add shine, softness, and control to beard hair, and both help moisturize dry skin beneath the beard.
What is beard oil usually made from?
Beard oil commonly combines a carrier oil with one or more essential oils. Some blends also include vitamin E oil.
Carrier oils in beard oil are typically lightweight and mildly scented, such as:
- sunflower seed oil
- coconut oil
- argan oil
- jojoba oil
Therapeutic-grade carrier oils are often favored over culinary oils.
Essential oils may be added for fragrance and potential therapeutic properties; many possess antibacterial, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory effects. Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to your skin or beard.
Beard oil can include one or multiple essential oils. Certain essential oils suit oily, acne-prone skin better, while others are preferable for dry or normal skin—lavender oil being an example.
Regardless of skin type, choose non-comedogenic oils that won’t block pores.
Avoid commercial beard oils that contain preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or dyes. Opt for cold-pressed, organic, and additive-free options when possible.
What side effects can beard oil cause?
Ingredients in beard oil vary widely. Never use a beard oil containing something you know you’re allergic to.
If you experience an allergic reaction, rinse your face immediately and consider taking an antihistamine or other allergy medication.
Signs of an allergic reaction may include:
- hives
- itching
- burning
- redness
Some people may notice skin irritation from beard oil, particularly if the essential oils aren’t properly diluted.
Are there natural alternatives to beard oil?
Simple natural options
If you want the hydrating and softening effects without added fragrance, you can use mineral oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil on their own, without essential oils. This can also be a cost-effective approach.
You can buy these ingredients online:
Many commercial beard oil products are made from all-natural components. You can find these online.
DIY beard oil
You can also prepare beard oil at home. Store it in a glass bottle with a dropper. Amber glass bottles can help keep the oil fresher for longer.
- Choose a carrier oil with a light feel and neutral aroma.
- Try different essential oil combinations until you find a scent you like. Pick one or a few that blend well together.
- Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 2 to 4 tablespoons of carrier oil.
- Keep the mixture away from direct sunlight and store it at room temperature.
Find a glass dropper bottle online.
Other ways to potentially boost beard growth
Beard growth is largely influenced by genetics and hormones like testosterone. Healthy habits that may support testosterone production include:
- eating a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and quality carbohydrates
- taking supplements that contain vitamin D and zinc
- regular exercise and resistance training
- getting adequate sleep
- managing stress
Read more for additional beard-growing suggestions.
Takeaway
Beard oil is a grooming product designed to enhance the look of beards and the health of the skin beneath them. While it hasn’t been proven to speed up beard growth, it can make facial hair appear fuller, softer, and more luxuriant.
Anecdotal reports connect certain essential oils, such as ylang ylang and bay leaf, with potential beard growth benefits.
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