Every beard-growing complaint — too itchy, too prickly, or too “sore” for your partner — has a solution: the best beard balm. Think of it as a combination between a leave-in conditioner and your beard wash, relieving dandruff and soothing the skin underneath. Not sure if you need it? Try this: Rub the sides of your chin as if deep in thought. If your beard is splitting, crackling and popping instead of whispering sweet nothings, it’s time for nourishment.
You can always reach for the best beard oil in your medicine cabinet, but if you prefer a lighter touch or lean toward oily skin, a balm is your answer. Great for taming flyaways and adding some shape, it will leave your beard softer, smoother and more toned. For larger beards, you can pair it with a little styler for hold.
Here’s the trick: After showering and towel drying, start with a nickel-sized amount, and rub it down for a neat look. And remember, conditioner can build up, so give your beard a regular shampoo to keep it fresh. Now, if you’re ready to revitalize your beard, here are the best beard balms.
The best beard balm, at a glance
Say goodbye to rough, itchy bristles and hello to these balms that smooth, tame and moisturize your facial hair.
Overall pick: Seven Potions Beard Balm Woodland Harmony
This beard balm is award-winning in the making: best feel, best standalone product, coolest box – the list goes on. With a soft, smooth texture that melts easily in your hands, it is neither too oily nor too waxy, providing a healthy, delicate shine without any residue. I’ve been eating it long after I’ve finished testing, and with its quality at this price, it’s a product I’ll repurchase when this tin is empty.
Best Value Beard Balm: Goodfellow & Co. Moroccan Mint & Cedarwood Beard Balm
For only eight dollars, this is easily my new favorite product. It’s Target’s in-house branding, and honestly, I like it. It’s firm to start with—you’ll need to rub it in a little or use your fingernail to extract some of it—but a little goes a long way. The scent is surprisingly refined: light, minty, with a touch of musk, and refreshingly natural, not synthetic.
Best beard balm for a little shine: Billy Jealousy Gnarly Sheen Beard Balm
The true sign of a healthy beard is a subtle, natural shine, and this balm provides just that. It melts easily on contact, and smoothes easily thanks to a blend of coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter—all nourishing ingredients that keep your strands looking their best. You will feel the difference after just a few days.
Best Scented Beard Balm: Beardbrand Utility Balm
Credit where it’s due: This brand nailed the scent. With oak, leather, amber, ylang-ylang, and a touch of lemon, it’s a rich, multi-layered blend that definitely deserves its name. The balm’s texture is smoother than most other products, and you’ll get serious value — the box is almost twice the size of the others on this list. Bonus: It works wonders on your hair, too — perfect for taming frizz after you shower.
Best dual-duty beard balm: Jack Black Leave-In Balm for Hair and Beard
This game-changer is the opposite of the harder painkillers on this list. Thanks to its soft and airy texture, it works just as well on the hair as it does on the beard. It has a clean, non-sticky feel that softens when dry and doesn’t leave a sticky feel on your hands. For those looking for serious hydration or running on the greasy side, try this water-rich formula, which moisturizes a little differently than heavy versions of essential oils.
Best MVP Certified Beard Balm: Blind Barber Bryce Harper Beard Balm
No matter which team you support — or play for — you can’t deny that Bryce Harper has a legendary beard. It’s so epic that he partnered with the powerhouse barbers at Blind Barber in New York City to launch a collection that provides amazing control without the use of gunk or gunk. Whether you wear a little scruff or have luscious hair, this conditioner will work wonders for you.
Best Classic Beard Balm: Pete & Pedro Fresh Beard Balm
If you are looking for a classic and reliable option, this is your perfect choice. It strikes the perfect balance – not too firm, not too soft. The scent is refreshingly light amidst a sea of heavy fragrances. It’s subtle and natural, not at all artificial or overpowering. The only catch is the texture, it may come out in clumps, but don’t worry! Simply warm it up in your hands before applying, as you would with all of these products.
Best lightweight beard balm: King C. Gillette Beard Softener
Do you have a greasy beard or are you just aiming for that luxurious softness? This gentle, non-greasy conditioner is your best bet. With a moist, ointment-like texture, it’s like a leave-in balm for your beard – but better. It has a pleasant old school scent and provides instant hydration without a heavy residue. Just keep in mind that it won’t last as long as those oil-based or wax-based formulas.
Best Travel Beard Balm: Reuzel Beard Balm
This compact, twist-up tin—weighing just 1.3 ounces—is the perfect travel companion. A little goes a long way with this medium-hardness conditioner, which has a subtle scent that’s just right. While it leans toward the waxy side, it melts easily in your hands and applies smoothly without any weird residue. It’s especially great for men with long beards, as the waxy texture provides extra hold for that polished look.
What to look for in a beard balm
Whether you have a short beard, a long beard, or anything in between, finding the perfect beard balm can be a journey – full of trial and error – but once you discover the right one, you’ll be hooked for life. . If you’re not sure where to start and don’t want to buy dozens of products, start with your barber. They often have an option to try. Pay attention to every detail! For me, texture is key, but for others, price or shine level may be more important. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Just be sure to check your beard for a few hours or even the next day. If it feels softer and looks healthier, you’re on the right track.
Like a good beard brush and other facial hair products, texture plays a crucial role in the beard balm experience, and is completely subjective. Don’t be shy about hard painkillers; It will heat up nicely with some friction, and you can even use the back of your fingernail to extract some of it. Just remember to get it on your hands before applying it to your beard hair. On the flip side, a lightweight balm can work wonders too, though it may lack the long-lasting hydration found in oil- or wax-rich formulas.
This aspect is (almost) entirely a matter of personal preference – choose what you like! But here’s a tip: The smell of beard balm shouldn’t be the first thing people notice when you walk into the room. It should be more than a personal fragrance for you to enjoy. Personally, I lean towards unscented products, as I like to style my fragrances separately. No matter what scent you choose, it should be light, just like the ones on this list.
If you’re serious about beard care and growth, always take the time to scan the ingredient list in any beard product, from natural beard balm and beard wash to beard butter and beard balm. Although it’s becoming more common for quality products to be free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, beware of alcohol, too, as it can dry out your beard or cause beard itch, dandruff, flaking, and dry skin. Most reputable mainstream and independent brands are aware of these concerns, so budget products are often where you’ll find red flags. When in doubt, choose high-quality options that contain hair-friendly ingredients – after all, one jar of beard balm should last you a long time!
