Beard Oil vs. Balm: What’s Right for You?

Beard grooming has come a long way. These days, it’s not just about growing a beard—it’s about maintaining it, styling it, and making sure it doesn’t feel like wire wool on your face. Two of the most popular products in a modern man’s grooming kit? Beard oil and beard balm. They might seem similar, but they serve different purposes. Here’s how to decide which one’s right for you.

What is Beard Oil?

Beard oil is a lightweight blend of carrier and essential oils designed to hydrate both your beard and the skin beneath it. It’s ideal for softening coarse hair, preventing itchiness, and promoting healthy growth. Think of it as a leave-in conditioner for your facial fuzz.

Main Benefit: Moisturises skin and softens beard hair
Best for: Short to medium-length beards or men with dry, itchy skin
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, essential oils for fragrance

What is Beard Balm?

Beard balm is a thicker product with a creamy or waxy texture, thanks to ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and carrier oils. It’s like a hybrid between a moisturiser and a styling product. While it offers hydration, it also gives your beard light hold and shape—perfect for taming flyaways and making it look more structured.

Main Benefit: Moisturises, styles, and tames unruly hairs
Best for: Medium to long beards or those needing a bit of shape
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil, jojoba oil

Beard Oil vs. Balm: The Key Differences

Feature	Beard Oil	Beard Balm
Texture	Light and liquid	Thick and creamy/waxy
Hydration	Excellent for skin	Great for hair, moderate for skin
Hold/Styling	None	Light to medium hold
Best Beard Length	Short to medium	Medium to long
Shine	Glossy finish	Matte to low shine

When to Use Each Product

If your beard is in its early stages or you suffer from dry, flaky skin underneath, beard oil is your go-to. Apply it daily after washing your face to lock in moisture and keep things soft.

If your beard has grown out and you want to tame strays while giving it a more styled look, reach for a balm. It offers the control you need without making your beard stiff or greasy.

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely. Many men use beard oil after a shower to hydrate, then apply a small amount of balm to shape their beard once dry. Just don’t go overboard—too much product can leave your beard feeling heavy or greasy.

Top Beard Oils and Balms to Try

Beard Oils: Honest Amish Classic, Percy Nobleman Signature, Bulldog Beard Oil
Beard Balms: Seven Potions Beard Balm, Braw Beard Balm, The Bearded Chap Original

Final Call: What’s Right for You?

If hydration and healthy growth are your priorities, start with beard oil. If your beard needs structure and style, reach for balm. If you want the best of both worlds, use them together—just be mindful of how much you apply.

For more grooming advice, check out our guide on Beard Grooming 101 and our favourite picks for moisturisers for men with oily skin.

FAQs

Can I use beard oil and balm every day? Yes, but monitor how your skin and beard react. Daily use is fine if you’re not experiencing greasiness.
Should I apply these to a wet or dry beard? Beard oil is best on a damp beard, while balm is better on dry hair for styling.
Does beard balm help with growth? Not directly, but it can help maintain healthy follicles and reduce breakage.