Skip to Content

10 Best Beard Balms for Conditioning & Robust Hold 2023

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Taking care of a beard requires a lot of work, such as washing, trimming, and styling, but do you take that step with the best beard balms? A healthy beard needs its maintenance, and a large part of that maintenance is the form.

best smelling beard balmBest smelling beard balms are another essential tool for anyone who is seriously engaged in beard care, grooming, and maintenance.

Plus, to keep your beard beautiful and healthy, using some of the best smelling beard balms makes your beard hair much more pleasant.

After a while, washing your beard with shampoo will dry and destroy the protein in those long beard hairs instead of feeding it.

Best beard oil with natural ingredients like argan oil, avocado, jojoba oil, and almond oil help restore your beard and keep it shiny, but it doesn’t help make it look more robust.

Best beard balm is very versatile:

  • It can be used with beard oil.
  • Used as a stand-alone beard conditioner
  • It helps you to style your beard

What is the beard balm used for?

big bearded man portrait - beard s and pictures What is beard balm used for?

Beard balm is a substance used to solve 4 main problems
  • Soften your beard.
  • Make your beard healthier.
  • Prevent and cure beard dandruff
  • Provide styling control.

Whether it’s the cold winter months or the hot, dry heat in the middle of the summer – the best beard balm should be used in all seasons.

But why?

You may notice it becoming both itchy and flaky when you start growing a beard, even if it is not very long.

This is due to the dryness of your skin and the lack of beard oil.

Sebum oil is an oil naturally produced by the glands in your skin.

It gives your skin and beard hair the essential nutrients to look healthy and softer beard.

Consider beard balm as a supplement to the natural sebum oils that your skin already produces.

The addition of beeswax in a balm protects your skin and gives structure to your beard.

Therefore, if your facial hair is a little unmanageable, this added ingredient can keep your beard in place all day long.

Before Buying: Tips to Choose the Best Beard Balm

smiling bearded man. - beard s and pictures Before Buying: Tips About Beard Balms You Need To Know

Before we discuss our best smelling beard balms, in this first section, we will make a list of the features that you should keep in mind when reading those reviews.

We are here to help you, and here you can quickly see what to look for when looking for the best beard balm.

Remember these features here in the list, and they will help you find the best smelling beard balm that suits your specific needs.

1. Holding Power

When you shop for a new beard balm, you will come across many companies that mark their beard balm as one of the following strengths:

  • Light
  • Medium
  • Strong

As the labels infer, the holding power should help set performance expectations around a beard balm.

Generally, if you think your facial hair can become a little unmanageable, you should expect a medium to Stronghold beard balm to keep your beard in shape all day long.

This can be especially important for men who may have problems with their beards getting in the way while eating.

Most beard balms with a medium or more substantial shelf life had a higher concentration for composition.

Therefore, you should expect lower conditioning properties for these beard balms with strong holding strengths.

2. Natural ingredients

Of course, we see the best beard balm packed with quality essential and natural oils.

If a product comes in contact with our skin for a long time, we want it to be as mild – and natural – as possible.

3. Odor

We know that scent is important to you, so we have done our best to describe the aroma of any balm.

10 Best Beard Balms Of 2023

After a healthy dose of research and testing in the real world, here are our top choices for the best smelling beard balms you can pick up now.

1. Honest Amish Beard Balm Leave-in Conditioner

Honest Amish Beard Balm Leave-in ConditionerView On Amazon

If you have had a beard for a while and have played with some of the different beard care products, you will probably come across the name Honest Amish once or twice, and the classic beard balm product is still one of the best beard balms currently on the market.

Honest Amish Beard Balm Leave-in Conditioner 1

This is great for reducing the amount of itching and dandruff often found in long beards, and it works excellent through consecutive days of use.

In addition to the standard range of essential oils, Honest Amish also uses Shea Butter, cocoa seed butter, Aloe, and other ingredients to make the balsam odor fantastic.

During the composition of Honest Amish, you will not find any harsh chemicals or fake odors, and this rugged look at the utterly natural movement is another reason we can not get enough of it.

Pros
  • Focuses on fixing beard dandruff
  • Beard soften within a few days
  • Made from all-natural ingredients (making it perfect for both facial hair and skin)
Cons
  • The odor is a bit polarising.

2. Badass Beard Care Beard Balm For Men – Badass Beard Care Reviews

Badass Beard Care Beard Balm For Men - Badass Beard Care ReviewsView On AmazonBadass Beard Care has been treating bearded men for years, and they are incredibly good at it.

Made in the USA and run by military veterans, it doesn’t get more American than this.

Badass Beard Care Beard Balm For Men - Badass Beard Care Reviews 1But in addition to feeling incredibly patriotic when applying this beard balm, it delivers a beautiful warm scent and the right mix of ingredients.

The ingredients are top-notch and include shea butter, cocoa butter, dandruff may oil, eucalyptus oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and more – you can view the complete list on their site.

Therefore, if you are dealing with a dry beard or a little beard itch, you should be happy with the results after a few short applications of this best damn beard balm for beard growing journey.

Since this is more a hydration-focused beard balm, the concentration of beeswax is a lot lighter. Therefore, if you have a very long beard and want some structure, this beard balm product is unsuitable.

However, if you are still within a few centimeters of the total beard length, this is the best beard balm.

Pros
  • Warm vanilla and sandalwood fragrance intoxicating
  • It offers a nice light to medium hold
  • Made in the USA by veterans
Cons
  • For the size, it is quite expensive.

3. Wild Willie’s Beard Butter

Wild Willies Beard ButterView On AmazonIf you’ve ever used beard growth products before, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Wild Willie’s.
The brand is very popular with beard lovers around the world.

Their beard balm, which is advertised as the best beard butter, is handmade from locally sourced ingredients in the USA without coloring agents, preservatives, or fragrances.

It contains 13 organic key ingredients that provide a blend of carrier oils, essential oils, and beeswax.

If you are sensitive to flavors, there is a natural Tea-Tree scent or a refreshing mint flavor. Both have a slightly active aroma profile that lasts for at least an hour before it evaporates afterBeard Butter

With so many oils listed as key ingredients in this beard balm, your beard will feel incredibly beard soft and look healthy within about a week.

Regarding the scent of this beard balm, it has tea tree oil, lavender oil, and cedarwood essential oils; it does give off a lavender/woodsy scent.

This isn’t for you if you prefer an unscented beard balm.

Pros
  • Get your beard incredibly soft.
  • The beard balm contains an impressive list of ingredients.
Cons
  • Not made animal-friendly.

4. Scotch Porter Beard Balm

Scotch Porter Beard BalmView On AmazonThis great beard balm is one of the best for hydrating your beard and contains a wide range of natural ingredients, including marshmallow root, nettle leaf, aloe vera juice, shea butter, and jojoba oil, and various others.

Scotch Porter Beard Balm 1Although any man can use it, this moisturizing beard balm is perfect for black men.

The reason for this is that this balm could soften coarse and thick beard hair within a few days.

Although the moisturizing properties are the most vital selling point, the scent of this balm is a good second. A light marshmallow/coconut scent is both intoxicating and masculine.

Men fell in love with this scent, and even one person found out if Scotch Porter sold the same scent as a cologne.

If this has disadvantages, it will retain its strength.

If your beard is a bit unmanageable, you may have some trouble arguing with the whiskers of that product.

Pros
  • African-American men love this beard balm because of its intense moisturizing properties.
  • It smells great.
  • It makes your beard look soft and healthy.
Cons
  • It could have a bit stronger of a hold.
  • The price is at the higher end.

5. Grave Before Shave Bay Rum Beard Balm

Grave Before Shave Bay Rum Beard BalmView On AmazonThe following product we are looking at is a Grave Before beard balm – more specifically, the Bay Rum Beard Balm. Grave Before Shave follows in the footsteps of Liberty grooming products with only simple, natural ingredients, and this is present with the all-natural oils and butter through Bay Rum.

Grave Before Shave describes the fragrance as Bal Rum, and although it is a bit stronger than what you get at Virtu, that is not necessarily bad. Some customers are not completely satisfied with the smell of this, but we have personally fallen in love with it.

Grave Before Shave’s option is perfect in sweltering conditions and has excellent fragrance. Hot weather is something that many bale balms often struggle with, but you will not find such a problem with what Grave Before Shave made here. This will probably not be a big problem for our Northern readers, but this will become a significant game-changer if you live more in the South.

Don’t let the dry beard deter you from all your hard work.

Save it instead with this great beard balm from Grave Before Shave. With deep conditioning and a subtle scent of bourbon that lasts all day, this product helps you achieve everything, whether you want a tamed beard or a wild beard!

One of the disadvantages of the gentleman’s beard balm is that it is more than relatively light. Although the texture keeps the beard hair very soft and stylized, it does not stay good all day.

Pros
  • It offers a nice light hold that is good for short beards
  • Premium beard balm favored by experienced bearded doctors
  • Hydrates both skin and hair
Cons
  • The hold is missing a little
  • Priced at a premium

6. Beard Bolt XL Beard Balm

Beard Bolt XL Beard BalmView On AmazonPay attention to the beard bolt XL if you want to add some fuel to speed up your beard growth.

This all-natural beard balm promotes beard growth and contains a tonic of natural ingredients like caffeine, apricot oil, grape seed oil, and vitamin E oil for a fuller and thicker beard.

According to this study published on the National Institutes of Health website, caffeine was found to help with beard hair growth.

Also, vitamin E oil is linked to increased blood circulation – which is crucial to promote beard growth.

Men who used this product saw promising results after continued use.

If you’re skeptical about such a product, don’t worry, this beard balm will still work well by providing lots of moisture to soften and strengthen your beard.

Men also liked the light and nice scent of this beard balm.

Pros
  • It contains a mixture of ingredients that may speed up beard growth
  • Beyond growth properties, it’s an effective beard balm.
  • The scent doesn’t linger and is pleasant.
Cons
  • It was expensive.

7. Rocky Mountain Barber Company Beard Balm

Rocky Mountain Barber Company Beard BalmView On AmazonIt is not an easy task to follow Urban Prince, but it does well with the beard balm from Rocky Mountain Barber Company.

Rocky Mountain Barber Company Beard Balm 1You will not find artificial or unnatural ingredients anywhere in Rock Mountain’s beard balm, and the utterly natural ingredient mix is a real highlight of this product.

Cedar and eucalyptus are the two most prominent ingredients for the odor of the balm. It presents a somewhat masculine aroma without favoring the odor profile too much.

Beard balm – Rocky Mountain Barber – 100% natural – Premium styling wax mix with cedarwood scent, nutritious beeswax, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil

Key Features
  • Masculine fragrance
  • Portable
  • Provides superior control
  • All-natural

8. Smooth Viking Beard Balm

Smooth Viking Beard BalmView On AmazonSuppose you are looking for a lotion that offers extra grip without compromising hydration and conditioning. Smooth Viking Beard Balm solves the problem.

Smooth Viking Beard Balm 1The look looks thicker and drier than most other popular beard balms that you have tried before. But that is only when you apply it between your fingers and palms and rub it. It melts evenly and becomes a consistent, spreadable texture that allows easy application.

Whether your beard is short, long, or somewhere in the middle, Smooth Viking beard balm works wonders to control your unmanageable whiskers.

Using various natural ingredients, including jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, bergamot oil, shea butter, and candelilla wax, this all-natural beard balm was loved by men because it retained its structure throughout the day.

It still gave enough moisture to prevent an itchy beard or flaking.

The ratio of moisturizers to wax in this beard balm is one of the most balanced on our best smelling beard balms list.

Smooth Viking beard balm is made in the US – for more quality control on production.

Pros
  • Stronghold gives your beard structure throughout the day.
  • A mix of oil and butter will soften and hydrate your beard.
  • One of the highest valued balms on the market.
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • The smell may not be for everyone.

9. Cremo Styling Beard Balm

Cremo Styling Beard BalmThis beard balm is perfect for men looking for the best beard balm suitable for their long and flowing beard.

Cremo Styling Beard Balm 1Although the texture can be a little greasier than some of the buttery, sultry counterparts, Cremo’s beard balm has no problem styling and hydrating even the wildest beards.

The only disappointment with this styling beard balm is the scent.

Some have reported that although the aroma of peppermint is active in the beginning, it fades and is not bad, but others say that this balm resembles the strength of Vicks vapor friction. The Cremo product is easy to use, absorbs quickly, and feels your beard fresh and hydrated.

Designed for more extended and fuller beards, you would think that this balm would have much hold. But that is not the case. Although Cremo) is great for styling and hydrating a beard, you want to apply it again later in the day if you are very active.

The perfect balm for people with longer beards. Protects and cares for your skin and beard without feeling greasy.

Pros
  • The ultimate beard balm for those men with longer beards
  • The fragrance is refreshing.
  • Moisturizes and softens skin as well
Cons
  • The scent may be a bit too strong for some.

10. Grave Before Shave Gentleman’s Blend Beard Balm

Grave Before Shave Gentlemans Blend Beard BalmView On AmazonDon’t be put off by all the hard work of a dry beard.

Save it instead with this beard balm from Grave Before Shave. With deep conditioning and a nice scent of bourbon that lasts all day, this product helps you achieve everything, whether you want a tamed beard or a wild beard!

One of the disadvantages of the gentleman’s beard balm is that it is more than relatively light. Although the texture keeps the beard hair very soft and stylized, it does not stay good all day.

Also, the ingredient list does not contain all the essential oil that this product uses, so people with sensitive skin may want to avoid this balm.

Moreover, Grave Before Shave balm is easy to apply due to its buttery texture and leaves no residue. If you are looking for a best smelling beard balm for beginners, this might be what you are looking for.

Pros
  • It offers a nice light hold that is good for short beards
  • Premium beard balm favored by experienced bearded doctors
  • Hydrates both skin and hair
Cons
  • The hold is missing a little
  • Priced at a premium

Benefits Of Using Beard Balm

Benefits Of Using The Best Beard Balms

Butter

Butter acts as a moisturizer in the beard. The moisturizer nourishes your beard and ensures that your beard looks healthy and shiny. You all know that butter feels slightly greasy. So it works for styling your beard.

Note: most beard balm uses shea butter, which is beneficial for both hair and beard.

Beeswax

As the name implies, the wax is used for styling. The beeswax helps to straighten your coarse, curly, and wild hair. If you take a scoop of beard balm and put it directly into your beard, it hydrates and nourishes it.

After applying a good beard balm, you can spread it evenly over your beard using your hand. And finally, you can use a comb or beard brush to give it shape and style.

Natural essential oil

The best beard balm is a mixture of natural oils such as almond oil, seed oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, and other oils.

  • Almond oil: Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. These are the nutrients needed to beard grow silky smooth and healthy hair. It not only nourishes your facial hair but also helps to repair damaged hair on your skin.
  • Grapeseed oil: Some people don’t like the greasiness of beard balm. In that case, grape seed oil plays a role. It nourishes your facial hair and does not let you feel the greasiness in your hair. Moreover, it retains a moisturizing cream in your beard for a more extended period.
  • Avocado oil: Your facial hair will not look good and shiny if it does not receive essential nutrients. It is one of the fats that penetrate your hair shaft and hydrates your hair. It is due to the oleic acid present.

Beard Balm Vs. Oil Vs. Beard Wax – What’s The Difference?

The line between the best beard balm, beard oil, and beard wax can get blurred.

Admittedly, although it is not difficult to notice the physical differences, it can confuse what, when, and why one or the other is used.

Or even if you can use them together.

We have already discussed beard oil, and we can tell you that the best beard wax is very similar to beard balm but usually has a higher concentration of beeswax, while shea butter is often omitted.

So what’s this beard balm stuff?

Beard balm, as mentioned, generally contains beeswax and butter (usually shea or cocoa butter), and Beard oil is essentially a mixture of oils – which is clear.

On the other hand, Beard balm looks like lip balm or light hair wax. It is thicker than oil and comes in a smooth paste that you can easily mold into your hand.

Another way to look at beard balm is this: it’s a leave-in beard conditioner that is great for styling your beard and keeping stray hair in place. Like beard oil, it also hydrates and softens your beard – and is an essential tool in beard care kits.

FAQs About Beard Balms

Is a brush or comb needed for applying beard balm?

We get this question a lot from guys.

Is a beard brush or comb worth it?

The answer is a resounding YES!

You see that beard brushes and combs are made differently from other types of combs and brushes on the market.

Whether you apply a beard balm or beard oil, you must use a beard brush and comb.

But why?

A high-quality beard brush contains a bear’s hair.

This brush can catch excess beard balm in the facial hair and spread the product evenly in your beard.

On the other side of the equation is a beard comb.

Beard combs are mainly used to style your beard and give it a great shape and good beard styles.

With the bit of beeswax in a good beard balm, a beard comb gives you the ability to ensure that you can tame your mustache on the sides and give your beard structure.

It is important to note that beard combs differ considerably from your typical drugstore comb.

Beard combs are often cut and polished by hand. This leaves no micro-serrated edges and the comb’s teeth that can destroy your beard.

Beard Balm And Beard Oil: Can I Use It At The Same Time?

Because each beard is different, you must choose the most suitable routine. There is no reason not to use beard balm and beard oil simultaneously.

There are different ways to use the two products together:

  • Apply beard oil to the facial hair roots and rub it deep. You are then applying beard balm to the outside of your beard to give it extra hold.
  • You can apply once in the morning and at night. Again, it’s a matter of personal preference and your specific routine.
  • You can even apply them to other days.

When & How To Use Beard Balm (applying beard balm)?

People argue about beard products, such as beard balm and beard oil. It is a fact that, although the technique ensures that your beard strands are evenly covered, it is a relatively simple process.

Take a scoop of beard balm in your palm and rub it to melt it to cover your palm evenly. Now apply it to your beard and work your way from the roots to the edges. The amount of balm you need to use depends on the length of your beard.

If you plan to style it, you may need to use something more than you would otherwise apply.

However, if you have a very long beard, you may need more to get cover. Even if your beard is longer than 2 inches, you may have to use a beard brush and a comb to style the beard in the right way.

Conclusion

This post contains our ten best smelling beard balms. As I said before, if you have not tried beard balm yet and want to lift healthy beard growth to a new level, you should try it.

Getting only one beard balm out of all these options may seem complicated, and that is fair because it is.

We are really in love with all the best beard balms on this list, and you can not go wrong with what you end up with.

Our advice? Pick a few and try them out to see which suits you best.

References
  • bestgroomingtips.com
  • toolsofmen.com
  • baldingbeards.com
  • youtube.com
Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.

  1. Avatar for MaleSensePro MaleSensePro says:

    My favorite in the list is Honest Amish… they work perfectly in nearly all the conditions.. thats why I love them!

Comments are closed.