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Best Beard Balms: Top 9 Choices for Men’s Grooming for 2024

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best beard balmsDiscover the finest beard balms to elevate your grooming game in 2024. Whether you’re aiming for a polished look or simply seeking to nourish your facial hair, the right balm can make all the difference.

From the conditioning prowess of Scotch Porter to the budget-friendly effectiveness of Burt’s Bees, this guide will help you find the perfect match for your beard’s unique needs.

Dive into our top 9 selections and master the art of beard care with the best beard balms on the market.

Key Takeaways

  • Beard balms provide both conditioning and styling benefits, making them a versatile grooming product for daily use.
  • Key ingredients like shea butter and beeswax are essential for moisturizing and providing hold, while essential oils add scent and additional benefits.
  • The choice between beard balm and beard wax depends on the desired hold and styling needs, with balm being suitable for daily nourishment and wax for stronger hold during special occasions.
  • Customizing beard balm allows for personalization in consistency, scent, and benefits, catering to individual beard types and preferences.

9 Best Beard Balms

If you’re looking to elevate your beard care routine, these top 9 beard balms are your go-to options for 2024.

Each one is crafted with key ingredients like shea butter and beeswax to condition, style, and maintain your beard’s optimal health.

1. Honest Amish Beard Balm Twist Tin

Honest Amish Beard Balm -View On Amazon
Dive into the world of beard care with the Honest Amish Beard Balm Twist Tin, a champion in grooming that’s handcrafted in the USA. This balm is your beard’s best friend, offering a soothing touch to both your skin and facial hair.

Its unique blend of virgin argan, avocado, almond, and other natural oils, combined with fruit and nut butters, ensures your beard stays soft, itch-free, and well-conditioned. Perfect for those aiming to grow their beard without the hassle of breakage or dryness, it’s the go-to for a healthy, flourishing beard.

Remember, a little goes a long way, and over-application might leave you a tad greasy, so use sparingly for that perfect sheen.

Pros
  • All-natural and organic ingredients
  • Softens and conditions the beard and skin
  • Handcrafted quality and trustworthiness
Cons
  • Can be oily if overused
  • Not suitable for people with nut allergies
  • Premium price point

2. Badass Beard Care Original Beard Balm

Badass Beard Care Beard BalmView On Amazon
Dive into the world of beard care with the Badass Beard Care Original Beard Balm, your secret weapon for a beard that feels as good as it looks. Infused with the intoxicating scents of Sandalwood, Bourbon, and Vanilla, this balm is like a love letter to your facial hair.

It’s crafted with 100% natural ingredients, ensuring your beard and skin get the VIP treatment they deserve. Say goodbye to itch and dandruff, and hello to healthy growth and soft, hydrated skin. Plus, with a satisfaction guarantee, it’s a risk-free leap towards a beard that commands attention.

Pros
  • Luxurious Sandalwood, Bourbon, and Vanilla scent
  • Softens hair and hydrates skin effectively
  • Made with 100% natural ingredients
Cons
  • Potent scent may not be for everyone
  • Tin size may appear smaller than expected
  • Potential customs charges for UK customers

3. Wild Willies Beard Balm Conditioner

Wild Willies Premium Beard BalmView On Amazon
Dive into the world of beard care with Wild Willies Beard Balm Conditioner, a game-changer for your grooming routine. Made in the USA, this 2-oz tin packs a punch with its all-natural ingredients, free from the nasties like chemicals, preservatives, and colorants.

It’s your beard’s best friend, offering hydration and softness while tackling the dreaded beardruff, itchiness, and split ends. Plus, it’s a growth promoter. But remember, while it’s a miracle worker, the scent might be a bit much for some, and the tin might seem like a tease in size.

For our UK friends, watch out for those pesky customs charges that could hike up the price by 40%.

Pros
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Moisturizes and softens beard hair
  • Promotes beard growth
Cons
  • Potent scent may not be for everyone
  • Smaller tin size than expected
  • Possible customs charges for UK customers

4. Scotch Porter Beard Balm Natural Men

Scotch Porter - All NaturalView On Amazon
Diving into the world of beard care, the Scotch Porter Beard Balm stands out for those with a thick mane. Imagine your beard feeling like it’s been through a spa day, every day. This balm is more like a thick lotion than a traditional balm, making it a breeze to apply.

It’s crafted to keep your beard looking its best all day, without the need for constant combing. Plus, it battles beard dandruff with ease when teamed up with a boar bristle brush and face scrub. The scent? It’s like walking through a forest after the rain – refreshing yet powerful.

However, don’t expect it to tame those flyaways; it’s all about hydration and softness here. And while it might feel like a splurge, a little goes a long way, lasting around 5 months. So, if you’re after a beard that feels as good as it looks, this might just be your new best friend.

Pros
  • Hydrates and softens thick beards
  • Amazing scent that captures attention
  • A 3 oz jar lasts about 5 months
Cons
  • More like a thick lotion with no hold for styling
  • The scent can be overpowering for some
  • Pricier compared to other products on the market

5. Grave Before Shave Bay Rum Balm

Grave Before Shave™ Bay RumView On Amazon
Dive into the world of beard care with Grave Before Shave Bay Rum Balm, a true treasure for your facial hair. This 2 oz. tin packs a punch with its Bay Rum scent, making your beard smell like a tropical getaway.

It’s like a pirate’s secret for a well-groomed beard, matey! The blend of top-notch oils and butters ensures your scruff stays soft and in shipshape. But beware, sailor, it might lighten your hair as if kissed by the sun, and the price? A bit of a treasure hunt for your wallet.

Pros
  • A scent that’ll make you the captain of charisma
  • Holds your beard like an anchor in a storm
  • Leaves your beard as soft as a siren’s song
Cons
  • Might give your beard a sun-bleached look
  • Could cost you a few extra doubloons

6. Delta Genesis Beard Bolt XL Hair Conditioner

Delta Genesis Beard Bolt XLView On Amazon
If your beard’s been feeling like a bristly beast, Delta Genesis Beard Bolt XL Hair Conditioner is your ticket to a softer, more civilized mane. This leave-in conditioner is a powerhouse, packed with natural oils like Hempseed and Jojoba, and it’s got caffeine to give your beard growth a little kick.

It’s fragrance-free, so it won’t clash with your cologne, and it’s fast-absorbing, meaning no greasy residue. Just smooth, strong strands that’ll make your beard feel like it’s had a spa day.

Pros
  • Natural ingredients nourish and strengthen beard hair
  • Caffeine stimulates growth and volume
  • Fast-absorbing and fragrance-free for a non-greasy, comfortable feel
Cons
  • May not provide enough hold for styling purposes
  • Fragrance-free formula mightn’t appeal to those who enjoy scented products
  • The 2.88-ounce size might run out quickly for those with fuller beards

7. Smooth Viking Beard Balm Strong Hold

Smooth Viking Beard Balm forView On Amazon
If your beard is the untamed wilds, Smooth Viking Beard Balm is your trusty compass. This balm is like a secret weapon for your face fuzz, giving it a strong hold with a natural shine that’ll make your beard look like it’s been groomed by the gods themselves.

It’s packed with natural goodies like avocado and argan oil, so while you’re sculpting your beard to perfection, you’re also giving it a spa day.

Pros
  • Provides a strong hold for unruly beards
  • Contains natural ingredients for nourishment
  • Made in the USA, ensuring quality
Cons
  • May need extra cologne for a stronger scent
  • Takes 20-40 minutes to fully absorb
  • Not suitable for those who prefer a lighter hold

8. Cremo Wild Mint Beard Balm

Cremo Styling Beard Balm, WildView On Amazon
If you’re aiming to keep your beard in tip-top shape, Cremo Wild Mint Beard Balm should be on your radar. Imagine your beard feeling as fresh as a brisk morning walk in the woods, thanks to the invigorating mint scent.

This balm isn’t just a treat for your nose; it’s a feast for your beard, too. With natural ingredients like beeswax and shea butter, it locks in moisture, taming frizz and flyaways with the finesse of a top barber.

Plus, at 2.5 ounces, it’s the perfect size to take on the go, ensuring your beard game stays strong wherever you roam.

Pros
  • Natural ingredients nourish the beard
  • Refreshing mint scent for an invigorating feel
  • Controls frizz and makes styling easier
Cons
  • Mightn’t suit those with very sensitive skin
  • Medium hold may not suffice for elaborate styles
  • Pricier than some other options on the market

9. Burt’s Bees Beard Balm Aloe Hemp

Burt’s Bees Conditioning Beard BalmView On Amazon
Wrapping up our beard balm journey, let’s dive into Burt’s Bees Beard Balm Aloe Hemp. Imagine your beard getting a hug from nature itself; that’s what this balm is like. Crafted with 99% natural ingredients, including the soothing touch of aloe and the nourishing embrace of hemp, this balm is like a green smoothie for your beard.

It’s easy to slap on, making your beard look as healthy as a morning jog feels. Plus, it ditches the bad stuff like parabens and phthalates, opting for a fresh woodsy scent that’ll make you feel like you’re taking a stroll through a forest, not a chemical plant.

Pros
  • Nourishes both beard and skin
  • Easy application
  • Fresh, natural scent
Cons
  • May not provide strong hold for styling
  • Limited scent options
  • Higher price point for the quantity

Key Ingredients in Beard Balms

Key Ingredients in Beard Balms
When selecting the best beard balm for your grooming needs, it’s essential to consider the key ingredients that make up the product. Shea butter, beeswax, and essential oils are commonly found in high-quality beard balms, providing conditioning, hold, and pleasant scents.

These ingredients work together to nourish both the beard and the skin underneath, offering benefits such as moisturization, improved texture, and a more manageable beard.

For those with specific preferences or needs, there are various options available. For instance, the Honest Amish Beard Balm is well-regarded for its natural ingredients and conditioning properties, while the Scotch Porter Beard Balm is noted for its ability to hydrate thick hair and maintain a healthy beard, although it may not provide strong hold for styling.

On the other hand, products like the Smooth Viking Beard Balm Strong Hold are formulated to offer a stronger hold for more unruly beards.

When applying beard balm, it’s recommended to start with a clean, dry beard, use a pea-sized amount, and distribute it evenly throughout the beard for the best results. This will help in achieving the desired style and maintaining the health of your beard.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is like the Swiss Army knife of beard care, offering a multitude of benefits for your whiskers. It’s the go-to ingredient in many beard balms for its ability to deeply moisturize and condition not just your beard but also the skin underneath.

This natural wonder is chock-full of vitamins A and E, making it a powerhouse for keeping your beard looking healthy and feeling soft. But it’s not just about the moisture; shea butter also helps to tame those wild flyaways, giving you a more polished look without feeling heavy or greasy.

If you’re looking for alternatives due to allergies or preferences, consider coconut oil or jojoba oil, which also offer conditioning properties, though with a different texture and weight. When it comes to sourcing, sustainable shea butter is key, as it supports the communities that harvest it and ensures the longevity of shea trees.

The history of shea butter dates back to ancient times, and its enduring presence in grooming products today is a testament to its effectiveness. So, when you scoop that beard balm into your palm, you’re not just grooming; you’re applying centuries of history and nature’s best to your beard.

Beeswax

Continuing from the benefits of shea butter, let’s delve into beeswax, another key player in your beard balm lineup. Beeswax is the workhorse that gives your balm its structure, providing a natural hold to keep those whiskers in check.

  1. Beeswax Benefits: It’s not just for candles—beeswax works wonders for your beard, offering a protective barrier that seals in moisture and fends off the elements.
  2. Beeswax Quality: The quality of beeswax can vary, so look for pure, unrefined beeswax to reap the full benefits for your beard conditioning needs.
  3. Beeswax Alternatives: For the vegans out there, candelilla wax is a plant-based beeswax alternative that doesn’t skimp on hold or nourishment.

Essential Oils

When it comes to beard balm, essential oils are the secret sauce that can turn your grooming routine from mundane to fragrant mastery. These potent plant extracts not only make your beard smell like a walk through a sun-dappled forest or a spice market at dawn, but they also bring a host of benefits to the table.

Essential oil benefits range from skin soothing to hair strengthening, making them a key player in beard conditioning.

If you’re whipping up your own DIY recipes, blending combinations of essential oils can be a fun experiment. Imagine yourself as a wizard concocting a potion that not only tames your mane but also pampers your skin.

But remember, with great power comes great responsibility—too much of a good thing can lead to skin reactions. Always use therapeutic-grade essential oils and mix them with carrier oils to keep your beard and skin happy.

For scent recommendations, think cedarwood for a touch of the great outdoors or peppermint for a refreshing zing. The possibilities are endless, and the right blend can make your beard balm a signature part of your personal style.

Just be sure to test your concoction to avoid any unexpected skin reactions, and you’ll be on your way to beard bliss.

How to Apply Beard Balm


To ensure your beard looks its best, proper application of beard balm is key. Start with a clean, dry beard.

Use a pea-sized amount of balm, spreading it evenly throughout your facial hair for a well-groomed appearance.

Clean and Dry Beard

To ensure your beard looks top-notch, it’s crucial to start with a clean slate. After washing your face, pat your beard dry—dampness is your ally here.

Now, let’s talk beard balm, your secret weapon for that enviable beard texture and health. Scoop a pea-sized dollop—less is more, folks—and rub it between your palms. It’s showtime! Work that balm into your beard, starting from the roots to the tips, ensuring every strand gets a taste of that nourishing goodness.

Pea-Sized Amount

Once your beard is clean and dry, it’s time for the magic touch.

Scoop out a pea-sized dollop of your chosen beard balm—trust me, a little goes a long way.

Rub it between your palms to warm it up, ensuring it melts just right.

Now, work it through your beard evenly, from root to tip, for a perfectly tamed masterpiece.

Distribute Evenly

When it comes to beard balm application, the trick lies in ensuring even distribution to reap the full benefits of the product for styling, maintenance, and nourishment of your facial hair.

After warming the balm between your hands, it’s time to get down to business. Think of your beard as a garden that needs thorough watering; you wouldn’t just water the entrance and call it a day. Start from the roots and work your way to the tips, ensuring every strand gets a share of the goodness.

For those sporting a fuller garden, don’t shy away from using a beard comb or brush as your ally to ensure no strand is left behind. This step is like the grand finale of a fireworks show, ensuring your beard looks its best, feels soft, and is perfectly styled.

Beard Balm Vs. Beard Wax

Beard Balm Vs. Beard Wax
When considering beard care, it’s important to understand the differences between beard balm and beard wax.

Beard balm offers a blend of nourishment and styling, providing a lighter hold suitable for daily use and conditioning.

On the other hand, beard wax is formulated for a stronger hold, ideal for more defined styling and managing unruly facial hair.

Ingredients and Texture

When it comes to grooming your beard, the choice between beard balm and beard wax can be as personal as your morning coffee order. Beard balm, often likened to a leave-in conditioner, is a multitasker that moisturizes and styles with a lighter touch.

It’s packed with dude-friendly essential oils and other nourishing ingredients like shea butter and beeswax, which are great for beard health and growth. On the flip side, beard wax is the heavyweight champion of styling, offering a firmer grip on those whiskers but skimping on the moisturizing benefits.

So, if you’re aiming for a polished look without the stiffness, beard balm is your go-to. It’s like the Swiss Army knife in your beard grooming toolkit, versatile enough to smooth things over and keep your beard looking sharp.

Plus, the scent of beard balm can be a game-changer, turning your facial fuzz into a fragrant forest of manliness. Remember, the best beard is a well-cared-for beard, so whether you’re just past the stubble stage or sporting a full Gandalf, a little balm can go a long way in keeping your beard trim and proper.

Styling and Hold

When it comes to styling and hold, the choice between beard balm and beard wax boils down to your grooming goals.

If you’re aiming for a well-nourished beard with a bit of style, beard balm is your go-to. It’s packed with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and essential oils, offering a medium hold that’s perfect for daily use.

On the flip side, beard wax steps up the game with a stronger hold, thanks to its beeswax and lanolin content, making it ideal for sculpting and taming even the most stubborn of beards.

Whether you’re looking to keep things natural and nourished or aiming for that impeccably styled look, understanding these differences will help you pick the right product. Remember, the best beard balms blend styling options with nourishment, while waxes focus on hold strength and beard shaping prowess.

Customizing Your Beard Balm

Customizing Your Beard Balm
When it comes to customizing your beard balm, the process allows for a truly personalized grooming experience.

By selecting your preferred consistency, carrier oils, and scent blends, you can create a product that meets your specific needs and preferences.

DIY Recipes

When it comes to beard care, crafting your own DIY beard balm can be a rewarding endeavor. Not only do you get to handpick DIY ingredients for their therapeutic benefits, but you also gain the cost-effectiveness of bulk purchases.

  • Select your base: Common bases include beeswax and shea butter, which provide a solid foundation for your balm.
  • Choose your oils: Carrier oils like jojoba or argan oil add nourishment, while essential oils offer scent and additional benefits.
  • Mix and set: Melt your base, stir in your oils, and pour the mixture into a container to solidify.

Essential Oils for Scent

When it comes to customizing your beard balm, your scent preferences are the captain steering the ship. DIY recipes give you the freedom to create custom blends that tickle your fancy or soothe your soul.

Think of essential oils as the spice rack of your grooming routine; a dash here and a sprinkle there can transform the mundane into the magnificent.

Essential Oil Properties
Cedarwood Woodsy, grounding, good for acne-prone skin
Bergamot Citrusy, mood-boosting, non-photosensitizing
Lavender Soothing, healing, great for skin and hair
Tea Tree Antibacterial, good for healthy skin
Rosemary Stimulates hair growth, antibacterial

Beard Balm for Different Beard Types

Beard Balm for Different Beard Types
When it comes to grooming and maintaining your beard, selecting the right beard balm is crucial for achieving the desired look and health of your facial hair.

Whether you have coarse hair, light scruff, or heavy scruff, there’s a beard balm tailored to meet your specific needs. The best beard balms are formulated with key ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and essential oils, which work together to condition, moisturize, and style your beard.

For those with coarse hair, products like Prophet and Tools Beard Balm Butter and Nivea Men Sensitive Calm Face and Beard Balm are designed to soften and manage tough beard textures.

Light scruff can benefit from lighter formulations that provide hydration without weighing down the hair, such as the offerings from Just for Men and American Crew.

For heavy scruff, balms like Brooklyn Grooming Grooming Balm and Scotch Porter Beard Balm offer the extra hold and nourishment needed to tame and style thicker beards.

By understanding your beard’s unique qualities and selecting a balm that addresses those needs, you can ensure your beard remains healthy, styled, and well-maintained.

Coarse Hair

For those battling the bristle of coarse hair, finding the right beard balm is like discovering a secret weapon.

Dive into homemade beard balm recipes or scout for recommendations that prioritize shea butter and beeswax. These ingredients are champions in styling thick beards, ensuring your mane not only looks tamed but feels healthier.

Embrace the journey to mastering beard health for coarse hair with the perfect balm.

Light Scruff

If you’re rocking light scruff and looking for the perfect beard balm, you’re in luck. For those with sensitive skin, consider balms with soothing ingredients like aloe or shea butter, which are gentle and hydrating.

DIY recipes can be a fun experiment, allowing you to mix and match ingredients like beeswax and essential oils to find your perfect blend. Texture differences are key; lighter scruff often requires a softer balm for easy application without weighing down your whiskers.

And for the jet-setters, travel-friendly containers ensure your beard stays in check, no matter where your adventures take you.

Heavy Scruff

For those of you sporting a heavy beard, managing that magnificent mane can sometimes feel like taming a wild beast. But fear not, the right beard balm can turn that unruly bush into a masterpiece of manliness.

  • Beard Softener is Key: A balm with shea butter and oils like coconut or argan will soften even the most stubborn of hairs, making your beard more manageable and touchably soft.
  • Tackle Patchy Beard Woes: If your beard has patchy areas, a good balm can help by nourishing the skin and follicles, encouraging healthier growth.
  • Say Goodbye to Beard Dandruff: Ingredients like beeswax and essential oils not only style and condition but also prevent the dreaded ‘beardruff’ by keeping the skin underneath hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can beard balm expire or go bad over time?

Yes, beard balm can expire or go bad over time, especially if not stored properly.

Look out for signs like a rancid smell or a change in texture, which indicate it’s time to toss it.

Keep it in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life.

How does beard balm react to different climates or weather conditions?

Beard balms battle brisk breezes and blazing suns, behaving best in balanced conditions.

In dry or cold climates, they bolster beard hydration, but high humidity can hike hair frizz.

Always adapt application to your area’s atmosphere for an awesome appearance.

Can beard balm cause acne or skin irritation for some users?

Yes, beard balm can cause acne or skin irritation for some users, especially if it contains comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil or certain essential oils that may irritate sensitive skin.

Is beard balm safe to use on colored or treated beard hair?

Beard balm, your beard’s knight in shining armor, is indeed safe for colored or treated hair.

Like a gardener tending to a vibrant garden, beard balm nourishes and protects, ensuring your colored mane doesn’t fade into the shadows.

Its natural ingredients, akin to a gentle embrace, care for both your beard and the skin beneath, without stripping away the color you’ve chosen to express your unique style.

So, fear not, for your quest for a lush, styled, and colored beard is well-supported by the trusty shield of beard balm.

How does beard balm impact beard dandruff or flakiness?

Beard balm moisturizes your skin and beard, helping to reduce dandruff by keeping the underlying skin healthy.

Conclusion

Nearly 55% of men worldwide sport some style of facial hair, making grooming essentials like beard balms more popular than ever.

As you’ve explored, the best beard balms blend nourishment with style, ensuring your beard looks and feels great.

Whether you opt for the stronghold of Smooth Viking or the natural touch of Burt’s Bees, remember to choose a balm that suits your beard type and personal preferences.

Elevate your grooming routine with the perfect balm today.

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!

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