Beard Balm vs. Beard Oil: Which Will Help Your Beard Thrive?

A few things need to be considered while choosing between beard oil and balm. In order to make an educated decision, take into account the following factors... You have to think about things like beard thickness, length, and hydration requirements, among many other things. Fortunately, we're Cremo and we're here to support you at all times. 

In this guide, we help educate you on the differences between beard balm (or beard scruff!) and beard oil, what they are needed for, and which is the right fit for your beard. Or, perhaps they’re both up for a place in the new morning routine?

Whether you’re a fully-fledged Viking beard lover or more of a regular shave-and-style man,  you want to ensure you have the right products for your beard preferences. Let us walk you through exactly what beard balm is used for and how beard oil can improve your beard.

From facial razors to styling beard products, let’s get stuck in…

What is beard balm?

A firm favourite among the grooming products, beard balm, is meant for men with facial hair, especially those with fuller or longer beards.

It typically consists of a blend of natural oils and waxes and is solid or semi-solid in consistency. The majority of beard scruffs and balms are composed of natural oils like almond, coconut, jojoba, or argan. These oils provide hydration for the beard hair and the skin underneath.

What is beard oil?

Beard oil typically consists of a blend of natural oils that are chosen for their moisturising and softening. It is also a man’s grooming product used to hydrate and protect a beard. But we’ll get stuck into the benefits in more detail below! 

The benefits of beard balm

Ok – let’s analyse the benefits of beard balm, this should help you decide which are most suitable and important for your needs. Although be warned, we’re a huge fan of both. 

Help styling

Natural waxes that offer a mild to medium grip, such as beeswax or shea butter, are frequently used in beard balms and beard scruffs. This allows you to manage flyaways and create a more put-together appearance by shaping and styling your beard. Beard balms also give your beard a slight shine. Always a winner in our eyes!

Protect the beard

Beard balm helps to defend your facial hair from harm by forming a barrier that keeps your beard safe from outside aggressors like bad weather and contaminants. 

Nourish and soothe irritation

By moisturising the skin beneath your beard and preventing ingrown hairs, beard balm can help reduce irritation and discomfort associated with growing and maintaining facial hair.

The benefits of beard oil

Using beard oil reduces the likelihood of tangles or knots. They help soften coarse hair, meaning your beard will be more manageable. But that's not the only reason men love beard oil so much, using beard oil also comes with so many other benefits. 

Prevents dandruff

Natural oils in beard oil serve as an antibacterial barrier and prevent your skin from drying out. Replacing missing or lost oils aids in the battle against dry skin (dandruff). 

Promotes beard growth

Beard oils aren't a mystical potion that will make your beard grow overnight; rather, they're meant to hydrate your skin, soften and moisturise your hair, all important factors that are needed for healthy beard growth! 

Soothes brass beards

A high-quality beard oil is one of the very best ways to add much-needed moisture! This soothes and will drastically improve flyaways and brassiness.

Related article… How To Grow a Beard Faster 

Beard Balm vs. Beard Oil

If you choose a lighter product or have a shorter beard, beard balm is perfect for you. It may be used to moisturise the skin behind the hair and is readily absorbed.  

Beard oil is more suitable for medium to long beards or if you have a thicker beard. Its thicker consistency and wax content provide more control and styling. 

Top Tip: When styling your beard, use a Beard Comb and a Beard Brush to help navigate your way through fuller beards

But what about beard sensitivity?...

Beard balm and sensitive skin

Beard balms often provide deep hydration, making it suitable for individuals with dry or itchy skin beneath the beard. It's also effective in softening and conditioning beard hair.

Beard oil and sensitive skin

High-quality beard oil provides hydration and helps you style your beard. It's especially useful for those who want to tame unruly beard hairs or shape their beard into a particular style.

The best option for men with sensitive skin

Beard oil is ideal for those with sensitive skin as it is often lighter and less prone to irritate their skin. Additionally, it absorbs fast, reducing the possibility of pore blockage. If you occasionally shave your beard and have sensitive skin, you may be interested in understanding more about razor bumps and how to avoid them: How To Prevent & Treat Razor Bumps.

Create your grooming routine with Cremo

We have a variety of items at Cremo that can help you get the closest shave possible. We are here to supply you with the right tools from beginning to end and all points in between. 

Use the Cremo Shaving Products for the best possible grooming and shaving experience. From barber-grade razors through to a range of Shave Creams and Shaving Bundles.

Now you have all of the gear it's time to put it all into action… Read our blog on How To Get The Closest Shave.

Enjoy this read? Here are some more articles we think you’ll love… A Man’s Guide To Shaving: A Step-By-Step Guide | How To Stop Beard Itch | How To Stop Beard Dandruff