Every gripe about growing a beard—too itchy, too prickly, too “ouch” for your partner—has a fix: the best beard balm. Think of it as a mix between a leave-in conditioner and a lotion for your beard, softening scruff and soothing the skin beneath. Not sure if you need it? Try this: Rub both sides of your chin like you’re deep in thought. If your beard snaps, crackles, and pops instead of whispering sweet nothings, it’s time for nourishment.
You could always reach for the best beard oil in your medicine cabinet, but if you prefer a lighter touch or tend toward oily skin, a balm is your answer. Great for taming flyaways and adding some shape, it’ll leave your beard softer, smoother, and more cooperative. For bigger beards, you can pair it with a bit of styler for hold.
Here’s the trick: After you shower and towel-dry, start with a nickel-sized amount, rubbing it downward for a groomed look. And remember, balms can build up, so give your beard the regular shampoo to keep things fresh. Now, if you’re ready to revitalize your beard, here’s the best of the best in beard balms.
The Best Beard Balm, At a Glance
Say goodbye to rough, itchy whiskers and hello to these balms that will soften, tame, and hydrate your facial hair.
The Overall Pick: Seven Potions Beard Balm Woodland Harmony
This beard balm is an award-winner in the making: best texture, best indie product, coolest tin—the list goes on. With a soft, smooth texture that melts effortlessly in your hands, it’s neither too oily nor too waxy, delivering a healthy, subtle sheen without a hint of residue. I kept reaching for it long after testing wrapped up, and with its quality at this price, it’s the one I’ll be repurchasing when this tin is empty.
Best Value Beard Balm: Goodfellow & Co Moroccan Mint & Cedar Beard Balm
For just eight bucks, this is easily my favorite new product. It’s Target’s in-house brand, and honestly, I’m impressed. It’s firm to start—you’ll need to rub it a bit or use your fingernail to scoop some out—but a little goes a long way. The scent is surprisingly refined: light, minty, with a hint of musk, and refreshingly natural, not artificial.
Best Beard Balm For a Little Sheen: Billy Jealousy Gnarly Sheen Beard Balm
A true sign of a healthy beard is a subtle, natural shine, and this balm delivers just that. Melting effortlessly on contact, it smooths on easily thanks to a blend of coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter—all nourishing ingredients that keep your whiskers looking their best. You’ll feel the difference after just a few days.
Best Smelling Beard Balm: Beardbrand Utility Balm
Credit where it’s due: this brand nailed the scent. With oak, leather, amber, ylang-ylang, and a hint of lime, it’s a rich, layered blend that absolutely earns its name. The balm’s texture is softer than most, and you get serious value—the tin is nearly double the size of others on this list. Bonus: It works wonders in your hair too—ideal for taming post-shower frizz.
Best Double-Duty Beard Balm: Jack Black Leave It In Hair & Beard Balm
This game-changer is the opposite of the harder balms on this list. With a soft, airy consistency, it works equally as well for hair as it does for beard. It has a clean, leave-in feel that softens as it dries and doesn’t leave a tacky texture on your hands. For those who seek serious hydration or run on the oily side, try this more water-rich formula, which hydrates a bit differently than the essential oil-heavy versions.
Best MVP-Approved Beard Balm: Blind Barber Bryce Harper Beard Balm
No matter which team you’re cheering for—or playing on—you can’t deny that Bryce Harper sports one legendary beard. It’s so epic that he’s partnered with the badass barbers at Blind Barber in NYC to launch a collection that delivers amazing control without the goop or gunk. Whether you’re sporting a bit of scruff or going full-on Bryce with a majestic mane, this balm will work wonders for you.
Best Classic Beard Balm: Pete & Pedro Fresh Beard Balm
If you’re looking for a classic, reliable choice, this is your go-to. It strikes the perfect balance—not too hard, not too soft. The scent is refreshingly light amidst a sea of heavier fragrances; it’s subtle and natural, never artificial or overpowering. The only quirk is the texture—it may come out in clumps, but don’t worry! Just warm it up in your hands before applying, as you should with all these products.
Best Lightweight Beard Balm: King C. Gillette Beard Softener
Got an oily beard or just aiming for that luxurious softness? This thin, non-greasy softener is your best bet. With a wet, salve-like texture, it’s like a leave-in conditioner for your beard—only better. It boasts a pleasant old-school scent and delivers instant hydration without the heavy residue. Just keep in mind, it won’t linger as long as those oilier or wax-based formulas.
Best Travel Beard Balm: Reuzel Beard Balm
This compact, twist-off tin—weighing in at just 1.3 ounces—is the ultimate travel companion. A little goes a long way with this medium-hard balm, featuring a subtle scent that’s just right. While it leans toward the waxier side, it melts effortlessly in your hands and applies smoothly without any odd residue. It’s particularly great for guys sporting longer beards, as the waxy texture provides extra hold for that polished look.
What to Look For in Beard Balm
Whether you have a short beard, long beard, or anything in-between, finding the perfect beard balm can be a bit of a journey—full of trial and error—but once you discover the right one, you’ll be hooked for life. If you’re unsure where to begin and don’t want to buy a dozen products, start with your barber. They often have a selection to try out. Pay attention to every detail! For me, texture is key, but for others, price or the level of sheen might be more important. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Just be sure to check in with your beard 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 your beard balm experience, and it’s entirely subjective. Don’t shy away from hard balms; they’ll warm up nicely with some friction, and you can even use the back of your fingernail to scoop some out. Just remember to work it into your hands before applying to your beard hair. On the flip side, lightweight balms can do wonders too, though they might lack the long-lasting hydration found in more oil- or wax-heavy formulas.
This aspect is (almost) entirely a matter of personal preference—choose what you love! But here’s a tip: Your beard balm scent shouldn’t be the first thing people notice when you walk into a room. It should be more of a personal fragrance for your enjoyment. Personally, I lean toward unscented products, as I like to curate my fragrance separately. Regardless of the scent you choose, it should be subtle, just like the ones on this list.
If you’re serious about beard care and beard growth, always take a moment to scan the ingredient list on any beard product, from natural beard balm and beard wash to beard butter and beard conditioner. While it’s become standard for quality products to be free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, watch out for alcohol too, as it can dry out your beard or cause beard itch, dandruff, flaking, and dry skin. Most reputable mainstream and indie brands are aware of these concerns, so budget products are often where you’ll find the red flags. When in doubt, opt for higher-quality options with hair-friendly ingredients—after all, a single jar of beard balm should last you a good while!
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