Beard Oil vs Beard Balm – What is the Difference

A recent report published by the Grand View Research highlights that the male beauty industry will reach a whopping $18.92 billion by 2027. Researchers have forecasted that the male skincare market will expand at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% between 2021 and 2027.

The primary reason behind this growth is that skincare companies focus more on organic ingredients in their products. The product line ranges from shampoos and conditioners to face wash, moisturizers, and serums to beard oils, balms, and wax.

Growing a beard is usually considered a sign of freedom and autonomy. It also showcases your masculinity and is a symbol of male beauty. However, the beard is also a commitment and requires you to take care of it regularly. Remember, the upkeep will lead to a shinier, softer, and beautiful beard.

Pay attention to your beard and its upkeep if you don't want to look like an Alaskan wild wanderer. No matter if you have stubble or six to eight inches mass, maintaining your beard is very important. Many men use beard oils and balms to upkeep their beard, but what's the difference between the two. Let's find out in this article!

What is Beard Oil?

Beard Oil is a male beauty product used to nourish the beard and the skin under it to keep it smooth, soft, and shiny. Generally, it contains different ingredients, such as sebum, essential, and carrier oils.

Sebum is natural oil produced by your skin's sebaceous glands. It is composed of fatty acids and triglycerides that lubricates your skin, improves moisture levels, and protect against friction, UV rays, and bacteria.

Beard oil is a moisturizer product and leave-in conditioner that moisturizes your skin, softens your facial hair, increases sebum production, and reduces itching/irritation by attacking bacteria. High-quality beard products have natural ingredients, such as argan and jojoba oils, similar to sebum, allowing your skin and hair to absorb them easily.

For instance, Fear the Beard is a reputable Canadian brand that produces a wide range of beard care products. One of its "Beard Oil" product contains 100% organic ingredients, including Aloe Leaf Extract, grape seed oil, tea tree leaf oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil.  

What is Beard Balm?

The beard balm is an all-in-one conditioner, moisturizer, and styling product. Men who have thick beard use beard balm to keep it moist, soft, and stylized. The primary ingredient of most beard balms is shea butter, beeswax, or cocoa butter.

Shea butter is a natural and useful ingredient for bread and the skin underneath it due to its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. It also softens, conditions, tones, and soothe your skin. Shea butter coats your hair follicles and provides light-to-medium hold as well as adds volume for beards.

The best Beard Balm has many benefits, such as eliminating bacteria, moisturizing the skin, repair the cells, minimize oxidative stress, and provides superior hold. It contains all-natural ingredients, such as beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils.

The Difference Between Beard Oil and Balm

Beard oil is used to enhance your skin and beard health, whereas balm is applied to shape and style with ease. Beard oil contains essential oils that benefit your skin and hair. Such natural oils have softening and moisturizing effects, and this is what most men expect from a beard product.

The oil usually does not leave your beard so shiny and give your beard a beautiful, clean, a matte appearance. It is crucial to use a brush or comb to maximize the beard oil effects. Comb or brush it through your beard after applying it for a healthy, sleek, and attractive beard.   

On the other hand, beard balm is a great product that provides your beard with moisturizing effects while packing an extra punch. It is a good choice for those who need some taming action for long to extra-long beards. However, experts at Fear the Beard believe that balm is also useful for men with shorter beards and dry skin.

As mentioned above, a quality balm contains ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or lanolin along with essential oils like jojoba or argan oils. The beeswax or shea butter acts as a sealant for oils, allowing your skin to lock them effectively. As a result, your skin remains moist and soft all day long. The following table summarizes the difference between beard oil and beard balm. Continue reading!

 

Beard Oil

Beard Balm

·      The oil has a waxy, thicker appearance. ·      Used for maintaining the health and wellbeing of the beard and the skin underneath it. ·      Best for men with short stubble to a medium-length beard. ·      It is used to reduce itching in men with dry skin. ·      Useful for nourishing growing beards in early phases. ·      Works for men with slightly oily skin. ·      Does not leave your skin greasy.

·      The balm has a lighter or thinner appearance. ·      It is used for the strong but not stiff holding of the beard. ·      Best for men who need to tame and style their beards. ·      Used for any beard length or thickness. ·      Keeps the beard fuller, thicker and adds volume to it. ·      Provides shinier appearance to your beard. ·      Keeps your skin moisturized with essential oils.

Final Words

The beard oil and balm share many similarities, yet they are different from each other. You may not find it easy to choose between the two, but if you want a healthy beard, use beard oil. In contrast, if you are looking for styling your beard, use the balm.

We recommend you to use both products periodically to keep your beard healthy and maintain it's shine, volume, and softness. Check out some of the best beard oil and balm products. Until Next time!