Beard Oil vs. Balm vs. Butter: Do I Need Them All?


6 minute read

Listen to article
Audio generated by DropInBlog's Blog Voice AI™ may have slight pronunciation nuances. Learn more

This blog post will compare beard oil vs. balm vs. butter to help you decide which one is right for you. We want you to make an informed decision after learning the importance of each.

Product

Beard Oil

Beard Balm

Beard Butter

Thickness

Thin & Oily

Thick/Waxy

Medium & Butter-Like

Main Ingredient

Castor Oils

Beeswax

Nut Butters

Best Used For

Shine & Skin Hydration

Styling & Hold

Moisturizing Skin & Hair

What is beard oil?

Beard oil is a grooming product used to moisturize and condition the beard. It is a lot thinner than solid beard balm or butter and is made up of natural ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, and vitamin E, which help keep the beard healthy and shiny. 

How to apply beard oil?

Applying beard oil is a simple process. Just put a few drops of oil into your hand, and rub it into your beard, starting at the base and working your way up. 

Distribute the oil evenly in your beard hair and the skin beneath your beard. You may want to use a beard comb or beard brush to help distribute the oil evenly.

What are the benefits of beard oil?

  • Keeps beard hair hydrated and healthy
  • It makes the beard easier to groom
  • It gives the beard a shiny appearance

What is beard balm?

Beard balm is a thicker product than beard oil, and it is used to style and groom your beard. It helps keep your beard in place, and it can also make it appear fuller. 

Balm typically contains beeswax, shea butter, and cocoa butter, which help condition and moisturize the beard.

How to apply beard balm

Applying beard balms is a little bit different than applying beard oils. You will need to put a small amount of balm into your hand and then rub it into your beard using a comb or brush. 

Make sure to get the balm into all the different parts of your beard, including the hair and the skin underneath. You may want to use a blow dryer on the low setting to help it set into place.

What are the benefits of beard balm?

  • Reduces beard itch by conditioning your skin and facial hair follicles
  • Provides a strong hold for styling your beard
  • Prevents dry skin

What is beard butter?

Beard butter is a thicker moisturizer made of butters, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, or mango butter. 

These butters work with natural oils to condition your beard and give it shine and come in various scents like citrus, sandalwood, and vanilla.

The main difference between beard balm and beard butter is that beard butter typically does not have wax as one of the ingredients, making it softer and more manageable. 

When you want a super-strong hold when styling, you may want to go with a balm.

How to apply beard butter

Applying beard butter is very similar to applying beard balm. To use beard butter, start rubbing it into your hands until it's melted. 

Then, massage it into your beard, making sure to get it to the roots. You can also use a comb to help distribute the butter evenly.

If you're looking for a product that will help to keep both your beard and mustache in check, then you should try balm or butter. 

The balm is thicker than oil, so it will help hold the hair in place. Butter is denser than oil but thinner than a balm, and it will also help condition and moisturize the hair.

What are the benefits of beard butter?

  • Hydrates the skin underneath your beard
  • Tames stray hairs and flyaways
  • It helps reduce beard itch and beardruff

When should I start using beard butter or balm?

Generally, the best time to start using balm or butter is when your hair is long enough to need some help with styling. If it's shorter, you can use just oils.

Apply balm or butter in the morning after washing your face, then again before going to bed at night. Rub a small amount of each into your hands before applying them to your beard and mustache (if applicable). 

Use a blow dryer on low heat if you want a firmer hold with slight styling capability. You can also apply products separately as needed throughout the day.

Is beard balm or beard butter better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best product for you will depend on your individual beard needs. 

If you are looking for a product that will help style and hold your beard in place, beard balm is the better option. 

However, if you are looking for a product that will moisturize and condition your beard, beard butter is better.

Should you use beard oil and butter together?

Some people find that using beard oil and butter together provides the best of both worlds for their beard care routine – the conditioning properties of beard oil combined with the hold of beard butter. However, others find that this can be too heavy or greasy for their beard. 

You may need to experiment a little to see what works best for you.

Does beard butter help with beard growth?

The moisturizing properties of beard butter help to condition and hydrate the beard, making it appear fuller and healthier. 

Beard butter can also keep your beard free of flakes and itchiness, which may, in turn, promote healthy beard growth.

Now you need to decide what you are going to use.

So, which is the best beard product for you? If you're looking for a lightweight oil that will keep your beard healthy and hydrated, we recommend trying Wild Willies Beard Oil

Beard Balm is an excellent option if you need something with more hold to tame those flyaways. And if you want to give your beard a significant moisturizing boost, our Beard Butter will take care of business. 

These products are made with natural ingredients and essential oils that will nourish your beard and help make it look its best. Check out our essential beard products here.

« Back to Blog