If you have a beard, or you know someone who has a beard, then a beard balm is a fantastic product to keep in the restroom. With so many beard balms on the market, though, it can be difficult to decide which one is best. Beard balms range in price and this typically has to do with what the brand is, but also what ingredients are in the balm.
The number one thing to keep in mind in regards to beard balm ingredients is that they are natural and beneficial for your beard. The recipe in this article not only smells fresh and woodsy, but it has natural oils that help enhance the health of your beard. Some of the ingredients may even promote beard growth! Learn more about the ingredients below.
Olive Oil
As one of the most versatile oils on the planet, it’s not a coincidence that it ended up in a beard balm recipe. Olive oil contains essential fatty acids that you need for skin and beard health. They work to keep your skin moisturized and may combat irritation, like beard itch. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin E, which is excellent for moisturizing the skin. Plus, olive oil’s primary ingredients are oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene, which are powerful emollients and softeners. This means that olive oil may help moisturize beard hair, hydrate the skin underneath, and make your beard softer.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a known ability to help soften your hair, all the while protecting its outer layers. Anecdotal evidence states that coconut oil may stimulate hair growth, but more studies are necessary to confirm this. The primary reason to incorporate coconut oil into your beard balm is because it helps to soften and condition beard hair, which tends to be scraggly and rough. If the skin under your beard is irritated, coconut oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe irritation. If you have a coconut allergy, which is very rare, avoid this oil as it may cause irritation.
Shea Butter
Gaining popularity in the beauty world for its healing properties, shea butter is naturally rich in healthy fats, vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a well-known moisturizer, giving the skin proper nourishment when there is a shortage of sebum. Using it on your beard may help prevent beard itch or rashes, two things that are common for men with longer beards. Shea butter also contributes to the growth and shine of your beard, making it glisten in the sun.
Beeswax
Beeswax may be the perfect ingredient to help ensure long-term beard growth. Not only can it help style your beard and help you tame wild hairs, but it may also reduce itchiness and flakiness. Beeswax helps keep your beard hairs clean and together, repairing them and softening growth in the process. If you regularly experience beardruff, then a beard balm with beeswax is something you need in your life.
DIY Beeswax Beard Balm
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 10 drops vitamin E oil
- 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
Instructions:
- Fill the bottom of a double boiler with about an inch or so of water and place it over medium-high heat. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- In the top of the double boiler, add all of the ingredients except for the cedarwood essential oil. Stir with a metal or wooden utensil until melted.
- Once melted, remove the double boiler from heat and stir in the essential oil. Carefully pour the mixture into balm jars and allow the balm to solidify at room temperature.
- Use on your beard when ready.