It’s easy to get similar-sounding skin and hair care products confused. You have washes and cleansers, which may sound like the same thing, but they are different and often applied in different ways (during a shower or post-shower, for example). For men with facial hair, you’ll definitely want to know the difference between beard oil and beard balm — two products that consumers frequently mix up.
They both differ in how they’re applied, as well as the purpose they serve. So, beard oil vs beard balm — what is the difference? How do they each work? How should you use them? Do you need both? If not, which one is the right choice for you? Finally, where can you find quality shaving and beard products for men?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
What Is Beard Balm?
To begin, it’s important to define how beard balm and beard oil differ. Beard balm is a product that often comes in the form of a cream or similar treatment, used to give shape and style to an existing beard. Beard balm is usually best for beard hair follicles that have grown beyond “stubble” and actually have enough length to be shaped and groomed. This length can vary from person to person, but you can benefit from using beard balm once the hair follicles are approximately half an inch long. Very thick beards may benefit from beard balm at very short lengths, and some beard balms have hydrating and nourishing benefits.
It’s also important to note that after shave balms are a kind of off-shoot of beard balms that are only applied after shaving off a beard. Unlike traditional beard balms, after shave balms are designed to rejuvenate and protect freshly shaved skin.
What Is Beard Oil?
Unlike beard balm, beard oil is formulated to moisturize beard follicles. Just as importantly, it moisturizes the skin beneath beard follicles, which is too often overlooked or difficult to reach with other products. As the name implies, beard oil usually comes in the form of an oil with ingredients that can strengthen, hydrate, and improve the overall appearance of beard follicles. These are typically essential oils and other nutrients that can nourish the beard and skin beneath.
Beard Balm Vs Oil: What’s The Difference?
Ultimately, there are fundamental differences between beard balm and beard oil. In fact, there are more differences than similarities! The primary similarity is that both products are applied to beards (or recently shaven parts of the face). Now, to better understand these products, let’s look at how they differ:
- Texture - Beard balm typically comes as a solid, gel-like substance that, depending on the specific product and formulation, may resemble a wax, pomade, or cream. Alternatively, beard oil is much closer to an essential oil. Beard oils are often administered using a dropper (applied into the hand and then to the beard), while beard balms can be applied by simply scooping out a small amount by hand and working it into the beard follicles as needed.
- Purpose - Beard oil and beard balm serve two very different purposes. Beard oils moisturize and nourish beards of any length. They can even be used on a five-o’clock shadow to hydrate the skin and strengthen the follicles. Beard balms are simply used to style established beards and give them shape, with a few nourishing perks on the side. This is why beard balms are often applied to “shaggy” beards, as they can help tame beard hairs that are growing in odd directions, giving them a more cohesive shape.
- Ingredients - Beard balm and beard oil ingredients differ from one product to the next. Both types of products often have some kind of natural oil, though essential oils are used in much greater quantities for beard oils. Beard balms, on the other hand, may use a variety of ingredients (including glycerin) to have a thicker texture that will keep the beard hairs in place.
- Usage & Frequency - Even if you don’t maintain a “full” beard, beard oil is a great addition to your daily skin care routine. It can often be used before a shave or trim, after a shave or trim, or simply whenever you want to hydrate your beard and skin. Beard balm is not quite as “essential,” and its application is not necessary for every beard length. An extremely short beard (less than half an inch long) may not see much benefit from beard balm. However, thickness also plays a role. A short, thick beard, for example, could still be styled with beard balm. In any case, since beard balm is primarily meant for styling purposes, it can be used as needed, which could be every day or just whenever your beard is looking a little messy!
When to Use Beard Oil vs Balm
There’s no perfect answer to this question, as some men will use both beard balm and beard oil, while some will just use one or the other. Beard oil is a good idea for most men who have any kind of facial hair. Even if you shave every single day, using beard oil can help keep those follicles healthy and the skin around them hydrated and nourished.
Alternatively, if you maintain a beard and want to avoid it looking scraggly or unkempt, beard balm is a great choice. Ideally, you should use it in tandem with beard oil. So, to recap, men with any kind of facial hair can benefit from beard oil, but beard balm is best for men who like to maintain and style a “full” beard.
The Best Beard Balms and Oils From Anthony
Are you trying to figure out if beard balm or beard oil is right for you? Do you want to find quality beard oils or balms made with natural products? Finally, do you want to ensure that your face and beard are well moisturized and perfectly coiffed at all times? If so, Anthony is the answer.
At Anthony, we formulate skin and hair care products specifically for men. This means we have dozens of products for men who shave regularly, trim their beards, or let their beards grow out as long as possible! Here are some of our top picks for beard balms and oils to improve the health and look of your face and beard:
Hair + Beard Tamer
Anthony’s Hair + Beard Tamer is the go-to beard balm for those annoying hairs that just won’t stay in place! This beard balm is perfect for taming a scruffy-looking beard and making it shine. Unlike most other beard balms, you won’t feel like your beard is covered in wax or a thick, gooey product. Instead, your beard will be styled the way you want it, and still feel silky smooth and well-hydrated. Each time you use our Hair + Beard Tamer, you can expect your beard to stay in place all day long — with all the benefits of natural ingredients like aloe vera and wheat protein.
Pre-Shave + Conditioning Beard Oil
Looking for a quality beard oil to apply before you shave or trim your beard? Look no further than Anthony’s Pre-Shave + Conditioning Beard Oil. The conditioning oil will help smooth out your beard or, if you’ve decided to shave it all off, rejuvenate the skin underneath with essential oils (including basil and rosemary) and nourish your face with Vitamin E, calendula, and tea tree oils.
After Shave Balm
While most balms are formulated to style beards, there are some exceptions designed to help you enjoy a smooth shave without all the irritation. If this sounds like what you need, Anthony’s After Shave Balm is the perfect solution! Our formulation is designed to prevent razor burn and any discoloration caused by shaving. At the same time, this balm will nourish your skin and beard follicles with Vitamins A, C, and E.
Want to learn even more about beard balm vs beard oil? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
