Beard Balm Vs Beard Butter: Here's the Difference

by Josh Meuwly June 23, 2021

Aside from the consistency, it’s pretty difficult to discern the difference between beard balm and beard butter at first glance. But these two products are quite different and fulfill different needs for your beard. Let’s jump into the specifics of beard oil and beard butter and pinpoint what exactly all those differences are.

What is beard balm?

Beard balm is a styling product that gives you control over your beard’s shape. You’ll be able to tame flyaways, sport a neat and tidy look and hang onto it all day. Packed with nutrient rich ingredients, your balm is also going to deliver some level of nourishment to your beard, but it’s primary use is for styling and control.

What is beard butter?

Beard butter is a moisturizing product that contains ingredients with deep conditioning effects. Your beard butter will deliver powerful moisturizers to your beard and the skin beneath. Beard butter also offers medium hold but due to its thinner consistency, it’s not going to be as strong as balm. Beard butter is, most often, used as a leave-in treatment to feed your beard the moisture it requires.

How do I use beard balm?

To get the best results from your beard balm, start with a pea-sized amount and rub it between your hands until it emulsifies. Focus on your fingers and fingertips and then start at the roots of your whiskers. Get your fingertips deep in there and massage the balm through your hair while agitating it for maximum distribution. If you’re using your balm to shape your beard, keep the emulsified product on your palms and gently apply it to the outer layer of your beard with a wiping motion, paying attention to flyaways and any problem hairs. Follow up with a quick brush through using your Kent beard brush and you’re done!

How do I use beard butter?

There is little difference between the application of beard butter and beard balm. Start with just a dime-sized amount and rub it between your hands. Massage the product into your beard, creating the shape and style you want. When you’re done, smooth over the outer layer with your palms to control any flyaways. Follow up with your brush. This will offer less hold than a balm and more moisturizing and nourishing effects, making it the perfect styling product for beards that might be easier to control or need the extra moisture.

When do I use beard balm?

Use your beard balm anytime you need your beard to behave. It’s okay to use this product everyday, but you’ll want to have a good beard wash on hand to scrub out the beard balm build-up, which can get in the way of healthy, normal growth.

When do I use beard butter?

Beard butter, as well, can be used any time you want to style your beard and need some hold. You can also use beard butter as a deep conditioning treatment by working it into your mane just before you hit the sack. Frequent use of this product will cause build-up just like beard balm, so it’s crucial that you have a proper beard wash on hand that won’t strip your beard of all of its natural oils.

What is beard balm made of?

Beard balms often contain nourishing ingredients like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, cocoa Butter, shea butter, and essential oils.

What is beard butter made of?

Many of the same ingredients are found in beard butter, with one notable difference: there is no wax. This is the difference that gives beard balm more hold power than beard butter.