Beard oil vs beard balm: what's the difference?

Beards. Are. Booming. Over the past five years, there has been an influx of bearded men, beard care products, and beard information out there. If you need to solve a beard problem, it can be genuinely confusing trying to sort out what product you’re looking for.

Will a beard balm help your beard grow? Can beard oil tame your flyaways? Is there a difference between these products and if so, what is it?

Don’t worry, Kingsmen. We feel you. So we’re here to fill you in on the differences between products—beard oil vs. balm—saving you any future confusion between the two.

What is Beard Oil?

Beard oil is primarily used for nourishment. Applied daily, the main goal of this product is to replenish the moisture lost in the washing process. Beard oil is often made with natural oils like jojoba and sweet almond oil, and is packed with nutrients that feed your beard, making it healthy and full.

It comes in liquid form and is rapidly absorbed by your skin and whiskers, leaving them soft, healthy, and manageable.

What is Beard Balm?

Beard balm also has nourishing qualities, but its primary use is styling. Often beard balm is made with beeswax, giving it a thicker, stronger hold.

A good balm helps keep your beard’s shape all day, taming stray hairs and giving you a tidier look.

What are the benefits of beard oil?

The main benefit of beard oil is hydration. If you're fighting dry, flaky skin and brittle hair, this is the product that will help. Beard oil prevents dandruff, itchy skin, breakage, and clogged follicles.

What are the benefits of beard balm?

Beard balm moisturizes but, because it's thicker, it doesn’t absorb as quickly as oil. It helps reduce dandruff, itchy skin, split ends, and breakage while keeping your beard looking tidy and controlled.

How do I use beard oil?

Apply beard oil to damp whiskers—ideally after a shower. Moisture helps the oil absorb into your hair and skin.

Place a few drops in your hands and work it through your beard from roots to tips. Wait 5 minutes before applying balms or styling products.

How do I use beard balm?

1. Start with a clean, dry beard that has already been treated with beard oil.
2. Take a pea-sized amount and warm it between your hands.
3. Work the balm into your beard from roots to ends.
4. Finish with a beard brush for added smoothing and control.

Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm

The biggest difference is hold. Beard balm allows styling; beard oil does not. Oil may tame a few flyaways but won’t hold shape.

Oil is essential for beard health, while balm provides structure.

For best results, we recommend both: moisturize with oil and style with balm.

Tell us—did you know the difference before? Leave a comment below and subscribe for more beard care tips!