I like my beard frizzy, unruly, smelling bad, and full of beardruff.
Said no-one, ever.
Keeping your beard in tact is a commitment, but for those brave enough to tackle the challenge, it’s made easier with the help of beard balm.
If you’re new to beard balm, get ready. It’s about to change your life. A beard balm works to moisturise, condition, and smooth your beard, while leaving it smelling amazing. You can apply beard balm on a freshly-washed beard for extra hold when styling, a few minutes after using beard oil.
Wave goodbye to beardruff and frizz, and hello to a soft, non-itchy beard (and the inevitable side effect of strangers following you asking why you smell so darn good).
Not sure where to start with building a beard balm collection? We’ve got you covered with some of our favourites.
We’ve made it easy for you with a list of categories and our chosen winner from each category. Want to smell great? We’ve got a list of scented beard balms just for you. On a budget? Our value for money category will save you those all-important bucks.
Let’s get into it.
Mission Beard Category Winners:
These products have been hand-picked by our expert team of beard consultants to win the coveted Mission Beard award.
Our current favorite
Beardbrand - Utility Balm
This versatile Utility Balm from Beardbrand is ideal for discerning beard-lovers looking for an all-in-one grooming product. Not only will the natural butters and beeswax in the balm keep your bristles fully nourished and conditioned, but they’ll also provide any dry skin with some much-needed moisturising goodness.
We can't get enough of the ‘Old Money’ fragrance from BeardBrand, so if you're spoiled for choice, we recommend you start there. We’re talking 23 exquisite fragrance notes that evoke ideas of rich mahogany, smoky whiskey, and earthy leather - an irresistible blend for any classy beardsman.
Best luxury beard balm (+ exclusive reader discount)
Zousz beard balm
If you think of a more luxurious scent than black oud, tell us, but quite frankly, we can’t. This silky smooth beard balm is worth every cent, with its sensual, earthy fragrance and ingredients that tame wild beards.
Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or the bearded man in your life, this luxurious balm makes the perfect high-quality gift.
And guess what?
We love Zousz so much, that we reached out to them and have secured 10% off for all of our readers.
That's right. You won't find it cheaper.
Get a little luxury for less. Use code: MISSIONBEARD at checkout to get 10% off your ZOUSZ order.
Best scented beard balm overall
Captain Fawcett’s Barberism Beard Balm
Before we get started we should probably confess, we’re Captain Fawcett superfans. The brand is known for churning out products that not only do what they (literally) say on the tin, but they smell absolutely amazing with it.
Although we struggle to break away from our favourite Captain Fawcett scent, Booze & Baccy, whenever we do we're more than pleasantly surprised. Barberism is no exception. Built on Captain Fawcett's nourishing balm base and topped with a woody, citrusy scent, Barberism holds its ground as one of the best scented beard balms out there.
Best woodsy beard balm
Grave before Shave Aphrodisiac
Is there a manlier scent than leather and cedarwood? We don’t think so, and your partner (or crush) won’t either. When it comes to products for bearded men, there are few companies doing it better than Grave before Shave and there’s simply no better beard balm than this one for woodsy scent lovers.
With a (yeah, we’re gonna go there) scent that’s genuinely sexy and natural ingredients that gently condition and tame even the most unruly of manes, this beard balm is definitely worth the investment. Your beard will thank you.
Best value for money beard balm
Viking Revolution 4 pack
This isn’t necessarily the cheapest product on our list, but boy is it the best value for money. The only thing better than a high quality beard balm is four of the best beard balms on the market, and that’s what you get in this four pack from popular brand, Viking Revolution.
With ingredients that promise to soften both your beard and the skin beneath it, using these balms on the regular will revolutionise your beard care routine. A viking revolution, some might say…
Best big-name beard balm
Bulldog Original Beard Balm
One of the most iconic beard balms on the market, Bulldog’s Original simply never misses. Not only does it offer excellent value for money, but it actually works. With just a small amount of this magic balm, you can transform even the unruliest of beards into soft, shiny, perfectly shaped facial hair.
Category #1 - Best scented beard balm
Not only do beard balms leave your facial hair soft, shiny, and conditioned, but they also leave it smelling amazing. After all, with such proximity to your nose, having a nicely scented beard balm is non-negotiable!
1. Captain Fawcett’s Barberism
Description:
Captain Fawcett has carved an unparalleled reputation for creating top-of-the-range men’s care products, and Barberism Beard Balm is no exception. Featuring all-natural ingredients including more than eight essential oils, Barberism leaves your beard looking, feeling, and smelling amazing.
Flyaways? Never heard of them. Greasy-feeling? A thing of the past. We are low-key obsessed with Captain Fawcett’s products, but it’s for good reason, we promise.
Product overview:
| Size: | 60ml |
| Scent: | Orange |
Customers reported: pleasant scent, provides good hold, conditions beard, moisturises skin.
2. Grave Before Shave Cigar Blend
Description:
Negative health impacts aside, cigars are pretty damn cool. And cigar scented bear balm? Even cooler.
With one of the richest aromas on the market, this beard balm helps to tame unruly beards while deeply conditioning your facial hair using only the finest-quality oils and butters.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Cigar/vanilla |
Customers reported: gives shine and softness, smells great, good consistency, softens the beard.
3. Scotch Porter
Description:
Scotch Porter’s Beard Balm is kinda the ‘popular guy from school’ of the beard balm world. The packaging is slick, the scent is musky, and even though it looks too cool to be ethical, it actually boasts vegan and cruelty-free ingredients.
With biotin to help your beard grow while reducing frizz and fly-aways, this beard balm is one of the best beard balms on the market for scent, affordability, and effectivness.
Product overview:
| Size: | 3oz |
| Scent: | Sandalwood, spice, and musk |
Customers reported: helps beard growth, keeps beard manageable, scent is great but not overbearing, leaves beard soft.
4. Reuzel
Description:
What do you get when you combine moisturising ingredients shea butter and argan oil with a spicy, masculine scent for the softest, best-smelling beard on the block? Reuzel’s Beard Balm.
Formulated especially to tame wild beards and soften coarse hair, this beard balm makes your beard appear thicker and keeps it smooth throughout the day.
Product overview:
| Size: | 1.3oz |
| Scent: | Wood and spice |
Customers reported: best beard balm, provides good hold, great scent, nourishing, excellent results.
5. Grave before Shave Gentlemen’s Blend
Description:
Grave before Shave are known for making some of the best-smelling beard balms out there, and the Gentleman’s Blend is no exception. Protect your manual mane with natural ingredients including oils and butters that soften, condition, and leave your beard smelling absolutely amazing.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Bourbon and sandalwood |
Customers reported: softens facial hair, makes beard easy to shape, good hold, great scent.
6. Profit and Tools Beard Balm
Description:
Many beard balms come with woodsy, musky scents, but if you’re in the market for something more fresh and fruity, look no further than this citrus scented beard balm by Profit and Tools.
With fast melt technology, this balm is suitable for all beard colours and types and holds any look in place. It absorbs quickly, so wave goodbye to greasy residues. Plus, it’s organic, alcohol free, vegan and cruelty-free.
Product overview:
| Size: | 60g |
| Scent: | Citrus |
Customers reported: smells good, easy to apply, only need a small amount, tames hair.
Category #2 - Best woodsy beard balm
Beards make you 253% manlier. Do you know what else is manly? Chopping wood in the forest. As a substitute for any actual wood chopping, why not just invest in a woodsy scent, with one of these musky beard balms with scents of pine, sandalwood, and cedar. Here are some of our faves.
1. Grave Before Shave Aphrodisiac
Description:
Also available in beard oil form, Grave Before Shave’s Aphrodisiac scent is an absolute classic. With all the natural ingredients that makes the brand’s balms so effective, Aphrodisiac tames and protects your beard while tackling frizz and fly-aways.
Goodbye frizzy, wiry beards with dry skin showing through. Hello beards that look and smell unbelievable.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Leather and cedarwood |
Customers reported: easy to apply, fantastic results, smells great, washes out easily, melts in your palm.
2. Viking Revolution beard balm
Description:
Whether you’re a real viking, a wannabe viking, or just think vikings are pretty cool, you’ll adore this beard balm. Able to tame even the burliest of beards, this beard balm is perfect for molding and shaping.
With just a pea sized amount of beard balm, you can get rid of dry, itchy skin and the dreaded beardruff. The natural ingredients include argan oil, jojoba oil, mango butter, and beeswax and promise a non-greasy finish. For vikings with thick, unruly beards, this is one of the best beard balms on the market.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Cedar and pine |
Customers reported: works great, keeps beard soft, moisturises well, improves dry skin.
3. Honest Amish Beard Balm
Description:
Hand crafted in the USA, this beard balm is ideal for softening coarse hairs, so if your beard’s on the thicker side, you’ll absolutely love this product by Honest Amish.
Featuring an expert blend of oils and butters, the balm promises to get rid of dryness and beardruff for a beard with no unsightly flaky skin.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Spicy and woodsy |
Customers reported: holds facial hair, makes beard look amazing, reduces dryness, shapes, moisturises.
4. Rocky Mountain Barber Co
Description:
Coming in a 2oz tin that’s perfect on-the-go, this cedarwood beard balm by Rocky Mountain Barber Co basically encapsulates ‘rugged’ in a scent. Featuring simple ingredients that won’t irritate your beard, this balm is crafted in small batches, guaranteeing attention to detail.
For beard hair that looks, feels, and smells great, look no further than this offering from nature-inspired brand, Rocky Mountain Barber Co.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Cedarwood |
Customers reported: non-greasy, smells great, pleasant texture, melts well, holds beard in place.
5. American Crew Beard Balm
Description:
Featuring key ingredients sweet almond oil and shea butter, this beard balm conditions and styles your beard, holding it in place all day with a scent that’s musky and earthy. The sweet almond oil hydrates both the beard and the skin beneath it, while the shea butter softens and conditions.
The best part? It’s made in the US, so you know you’re getting a high-quality product made with only the finest ingredients.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2.3oz |
| Scent: | Nutty, woodsy |
Customers reported: high-quality product, softens beard, reduces itch, reduces facial dryness, adds shine.
Category #3 - Best value for money beard balm
Want to look and smell great on a budget? We’ve got you. These beard balms provide the best value for money, so you can keep your beard looking fresh for less.
1. Striking Viking Citrus
Description:
Fresh, masculine scent? Check. Natural and organic ingredients? Check. A non-greasy texture that holds style well? Check. It’s the Striking Viking Citrus beard balm.
Promising to keep your beard and moustache feel fresh all day while moisturising the skin underneath, this beard wax gives you the ultimate control when stylish facial hair without leaving behind an oily, greasy residue.
This beard balm helps you wave goodbye to itch and beardruff thanks to its flake-preventing ingredients. The best part? The brand lets you try it risk-free thanks to its guarantee.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Citrus |
Customers reported: leaves a shine, smells great, moisturising, a little goes a long way.
2. Viking Revolution 4 pack
Description:
Can’t decide which Viking Revolution scent you want to try? Want to get more bang for your back with four products in one set? Try this 4 pack from Viking Revolution.
Featuring the brand’s iconic scents; Sandalwood, Cedar & Pine, Clary Sage and Bay Rum, this pack allows you to try all of its classic beard balms before deciding which one will become your regular purchase.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Citrus |
Customers reported: scents are pleasant but not overwhelming, great for sensitive skin, smell fantastic, beard looks very healthy.
3. Woody’s 2-in-1 Beard Balm
Description:
In the market for a beard balm that leaves you looking and smelling fresh without breaking the bank? You’ll adore this offering from Woody’s.
Made with coconut oil, panthenol, and natural beeswax, this product works as a 2-in-1 conditioner and beard balm, specially formulated to leave your beard feeling smoother and softer than ever while keeping it in your preferred style.
The flavour combines cooling mint and refreshing grapefruit for a cool, fruity scent.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Mint and grapefruit |
Customers reported: softens coarse hair, doesn’t aggravate allergies, easy to use, subtle smell, makes beard manageable.
4. Just for Men Best Beard Balm
Description:
If you’re into scents that are just strong enough to feel clean and fresh but not overpowering, you’ll love this beard balm by Just for Men. Not only does the balm promises superior hydrating and less itch, it helps to prevent the dreaded phenomenon of ingrown hairs.
Made with oatmeal, aloe vera, chamomile, and jojoba oil, this expertly-crafted beard balm keeps your beard healthy and keeps unwanted beard dandruff at bay. What more could you ask for?
Product overview:
| Size: | 2.25oz |
| Scent: | Clean |
Customers reported: softens coarse beard hairs, shows effects within minutes, moisturises well, just enough fragrance to feel fresh.
Category #4 - Best luxury beard balm
1. Zousz beard balm
Description:
Let’s cut to the chase, Zousz beard balm is sexy. From its sleek black packaging to its sensual oud scent, Zousz is the beard balm you pull out when you really want to impress. Think of it as the black suit of the beard balm world.
This non-greasy balm hydrates and moisturises the skin underneath your beard, so say goodbye to beardruff and flaky skin. Loaded with essential oils, this great beard balm results in a softer beard and tames even the most unruly facial hair.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Black Oud |
Customers reported: masculine scent, elegant packaging, luxurious, soft balm, no greasy residue.
2. Captain Fawcett’s Rufus Hound Triumphant
Description:
Okay, we know we’re coming across as Captain Fawcett fanboys at this point, but trust us, they really are that good. Complete with all natural ingredients and several essential oils, this product will leave your beard looking and feeling amazing.
You can shape your beard into your perfect style without weighing it down with an oily or greasy product. Coming in a stylish aluminium tin, this beard oil hydrates and conditions beards of any length and style.
Product overview:
| Size: | 60ml |
| Scent: | Fresh and musky |
Customers reported: fresh scent, easy to apply, keeps beard soft, perfect for holding styles, gives a fresh look.
3. Man Made Beard Balm
Description:
When you’re splashing out on a product, you want serious results. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this luxury beard balm by Man Made. With ingredients that look after not just your beard and its hair follicles but the skin underneath, too, you’ll feel like a more confident version of yourself.
Make the dreaded beard dandruff and dry skin a thing of the past, and usher in a softer beard than you could have imagined.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2oz |
| Scent: | Sweet tobacco |
Customers reported: truly exceptional, awesome fragrance, great texture, keeps beard in place, adds shine.
Category #5 - Best big-name beard balm
1. King C Gillette
Description:
If you’re looking for a versatile facial hair treatment, this is the best beard balm to get your mitts on. You can leave it in as a deep conditioning treatment or rinse it off as you please.
Unlike wax balms which can be a little stiffer, this balm’s lightweight formula is easy to spread and work into your beard for extra hold. Key ingredient, cocoa butter leaves you with a soft beard you won’t be able to stop touching.
With a scent that’s fresh but slightly woodsy at the same time, your beard will come away smelling amazing.
Product overview:
| Size: | 100ml |
| Scent: | Bergamot, geranium, and cedarwood |
Customers reported: impeccable value, scent stays all day, makes beards soft, moisturising texture.
2. Bulldog Original Beard Balm
Description:
Bulldog is one of the best known men’s skincare and grooming brands on the market - and for good reason. Whatever the size and texture of your beard, this beard balm is sure to moisturise and tame it.
Containing natural ingredients such as aloe vera, camelina oil, and green tea, the beard balm performs exceptionally when it comes to keeping your beard hydrates, soft, and well-shaped.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2.5oz |
| Scent: | Fresh |
Customers reported: calms razor burn, softens beard, doesn’t leave an oily residue, gives beard volume.
3. Burt’s Bees Conditioning Beard Balm
Description:
Burt’s Bees are well-known for producing grooming products that actually work, using natural, planet-friendly ingredients. This conditioning beard balm is no exception.
Perfect for softening and smoothing beard hairs, this beard balm contains nutrient-rich botanicals that keep both your beard and skin nourished. If you’re worried about any nasties in your beard balm, you’re in luck with this product, which is formulated without parabens, phthalates, or petrolatum.
Product overview:
| Size: | 3oz |
| Scent: | Woodsy |
Customers reported: perfect for short beards, non-greasy, light scent, great bang for your buck, reduces beard itch.
4. Old Spice Beard Balm
Description:
What do James Dean, Citizen Kane, and your grandmother’s cooking have in common with this Old Spice beard balm? They’re all classics.
Featuring the Old Spice scent we all know and love, this beard balm promises to tame unruly hairs, soften your beard and skin, and keep your beard smelling great, without leaving even a hint of a greasy residue. For the modern man who loves a classic, there’s simply no better beard balm.
Product overview:
| Size: | 2.22oz |
| Scent: | Refreshing and clean |
Customers reported: great scent, awesome product, easy to use, good beard control.
While beard balms are super handy in their own right, they work best as part of a beard care routine alongside other products. Use beard balm in conjunction with beard oil, a beard brush or beard comb, beard conditioner, and beard shampoo for best results.