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The Ultimate Guide to Beard Balm vs Beard Oil
One of the most common questions we get at The Rugged Beard Co™ is, “What’s the difference between beard balm and beard oil?”
The short answer? They serve different purposes, and both are essential tools in your beard care routine.
Whether you're dealing with dryness, unruly hairs, beardruff, or just want a beard that looks and feels as good as it smells, this guide will help you understand the key differences between beard oil and beard balm—and when to use each one.
Stick around till the end for a complete understanding of how to use both to grow a man mane worthy of the silver screen.
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1. What Is Beard Oil?
Beard oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing conditioner designed to hydrate your beard and the skin underneath. It's the go-to product for preventing itch, dryness, and beardruff (dandruff for your face).
Our Signature Rugged Beard Oil is handcrafted in the UK with all-natural ingredients such as jojoba and argan oil. It absorbs quickly, smells great, and leaves your beard soft, healthy, and well-nourished without any greasy residue.
Benefits of beard oil
- Moisturises skin under your beard
- Softens coarse facial hair
- Prevents itch and flakes
- Promotes healthy growth
- Leaves a natural, subtle scent
How to use beard oil
Use it daily after your morning shower or at night before bed. Head to our official How to Use Beard Oil guide for a more detailed explanation.
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2. What Is Beard Balm?
Beard balm is a thicker, conditioning product that offers hydration and light hold. It sits on the beard longer than oil, helping to tame flyaways and shape your beard throughout the day.
Our Rugged Beard Balm is made with natural butters and waxes to lock in moisture and keep your beard styled, shaped, and protected against the elements. Think of it as your daily companion for a polished, healthy beard.
Benefits of beard balm
- Adds light styling hold
- Locks in moisture longer than oil
- Tames frizz and flyaways
- Conditions and shapes
- Protects beard hair from wind, cold, and dryness
How to use beard balm
Use it after beard oil for styling, or apply on its own when your beard needs extra control.
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3. Key Differences Between Beard Oil and Beard Balm
| Feature | Beard Oil | Beard Balm |
| Primary Purpose | Hydration & nourishment | Moisture lock & light hold |
| Texture | Light, non-greasy | Thicker, buttery |
| Absorption | Fast | Slower |
| Styling Power | Minimal | Moderate |
| Ideal Use | Daily moisturising & skin care | Styling & shaping |
| Layered with Other? | Can be used with balm | Works best layered over oil |
4. Beard Balm or Beard Oil: Which One Should You Use?
When to Use Beard Oil
Reach for the beard oil when your beard feels dry or itchy, if you have sensitive or flaky skin underneath, and/or you want a lighter, everyday moisturiser.
When to Use Beard Balm
Go for beard balm when you want to style and shape your beard, if you deal with frizz or unruly growth, and/or you need extra protection in harsh weather.
Truth is, most guys benefit from using both....
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5. For Best Results: Use Both (Plus Beard Soap)
If you want a beard that’s soft, clean, shaped, and legendary—don’t pick just one. Start with a beard soap to cleanse, apply beard oil for hydration, then follow with beard balm to lock it all in and shape your look.
This three-step routine is exactly why we created the Rugged Routine Bundle. It includes your choice of our handcrafted soap, beard oil, and beard balm—everything you need to master the art of beard care in one easy kit.
Plus, you save 40% and get two free gifts with your order. Begin your journey to a legendary beard and get yours today.
The Rugged Routine™
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Get StartedUse Both to Build a Better Beard
Beard balm or beard oil? The answer isn’t one or the other—it’s both. Use oil for hydration, balm for control, and a solid beard soap to start it all off. The result is a soft, clean, well-groomed beard that looks legendary and feels even better.
Solve all of your beard challenges in one shot and grab the Rugged Routine Bundle to make beard care easy, effective, and seriously satisfying.
Thanks for stopping by, until next time.
Amir Hassan & Ebrahem Shabaan
Co-Founders & Authors, The Rugged Beard Co.™
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Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm FAQ
Can I use beard oil and beard balm together?
Yes, that’s the best way to use them. Use beard oil first to hydrate and nourish, then follow with beard balm to lock in moisture and style your beard.
What goes first, beard oil or beard balm?
Apply beard oil first. It absorbs quickly and hydrates the skin and hair. Follow with balm to seal in moisture and add hold.
Can I use beard balm without beard oil?
You can, but for best results, use oil underneath to ensure your skin and beard get the deep hydration they need.
How often should I use beard oil and balm?
Use beard oil daily, ideally after a shower. Balm can be used daily as well, especially when you want added control or moisture retention.
Do I need both if I have a short beard?
If your beard is short, beard oil might be all you need. But if you're styling it or facing harsh weather, adding balm helps.
Is beard balm better for styling than beard oil?
Yes. Beard balm offers a light hold that beard oil doesn’t provide, making it better for shaping and taming flyaways.
Does beard oil help with beard growth?
Beard oil supports healthier growth by nourishing the skin and follicles. While it won’t create hair where there are no follicles, it helps optimise conditions for fuller growth.
Should I apply beard balm on a wet or dry beard?
Apply beard balm to a towel-dried or dry beard. If it’s too wet, the balm won’t absorb properly and may slide off the hair.
Can I use beard oil at night?
Absolutely. Applying beard oil before bed gives it time to deeply hydrate your beard and skin overnight.
How long will a bottle of beard oil or tin of balm last?
With daily use, a 30ml bottle of oil typically lasts 1–2 months. A 60ml balm can last 2–3 months, depending on your beard length.