A beard oil can have many types of oils in its ingredients.

However, no matter the oil, they will fall into one of two types of oils: carrier or essential…

To choose one beard oil over another and to make a better purchasing decision it is imperative to understand the difference between a carrier oil and an essential oil.

The oil in these jojoba seeds is extracted to form jojoba oil which is a common carrier oil in beard oils.    Photo by: Ken Bosma.

Each oil has its own unique properties which can help you get more shine or reduce beard dandruff, or break down the dirt that is clogging your pores and so on.

What Is A Carrier Oil?

A carrier oil (also known as a base oil) is made from vegetables and is used to carry the essential oils to your beard and facial hair.

The vast majority of the oil in your bottle is a carrier oil because essential oils are very strong and need to be diluted before they can be applied to hair or skin.

Common carrier oils used in the manufacture of beard oils include but are not limited to:

• Olive Oil: Can make the facial hair softer and is a great conditioner. Contains many imporant vitamins and nutrients.  Has been used for hair care since thousands of years.
• Grapeseed Oil: Is one of the most lightweight oils so can moisturize without weighing down your beard. Similar to jojoba oil and olive oil. Contains vitamin E which helps with hair growth.
• Sweet Almond Oil: The vitamins and omega acids helps prevent breakage. This is a good carrier oil to consider for those who have brittle or hair that breaks easily. Also helpful for growing a longer beard to keep the hair stronger.
• Sunflower Oil: Like sweet almond oil, sunflower oil is also a great carrier for preventing breakage.
• Macadamia Nut Oil: Also a great oil for those whose beards break easily by building elasticity in the hair.  Is non-greasy and won’t weight down your beard.
• Sesame Oil: A staple of herbal medicine in the East for the hair and scalp, sesame oil is a very nutritious oil full of zinc and other vitamins and minerals as well. Stops split ends and may even darken graying hair. 

  A number of books on Eastern and integrative medicine while discussing hair nourishers and stimulants mention sesame oil for hair growth such as:

Mangathayaru, K. Pharmacognosy: An Indian perspective. Pearson. 2013
Chopra, Deepak. Radical Beauty: How to Transform Yourself from the Inside Out. Harmony. 2016.
Hebbar, JV. Living Easy with Ayurveda Partridge Publishing.

Does sesame oil promote beard growth as well? Well, it’s anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties fight against skin infections that can perhaps lead to thinning of the beard and beard loss. In addition, it also promotes healthy skin, all of which in turn could possibly lead to using sesame oil for facial hair growth.

• Jojoba Oil: Closely resembles sebum which is the human’s natural oil. Can remove hair residue and can be used a strong conditioner. This is a heavier oil so would be better for thicker beards. Both Jojoba and Sesame Oils are found in our Unscented Beard Oil.
• Argan Oil: Is very high in vitamin E and fatty acids. Can make the beard softer, shinier, and more manageable. Can tame frizzy beards and treat split ends. Argan is found in our Natural Man Beard Balm.
• Sea Buckthorn Oil: Has a high volume of Omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 and other necessary vitamins to promote healthy beards.  Reported to improve overall hair growth and give it a natural shine. Has a strong musky scent.

What Is An Essential Oil?

An essential oil or oils (there can be and is usually more than one in a typical beard oil) contains the essence of the plant, which is usually the fragrance that that plant carries.

Rosemary is a woody, perennial herb from which Rosemary essential oil is derived and is an ingredient in many beard conditioning oils. Photo by: craigles75.

Common essential oil(s) found in a great, high-quality beard oil include:

• Spruce Oil: Has a clean, fresh and woody scent. May reduce beard druff and early graying to some extent.
• Balsam Fir: May help with beard growth as it was used by Ancient Egyptians to prepare hair growth formulas. Has a fresh fir scent.
• Rosemary Oil: Has antioxidants and antibacterial properties which may help prevent beard loss and increase beard growth. Has a minty balsamic aroma.
• Bay Leaf: Has a spicy and masculine aroma making it ideal for men. May help prevent beard loss and beard druff. Bay Leaf is present in our Jenulence Beard Conditioner.
• Lavender: Is a restorative and healing oil.  Is considered as a type of antiseptic and may treat an itchy beard. Lavender oil is present in Jenulence Beard Conditioner.
• Grapefruit Oil: Promotes healthy hair and may encourage hair growth. Helps treat oily hair.  Is rich in antioxidants including vitamin C.
• Cedarwood:  Is a very relaxing oil and helps elevate mood. Is helpful in reducing flakiness in your beard.  Has an earthy aroma and one of the oldest oils used in perfumery. Cedarwood oil is found in our Jenulence Beard Conditioner.
• Lime:  Has a sharp citrus smell.  Helps strip residue while moisturizing from within.  Has many antioxidant and nutrients. You’ll find lime in our Bay Lime Beard Oil.
• Blue Chamomile: Has a very soothing nature and is often used as an alternative to lavender. It is helpful for sensitive skin.  Relaxes emotions and muscles.

Many of our products are carefully handcrafted with these valuable ingredients. Be sure to browse in our oil section so you can choose an oil that is ideal for your beard.

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