Natural beard oil & beard balm

Choosing a beard oil

A good oil softens the hair and keeps the skin underneath from feeling dry, which matters most in winter and after a few weeks of growth. Pick by scent and texture: some blends smell fresh and woody, others warm and spicy, and a balm suits anyone who wants a little more hold. Bouclé, SKNFED and Flawless make the range here, which is small but covers oils and a balm. We checked each brand's ingredients before listing it.

Natural beard oil blends

Bouclé makes its natural beard oil in small batches in the UK, in blends such as spruce needle and frankincense, and bergamot and black pepper, with apricot, argan and vitamin E oils. Its original blend is handmade in Hackney with pure essential oils. SKNFED makes an organic oil with vitamin E, which is vegan. Start with two or three drops, warm them between your palms, then work them through the beard and down to the skin.

Beard balm for shape and hold

Flawless makes a cedarwood and cypress vegan beard balm, handmade in Wales with mango butter and coconut butter. A beard balm is thicker than an oil, so it helps tame flyaways and gives a little shape to a longer beard. Use oil daily and balm when your beard needs more control, or try both on different days to see what you prefer.

Using and storing beard oil

Apply it to a clean, towel-dried beard, and comb it through for an even finish. A wooden comb glides through without snagging, and a short beard needs less product than you might think. If the hair feels greasy, use fewer drops next time. Keep bottles out of direct sunlight so the oils stay fresh, and close the lid tightly after use. Patch test a new blend on your inner arm if you have sensitive skin. A small bottle makes an easy stocking filler at Christmas, and a balm in a tin travels well in a wash bag. Shaving has safety razors, Men's Body Care has natural deodorant, Men's Skincare has face moisturisers, and Beard care, minus the eight products you do not need keeps the routine simple.