When it comes to looking after your beard you have a lot of options to choose from: beard oil, beard balm and wax.
Beard cream can be just the thing that your beard needs to look amazing. It can provide your skin and beard with the moisture that is needed while having your facial hair retain its shape.
Let’s crack open the lid of beard cream and peel inside.
Just so you know, this post may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through links on this page, The Beard Brotherz may collect a share of the sale or other compensation. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
DRY SKIN AND DRY BEARD
Before we can appreciate beard cream in its fullness let’s take an in-depth look at what causes your skin to dry out and how that can affect your beard.
BEARD DANDRUFF
Beard Dandruff isn’t attractive. Flaky skin in your beard will have you wanting to reach for a bag to put over your head.
It’s a condition that is caused by the fungus Malassezia globose which loves to grow on oily parts of your face. By breaking down the sebum (which is natural oil produced by you) Malassezia globose creates oleic acid, the result is that your skin becomes irritated.
Another factor is the rate in which your skin cells renew themselves. Typically the cycle is every 30 days yet, for some people, it can speed up resulting in the build-up of dead skin cells.
If your beard dandruff isn’t cussed by irritation or acceleration in cell replacement, then the main cause will be dry skin.
GENETICS
The quality of our skin can come down to genetic factors and some skin conditions, unfortunately, are inherited. That doesn’t mean you have to shrug your shoulders in defeat as you tackle the issue of dry skin.
Eczema: This is a condition that typically emerges before 5 years of age and can appear and reappear throughout your life. Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema and it can cause dry, irritated skin and itching. One way to keep your eczema under control is through daily moisturizing.
Hyperthyroidism: When your thyroids are over-reactive it can lead to your skin becoming dry. Though the hypothyroidism can be treated through medication, you can also care for your skin by using creams oils to give it what it needs when it drys out.
NOT ENOUGH OIL FOR YOUR WHISKERS
Your skin produces sebum, which is a natural oil. Everything is fine and dandy when you have stubble or a short beard. However, for those of you wanting longer facial hair, the sebum struggles to make it to the tips of your hair. That means a dry-looking beard.
Beard oil can be the savior for dry beards, but beard cream can also work as a supplement to your oil or balm so that you give your beard full protection.
WHAT IS BEARD CREAM?
Beard cream, though acting as a finishing agent, can still give your beard what it needs when you use the cream in conjunction with oils and balms.
You will find that beard cream can be considered beard balm. You may wonder what the difference is between the two and it is simply a matter of marketing. Some companies will prefer to label their products as a cream instead of a balm.
For this article, we will use the term beard cream rather than a balm.
WHY SHOULD I USE BEARD CREAM?
Beard oil typically will provide your beard with what it needs as far as moisturizing and taking care of your overall beard health goes. However, you can give your facial hair that extra “oomph” it may need and that is where beard cream comes in.
HELPS YOUR BEARD GROW
For guys with a problem growing out a full beard, cream can help. Growth can occur at different rates and, in the beginning stages of beard growth, patches will be noticeable. Beard cream can help in dealing with those areas where the hair is growing at a slower rate.
STOPS BEARD DANDRUFF
We saw that one of the significant problems with beards is dead skin. Some of you suffer from a high turnover of skin cells due to genetics, and that’s where beard cream can help.
It’s not going to magically change your DNA but it can lock in the moisture of your skin by creating a thin protective layer that traps the goodness under your skin. That will help in reducing the rate at which the skin dies and you can bid farewell to beard dandruff.
PROTECTS YOUR BEARD
Some of you will be working in environments that are harsh to your skin and beard. Cold weather, hot climates and wind can create havoc to your beard and skin. Beard cream locks the nutrients and proteins into your facial hair so that when you are facing extreme environments, your beard doesn’t have to suffer.
ADDS VOLUME TO YOUR BEARD
Guys that want their beard to look fuller should consider using beard cream. Because it’s made of butter it naturally adds more thickness to your facial hair. Apply beard cream and you can confidently go around sporting a beard that looks more voluminous and stunning.
TAKES THE SHINE OFF YOUR BEARD
You love your beard and the way it shines in the light, yet there can be some times when you just don’t want to to be so gleaming. That shininess is caused by the oil that you have used in your grooming and beard cream, when applied at the end of your beard maintenance regimen, can add a more matte finish to your facial hair.
Learn how to grow an incredible beard here
WHAT IS BEARD CREAM MADE OF?
Beard cream is typically made up of several components:
- Beeswax
- Butter
- Carrier Oils
- Essential Oils
Most of the balm (90%) is made up of the butter, wax and carrier oils with the essential oils added primarily for scent (though they can also supplement the nutrients and proteins found in the other components).
We’re going to have a closer look at these components so you can have an idea as to what they do and how they help your beard and skin. Also, knowing what makes up a beard balm allows those DIY types to try your hand at making your own
BEESWAX
Beeswax acts as the binding agent that keeps your beard holding it’s style throughout the day. You can easily pick up some beeswax online or go to a local beekeeper and buy it directly off them (which could be the cheaper option for those of you on a tight budget).
You will find that you can get wax in different forms: bars, pellets, and sheets. For those of you wanting to make your own beard cream, bars are the best option as you can cut off as much as you need.
Benefits of beeswax are that it contains Vitamin A which is great for providing and locking in moisture to your hair. It also aids in smoothing out your hair and sealing the ends so that you reduce the chance of having split ends.
BUTTER
When it comes to choosing the butter, there are several options you can choose from:
Shea butter: This is the fat that comes from the shea tree found in East and West Africa. It’s a great moisturizer, especially if you have lows level of sebum. Also, it softens the beard and can prevent your hairs from breaking. If you work in harsh weather environments that are going to dry out your skin and beard, shea butter offers great protection to keep you looking great.
Cocoa butter: Extracted from the cocoa bean, cocoa butter is renowned for its ability to hydrate your skin. It creates a thin layer of film over your skin to keep the moisture in. It also acts as a natural hair conditioner to keep your beard healthy, soft and strong.
Kokum butter: Created using the seeds from the kokum tree in India, kokum butter won’t clog the pores of your skin (which cocoa butter can do). That means that your skin is healthier and your beard can grow unhampered. It contains fatty acids that help in keeping your skin cells healthy as well as offering hydration. When it comes to your beard, kokum butter works at a deep level revitalizing your follicles so that your hair can grow out strong.
You will find that a majority of balms and beard creams use shea butter, yet whichever one you choose is up to you.
CARRIER OILS
Carrier oils serve two purposes: to provide your skin and beard with the nutrients, vitamins and proteins needed to be healthy and to break down the concentration of essential oils (these can cause you to have a bad reaction when you apply them in their pure form).
There are many carrier oils that you can choose from, but the more popular ones are jojoba oil, argan oil, sunflower oil and castor oil.
Jojoba oil Extracted from the jojoba plant in Mexico, jojoba oil will give you a soft beard that shines. It also can enter into your skin quickly so that you are getting its benefits fast.
Argan oil Produced from the argan tree found in Morocco, it can act as a moisturiser for dry skin and brittle hair. It also contains antioxidants that relieve several skin conditions such as eczema so that your beard hair can grow out unrestrained by blocked pores.
Sunflower oil Pressing the seeds from the sunflower creates oil which can be used to condition your skin and encourage hair growth. Sunflower oil is also great for taking care of dry, brittle hair.
Castor oil Made by pressing the castor bean, castor oil can help encourage hair growth by massaging it into your beard and skin. This stimulates the blood flow under your beard. It also acts as an exfoliating agent to take care of dry and irritated skin.
When it comes to selecting an oil, it’s best to go for one that is cold-pressed. That means that you are getting oil that hasn’t been extracted using heat or machinery. Heat can break down the antioxidants within the oil. When machines are used to produce the oil, lubricants are typically used to take out as much oil as possible from the seeds, beans and fruit. These lubricants contaminate the oil and affect its purity.
ESSENTIAL OILS
The role of essential oils is mainly to provide your beard cream with a scent. Although they can also add nutrients to your skin and beard.
As with carrier oils, there are many essential oils that you can select and each has unique properties. However, because it’s more about the smell when it comes to essential oils, you want to choose those which have a more masculine fragrance. Sandalwood, Vetiver, Peppermint and Cedarwood are some of the more popular options.
Sandalwood This oil has a woody, sensual scent. It can alleviate a variety of skin conditions while stimulating hair growth. Sandalwood also nourishes dry hair.
Vetiver If you are after an oil that has a more earthy fragrance, then grab some vetiver oil. It refreshes sad-looking hair and can relieve beard dandruff.
Peppermint We all are familiar with the refreshing, minty smell of peppermint. Peppermint oil can aid in blood circulation which will encourage hair growth. Acting as a natural antibacterial agent, the oil can cleanse your skin and soothe any irritations you may have.
Cedarwood Like sandalwood, this oil also has a woody smell. However, you want to be careful when using it as too much can create a fragrance that is similar to mothballs. It’s an amazing oil as it acts as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal agent. That is triple protection for your skin! Because it’s great at clearing up your skin, you will find that cedarwood oil helps in promoting hair growth as your skin pores are unclogged.
When it comes to essential oils, use only several drops (5-10) and make sure that it is thoroughly mixed in with the carrier oil. As we mentioned using essential oils in their concentrated form can cause you to have a reaction (typically red and irritated skin).
MAKING YOUR OWN BEARD CREAM
Instead of buying beard cream, you can have a go at making your own. Heck, you may even end up with such an amazing product you could sell it…
We have gone through what makes up a beard balm but, with all recipes, it’s a matter of knowing how much of each ingredient to use. A good rule of thumb for the main components of the cream (wax, butter and carrier oil) is a ratio of 1:1:1. Adding the essential oils all comes down to how much of a fragrance you want (start with around 5 drops and then tweak your recipe as needed).
BEARD CREAM RECIPE
1. Grab a pot and place it on low heat. Measure out your beeswax and butter and place them into the pot. You can go for a 1:1:1 ratio of wax, butter and carrier oil or try a 1:2:3 ratio. Stir the contents every so often.
2. When the beeswax and butter have turned into a liquid, take the pot off the heat.
3. Add in your essential oil before everything solidifies and have a smell. If you think you need to increase the fragrance then add it more oil a couple of drops at a time until you are happy with the scent.
4. Pour the contents from the pot into a container and leave it overnight.
BEARD CREAM VS BEARD OIL
Though beard oil is an essential part of your beard grooming routine, there is still a place for beard cream. The great thing about beard cream is that it can stay on your face longer than oil before being absorbed, which increases the moisturizing benefits of the balm.
Beard cream also acts as a styling agent to give your beard hold and support so that it retains its shape throughout the day. Also, as we have mentioned, the cream can take the shine off your beard.
HOW TO USE BEARD CREAM
When it comes to beard cream application, you may have a lot of questions. “When is the best time to apply the cream?” “Is there a best time to apply it?” “How much should I use?”
Let’s run you through using beard cream and answer all your questions and concerns.
Beard cream is best used in the morning when you have woken up and faced with sleep hair and beard. Wayward hairs all over the place can be brought back into line with beard cream.
It’s best to apply the balm soon after coming out of a hot shower as your skin pores are open and can more readily accept the moisturizing benefits of the balm. You want to apply your oil first and then follow up with your beard cream. Pat your beard dry, you don’t want to vigorously rub your beard as this will loosen or rip out hairs.
1. Give your beard a good comb or brush through to remove any loose hairs as well as taking care of tangles and knots.
- 𝐏𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞: Pocket-size beard brush and mustache comb combo fit...
- 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 B𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡:...
- 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐧: This comb and brush set...
2. Scoop out a small amount of your cream (about the size of your fingernail) and warm it between the palms of your hands by rubbing them together.
3. Once the cream has become a liquid massage it into your skin and work it through your beards. Start from the roots and go out toward the tips of your beard.
4. Grab your comb or brush to distribute the cream evenly through your beard.
5. Style your beard and then look forward to the day ahead!
How much beard cream you need to use all depends on the length and thickness of your beard.
Also, it pays to wash out your beard at the end of the day and start afresh in the morning. That may seem like a lot of work and effort, but if you love your beard, don’t you?
BEARD CREAM CAN GO OFF
Like anything, beard cream can have a “use by” date in which it’s time to get rid of it and start with a new batch. Creams that use natural products tend to go off quicker as you are not using chemicals in the product to preserve it. Also, you expose the cream to bacteria which can affect some of the components (mainly the butter and carrier oils).
Usually, you will find that the shelf life of beard cream can be between six months to four years. The time frame all depends on what the cream is made of and how it was manufactured. Always look for products that have been created from the purest ingredients as these will not only provide you with a longer shelf-life but also the best benefit to your skin and beard.
Signs that your cream has gone bad are:
Smell Using your product every day means you know what the cream smells like. Once you start getting a rancid odour, then it’s time to think about replacing the cream.
Consistency Eventually the components in your cream will start to part ways. This is caused by the natural fats in the cream to separate. When your cream starts having two distinct layers and it feels grainy or slimy its days of being used are over.
Your beard and skin look terrible The whole point of beard cream is to have your beard retain its style. When you find that your beard balm no longer supports your beard and the skin under your beard is being irritated, then stop using it and buy or make some new cream.
IT’S ALL ABOUT LOOKING GREAT
Beard cream shouldn’t be seen as something that is a stand-alone product. Using it in conjunction with beard oil will give your beard and skin the maximum nutrients and proteins that are needed.
The main point of beard creams is to give hold to your beard so that it keeps its shape during the day as well as taking the gleam off the beard.
You often do you use beard cream and why do you love it? Let us know by commenting below.
Meet Mo Parker, the visionary founder of The Beard Brotherz. Mo's passion for redefining modern masculinity led him to create a platform that celebrates the diverse interests and journeys of men today. With a commitment to authenticity and inclusivity, Mo's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication shine through every facet of The Beard Brotherz. From grooming and fashion to tech and wellness, Mo's multifaceted approach mirrors the platform's essence, offering a welcoming community for all to embrace their unique paths in the modern world of manhood.
