TL;DR: Beard oil keeps your beard soft and your skin healthy, balm adds light hold and shape, and butter deeply conditions for ultimate softness. Use oil daily, balm in the morning, and butter at night for all-day hydration and control. Layer them (oil → butter → balm) for the best results, and always stick with all-natural, high-quality beard care products.
Many beardsmen struggle choosing between oil, balm, and butter.
We get it. You want your beard to look good, feel soft, and stay under control. But figuring out which product does what can be confusing. This post cuts through the noise and shows you exactly how beard oil vs balm vs butter work, when to use each, and how to get the best results from your routine.
What Each Product Does & Why It Matters
Beard oil — role, benefits, how it works
Beard oil is your beard’s best friend. It hydrates your beard and the skin under it to stop itch, flakes, and dryness. It keeps your beard soft, shiny, and healthy. Think of it as daily nutrition for your beard — vitamins and moisture that make every strand stronger and smoother.
Try Badass Beard Oil for a premium blend that smells great and makes your beard look next-level.
Beard balm — what it does (contain wax, light hold)
Beard balm is like a leave-in conditioner that also helps shape your beard. It has shea butter, natural oils, and a little beeswax for light hold. Balm tames flyaways, keeps your beard neat, and locks in moisture from your oil.
Use it when you need to control your shape but don’t want a heavy, stiff feel.
Beard butter — deep conditioning, lighter hold
Beard butter is smoother and softer than balm. It melts right into your beard and gives deep hydration without wax. It’s great for softening coarse or dry beards, and perfect for bedtime conditioning.
For best results, use Badass Beard Butter to wake up to a beard that’s soft, hydrated, and easy to manage.
When (or whether) to use all three
You don’t have to use all three every day, but each has a time and place. Use oil daily, balm in the morning to style, and butter at night to repair. If you want a perfectly groomed beard that feels great all day, layering all three gives you the ultimate combo of hydration, control, and softness. At this stage, your beard will be so soft others will notice.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Balm vs butter vs oil (pros & cons)
Each product does something different:
- Beard Oil: Hydration, shine, and itch relief: light, non-greasy.
- Beard Balm: Moisture with light hold: perfect for styling.
- Beard Butter: Deep conditioning: great for dry or wiry beards.
Read more in our blog Beard Oil vs Beard Butter: The Differences + How to Choose.
Is balm or oil better?
Neither is “better” ... they do different jobs. Oil is best for keeping your skin healthy and moisturized, and your beard hair soft. Balm is better when you need light styling and control. Most guys use both: oil first, balm after.
Is butter or balm better?
Beard butter is better for hydration and softness, while balm adds control and shape. Butter is great at night or when your beard feels dry. Beard balm is better during the day to style and protect from the elements.
What is better than beard oil?
Nothing replaces beard oil completely as it’s the base of any good routine. But if you want extra conditioning or hold, add butter or balm on top. Think of oil as food and balm as armor, and butter as deep hydration for your beard.
Frequency & Usage Guidelines
How often should men use beard oil?
Use beard oil once or twice a day. Morning is great after showering, and you can add another drop in the evening if your beard feels dry or rough.
How often should I apply beard oil?
Apply beard oil every day. A few drops go a long way. And too much can make your beard look greasy. The key is consistency, not quantity. About 4-6 drops per inch of beard link, moisturized into the skin with the tips of your fingers first, then beard after.
When do I apply balm or butter (morning, night, special cases)?
Use balm in the morning to shape and hold your beard. Use butter at night to hydrate and repair while you sleep. For special events or long days, layer both for all-day softness and control.
Should beard oil be wet or dry?
Beard oil should be applied to a damp beard. This helps lock in moisture and lets the oil spread evenly through your beard and skin.
Should you oil your beard wet or dry?
Always oil your beard when it’s towel-dried, not soaking wet and not bone-dry. Damp hair absorbs oil best and keeps your beard hydrated longer.
Application & Layering Rules
Order: oil → butter → balm
The perfect order: Beard Oil → Beard Butter → Beard Balm.
- Oil gives moisture and nutrients.
- Butter softens and conditions.
- Balm seals everything in and shapes your beard.
How do you warm / melt beard balm or wax in your hands?
Rub a pea-sized amount per-inch of beard hair of butter or balm between your palms until it melts completely. This helps it spread evenly through your beard and prevents clumping.
Tips for even distribution
Start at the roots and work your way to the ends. Use your fingers or a boar’s hair brush to evenly coat every strand. Don’t forget the skin under your beard because that’s where healthy growth starts.
Avoid over-application
Too much product can make your beard look greasy or heavy. Start with a dime-sized amount for short beards or a nickel-sized amount for long ones. You can always add more if needed.
Choosing Quality Products & Avoiding Bad Ones
What are the signs of a bad beard oil?
If it smells harsh, feels sticky, or leaves your beard greasy ... it’s definitely bad. Watch out for cheap oils with synthetic fragrances, alcohol, or mineral oil. A good beard oil should soak in fast and leave your beard soft, not shiny or wet.
What are the disadvantages of beard oil?
There really aren’t many, unless you overuse it. Too much oil can make your beard greasy or clog pores. Stick with a few drops and you’ll get all the benefits without any downside.
Which type of oil is best for a beard?
Look for natural oils like jojoba, argan, sweet almond, and tea tree. These match your skin’s natural oils and keep your beard healthy. That’s why every Badass Beard Oil uses only high-quality, all-natural ingredients and no junk, no fillers.
Is coconut oil good for beards? / Is coconut oil a good substitute?
Coconut oil is good for quick moisture, but it can clog pores or feel heavy if used alone. It’s okay in small amounts or blended with other oils, which is what we do it in our premium balm, butter, and wax blends. Don’t use straight kitchen coconut oil because it’s not beard-safe.
Difference between beard oil and regular oil
Regular oils like olive or cooking oil aren’t made for your face. They can cause breakouts or clog pores. Beard oils are lighter and skin-safe. They are made to hydrate without greasiness or irritation.
Conclusion
Each product has its purpose — oil for softness, balm for control, and butter for deep conditioning. When you use them together, you get a beard that looks great, feels better, and smells badass.
Don’t settle for cheap stuff give your beard the premium care it deserves.
Try these:
👉 Read next: What Is Beard Butter & What Does It Do?
