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Perfecting your beard may look effortless, but in reality, it can take a lot of work. Issues like ingrown hairs or beard itch can come from shaving or faulty razors. Or you may not have been blessed with genetics that make a full healthy beard possible and are forced to coax your facial hair to grow. Regardless of your situation, we’re here to provide the best beard products currently on the market that can help take patchy beards to a well maintained and thriving one.
Our top picks:
The good news is that the items that work best for your specific beard needs don’t have to break the bank. We have listed several drugstore options that are best rated on Amazon and Reddit as well as some luxe brands that deliver when it comes to beard care. Our picks include smoothing balms, moisturizing oils, velvety creams and conditioning shampoos that have been reported to help soothe irritated or sensitive skin, promote growth and are winners when it comes to softening otherwise prickly or wiry hairs.
We didn’t stop at skincare products and face washes. This list also features a few grooming and styling tools that will ensure that your beard (or the beard that belongs to the man you are planning to buy a gift for) is expertly manicured. That means you’ll also find beard brushes, combs and trimmers below as well.
While the products listed here have not been tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, you can rest assured that we did more than our due diligence when it comes to scouring the internet for reviews and speaking with consumers that have already adopted these products into their daily routines. Get ready to take your grooming game to the next level.
Pros
- Straightener comes with three heat settings
- Set includes brush, comb and scissors
- Oil has nice scent and reviewers have seen increased growth
Cons
- Straightener can become hot to touch so use caution
Tackle beard growth from every angle with this straightener, balm and growth oil combo. According to Cremo grooming company, beard straightening includes benefits like lengthening your beard and keeping it free of tangles, so it is a winner for anyone who is looking for ease with trimming or alternate styling options. One reviewer also noted that the "oil keeps my beard moisturized" and "the balm is good for conditioning; using them both together gives my beard a nice sheen and silky texture."
Pros
- Perfect size for travel
- Sharp scissors
Cons
- Mixed reviews on comb effectiveness for long beards
Over 3,000 Amazon reviewers have raved that this scissor and comb set works well for trimming and keeping flyaways manicured. "You gotta have one nice pair for personal grooming and these have been serving me well for the months I've had it," a reviewer said. He also noted that they are lightweight and "cut promptly."
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Pros
- Great for conditioning facial hair
- Combats dryness and dandruff
- Has over 35,000 Amazon reviews
Cons
- May separate when exposed to temperature fluctuations
- Polarizing scent
With a sale price that comes in just under $12 it's no wonder that a whopping 35,000 Amazon reviewers can't get enough of this beard balm. Not only is it affordable, but several people who have purchased the product love that a little goes a long way, it softens facial hair and also helps with beard itch and dandruff. "My beard is softer [after using the balm] and it looks nicer too. I'd recommend the product to anyone who uses a stronger soap for face cleaning as a strong soap turns your beard hair into steel wool. This, along with some good conditioner, helps put things back into shape," one reviewer wrote.
Pros
- Hydrates skin and facial hair
- Built-in dropper
Cons
- Some reviewers found it too thick
For men with dry beards, this hydrating oil is a winner. Several reviewers have said that the oil is gentle on the skin and penetrates thicker beards. "[The oil] softens hair, making it easier to lay down (if you have a coarser texture) and provides shine," a reviewer noted.
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Pros
- Pump packaging for convenient use
- Long-lasting sheen
Cons
- Some say the scent is overpowering
A blend of coconut, grapeseed, olive and sunflower oils help this beard oil to soften facial hair, while maracuja oil and shea butter deliver hydration and conditioning. Reviewers commented that it is great at providing a lasting sheen and has a pleasant scent. "I have really dry skin and this has helped. Way better than many other oils out there," an Amazon reviewer said.
Pros
- Relieves beard itch
- Great for thick beards
- Small enough for travel
Cons
- Pricey
- Small containers
If you are looking for a beard gift set for the holidays, Jack Black should be your go-to. The beard wash (which made our list of best beard shampoos), beard lube and oil all work together to soften and control unruly beards. The products are small enough that he can sample them before deciding to commit to a full size.
"Got this kit as a gift to my boomer dad who has had an epic beard since his high school years," one Amazon reviewer wrote. "Pop swears by the stuff. Loves it, has recommended it to his other buddies to add to their self-care routine... I’ve been buying him a kit every Father’s Day now and he gets excited every time."
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Pros
- Durable
- Bristles are full and soft
Cons
- May take on scent of beard butters and oils
Boar bristles make this wooden brush great for shaping and styling beards. It features firm bristles, fits easily in your hand and is able to distribute products throughout the beard evenly. Reviewers also praise it for being durable and not easily losing bristles. "Gets cut hair and dandruff out. No bristles have ejected yet. Better than combs for short hair and beards," an Amazon reviewer said.
Pros
- Rechargable
- Affordable
Cons
- Can rust
Even the most awesome beards need a trim every now and then. When that time comes, you'll want to be ready with this all-in-one trimmer. Reviewers love that it comes charged and is easy to use. "My husband loves it… he can do everything he needs to to take care of his trimming and shaving needs. Very durable and user friendly!" a reviewer wrote.
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Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Great for sensitive skin
- Reduces dandruff
Cons
- Peppermint scent may be strong to some
If you're hoping to kill two birds with one stone, this set will do the trick. It includes a beard wash and conditioner to both clean and hydrate facial hair. Over 8,000 Amazon reviewers have raved about its soothing peppermint and eucalyptus scent as well as the duo's ability to soften beards and get rid of dandruff. "After using this just one time, I felt a huge difference in the softness of my beard. This is now a part of my daily wash routine because it works so well," an Amazon reviewer wrote.
Pros
- Conditions skin and facial hair
- Helps reduce beard itch
Cons
- Light scent
Coconut water, argan oil and avocado oil work together in this wash to provide moisture while menthol delivers a cooling sensation for a clean you can feel. Over 3,500 Amazon reviewers have rated it five stars and several have noted that just a small amount of the product goes a long way. It also reduces dryness and cleans skin and hair without a greasy feeling. "Great scent. Leaves my beard and face soft," an Amazon reviewer said.
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Light hold
Cons
- Mint scent is strong
If you're looking for a beard product that will tame your facial hair without leaving it greasy or with too much shine, you'll love this cream. It is lightweight and nourishing and comes in three different scents. Over 6,000 people have given it positive reviews on Amazon, noting that it is great at softening facial hair.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Thicker consistency than oil
Cons
- May transfer
When it comes to beard grooming, oils can be runny and creams can be too thick; this product's jelly-like consistency will give your beard the best of both worlds. With over 14,000 reviews on Amazon, the beard oil jelly delivers on promoting growth and softening facial hair.
"I have noticed significant improvements in the overall health and appearance of my beard since incorporating Bossman's Jelly Beard Oil into my grooming routine," one reviewer said. "It tames unruly hairs, reduces frizz and provides a natural sheen that makes my beard look well-groomed and vibrant. Additionally, the oil helps to prevent split ends and breakage, contributing to a fuller and healthier beard over time."
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Pros
- Softens facial hair
- Affordable
Cons
- Strong smell
At $5.99, you really can't beat the price of this beard oil. Amazon reviewers love that it doesn't break the bank and still delivers results. "Does what a beard oil is supposed to do at a much better price. Love this stuff," one reviewer wrote.
Pros
- Very hydrating
- Comes in multiple scents
Cons
- Thin oil
For anyone who loves a scented beard oil, this brand lets you take your pick. It comes in eight scents (Bourbon/Sandalwood, Caramel Mocha Coffee, Cigar/Vanilla, Natural, Pine with Cedar Wood, Tequila Limon and Tropical Ocean Breeze) and conditions both beard hair and skin. "Their stuff had good hold and every fragrance I’ve tried has been great," a Reddit user said.
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Pros
- Over 10,000 Amazon reviews
- No greasy residue
Cons
- Use roller with caution
Everything you need to help your beard flourish to its full growth potential is right here. "[T]he beard growth speaks for itself. Would definitely recommend to any young men trying to get that full beard look!" one Amazon reviewer wrote.
This set includes two bottles of oil, a tin of beard balm, a double sided comb and a dermaroller. However, "if done improperly at home, microneedling has the potential to cause scratching or burning pain and irritation, redness and inflammation, marks, and even bleeding and scarring on skin," GH Beauty Director April Franzino has cautioned.
Pros
- Can be used on-the-go
- Won't drip or weigh down hair
Cons
- Not as many reviews as other options
As an alternative to your typical shampoos, creams and oils, try out this conditioning spray, which can be applied easily and still smoothes and softens facial hair. This one is formulated with jojoba and grapeseed oils and fruit acids, which provide moisture and gently exfoliate. It also has a fresh citrus scent.
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Pros
- Double sided
- Gentle on hair
Cons
- Teeth may break over time
A beard comb is great for detangling and straightening facial hair. It can also catch flyaways. Reviewers said that it is easy to keep clean and won't yank or rip out hairs. "This comb not only looks great but it glides through smoothly and effortlessly with the added weight," one reviewer noted. But, one thing to keep in mind is the wood may weaken over time, causing teeth to break.
Pros
- Nourishing
- Thicker consistency than oil
Cons
- Some find it too thick
A serum is a next step up from an oil when it comes to consistency and moisture. It won't be super runny (creating a mess) and it will still smooth your beard and provide shine. One Amazon reviewer loves that the serum is "not greasy and smells excellent." They also note that it "does not leave oil markings on my shirts, especially white collared ones."
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Pros
- Provides shaving guide
- Affordable
Cons
- May be too thick for close shaves
For the at-home barber, this cutting and shaping tool will be a game changer. They'll be able to follow the guides to create the perfect curve for their beard shape. "The product itself is amazing. I'm bad with trimming my beard and this just makes it easy and keeps everything straight and perfect. The pencil is really useful since after tracing the beard you can go ahead and start trimming without having to hold the cut buddy the whole time," an Amazon user said.
Pros
- Great scent
- Nourishing and softening
Cons
- Pricey
This beard oil contains shea butter and vitamin E to nourish facial hair and is scented with citrus, cedarwood, plum, leather and tobacco, mimicking a cologne. "[It] left my beard feeling extremely soft all day after applying in the morning, and it smells really, really good," a Reddit user wrote.
Cameron Jenkins
Staff Writer
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.