Whether sporting a scraggly beard, a teenager beard, or a thick mustache, you must consider using beard oil at some point. Beard oil is made of jojoba and coconut oils that help moisturize and soften the beard while preventing beard itchiness.
If you have a patchy beard, beard oil can make your beard appear fuller and has also been shown to aid in beard growth.
Table Of Contents
Most Common Side Effects
Allergic Reaction
Most beard oil brands use natural products, which you want in a grooming product. But, there is only one problem: all-natural products like essential oils contain allergens.
Because of that, if a specific beard oil contains too much of such an essential oil, it can result in allergic reactions. Tea tree oil, lavender, peppermint, and ylang-ylang are some essential oils that might cause an allergic reaction.
Dandruff and Dry Skin
Beard oil is meant to condition the beard and prevent and reduce beard dandruff and itching. But some beard oil brands deliver the exact opposite effects.
Beard oil formulation that is not balanced but is instead heavy on polyunsaturated fats will cause the oil to go rancid on the beard and skin underneath.
When you use such beard oil, it hardens and, rather than moisturizing, dries the beard and the skin underneath, resulting in beard dandruff. The solution is to use a beard oil low on polyunsaturated fats with vitamin E oil.
Phototoxicity
Phototoxicity occurs when beard oil causes a reaction when exposed to the sun. This is mainly caused by certain essential oils like lime, lemon, orange, and bergamot. Reputable brands conduct product tests that rule out phototoxicity in beard oil.
The risk increases when you buy cheap products from less-than-reputable brands.
Suppressing Growth
Testosterone and DHT hormones, including beards, play a crucial role in hair growth. Some beard oils can suppress growth. Beard oils that contain primarily polyunsaturated plant, vegetable, and seed oils are the greatest offenders.
The same goes for beard oils that contain volatile polyunsaturated fats. These oils and fats suppress DHT, thus, affecting beard growth.
Eye Irritation
Beard oil can cause eye irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes. Men who like touching their beards and rubbing their faces might get some beard oil in the eyes. If that happens, you may experience some irritation and dryness. Washing the eyes should clear the irritation.
Inflammation
Beard oil, when used well, can leave your beard looking healthy, full, and shiny. However, using too much beard oil can cause more harm than good, regardless of your beard trimming methods. You risk clogging your pores when you use more than the recommended amount.
If your pores get clogged, acne, inflammation, and dry skin set in.
Toxic Effects on Small Children and Pets
Most beard oils on the market contain essential oils, which give them that sandalwood smell or citrus blast. Even low levels of essential oils can cause severe side effects on small kids and pets. So, avoid holding children or pets when you’ve just applied beard oil.
How to Avoid
Buy From Brands You Trust
You might be tempted to get the cheapest beard oil to save a few bucks. The problem is that most cheap beard oils are untested and don’t contain the correct levels of essential oils.
While buying from a reputable brand means spending more, you are better off spending that money than purchasing a product you won’t use because it causes severe skin reactions.
Check the Expiration Date
Most beard oils are good to use for 6 to 12 months. Always check the expiry date before you buy any beard oil to ensure that the product can last you for a while.
Follow Recommended Usage
You can apply beard oil in the morning and evening to keep your mane moisturized and looking healthy. However, ensure you follow the recommended usage and avoid using too much, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Do Patch Test
This is important when buying products like coconut oil for beard and beard oils. When you get your beard oil, apply a little on your skin and leave it for a day to see if there will be any reactions. If there are adverse reactions, discontinue use and look for another beard oil.
Alternatives
Balm
This is the best beard oil substitute. Beard balms contain the same conditioning agents as beard oil, butter, and beeswax.
Beard balms are used mainly to style the beard to maintain a hold, but you can use beard balm to condition your one-month beard thanks to ingredients like cocoa and shea butter. If you like using beard balm instead of beard oil, consider these tips for beard shaping first.
Jojoba/Argan Oils
If you have sensitive skin, you might want to consider using jojoba or argan oil rather than beard oil.
Jojoba and argan oils are carrier oils and are mostly the base ingredients for popular beard oils. You can also use these oils if you don’t like scented beard grooming products.
FAQ
Does beard oil damage the beard?
No, beard oil doesn’t damage the beard unless it contains harmful ingredients at unsafe levels.
Is it safe to use beard oil every day?
Yes, it’s safe to use beard oil daily as long as you don’t apply too much.
Is beard oil good for the skin?
Beard oil helps moisturize the skin underneath and prevents itching and beard dandruff.
Can beard oil cause acne?
Yes, beard oil can cause acne when you use too much oil that your pores get clogged.
Conclusion
When growing a beard, one product you can’t afford to miss in your grooming kit is beard oil. However, be careful and ensure that you only buy from reputable brands, check the expiry date, and conduct a patch test to rule out severe skin reactions.
Anthony Giannotti is a senior writer and editor for Beardoholic and a licensed barber for more than 13 years. He owns 3 barbershops and has his own hair care product line that is sold in barbershops worldwide. Known for his impeccable technique and skills, Anthony is an expert in hair and beard care and he knows the best products and tools to get rid of all beard problems and have an amazing beard.