Growing a beard can be like growing a garden. If the garden is not hydrated and nourished properly, it will be thin, dry, or patchy. For a flourishing garden, the soil will need to be moist and full of minerals. The same is true for beardsmen and their skin underneath their beards.
For beardsmen who struggle with growing a thick and healthy beard, they may find their skin beneath their beard is dehydrated or lacking necessary nutrients. An answer to both these issues could be the application of a carrier oil.
What are Carrier Oils and Why are They Good?
A carrier oil, also known as a base oil or a vegetable oil, is used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin during massage or aromatherapy. Essential oils alone are often volatile and harsh when applied to skin directly. Diluting them before application is paramount for safety.
When applied to beard hair and the skin underneath, a carrier oil can have a replenishing effect. They are especially good for quenching the thirst of a dry beard. The most important thing they do is hydrate hair follicles under the skin. Well-hydrated and nourished hair follicles will stimulate growth over time. In most cases, a thin or patchy beard is just in need of hydration and nourishment.
Top 7 Carrier Oils for Beard Growth and Thickness
Not every carrier oil will have the same effect on every beard. Beardsmen should always do some research and think about what oils will be the best for them. For those seeking a good carrier oil, here are some pretty good suggestions.
7. Pure Body Naturals Sweet Almond Oil for Hair and Skin
Cold pressed sweet almond oil is a remarkably nourishing and hydrating agent for the skin. Pure Body Naturals Sweet Almond Oil is rich in vitamins A, E, and B. Vitamin E, all of which are found in sweet almonds. They’re great for healthy hair and trapping in moisture.
When used regularly, sweet almond oil can improve blood circulation around the hair follicles, provoking stronger, thicker, and healthier hair. Be prepared to get a little greasy using this product. Also, it’s not supposed to smell at all, but it does carry a faint scent.
Pros
- Rich with natural vitamins A, E, and B.
- Will produce healthy hair and entrap moisture
- Replenishes blood around hair follicles
Cons
- Light scent
- Greasy
6. Handcraft Grapeseed Oil Premium Therapeutic Grade Carrier Oil
Grapeseed Oil is most commonly used for aromatherapy, massage, and as a hair and skin moisturizer. This option is no exception. Handcraft’s Grapeseed Oil is a strongly effective moisturizer that will hydrate facial skin, and, in particular, hair follicles. Over time, the consistent application of this oil will promote healthy hair growth and stimulate thicker hair. Grapeseed oil is packed with vitamins A, E, and K, all of which are excellent for keeping skin and hair moisturized.
Just be prepared to get very messy using this oil – it is greasy. In fact, it’s a little too messy.
Pros
- Vitamins A, E, and K are packed into this oil
- Promotes healthy hair growth
- Highly moisturizing
Cons
- Very greasy
5. OPO Sandalwood Beard Oil – 100% Natural
OPO Sandalwood Beard Oil is a completely pure natural oil that is hydrating to the skin. It helps soften and tame beard hair. It also works as a styling agent. This offering from OPO will soothe facial hair and the skin beneath, leaving you with soft, flake-free facial hair and skin. The consistent application of this oil stimulates the hair follicles to promote fast, healthy hair growth for a fuller, thicker beard.
The two most impactful ingredients in this are jojoba oil and argan oil. Those ingredients are great for encouraging hair growth and hair thickness. However, this oil carries a light scent even though it’s advertised as scentless. The scent is not too bad, but it is there, nonetheless.
Pros
- Jojoba oil and Argan oil promote healthy hair
- Hydrates skin effectively
Cons
- Slight scent that might not be acceptable
4. Dr Joe Lab by Cocojojo Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is rich in many different nutrients, such as Vitamins B, D, and E. Almond oil also contains thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. The minerals found in sweet almond oil are zinc, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium – all of them great for maintaining good skin and hair health. Sweet almond oil contains natural moisturizing components that help maintain healthier skin and hair. Vitamins and minerals found in this product can help soften hair and improve skin conditions.
One excellent benefit from Dr Joe Lab’s Sweet Almond Oil is its effect on eczema. It will almost entirely eradicate eczema in a short amount of time. This product is more expensive than it should be, though.
Pros
- Vitamins B, D, and E
- Maintains good skin and hair
- Maintains good skin and hair
Cons
- Expensive
3. Gladiator Beard Oil (2 oz.) Ultra-Conditioning Formula
Gladiator Beard Oil is formulated with nine carrier oils that are ultra-rich in vitamin E, helping to shield the skin and prevent skin damage. This combination delivers a death blow to dry, itchy patches in the beard. This very enriching vitamin E mixture will keep hair and skin hydrated for a long time. Just one application is often enough for the whole day.
This oil contains Frankincense and Myrrh combined with Bergamot, Vanilla, and Patchouli for a pleasant scent. The only downside is that it smells kind of like a woman’s scent. But that’s a subjective take, of course.
Pros
- Ultra-vitamin E enrichment mixture
- Highly moisturizing
Cons
- Smells a bit girly
2. Cliganic USDA Organic Jojoba Oil, 100% Pure
This premium and pure jojoba oil is 100% natural. The Jojoba Carrier Oil has a remarkably healthy effect on the skin, scalp, beard, and hair. It can be used for all skin types. Light in weight, unrefined, and fast-absorbing, it’s gentle enough to be used on even the most sensitive skin. Cliganic’s virgin jojoba oil contains vitamins and minerals that do wonders for healthy skin and hair, including vitamin E, and B-complex.
It’s worth noting that this oil carries a scent and it’s not quite a pleasant one. Many reviewers have complained of the smell. However, the product’s overall quality is undeniable.
Pros
- Highly enriched with Vitamins E and B
- Will hydrate and soothe all skin types
- Excellent for sensitive skin
Cons
- The scent is not so great
1. SVA Organics Argan Premium Therapeutic Grade Carrier Oil
This excellent argan oil from SVA is obtained by cold pressed extraction of argan kernels originating from Morocco. It is entirely pure & natural, hexane-free, authentic, and also free of alcohol and solvents. This is arguably one of the most vitamin E-enriched products on the market. It also has Omega-6 fatty acids that will nourish skin and have a very hydrating effect on hair follicles – that is extremely beneficial for promoting thick and healthy hair growth.
Just about the only thing to look out for with this oil is it’s far too watery. It almost feels just the same as water, which is not too great for a beard oil.
Pros
- Vitamin E and Omega Six fatty acids ensure hydration
- Very pure product
Cons
- Far too watery to the touch
Conclusion
The best possible ranking for these products is as follows.
- Best Overall: SVA Organics Argan Premium Therapeutic Grade Carrier Oil
- Runner Up: Cliganic USDA Organic Jojoba Oil, 100% Pure
- Best Budget Option: OPO Sandalwood Beard Oil – 100% Natural
The SVA organics Argan oil simply has the most to deliver, which is why it heads this list. The Cliganic USDA organic jojoba oil is the second most effective. However, the OPO sandalwood beard oil will provide the most volume for your money. Every beardsman should be mindful of their own requirements when it comes to beard health, but these are some of the best carrier oils out there. They’ll promote a thick and healthy beard for most users.
