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A good beard balm can make a huge difference to how your beard looks and feels. It is perfect if you want to soften coarse hair, and tame fly aways. It will also offer a light styling hold, or nourish the skin underneath. The right balm can transform your beard grooming routine.
I tested some of the most popular beard balms available in the UK and compared them for hold, hydration, scent, and overall performance.
This guide focuses on real world results, not marketing hype, so you can choose a beard balm that genuinely improves your beard.
How I Tested These Beard Balms
My Beard Type & Skin Type
I have a short, coarse beard and slightly sensitive skin. That makes me a good test case for spotting irritation, greasiness, and how well a balm softens and styles without weighing the beard down.
What I Looked For
To keep things consistent, I evaluated each balm based on:
- Softening ability
- Styling hold (light, medium, strong)
- Absorption
- Scent strength and longevity
- Ingredients (natural vs synthetic)
- Skin comfort
- Value for money
- UK availability
Where I Sourced the Products
I tested balms purchased from:
- Amazon UK
- Boots
- Superdrug
- UK grooming brands
- Barber recommendations
I also cross checked my findings with verified UK buyer feedback.
Quick Comparison Table
Beard Balm | Best For | Key Ingredients | Hold | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bulldog Original Beard Balm | Best Overall | Aloe, camelina, green tea | Light | £ |
Seven Potions Beard Balm | Best Premium | Shea butter, jojoba, essential oils | Medium | £££ |
Honest Amish Beard Balm | Argan & jojoba oils | Shea, cocoa, kokum, natural oils | Medium | ££ |
King C Gillette Beard Balm | Shea butter, argan oil | Cocoa butter, argan oil | Light | ££ |
Percy Nobleman Beard Balm | Beeswax, vanilla extract | Beeswax, shea butter | Medium/Strong | ££ |
The Best Beard Balms in the UK (My Top Picks)
1. Bulldog Original Beard Balm — Best Overall Beard Balm UK
Why I recommend it:
Bulldog’s beard balm is one of the best all round options for UK men. It softens coarse hair, absorbs quickly, and has a mild, clean scent. The formula is lightweight, making it ideal for daily use without feeling greasy.
- Shea Butter: Rich in vitamins A & E, and locks in moisture and helps smooth irritation.
- Cocoa Butter: Creates a protective barrier against environmental stressors, adds smoothness.
- Essential Oils (blend): Subtle fragrance, skin friendly hydration.
- Effect: Vegan friendly, everyday balm that balances conditioning with affordability which is perfect for sensitive skin and daily use.
Pros
- Great value
- Mild scent
- Softens without greasiness
- Widely available
Cons
- Light hold only
Best for:
Short to medium beards, daily conditioning, beginners
2. Seven Potions Beard Balm — Best Premium Beard Balm
Why it is worth the premium price:
Seven Potions is a UK brand known for high‑quality grooming products. Their beard balm uses organic ingredients and provides a smooth, medium hold that keeps your beard neat without stiffness. The scent is subtle and refined.
Pros
- Premium ingredients
- Medium hold
- Excellent conditioning
- UK brand
Cons
- Higher price
Best for:
Medium to long beards, premium grooming routines
3. Honest Amish Beard Balm — Best Natural Beard Balm
Why it's the best natural option:
Honest Amish is one of the most trusted natural beard care brands. Their balm uses shea, cocoa, and kokum butters along with natural oils to deeply condition the beard. It’s excellent for dry or coarse hair and gentle on sensitive skin.
Pros
- 100% natural
- Very hydrating
- Medium hold
- Ideal for coarse beards
Cons
- Has an earthly scent that may not suit everyone
Best for:
Dry beards, sensitive skin, natural grooming routines
4. King C Gillette Beard Balm — Best for Softening
Why it's great for softening:
This balm is designed to moisturise both the beard and the skin underneath. The cocoa butter and argan oil formula melts easily and leaves the beard noticeably softer. It’s ideal if your beard feels rough or wiry.
Pros
- Excellent softening effect
- Lightweight
- Not greasy
Cons
- Light hold only
Best for:
Short beards, itchy skin, daily conditioning
5. Percy Nobleman Beard Balm — Best for Styling
Why it's ideal for styling:
If you want a balm that offers more control, Percy Nobleman’s formula is a great choice. The beeswax and shea butter combination provides a medium‑strong hold that keeps flyaways in place without feeling sticky.
Pros
- Stronger hold
- Great for shaping
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- Slightly heavier texture
Best for:
Medium to long beards, styling and shaping
How to Choose the Right Beard Balm (Expert Guide)
Hold Level
- Light hold: daily conditioning, short beards
- Medium hold: shaping and softening
- Strong hold: long or unruly beards
Ingredients
Look for:
- Shea butter
- Beeswax
- Jojoba oil
- Argan oil
- Cocoa butter
Avoid balms with heavy artificial fragrances if you have sensitive skin.
Scent Strength
Choose based on your preference:
- Mild scents for daily use
- Stronger scents for evenings or styling
- Unscented for sensitive skin
Beard Length
- Short beards → light balms
- Medium beards → medium hold
- Long beards → medium‑strong hold
What Butters are Used in Beard Balms?
Butters provide the balm’s texture and conditioning power.
- Shea Butter: A staple in UK beard balms like Bulldog Skincare and Reuzel. It locks in moisture, soothes irritation, and adds softness.
- Cocoa Butter: Found in Bulldog Skincare, it creates a protective barrier against environmental stressors while adding a subtle sheen.
- Beeswax: Common in Woodsleep Men’s Balm. Provides light hold, helping shape the beard while sealing in moisture.
What Carrier Oils Are Used in Beard Balms?
Carrier oils form the foundation of most beard balms. They deliver hydration, nutrients, and shine.
- Jojoba Oil: Closely mimics natural sebum, making it excellent for balancing skin hydration. Helps prevent beard dandruff.
- Avocado Oil: Packed with oleic acid, it penetrates deeply to soften coarse beards.
- Macadamia Oil: Lightweight yet nourishing, ideal for reducing frizz without greasiness.
- Argan Oil: Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. It strengthens hair shafts, reduces breakage, and adds natural gloss.
The best beard balm in the UK balances conditioning, styling, and fragrance. Whether you want a premium oud scented balm or a simple everyday moisturiser, the UK market offers excellent options across all budgets.
Investing in the right balm ensures your beard looks sharp, feels soft, and stays healthy year round. Balms are one product, and you can see the full range of beard grooming products here.
Beard Balm FAQs
Q. Should I use beard balm or beard oil?
A. Oil hydrates; balm hydrates and styles. Many men use both.
Q. How often should I use beard balm?
A. Once daily is ideal for most beards.
Q. Can beard balm help with beard itch?
A. Yes — especially balms with natural butters and oils.
Q. Can I use beard balm on stubble?
A. You can, but beard oil is usually better for very short growth.
Q. Does beard balm help with flyaways?
A. Yes, as balms with beeswax provide light to medium control.
My Final Verdict
If you want the best all‑round beard balm in the UK, Bulldog Original Beard Balm is the top choice for most men. It’s affordable, effective, and widely available. For premium conditioning and a refined scent, Seven Potions Beard Balm is excellent, while Honest Amish is the best natural option.
It is also worth noting that balms don't directly help with patchy beards. For help with those, you should read my article on patchy beard solutions.
Choose based on your beard length, styling needs, and scent preference. That way your beard will look and feel noticeably healthier.