Growing a beard is an exciting experience for many gentlemen, and part of that excitement is grooming and maintaining the healthiest beard possible. And one of the most important aspects of maintaining healthy skin and facial hair is using the best carrier oils for your beard. Furthermore, high quality carrier oils are natural and derived from seeds, nuts, and other plant sources to deliver their benefits to the skin and hair.
We like to rate carrier oils based on their comedogenic rating, absorption rate, and viscosity. So let's look into each a little further.
The comedogenic rating measures how likely an oil is to clog pores and cause acne on a scale of 0 to 5. Oils with a high comedogenic rating, such as coconut oil, are more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts, while oils with a low comedogenic rating, such as argan oil and jojoba oil, are less likely to cause clogged pores and acne.
Furthermore, the absorption rate measures how quickly carrier oil is absorbed by the skin and facial hair, making oils with a high absorption rate quick to absorb and leaving less oily residue. Oils with a low absorption rate are slower to absorb and may leave a greasy residue.
Lastly, the viscosity measures the thickness and texture of a carrier oil and oils with a low viscosity are thin and lightweight and are easily spread over the skin and beard. And oils with a high viscosity are thick and heavy and may require more effort to spread evenly throughout a beard.
Here are 6 of the best carrier oils for your beard that you need to try today.
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Argan Oil
The kernels of the Argan tree, native to Morocco, naturally produce Argan oil. It is a rich source of vitamin E, antioxidants, and omega 6 fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for nourishing and moisturizing the skin and beard. Argan oil is particularly well-known for its ability to promote healthy facial hair growth and reduce skin inflammation, making it a popular choice for those looking to grow and maintain a healthy beard.
Comedogenic Rating: 0
Absorption Rate: Average
Viscosity: Light
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Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is another popular carrier found in high quality beard oils that comes from the seeds of the jojoba plant. And it is a light, non-greasy oil that closely resembles the natural oils produced by the skin. This makes it an excellent choice for moisturizing and softening your beard. Jojoba oil is also rich Vitamin E, Vitamin B Complex, and a broad spectrum of fatty acids, making it a excellent choice for promoting healthy facial hair growth.
Comedogenic Rating: 2
Absorption Rate: Average
Viscosity: Light
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Meadowfoam seed oil
Meadowfoam seed oil is a relatively new carrier oil that comes from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. It is moisturizing and has rejuvenating properties for skin and facial hair. It is rich in antioxidants and contains over 98% long-chain fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for your beard. Meadowfoam seed oil is well known for providing long-lasting moisture to the skin and hair.
Comedogenic Rating: 1
Absorption Rate: Fast
Viscosity: Medium
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Moringa oil
Moringa oil comes from the seeds of the moringa tree, which is native to Himalayan regions of India. It is rich in behenic acid as well as vitamins B and C and known to nourish and condition facial hair and skin. In addition, Moringa oil is also known for its ability to reduce inflammation and promote healthy hair growth.
Comedogenic Rating: 3-4
Absorption Rate: Fast
Viscosity: Medium
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Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil comes from the seeds of the rosehip fruit, which is native to Chile. It is extremely high in essential fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for replenishing the skin’s moisture barrier and relieving beard itch. People searching for the fountain of youth consider Rosehip oil a great choice for maintaining a youthful appearance as it is known to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. A nice bonus!
Comedogenic Rating: 1
Absorption Rate: Ultra Fast
Viscosity: Light
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Squalane
The skin and facial hair easily absorbs Squalane. It is super light and non-greasy making it an excellent choice for moisturizing and softening your beard. It is a derivative of Squalene, an oily molecule that occurs naturally in the sebum of human skin. Squalane infuses the facial hair strand with moisture and is easily one of the absolute best carrier oils for your beard and skin. Baronial Beard Co. packs its beard oil with Squalane, and it will leave your beard feeling incredible. If you want to learn more about Squalane, check out Dan C's youtube video for a primer on Squalane.
Comedogenic Rating: 0-1
Absorption Rate: Fast
Viscosity: Ultra Light
Blending the best carrier oils is critical for beard care companies when developing a beard oil. Argan oil, jojoba oil, meadowfoam seed oil, moringa oil, rosehip oil, and squalane are all excellent choices in beard care. Moreover, each of these carrier oils has unique properties that can benefit your beard in different ways. Be kind to your beard and oil twice a day!