The 7 Best Beard Conditioners, According To A Longtime Barber

Key ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, biotin | Size: 7.1 ounces | Price per ounce: $2.99 | Scent: Amber, passionfruit, tonka bean

Scotch Porter leads the pack when it comes to anything beard related. In creating the brand, founder Calvin Quallis aims to provide tailored grooming products to all hair types, especially those whose beards tend to lean extremely curly, thick and coarse. That’s what makes Scotch Porter’s assortment so special; when products are formulated for the coarsest and curliest facial hairs, they’re going to work universally across all beards.

This is Grinstead-Mayle’s top pick; using it has earned him a disproportionate amount of compliments compared to other products he’s used, both for its delicious scent and its effect on his beard. He says the fragrance—described by the brand as “sharp green floriental”—feels masculine but soft and subtle at the same time. 

What the reviews say: Overall, customers are happy with the results of this conditioner—and several rave over the formula’s scent. “I have to say, this is the best smelling and working conditioner I have tried, to date,” writes one Amazon shopper. “It smells amazing. If you like woody undertone scents with a sweet and classic barbershop smell, you will love this.” However, some users feel that the formula is a bit too thin and could be thicker.

Key ingredients: Amyris oil, wheat protein | Size: 8.5 ounces | Price per ounce: $3.18 | Scent: Orange, cedar, musk

Although it’s a bit pricier than other options on this list, the high-quality ingredients, masculine scent and rich lather really set this conditioner apart. “I bought a bottle of this in London and felt so gentleman-like after using it,” says Grinstead-Mayle. The formula contains wheat proteins, which have been shown to strengthen hair and add moisture, along with natural oils such as orange peel oil and cedar wood oil. It softens facial hair on contact and leaves behind “clean, crisp undertones of musk,” says Grinstead-Mayle.

What the reviews say: A majority of users reported a positive experience with this conditioner, noting that it has a rich texture. “I have tried oils and other lotions; this works the best,” says one Nordstrom shopper. “It does soften your beard and has a nice mild scent as well. I would recommend this highly, mostly because of its effectiveness.” That being said, not everyone is a fan of the fragrance; a few reviewers admit they don’t care for the scent.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, soy protein, panthenol | Size: 3 ounces | Price per ounce: $2.32 | Scent: Grapefruit

This beard conditioner is unique in that it doubles as a facial moisturizer, making it ideal for someone who prefers to have fewer products in their grooming lineup. It’s formulated with hydrating coconut oil, strengthening soy protein and moisturizing panthenol (a derivative of vitamin B5). The light, invigorating grapefruit scent isn’t too overpowering, which is great news for those who are sensitive to fragrance.

What the reviews say: Customers rave over this conditioner’s texture, scent and value for the price. “This beard conditioner isn’t oily like many others,” says one Amazon shopper. “It keeps my beard soft while moisturizing my face. I use it every day—sometimes twice.” However, some reviewers feel the formula works better as a moisturizer than as a beard conditioner.

Key ingredients: Argan oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, eucalyptus oil, menthol oil | Size: 17 ounces | Price per ounce: $1.17 | Scent: Peppermint, eucalyptus

Grinstead-Mayle calls this one a “solid and masculine” choice, citing its massive size as another benefit. This substantial bottle is chock-full of nourishing oils and skin-soothing ingredients (like argan oil, jojoba oil and aloe vera, to name a few), to prevent flaking, itching and frizziness. With thousands of positive reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars, this best-selling product has amassed quite a following.

What the reviews say: Over 6,000 Amazon shoppers have given this product a 5-star rating. Many specifically compliment its anti-itch properties and its woodsy scent, which one reviewer described as “a cross between a pine forest and a dragon’s lair.” However, some shoppers say that the bottle’s pump design isn’t effective.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, vitamin E | Size: 4 ounces | Price per ounce: $3.25 | Scent: Eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender

Manscaped was founded in 2016 with a single electric trimmer that made grooming delicate areas safe and efficient. Today, it has a curated collection of skin and hair products ranging from aluminum-free deodorant to body wash to this beard conditioner. This leave-in conditioner is a terrific alternative to rinse-out shower options, and it’s also affordable. It’s fairly comparable to a beard balm, but the lightweight formula isn’t as gripping, so you won’t feel it throughout the day. You will, however, notice how soft, smooth and manageable your facial hair feels after working it through your whiskers.

What the reviews say: Overall, customers like the lightweight feel of this cream and the fact that it isn’t waxy. “It creates a very soft texture and controls your wildness,” writes one Amazon shopper. “I don’t feel like I’m wearing anything in my beard.” However, opinions are mixed on the longevity of its effects, as well as the herbal fragrance.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, silk protein, neem oil | Size: 13 ounces | Price per ounce: $0.96 | Scent: Coconut and hibiscus

Although Grinstead-Mayle isn’t a fan of using head conditioners on the beard, there are some exceptions. Many brands formulate their products specifically for dual use, while others—like this one—require a bit of creative interpretation. See, if you use a product that targets coarse and curly strands, then it can likely provide the same nourishing benefits to a coarse, bushy beard. It’s important to patch test the product on facial skin first to ensure ingredients like coconut oil don’t cause breakouts for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

What the reviews say: While there aren’t any mentions of specifically using this product on beards, there are hundreds of 5-star reviews that praise this conditioner for its moisturizing, softening effects. “This erases wear and tear on hair instantly,” says one Amazon shopper. “I don’t use it with every wash, but when when I do, my hair feels like it went through a pampering session.” Customers also enjoy the subtle coconut fragrance. However, some users report that the pump bottle isn’t a great match for such a thick formula.

Key ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, green tea extract, soy protein | Size: 8 ounces | Price per ounce: $2.50 | Scent: Green tea

Since your scalp produces more oil than your face, stripping the natural oils from beard hair, which is thick and coarse, can leave you with dry whiskers. A good beard wash is essential for maintaining soft and healthy facial hair, and unlike shampoo (which is formulated to strip excess oil) it won’t leave the skin underneath feeling dry and itchy. The Billy Jealousy Hydrating Beard Wash is loaded with conditioning ingredients like aloe leaf juice, and it feels more like a co-wash than sh