Beard oil

Beard oil is a cosmetic product for men that is used to nourish both the skin under the beard and the beard itself in order to keep it "soft, shiny, and smooth".[1] Beard oil mimics the natural oils produced by skin, such as sebum, and is composed mainly of carrier oils and essential oils.

Ingredients

Beard oil products are a blend of various ingredients, such as jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil, hempseed oil that are used to address specific beard problems such as itching, sensitive skin or dryness by going straight to the follicle in a similar fashion to hair conditioner.

Beard oil is usually scented (though unscented versions are available) using a variety of natural and artificial, typically masculine, scents ranging from sweet to bitter and can be used to substitute cologne or aftershave.

Benefits

Beard oil acts as a moisturizer that goes straight to the hair follicle and restricts hair from growing brittle, especially in cold, windy environments[2] as these weather conditions cause the natural moisture of the beard area to wick. Hydration around this area helps prevent flaking, dandruff and skin dryness. Some brands of beard oil may contain added vitamins or nutrients such as vitamin E. This moisturization prevents general itchiness and irritation of the skin under the beard.

Beard oil also works below the surface of the skin by working as a grooming tool, making the beard itself more manageable, neat and smooth.

Beard oil also improves the way a beard looks by giving it a slight shine. This makes a beard look healthier as well. [3]

Chemical makeup and formulations

Beard oils are manufactured with the intent to emulate the natural oils produced by the skin, known as sebum. Carrier type oils generally contain vitamins A, D and E, as well as a high concentration of linoleic acids and low concentrations of oleic acids. Natural and synthetic scents may be added to the oil in order to enhance its properties and aroma. Natural scents (essential oils, absolutes, and extracts) are derived differently than synthetic scents[4] and contain different chemical compounds that enhance their functionality. This can give beard oils properties such as antibacterial, deodorant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. Beard oils sold in the United States making claims to be therapeutic must be approved by the FDA.[5]

Natural beard oils are typically created with both carrier oils and essential oils, absolutes, and/or extracts. Carrier oils are oils that make up the bulk of the volume of the product and are formulated to condition the skin and beard. The most popular types of carrier oils are coconut, grape seed, jojoba, saffron and argan. They are used as a natural fragrance for the beard oils, but also may have aromatherapy benefits. Since essential oils, absolutes, and extracts are usually very strong they may cause chemical burns or skin irritation, they are commonly paired up with carrier oils in order to dilute them.

Popularity

Awareness of beard oil and beard-grooming products has been increasing due to the fact that industries have become "more permissive" of facial hair.[6]

See also

References
  1. "Best Beard Oils to Tame Your Beard." Mensjournal.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 September 2014.
  2. "Your Beard Needs Oil." Esquirecom Article. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 September 2014.
  3. Sasson, Dorit (25 March 2016). "4 Reasons Men Should Be Using Beard Oil". Huffington Post.
  4. Anthony J. O'Lenick, Jr., Siltech LLC; and Ed Matson, Carrubba Inc "Comparatively Speaking: Natural vs. Synthetic Fragrance" 22 December 2011
  5. FDA.gov "FDA - Aromatherapy"
  6. Boncompagni, Tatiana. "The Taming of the Beard." The New York Times. The New York Times, 30 January 2013. Web. 1 September 2014.

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