Carrier oils are the most important part of any beard oil. They produce the most effect on your beard, and also make up the majority of the beard oil itself. Most essential oils are far too high of a concentration to cover your face with, but when diluted properly in a carrier oil, they can be highly beneficial.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is by far one of the most popular oils for both men and women. It is a highly versatile oil that contains high levels of Linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory, acne reductive, and moisture retentive properties, that work great on skin and hair alike.
Grapeseed oil is very mellow and won’t clog pores or lead to breakouts. In addition, it is noted for having healing effects for dry, damaged hair (including hair on the beard).
Coconut Oil
It is not commonly used in commercial beard lotions or lotions, but is definitely a hidden gem. If you are not familiar with coconut oil, it works a little differently than most carrier oils meaning that it is solid at room temperature, and liquefies when you warm it up by just rubbing it between your hands.
A great moisturizer, it has also been known to reduce protein loss in hair. This means you will
maintain hair health and protect from damage.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is a popular choice for beard oils. You may have had it used on your if you frequent massage therapy. Almond oil is produced by pressing almonds, which are up to 44% pure oil by weight. Almond oil softens and conditions hair well, but is much more geared towards the health of the skin beneath the beard, which is the foundation of the beard. A great oil for those with itchy skin under the beard.
Argan Oil
Also known as Moroccan oil, argan oil is one you have to be especially careful with if you are making your own oils; reason being is there is a large portion of oils marketed as "Moroccan oil" that are not pure. Argan oil is one of the best oils for your hair and has literally been used for centuries to condition and soften hair, and is also used for the treatment of acne.
There are other carrier oils you can use, but I've just narrowed it down to my top 4.
Carriers are your base oils that you use to dilute your essential oils. Use 15 ml of carrier oil to 9 drops of pure essential oils. You don't have to limit it to 1 essential oil, make a blend. Play around and have fun.
Here are my top picks for essential oils to use in a beard oil.
Cedarwood Atlas
Cedarwood oil contains the greatest concentration of Sesquiterpenes, which is a terpene that actually helps release toxins from the body and increase circulation. It is also known for its anti-septic, anti-bacterial, astringent, and anti-fungal properties. Cedarwood is known for its relaxing and calming effects. A great earthy scent, promoting grounding properties.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is very common in beard oils due to its fresh scent. The scent also plays into the expectorant and respiratory benefits of eucalyptus. In addition, eucalyptus oil is used as an anti-bacterial, deodorant, anti-aging, and an anti-inflammatory treatment.
Vanilla
Who doesn't love the scent of vanilla? Not many. Used in a lot of beard oils for this exact reason. Known for its relaxing and calming properties.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil does so much, and really doesn't get all the credit it deserves. Great stimulating effects for hair and follicles. It not only helps your skin, but it will help heal it as well if you do happen to get some kind of blemish. Also an anti-bacterial.
Be careful when using essential oils. Also, do a patch skin test first before using and never take internally. There are so many oils and so little time to discuss them all. Have fun with some of the ones mentioned here, and it's okay to be adventurous and try a blend.
Marian Grande Simone is the President of Mistico Mimi Wellness Centre and Essential Oils by Mistico Mimi. She is also a Clinical Aromatherapist registered with the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists. www.misticomimi.com Ⓒ
