Beard oil is a
cosmetic product that is used to nourish both the
skin
Skin is the layer of usually soft, flexible outer tissue covering the body of a vertebrate animal, with three main functions: protection, regulation, and sensation.
Other cuticle, animal coverings, such as the arthropod exoskeleton, have diffe ...
under the
beard
A beard is the hair that grows on the jaw, chin, upper lip, lower lip, cheeks, and neck of humans and some non-human animals. In humans, usually pubescent or adult males are able to grow beards.
Throughout the course of history, societal at ...
and the beard itself in order to keep it "soft, shiny, and smooth". Beard oil mimics the natural oils produced by skin, such as
sebum
A sebaceous gland is a microscopic exocrine gland in the skin that opens into a hair follicle to secrete an oily or waxy matter, called sebum, which lubricates the hair and skin of mammals. In humans, sebaceous glands occur in the greatest nu ...
, and is composed mainly of carrier oils and essential oils.
Ingredients
Beard oil products are a blend of various ingredients, such as
jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is the liquid produced in the seed of the ''Simmondsia chinensis'' ( jojoba) plant, a shrub, which is native to southern Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico. The oil makes up approximately 50% of the jojoba seed by w ...
,
argan oil
Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree (''Argania spinosa'' L.), which is indigenous to Morocco. In Morocco, argan oil is used to dip bread in at breakfast or to drizzle on couscous or pasta. It is also used for cosm ...
,
coconut oil
frameless , right , alt = A cracked coconut and a bottle of coconut oil
Coconut oil (or coconut butter) is an edible oil derived from the wick, meat, and milk of the coconut palm fruit. Coconut oil is a white solid fat; in warmer climates duri ...
,
grape seed oil
Grape seed oil (also called grapeseed oil or grape oil) is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of grapes. A by-product of the winemaking industry, it is typically used for edible applications.
Uses
Cooking
Grape seed oil has a moderatel ...
,
hempseed oil
Hemp oil (hemp seed oil) is oil obtained by pressing hemp seeds. Cold pressed, unrefined hemp oil is dark to clear light green in color, with a nutty flavor. The darker the color, the grassier the flavour. It should not be confused with hash oi ...
and eucalyptus 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
Masculinity (also called manhood or manliness) is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with men and boys. Masculinity can be theoretically understood as socially constructed, and there is also evidence that some behaviors con ...
, 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
The hair follicle is an organ found in mammalian skin. It resides in the dermal layer of the skin and is made up of 20 different cell types, each with distinct functions. The hair follicle regulates hair growth via a complex interaction between h ...
and restricts hair from growing brittle, especially in cold, windy environments 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 tocotrienols, or more commonly known, 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.
Chemical makeup and formulations
Beard oils are manufactured with the intent to emulate the natural oils produced by the skin, known as
sebum
A sebaceous gland is a microscopic exocrine gland in the skin that opens into a hair follicle to secrete an oily or waxy matter, called sebum, which lubricates the hair and skin of mammals. In humans, sebaceous glands occur in the greatest nu ...
. Carrier type oils generally contain vitamins A, D and E, as well as a high concentration of
linoleic acid
Linoleic acid (LA) is an organic compound with the formula COOH(CH2)7CH=CHCH2CH=CH(CH2)4CH3. Both alkene groups are cis-trans isomerism, ''cis''. It is a fatty acid sometimes denoted 18:2 (n-6) or 18:2 ''cis''-9,12. A linoleate is a salt (chem ...
s and low concentrations of
oleic acid
Oleic acid is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in various animal and vegetable fats and oils. It is an odorless, colorless oil, although commercial samples may be yellowish. In chemical terms, oleic acid is classified as a monounsaturated omega ...
s. 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 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.
Natural beard oils are typically created with both carrier oils and
essential oils
An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile (easily evaporated at normal temperatures) chemical compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetheroleum, or simply as the o ...
, 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
Aromatherapy is based on the usage of aromatic materials including essential oils and other aroma compounds, with claims for improving psychological and physical well-being. It is offered as a complementary therapy or as a form of alternative m ...
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.
[Boncompagni, Tatiana]
"The Taming of the Beard."
The New York Times. The New York Times, 30 January 2013. Web. 1 September 2014.
See also
*
Beard and haircut laws by country
Secular laws regulating hairstyles exist in various countries and institutions.
Present laws India
240px, Out of respect to their religion, Sikhs are allowed to grow beards in the Indian army.
240px, Admiral D.K. Joshi of the five o'clock shad ...
*
List of facial hairstyles
This is a non-exhaustive list of facial hairstyles.
Moustache styles
A moustache is defined as any facial hair grown specifically on the upper lip. There are many different types of moustache, but all differentiate between hair grown exclusivel ...
*
List of hairstyles
This is a non-exhaustive list of hairstyles, excluding facial hairstyles.
Short hairstyles
Buzz cuts
A buzz cut is any of a variety of short hairstyles usually designed with electric clippers.
Haircuts are a type of hairstyles where the hair ...
*
Moustache styles
A moustache (; en-US, mustache, ) is a strip of facial hair grown above the upper lip. Moustaches have been worn in various styles throughout history.
Etymology
The word "moustache" is French, and is derived from the Italian ''mustaccio'' ...
References
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Beard
Oils
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