If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stood in front of the mirror, beard looking like it just walked out of a wind tunnel, wondering why it refuses to behave. I used to think trimming and shampooing were enough until I discovered beard balms. And not just any balms—I’m talking about the ones that actually do something.
Over the past year, I made it my mission to try and test some of the best beard balms on the market. Through a combination of trial, error, and mild beard-related panic, I finally narrowed it down to five balms that stood out in 2025. This post is for my fellow bearded brothers who want something more than just scent—something that softens, nourishes, tames, and makes your beard feel like a proper man-mane.
Here’s what I tried, what worked, what didn’t, and what each balm brings to the table:
My Top Picks:
- Honest Amish Beard Balm
- Grave Before Shave Cigar Blend Beard Balm
- Viking Revolution Sandalwood Beard Balm
- The Beard Club Biotin Beard Balm
- King C. Gillette Soft Beard Balm
Honest Amish Beard Balm
| Scent: | Earthy, slightly herbal, mildly spicy |
| Texture: | Smooth, buttery |
| Hold: | Light to medium |
| Price: | $12 for 2 oz |
I don’t think any beard balm list would feel complete without Honest Amish. It’s one of those products that gets mentioned everywhere, and for good reason. The first time I used it, I was impressed by the natural, homemade feel of the product. It’s made from organic ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, and a mix of essential oils that I can never quite pronounce but definitely smell good.
What really stood out for me was how soft my beard felt within a couple of days. I applied it every morning after showering while my beard was still slightly damp, and the difference was noticeable almost immediately. It gave my beard this nourished look without making it greasy.
I did notice the scent was a bit earthy and medicinal—almost like a health store smell. It wasn’t unpleasant, but if you’re used to more cologne-like scents, this may take some adjusting.
What I loved:
- Extremely nourishing
- Softens beard hair like magic
- A little goes a long way
What could be better:
- Scent isn’t for everyone
- Not a strong hold, so not great for styling
Verdict: If you want your beard to feel healthier and look more alive, this is a go-to. Especially great if you have dry or wiry beard hair.
Grave Before Shave Cigar Blend
| Scent: | Cigar & vanilla (rich, masculine) |
| Texture: | Smooth with a touch of grit |
| Hold: | Medium |
| Price: | $13 for 2 oz |
Okay, let’s talk about vibe. Grave Before Shave brings a personality to its products that makes you want to be part of a beard gang. The Cigar Blend in particular? Straight up intoxicating. It smells like a gentleman’s lounge—tobacco, vanilla, maybe even a hint of whiskey. Every time I wore it, I got compliments (and questions like “What cologne are you wearing?”).
Application-wise, it’s a bit firmer than Honest Amish and has a more “balmy” consistency. It melted in the hand without too much effort and spread nicely. What I really liked was the hold—strong enough to tame the wild curls on my cheeks and keep my goatee looking sharp all day.
This one became my go-to for evenings out or anytime I wanted to smell damn good. I’d even apply it on days when I wasn’t going out, just to enjoy that scent at home.
What I loved:
- Best scent of the bunch
- Decent hold without stiffness
- Good for medium-length beards
What could be better:
- Pricier than others
- Might clash with your actual cologne
Verdict: If you want a balm that works and smells like a million bucks, this one’s a top pick. Probably my favorite when I wanted to feel a bit fancy.
Viking Revolution Sandalwood
| Scent: | Sandalwood (warm, clean) |
| Texture: | Creamy, easy to apply |
| Hold: | Light |
| Price: | $10 for 2 oz |
I picked up Viking Revolution on a whim—partially because of the price, partially because of the packaging. It had solid reviews, and I figured for ten bucks, it was worth a try.
And honestly? I was pleasantly surprised. The balm is easy to apply, feels light in the beard, and doesn’t leave any noticeable residue. The sandalwood scent is classic—clean, woody, not too overpowering. It’s the kind of balm I found myself reaching for on regular weekdays, especially when I didn’t want something overly scented.
It doesn’t offer much in terms of hold, so if you’re trying to shape or style, this isn’t the best. But it makes up for that in comfort and feel—it kept my beard soft and manageable all day.
What I loved:
- Budget-friendly
- Clean sandalwood scent
- Perfect daily balm
What I loved:
- Minimal hold
- Not as long-lasting scent-wise
Verdict: If you’re new to beard balms or just want something simple and effective without breaking the bank, this is your guy. Great for short to medium beards.
The Beard Club Biotin Beard Balm
| Scent: | Subtle citrus |
| Texture: | Rich and creamy |
| Hold: | Medium |
| Price: | $14 for 2 oz |
I was intrigued by the biotin claim. I mean, who wouldn’t want their beard to grow stronger and maybe even thicker? So I gave The Beard Club balm a try.
The first thing I noticed: it felt luxurious. Thicker than most balms I’ve tried, it felt like it was made for serious beard care. The scent was light and citrusy, which I liked because it didn’t clash with anything else I was wearing. It absorbed well and gave my beard this slightly glossy, well-fed look.
Over the weeks of using it, my beard felt fuller—not in a magical “3x growth” way, but more like the individual hairs felt healthier and less brittle. That could very well be the biotin at work. I also liked how it made my beard feel when brushing—it made detangling super easy.
What I loved:
- Biotin-rich formula seems to help with beard health
- Nice consistency and decent hold
- Subtle citrus scent
What could be better:
- Slightly heavier than others (can feel oily if overused)
- More expensive than drugstore options
Verdict: This is the balm I recommend to guys who are trying to grow their beards out or who have coarse, curly hair. It’s more than just a styling product—it’s beard nutrition.
King C. Gillette Soft Beard Balm
| Scent: | Cologne-like, fresh and modern |
| Texture: | Creamy, almost like a pomade |
| Hold: | Light to medium |
| Price: | $11 for 3.4 oz |
King C. Gillette was a wildcard for me. I tend to associate Gillette with shaving—so when I saw they had a beard balm, I had to try it.
First impressions: sleek packaging, generous size, and very nice scent. It smells like something you’d get from a high-end men’s grooming store. It’s a bit more modern cologne than earthy or woody.
Texture-wise, it’s creamy—more like a cross between a leave-in conditioner and balm. I used this balm mostly at night, especially after a shower. It worked beautifully as a leave-in treatment, and by the next morning, my beard felt incredibly soft.
However, it doesn’t offer much styling power, so don’t expect it to hold down flyaways for long. That said, it’s a solid daily conditioning balm.
What I loved:
- Affordable and comes in a big tub
- Smells high-end
- Works as a deep conditioner
What could be better:
- Not great for shaping
- Might not suit guys who prefer earthy or woody scents
Verdict: Ideal for anyone looking for a conditioner-style balm with a cologne-like scent. Especially good for nighttime use or days when you’re not styling heavily.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Use?
It really comes down to what you want your beard balm to do. Here’s a quick summary based on my personal experience:
- Grave Before Shave – I’m a sucker for that scent.
- The Beard Club – For days I want to really treat my beard.
- Honest Amish – For a natural, reliable, everyday balm.
- King C. Gillette – Best for softening and scent, especially at night.
- Viking Revolution – Great starter balm, unbeatable price.
Final Tips from My Beard Journey:
- Apply after a warm shower – beard absorbs product best when clean and slightly damp.
- Use a boar bristle brush to spread the balm and train your beard.
- Don’t overdo it – A small amount goes a long way. Too much, and you’ll look greasy.
- Experiment – Different balms work better at different beard lengths and seasons.
Beard balms aren’t just about styling—they’re about treating your beard with care. Whether you’re rocking a short boxed beard or a wild wizard beard, there’s something here that’ll suit your needs.
Have you tried any of these? Or have a favorite that I missed? I’d love to hear about your go-to beard balm for 2025. Drop a comment, and let’s keep our beards looking legendary.