Nowadays, men have become more vigilant towards their beard care.
When they start noticing any degradation in their beard, they try to switch different products without knowing them entirely.
Here, we are talking about using baby oil for beard. Many men use baby oil on their facial hair for moisturizing and styling instead of beard oils.
The reason can be a cheaper alternative or skin sensitivity or else.
Men think practically for everything. According to them, if a product is safe for babies, they are obviously safer for adults.
So today, we will discuss the above myth, facts on how baby oil good for your beard, side effects, and how to use it appropriately
Table of Contents
baby oil for beard: what is it?
Baby oil is a transparant and odorless oil made specifically for a baby’s delicate skin. It is mineral oil with a light consistency for massaging babies on their whole body.
According to manufacturers, it is non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and gentle, providing deep moisturization for hours.
There are three types of baby oils present in the market.
1. Plant-based baby oil:
Plant-based baby oils are the most natural baby oil present in the market. Its ingredients include jojoba oil, coconut oil, and olive oil.
Also, have natural ingredients for fragrance like rose extract.
These oils are light in textures. One does not feel heavy even if applied to the beard. These are non-comedogenic.
It highly absorbs the skin and gives proper moisturization without clogging the pores.
2. Mineral oil/ lanolin-based baby oil:
Baby oils with mineral oil are nothing but kerosine oil. Putting kerosine on your skin would never be a good decision for adults.
Imagine using it for babies.
Sorry to say but, if you believe in Johnson’s products, you might avoid purchasing them next time. Johnson’s baby oil has mineral oil in its ingredients.
Baby oils with mineral oil are comedogenic. They do not absorb into the skin and, you feel heavy after applying them.
They are greasy and clog the pores.
3. Sunflower and rapeseed baby oil:
Baby oils with sunflower and rapeseed are polyunsaturated fatty acids which means they go rancid when coming in contact with oxygen, heat, and light.
They are also comedogenic. Sunflower oil /rapeseed baby oil does not absorb the skin. Also, it results in allergies and skin issues.
Now the question is which baby oil for a beard is suitable?
You should go with Plant-based baby oils that contains jojoba oil, coconut oil, and olive oil. These oil sometimes have Marigold Extract (a source of vitamin E). A Source of vitamin E is always a good decision for your skin.
Benefits of Baby oil for beard:
Here I will consider plant-based baby oil. I will recommend you use plant-based baby oil and enjoy the benefits.
1. Cheaper than Beard oil:
If we compare baby oil and beard oil, beard oil will cost more than baby oil. 1 oz of beard oil is nearly $20, whereas 60 oz of plant-based baby oil costs $7 only.
If you choose natural oil over beard oil, your skin gets protected from harsh chemicals at a low cost.
But if you are expecting growth with baby oil, then you should consider beard oil. Baby oil can only moisturize and helps in styling.
2. Hypoallergenic:
Baby oil is a blend of natural oils like jojoba, coconut, and olive. All three oils are boon for the skin. They rarely react to the skin. If you have sensitive and acne-prone skin, there is a slight chance.
Baby oil is very light in texture and does not clog the pores. But still, 1 out of 10 may get allergic.
3. Mesmerising fragrance:
As we know, baby oils are for babies. It has a mild and beautiful fragrance that anyone would like to smell.
You can blend baby oil with some essential oil to enhance its smell and properties. In beard oil, essential oils like tea tree, sandalwood, and lavender are present. You can mix them with baby oil, which can make your beard oil.
4. Helps in styling:
If you want to style your beard, you can consider baby oil. Using beard balm is very common but expensive too.
You can use baby oil after patting dry your beard. Apply a small amount of oil using your fingertips and spread it all over using a beard brush.
5. Moisturizer:
If oil has jojoba, coconut, and olive with the goodness of vitamin E, then no doubt baby oil is the best moisturizer.
Baby oil not only nourishes the beard hairs from root to tips but also the skin underneath. It is non-comedogenic. It does not clog the pores.
6. Prevent dryness:
Baby oil is a good moisturizer. It helps to prevent dryness and flakiness of the skin. It is a good source of vitamin E that helps to maintain the overall skin.
7. Adds shine and reduce frizz:
Baby oil on your beard adds a natural shine to the hair and keeps the style intact by reducing frizz. You look more decent with beards in shape and style.
Side effects of Baby oil for beard:
Here I will consider mineral oil-based baby oils, which are very common and famous in the market.
1. Inability to sweat:
Mineral oil-based baby oils are heavy in texture. During the summer, it becomes difficult to use any oil with a high viscosity.
It clogs pores, and the skin can not breathe properly. These baby oils are comedogenic that restrict the skin from sweat.
Also, using mineral oil-based baby oil for a long time results in acne-prone skin.
2. Allergic to some:
Mineral-based baby oils or sunflower-based oils are allergic to some people. If you have sensitive skin, try a patch test for 24 hours to be sure.
3. Trigger acne breakouts:
The baby oil is thick in consistency and does not absorb properly. It promotes acne breakouts as it makes skin unbreathable.
Acne breakouts have numerous reasons to occur. Hormonal imbalance, stress, an unhealthy diet, and excessive sebum production are some of them.
4. Do not promote beard growth:
Plant-based or mineral oil-based, baby oil of any kind will never help in beard growth. Baby oil can help in moisturizing or style the beard.
But its ingredients have nothing which promotes hair growth.
If you are here to improve your beard growth, you should try some of the other options mentioned below.
5. Ineffective on beardruff:
Baby oil helps in preventing dryness of the skin. But it seems it does not help in avoiding beardruff.
Beardruff is a condition when white flakes come out of the face. These flakes are the result of excessive or improper shaving.
Also, when you shave without any cream or foam or use the wrong products that contain sulfates.
6. Affects badly on acne-prone skin:
As we all know, acne occurs when the pores become blocked by oil, bacteria, or dead skin. When you use baby oil that contains mineral oil as the main component, it promotes clogging of the pores.
Baby oil does not absorb into the skin and makes you feel oily and sticky.
When you put baby oil on acne-prone skin, it affects badly on the skin. It increases acne and, your skin becomes more worst
How do you apply baby oil to your beard?
If you want to know the application of baby oil, follow these steps :
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser or soap. You can also use beard wash for your beard.
- Pat dry, leaving some moisture on your face.
- Take a small amount of baby oil in your hand.
- Gently massage the oil into your face with your fingertips.
- Don’t over-apply. It will make your skin oily.
Alternatives for beard care:
As I told you, there are a few advantages of using baby oil for a beard. If you are looking for an affordable option, then you must try the oils below.
They are cheaper than beard oil and are hypoallergic. Even some of them promote beard growth.
You can also DIY your beard oil by mixing this oil with some essential oil.
- Argan oil.
- Apricot kernel.
- Extra virgin coconut oil.
- Almond oil.
- Hazelnut oil.
- Avocado oil.
Wrap up:
Baby oil for beard is a good choice if you choose the right oil. The right oil is a plant-based baby oil that contains natural ingredients like jojoba oil, coconut oil, and olive oil.
If your purpose is to grow your beard, then baby oil of either kind would not help. Baby oil is for massaging baby hair or body.
Their intent is not for the beard. Baby oil has nothing which promotes beard growth.
If you want to style or nourish your beard, then you can use baby oil.
It will give you proper moisture and nourishment to the beard as well as the skin underneath.
In the end, do not use mineral-based baby oils famous in the market. It will make your skin worse.
FAQs: Baby oil for beard
1. Can you use baby oil as a beard oil?
Baby oil is a good alternative to beard oil only if your concern is styling. It will give you proper moisture and nourishment to the beard as well as the skin underneath. Baby oil does not help in beard growth and preventing beardruff like a beard oil does. Choose the oil according to your purpose.
2. Can I use johnson baby oil for my beard?
The belief that you have for the johnson product is not worth it. Johnson baby oil is a blend of mineral oil and some fragrance.
Mineral oil is nothing similar to kerosene. Putting kerosine on your face or body could never be a good idea for adults imagine, using it on babies.You can switch to natural oils like jojoba oil, argan oil, or coconut oil. They are a boon for the skin.
3. Can I use johnson baby oil for my hair?
No, you should not use Johnson baby oil on your hair. It has mineral oil that can make your scalp worst. People think if a product is for babies, they are free from chemicals and safe to use. But it’s a myth that I have to burst.Johnsons baby oil is a mineral oil that can negatively impact on your beard
4. olive oil for a beard is safe?
Yes, you can use olive oil on your beard. They are one of the best natural oils we have. We can also eat olive oil. They are light in texture and get absorbed into the skin.You will not feel heavy after applying. They are nongreasy and a multi-purpose oil.You can apply it to your body, and face or even use it for cooking.
5. Does mineral oil for beard safe?
The answer is no. Mineral oil is heavy in texture and does not absorb into the skin. Also, it lowers the effectiveness of the other product you are applying to the skin. It has the property that it clogs the pores and makes the skin oily. Also, using it for a long time can affect your health.
6. Which oil is best for growing a beard?
If you can afford beard oil, then you should use it. It is for the beard and has everything that you need.But if you can’t afford or want to try natural oils, then you can go with the following:
Argan oil, Apricot kernel, Extra virgin coconut oil, Almond oil, Hazelnut oil, Avocado oil.
7. Can I use vegetable oil on my beard?
Yes, you can use natural vegetable oil on your beard. It is common to use natural vegetable oils like mustard oil, and olive oil on the body. But it will be more beneficial if you use it before and after shaving.
Also, it helps prevent irritation due to the daily use of razor blades, dry skin, and sensitive skin. It softens beard hair and helps in gentle shaving.
For styling, it is a little greasy to use.
Kayden is an entrepreneur, writer, hairstylist working in a professional salon. He specializes in men’s grooming. He loves to blog about beards, hairstyles, and skincare.