12 Best Beard Conditioners for Men 2023

Jan 12, 2024

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

Bonus: They also keep it flake-free and smelling great.

Are you growing out your beard? If you’re new to this unexplored foreign land populated by mountain men and Brooklyn hipsters, note that inhabiting this frontier requires maintenance. Along with brushes, trimmers, and all the tools to keep your scruff tidy (please keep your scruff tidy), you’re going to want to get your hands on one of the best beard conditioners. Because, folks, beardruff is very real.

Rocking a prickly pack of bristles on your face with white flakes sprinkled in ain’t a good look. Sticking to a grooming routine is essential. Yes, adding yet another step to your regime can feel exhausting, but like brushing your teeth and washing under your pits, it’s important to make a habit of applying beard conditioner. Investing time and a few dollars in your personal appearance is well-worth the effort.

It's no exaggeration to say the right beard conditioner can be a game-changer, transforming the untamed whiskers dominating your face into a soft, silky mass any significant other will want to run their hands through for hours on end. Beard conditioners aim to please. They're for you, your skin (still your body's largest organ, FYI), and your partner. And to help you conquer this new world, we corralled 12 of the best products, all of which will make the process of softening yourself up as easy as possible.

Calling your beard conditioner the "best ever" right off the bat is a bold claim, but it's backed up by the brand's commitment to keeping your skin hydrated as hell, courtesy of a blend of oatmeal and aloe that'll last for two full days. (All for less than 10 bucks!)

You don't need to have the beard of a Viking (or his general lack of personal hygiene) to appreciate the nourishing powers of this product. Viking Revolution's beard conditioner locks in moisture to reduce itchiness and irritation and prevent your skin from flaking, all while strengthening the hair on your face.

The only thing better than finding the perfect conditioning product for your untamed facial mane? Finding the perfect shampoo in the process. Polished Gentleman sells a set of the two to make your search that much easier, especially if you're looking for a conditioner that emphasizes hydration and will leave your beard feeling soft and smooth.

Scotch Porter's blend of botanically infused natural ingredients makes for one of the most effective conditioning products on the market, especially if you tend to have sensitive skin. The brand's mix of fortifying oils prevents excessive shedding and frizz and is completely sulfate-free.

With hemp, aloe, and other botanical ingredients, Burt's Bees has an easy beard balm that softens up your hair in seconds. Plus, this tin is super easy to pack and use on the go—bring to the office, on the airplane, wherever.

Jack Black is a classic in the men's grooming sphere, and there's no question as to why. Their ingredients are quality—this balm has jojoba and eucalyptus—and get the job done. In addition to conditioning your beard, this product also lathers it up for a shave.

Small but mighty, this all-natural serum with grapeseed and argan oils leaves your beard silky soft and smooth.

A newer power player in the world of grooming, Bevel has a beard conditioner that's entirely affordable and very effective. This 2-in-1 pomade is just the right consistency, doesn't leave a residue, and has detangling properties.

Honest Amish makes its two-in-one beard balm and conditioner with natural ingredients including a shea and cocoa butter base and essential oils extracted from almond and avocado for maximum effect. Once you've thoroughly rubbed it in, leave it there—this conditioner isn't meant to be washed out.

We've extolled the virtues of this product before, but it's too damn good to leave off the list. Billy Jealousy's beard control can be used as a more conventional styler, but the brand's combination of aloe leaf juice and jojoba seed oil hydrates the skin while helping to soften your beard, a winning combo that can't be beat.

Let's be honest: The Art of Shaving is almost always a safe bet if you're looking for a new go-to grooming product, and the brand's beard conditioner doesn't disappoint. A subtle peppermint scent definitely isn't hurting its case here—come for the hints of herbal fragrance, stay for the long-lasting hydration and shine.

Murdock doesn't mess around. The British brand sells a premium conditioning product that incorporates wheat protein to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage down the line, while using citric acid to promote a pH balance specifically suited to facial hair.

Trishna Rikhy is the Associate Style Commerce Editor at Esquire. Previously, her writing has appeared in Vogue Runway, PAPER Magazine, V Magazine, V MAN, and more. She is based in NYC, but can probably be found wherever the strongest cup of coffee is.

Avidan Grossman is the Style eCommerce Editor at Esquire, covering men’s fashion, shoes, grooming, and accessories. He spends way too much time deciding what to wear. Needless to say, his parents still have no idea what he does.

Barry Samaha is the former style commerce editor at Esquire, where he covered all things fashion and grooming. Previously, he was an editor at Harper’s Bazaar, Surface, and WWD, along with overseeing editorial content at Tod’s Group. He has also written for The Daily Beast, Coveteur, Departures, Paper, Bustle Group, Forbes, and many more. He is based in New York City and can't seem to find enough closet space for all his shoes.

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