# How to Use Beard Oil: What the Research Shows

> <p>Wash, pat the skin damp, use a little and comb it through. What the American Academy of Dermatology says beard oil can and cannot do for beard acne, dandruff and growth.</p>

- **URL:** https://sampsonecoshop.com/blogs/sampson-learning-center/how-to-use-beard-oil-what-the-research-shows

To use beard oil, wash your beard, pat the skin so it stays slightly damp, then work a small amount through the beard to the skin and comb it in. This guide covers how, and what dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology say beard oil can and cannot do.

We sell a [Hemp Beard Oil](/products/hemp-beard-oil), so read this with that in mind. Where the evidence is thin, or where our own listing says more than the sources support, this guide says so. For oils on their own, see our [facial oil guide](/blogs/sampson-learning-center/best-facial-oil-for-dry-skin), or the [argan oil for beard](/blogs/sampson-learning-center/argan-oil-for-beard-does-it-actually-work) and [jojoba oil for beard](/blogs/sampson-learning-center/jojoba-oil-for-beard-does-it-actually-work) guides.

In this guide [How Do You Use Beard Oil?](#how-do-you-use-beard-oil) [Does Beard Oil Actually Help?](#does-beard-oil-actually-help) [Is Beard Oil Right for Your Skin Type?](#is-beard-oil-right-for-your-skin-type) [Does Beard Oil Help With Beard Dandruff?](#does-beard-oil-help-with-beard-dandruff) [Will Beard Oil Make Your Beard Grow?](#will-beard-oil-make-your-beard-grow) [What Should You Check Before Using Beard Oil?](#what-should-you-check-before-using-beard-oil) [When Should You See a Dermatologist About Your Beard?](#when-should-you-see-a-dermatologist-about-your-beard) [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq)

 **Key takeaways**

The American Academy of Dermatology advises washing your beard daily, then applying beard oil to skin and hair while skin is still damp, using only a little, since you can always add more.

AAD dermatologists suggest beard oil for normal to dry skin, conditioner for acne-prone skin and fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin. For beard acne, the AAD says use a conditioner but no beard oil.

The AAD's DIY steps for beard dandruff are daily brushing, 1% hydrocortisone solution and a dandruff shampoo with zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. Beard oil is not one of the steps.

The AAD says your genes determine whether you develop thin, sparse areas, and suggests styling, patience and asking a dermatologist about minoxidil. We found no source showing beard oil grows hair.

## How Do You Use Beard Oil?

Wash, pat the skin so it stays slightly damp, then work in a small amount and comb it through. The steps below follow [the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/healthy-beard), not a lab test of our own.
- **Wash your face and beard.** The AAD recommends a gentle cleanser, massaged in with circular motions and rinsed well with lukewarm water. It says to use a cleanser rather than soap, which can dry the skin beneath the beard.
- **Pat dry and leave the skin slightly damp.** The AAD says damp skin makes the next step, moisturizing, more effective.
- **Start with a small amount.** The AAD says to use beard oil or conditioner sparingly to prevent a greasy look, because you can always add more. Our Hemp Beard Oil page suggests 3 to 5 drops; that is the maker's guidance, not a dermatology standard.
- **Apply it to the skin and the beard.** The AAD says to apply it immediately after washing, to both your skin and your beard, and to massage it through.
- **Comb it through.** A beard comb spreads the product evenly through the hair, according to the AAD. It adds that a comb detangles more easily when the beard is wet.
- **Reapply after shaving or trimming a neckline.** The AAD says to apply moisturizer, beard conditioner or beard oil immediately after you shave.
- **Keep your hands off your beard.** The AAD says touching and stroking your beard spreads germs and dirt from your hands to the skin beneath, which can cause skin problems.

## Does Beard Oil Actually Help?

It can keep the skin and hair feeling softer, according to dermatologist guidance. The AAD pages we read are practical advice from dermatologists, not a clinical trial of beard oil.
- **What the AAD says moisturizing does:** [The AAD](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/healthy-beard) says moisturizing can help soften the skin and beard hairs, and that well-hydrated skin and hair feel softer, itch less and look healthier.
- **What happens without it:** Without moisturizer, the AAD says the skin beneath a beard can become dry, flaky and itchy, and the beard can feel dry and prickly.
- **What is not shown:** None of the AAD pages we read recommends beard oil for a skin condition or says it changes how fast hair grows.

## Is Beard Oil Right for Your Skin Type?

Only for some. The AAD matches beard oil to normal or dry skin and points other skin types toward different products.
- **Normal to dry skin:** Beard oil, according to [AAD dermatologist Dr. Anthony Rossi](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/healthy-beard).
- **Acne-prone skin:** A beard conditioner. In its separate guide to [common beard problems](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/diy-treatment-common-beard-problems), the AAD says to use a small amount of non-comedogenic beard conditioner, but no beard oil.
- **Sensitive skin that often feels irritated:** A fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. That is the AAD's pick for this skin type.
- **Where our oil fits:** Our Hemp Beard Oil comes in four scents from natural essential oils, and lists coconut, almond and other plant oils among its ingredients. We found no source rating it for acne-prone or sensitive skin, so we do not claim it suits them.

Featured in this guide

Hemp Beard Oil

A 30 mL dropper bottle of hemp seed and other plant oils, scented with natural essential oils in four scents. Full details are on the product page. [Shop now →](/products/hemp-beard-oil) ✓ 30-day money-back guarantee · Free shipping over $75

## Does Beard Oil Help With Beard Dandruff?

The AAD's home-care plan for beard dandruff does not include beard oil. It calls beard dandruff seborrheic dermatitis and lists other steps.
- **The AAD steps:** [Dermatologist Dr. Ross Radusky](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/diy-treatment-common-beard-problems) recommends gently brushing the beard every day before washing, applying an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone solution, and shampooing the beard and scalp at least once a week with a dandruff shampoo.
- **The shampoo ingredients:** The AAD lists 2% zinc pyrithione, 1% ketoconazole or 1% selenium sulfide.
- **A caution on brushing:** The AAD says brushing too hard can irritate your skin and worsen the dandruff.
- **What our page says:** Our Hemp Beard Oil page says beardruff and itch start on the skin underneath, “where a hemp-based oil works.” We found no source for that, and the AAD plan above does not mention oil, so treat it as unproven.

## Will Beard Oil Make Your Beard Grow?

We found no evidence that it does. The AAD says your genes determine whether you develop thin or sparse areas, and that you cannot change the genes you inherit.
- **The AAD's grooming tips:** [The AAD suggests](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/diy-treatment-common-beard-problems) choosing a style that lets you trim or remove sparse areas, letting the beard grow so longer hairs fill in nearby patches, and using beard wax to hold the hairs in place once it has grown out.
- **Minoxidil:** The AAD says to talk with a dermatologist before trying it. When people use minoxidil on the face, a common side effect is raw, irritated skin.
- **What oil can do:** Going by the AAD's moisturizing advice above, oil can soften the beard and the skin. The AAD does not describe it as a growth aid.

## What Should You Check Before Using Beard Oil?

Check the allergens and the scent. Beard oils are plant-based, so a tree-nut allergy matters, and the AAD points sensitive skin toward fragrance-free products.
- **Tree nuts:** Our Hemp Beard Oil page lists tree-nut-derived oils (almond, argan, apricot) as an allergen. If you have a tree-nut allergy, read any beard oil's ingredient list first.
- **Scent:** Ours is scented with natural essential oils. The AAD's pick for sensitive skin is a fragrance-free moisturizer, so if products often burn or irritate your skin, look at unscented options.
- **Your hands:** The AAD says touching your beard spreads germs and dirt to the skin beneath, so apply with clean hands.

## When Should You See a Dermatologist About Your Beard?

See one if a rash continues after home care, or right away if a lump changes. This guide is information, not medical advice.

[The AAD](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/diy-treatment-common-beard-problems) says to see a board-certified dermatologist if you keep having a rash after its home plan for beard dandruff, or if beard dandruff comes with acne-like breakouts, pain or broken skin. It also says that if you notice a lump that is growing, bleeding or changing in any way, you should make an appointment immediately, because skin cancer can develop beneath a beard.

## Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use beard oil?

Wash your beard, pat the skin so it stays slightly damp, then massage a small amount into the skin and beard and comb it through. The AAD says to use it sparingly because you can add more.

How much beard oil should you use?

The AAD gives no number. It says to use beard oil sparingly to avoid a greasy look and add more if needed. Our Hemp Beard Oil page suggests 3 to 5 drops.

Should you use beard oil if you have beard acne?

The AAD's guide to common beard problems says to use a small amount of non-comedogenic beard conditioner for beard acne, but no beard oil.

Does beard oil help with beard dandruff?

The AAD's home plan for beard dandruff is daily brushing, 1% hydrocortisone and a dandruff shampoo. Beard oil is not listed. See a dermatologist if a rash continues.

Does beard oil make your beard grow?

We found no evidence it does. The AAD says genes determine thin or sparse areas and suggests styling, letting the beard grow and asking a dermatologist about minoxidil. [See the Sampson Hemp Beard Oil — 30-Day Guarantee](/products/hemp-beard-oil)

## Related Articles [Best Facial Oil for Dry Skin: Jojoba, Argan, or Rosehip? →](/blogs/sampson-learning-center/best-facial-oil-for-dry-skin) [Argan Oil for Beard: Does It Actually Work? →](/blogs/sampson-learning-center/argan-oil-for-beard-does-it-actually-work) [Jojoba Oil for Beard: Does It Actually Work? →](/blogs/sampson-learning-center/jojoba-oil-for-beard-does-it-actually-work) [Hemp Oil Benefits: What the Research Shows →](/blogs/sampson-learning-center/hemp-oil-benefits-what-the-research-shows)