Easy Homemade Beard Oil (With Just 2 Carrier Oils)

Beards (and the skin underneath) can get dry, itchy, and scratchy. Just like the hair on your head, this facial hair deserves some regular TLC. While you can purchase beard oil from the store, it’s often overpriced, with some containing questionable ingredients.

I’ll show you how to make a simple, yet nourishing homemade beard oil using just two base oils: jojoba oil and argan oil. You can customize this DIY oil using essential oils of your choice.

This makes a great Father’s Day or Christmas gift for the bearded men in your life! (And if your favorite men don’t have beards, this homemade facial oil can also double as aftershave.)

What is beard oil, exactly?

Beard oil (sometimes known as beard serum) is a personal care product that’s specifically designed to moisturize and restore dry beard hair and the skin underneath. It typically consists of a blend of carrier oils and essential oils, providing hydration, softness, and a pleasant scent.

Regular use of this beard treatment can help prevent dryness, itchiness, and beard dandruff, making beards look healthier and more well-groomed. Plus, it adds a touch of luxury to your grooming routine, leaving you feeling fresh and confident throughout the day!

Benefits of homemade beard oil

Benefits of homemade beard oil include its ability to soften hair, moisturize facial skin, and help with beard dandruff (while soothing itchy skin). Unlike regular moisturizers, which can leave beards feeling greasy and matted, beard serum is specifically formulated to hydrate both the skin and hair without weighing them down. The lightweight nature of beard oil allows it to penetrate quickly, providing hydration and promoting a healthy sheen. 

Using a beard serum is a quick and easy way to sneak in some TLC for both your skin and facial hair—a true 2-for-1! With just a few drops, you can transform your grooming routine, ensuring that your beard looks and feels its best while also keeping the skin underneath healthy and irritation-free. 

Carrier oils used

I selected to use argan and jojoba oils as I had them on hand, plus they have amazing skin benefits, perfect for this DIY skincare product. Using two (or more) base oils provides synergistic benefits over a single carrier oil.

• Argan oil: Argan oil (aka “liquid gold”) is known for its high vitamin E content and fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acids. It nourishes and hydrates the beard by improving the skin’s natural moisture barrier, promoting softness, shine, and overall health. When used on hair, argan oil reduces frizz. It’s suitable even for sensitive skin, so those with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can find relief.¹
• Jojoba oil: Packed with antioxidants, jojoba oil contains a multitude of skin and hair benefits as it’s anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial. It has been found to help with acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Jojoba oil mimics the natural oils of the skin, providing excellent hydration. It helps balance oil production and prevents dry skin (and dry hair), while also leaving the beard soft and manageable.²

Other carriers to consider 

Don’t have argan or jojoba? No worries. These other natural base oils also work.

• Avocado oil: Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, promoting healthy hair growth. Its nourishing properties help to moisturize and strengthen both beard hair and the skin beneath.
• Castor oil: Thick and viscous, castor oil has a pronounced aroma (which some find unpleasant). It promotes hair growth and adds thickness to the beard while providing deep hydration. Use a small percentage of castor with a blend of other lighter oils for best results.
• Coconut oil (fractionated): Regular coconut butter is solid at room temperature while fractionated coconut oil is liquid making it easier to use for this DIY project. Coconut oil is a great natural oil that’s cleansing, moisturizing, and packed with vitamin E.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants and healthy fats. It gently conditions the beard, helping to soften hair and reduce frizz.
• Sweet almond oil: Sweet almond oil is lightweight and easily absorbed, making it ideal for beard care. It softens and conditions facial hair while nourishing the skin underneath.

Do you have to use essential oils?

No, if your man has sensitive skin, you may want to keep it unscented.

Avoid fragrance oils (which are artificial and contain many different chemicals) and avoid using some essential oils which may irritate skin. While using essential oils is mainly to provide fragance, it should be noted that they contain various beneficial compounds that may provide a boost to skin and hair.

According to the Tisserand Institute, some essential oils may cause more skin sensitivities. Avoid cinnamon bark oil, which may irritate skin. Clove oil may also cause skin flare-ups. And, some citrus oils such as lemongrass also fall under this category.³

Note: In some rare cases, peppermint may cause skin sensitivity. It’s best to do a patch test before using. Some citrus oils are phototoxic (and may cause skin sensitivity after sun exposure). Since this is a topical oil to be applied to the face, it’s best to avoid the use of any phototoxic essential oils.

What’s the difference between fragrance oil and essential oil?

Fragrance oils are manmade creations containing artificial scents and chemicals. Essential oils are natural plant-derived liquids that contain many beneficial compounds and active constituents. While fragrance oils are primarily used for their scent, essential oils offer additional therapeutic benefits, such as calming effects or skin nourishment. 

Essential oil safety

A little goes a long way with EOs. Since essential oils are plant-derived, many people (wrongly) assume they can go nuts and add as much as they want. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s skin-safe.

You’ve probably heard this before, but it bears repeating that with essential oils, the key to safe usage is to dilute, dilute, dilute. 

For most skincare products the safe dilution ratio is 1 to 2 percent.³

The takeaway: Essential oils require dilution before use. Avoid applying to the eye area and never ingest essential oils.

Essential oils to use

The type of essential oils used in beard oils will not only affect its fragrance but also its therapeutic properties. The simple blend I chose to use is one of lavender and peppermint for a soothing, yet uplifiting scent. While lavender might not be top of your list when you think of masculine scents, when paired with peppermint, it creates a lovely earthy and refreshing fragrance.

But if you’re still not convinced about lavender, it has many skin-nourishing benefits, making it a solid choice for a skin product (see below).

Lavender essential oil (‎Lavandula officinalis)

Lavender is an herb renowned for its calming properties. While there are several lavender varieties, English lavender (L. angustifolia), aka true lavender or common lavender, and French lavender ( L. stoechas) are two of the most popular. The aroma of true lavender is lightly floral with woody and earthy notes.  

Did you know lavender EO is also antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, making it great for cleansing and soothing skin problems such as acne, eczema, and healing small skin cuts? It can help to gentle cleanse beards (and the skin underneath) without stripping it of its natural oils.⁴

A few drops of lavender essential oil can also ease muscle aches and pains. The active main active constituents are linalool and linalyl acetate. 

And this healing herb brings the calm. The aroma of lavender can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation—a boon to the bearded man with a lot on his to-do list.

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha × piperita)

This versatile EO can be uplifting and refreshing or soothing, depending on what your body needs. With its high menthol content, peppermint oil provides a fresh and herbaceous scent (unlike its more sweetly scented cousin, spearmint). 

Peppermint EO has several benefits, notably its cooling and analgesic effects. As a pain reliever, it soothes headaches, tension, and joint and muscle pain.⁵

Other beard oil blends to try include:

• Cedarwood oil + peppermint/spearmint for a refreshing woodsy scent.
• Fir balsam oil  + rosemary for a herbaceous and earthy scent.
• Eucalyptus oil + basil for an uplifiting and clarifying fragrance.
• Vetiver oil + ylang ylang for a grounding an earthy aroma.
• Tea tree oil + pine for a cleansing and woodsy fragrance.

👉 Want more manly fragrance combos? Check out our article on 12 Best Fragrance and Essential Oils for Men.

Types of containers to use

The best type of container for oil-based creations is a tinted glass variety, which often comes in dark amber. The darkened glass protects the ingredients from sunlight and early oxidation, which means a longer shelf life for your DIY beard oil.

• Spray Bottle: A spray bottle is an excellent choice for those who prefer a light mist application. This type of container allows for even distribution of the beard oil, making it easy to cover larger areas quickly. It’s particularly useful for those with longer beards, as it can help ensure that the oil reaches the skin underneath, promoting hydration and reducing dryness. Or spray directly onto clean hands and work into the beard.
• Glass Dropper Bottle: A dropper bottle offers precision and control when applying beard oil. This type of container allows you to dispense the exact amount needed, making it ideal for smaller beards or for targeting specific areas.
• Roll-On: A roll-on container provides a convenient and mess-free way to apply beard oil. The rollerball applicator allows for easy distribution directly onto the skin and hair, making it a fantastic option for on-the-go use. This type of container is perfect for travel, as it minimizes spills and ensures you can keep your beard well-groomed wherever you are.

Choosing the right container for your handmade beard oil not only enhances the user experience but also helps maintain the integrity of your carefully crafted blend. Each option has its unique benefits, so consider your needs and preferences when selecting the perfect vessel for your beard care routine!

Easy DIY beard oil recipe (with just 2 carrier oils)

Here’s how to make beard oil at home—it’s easier than you think! This gentle, yet moisturizing DIY beard oil is suitable for all skin types.

I used a 60 mL (2 ounce) bottle. I used roughly 60 percent jojoba to 40 percent argan oil.

For essential oils I went with a 1 percent dilution ratio, which equals 18 drops of essential oil total. I used half lavender and half mint for a soothing, refreshing fragrance, but feel free to customize your own blend.

Supplies:

• 1 – 60 mL (2 ounce) bottle
• Small funnel for easy pouring
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Label

Ingredients:

• 36 mL (1.2 ounce) organic jojoba oil 
• 24 mL (0.8 ounce) argan oil
• 9 drops lavender
• 9 drops peppermint
• Optional: 2-3 drops of vitamin E oil

1. Measure base oils (jojoba and argan) and pour directly into a clean bottle.
2. Add essential oils. You can add a few drops of vitamin E oil too if you have some.
3. Replace lid and mix the carrier and essential oils by rolling in the palms of your hands.
4. Label the bottle.

That’s it!

How to use beard oil

Depending on what type of bottle you’ve used, your homemade oil can be applied differently. Spray bottles can be applied directly onto the beard, but personally, my husband prefers to spray a few squirts onto clean hands before applying to the face.

If you used a bottle dropper, you might be wondering how many drops of beard oil to use? That really depends on how long your beard is! Start with 3-4 drops and bump up as needed.

Apply roller balls directly onto facial hair.

Tip: For extra-long beards, you can use a beard comb to work the oil through.

Shelf life of homemade beard oil

Your DIY beard oil is best used within 3 to 6 months. Storing your homemade beard oil in a tinted glass bottle away from direct sunlight will help extend shelf life.

Related questions

How many times should you use beard oil a day?

The frequency of using beard oil depends on your beard’s length and your skin type. Generally, applying beard oil once or twice a day is sufficient for most people—once in the morning and possibly again in the evening. If you have a longer or coarser beard, you might find that additional applications throughout the day help keep it soft and manageable.

What is beard balm?

Beard balm is a grooming product that combines oils, butters, and waxes to provide nourishment and hold for your beard. It helps to soften and condition facial hair while also offering a light styling effect, making it easier to shape and control your beard. Beard balm can help moisturize the skin underneath, reducing irritation and promoting overall beard health.

👉 Find more Natural Wellness topics on nourishing your body and soul with natural food, herbs, and plants. 🌿

References

1. Cleveland Clinic, 5 Skin and Hair Benefits of Argan Oil, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/argan-oil-benefits. Accessed April 2025.
2. Gad, H. A., Roberts, A., Hamzi, S. H., Gad, H. A., Touiss, I., Altyar, A. E., Kensara, O. A., & Ashour, M. L. (2021). Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers, 13(11), 1711. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111711 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8197201/
3. Tisserand Institute, How to Use Essential Oils Safely, https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/. Accessed April 2025.
4. Cleveland Clinic, 6 Lavender Benefits and How To Use It, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-benefits-of-lavender. Accessed April 2025.
5. Natural Health Practitioners of Canada Association, Aromatherapy: Essential Oils to Support Your Health, https://www.nhpcanada.org/NHPC-Blog/Aromatherapy–Essential-Oils-to-Support-Your-Health. Accessed April 2025.