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Now I’m not a religious man, but my god is it difficult to find vegan beard waxes and balms. Not because every brand uses a ton of animal ingredients. Far from it. In fact, most of these brands are primarily vegan.
It’s beeswax. Bloody beeswax. Almost every beard wax and balm on the market contains cera alba (beeswax’s fancy name). So finding the best available beard balms and waxes that are both cruelty-free AND vegan has been a real labour of love.
As the great Mr Miyagi said, ‘wax on, wax off.’ Whether this was beard related or not is besides the point.
The Best Vegan, Cruelty-Free Beard Wax
Bulldog’s Original Beard Wax – best on a budget
One of my favourite cruelty-free brands for men, Bulldog have made good quality, reasonably priced shaving and male cosmetics for years.
And the Original Beard Wax is one of the classics. (As is the Beard Balm.)
- £6
- 50g
- Certified cruelty-free
- Certified vegan
- Enriched with moisturising, anti-inflammatory ingredients
Enriched with soothing ingredients including: aloe vera and camelina oil means the wax is packed full of vitamin E and omega oils to improve skin tone and damage from free radicals.
The addition of green tea is perfect for post shaving thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce redness, swelling and irritation.
So you can get long-lasting hold and style to your unruly beard. Simultaneously hydrating and soothing.
Men Rock Oak Moss Beard & Moustache Wax – best scented beard wax
Men Rock Oak Moss Beard & Moustache Wax is (another) sandalwood scented wax that has a medium to form hold.
- £12
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Woody, masculine scent
- Medium – firm hold
- Rich in essential oils
Using a little warm water to apply the wax makes the product much more malleable and last longer.
The Bluebeards Revenge Classic Blend Moustache Wax – best hold
The Bluebeards Revenge Beard & Moustache Wax is a certified organic, chemical-free beard and moustache wax with a supremely strong hold.
- £9.99
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Strong hold
- Citrussy scented – bergamot and lime
The entirely aluminium tin is plastic-free and completely recyclable.
Green Earth Naturals Beard Wax – best for the planet
Green Earth Naturals Beard Wax is definitely the most environmentally friendly beard wax on the market. That we have found anyway.
- £15.47
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Packaging made from entirely compostable paperboard tubes – biodegradable
- Zero waste
Ultra-rich in moisturising oils – argan, castor, babassu to name a few – condition and protect your skin and hair follicles, adding shine and encouraging hair growth.
The Best Vegan, Cruelty-Free Beard Balms
Bulldog Skincare Beard Balm – best on a budget
Bulldog Skincare Beard Balm is a fast absorbing, gentle beard balm rich in skin protecting ingredients.
- 5.32
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Conditioning formula
- Gentle on skin
The aloe vera acts as a conditioner, leaving your skin smooth and healthy whilst promoting healthy hair growth. Much like the green tea extract. Camelina oil is incredibly high in fatty acids, restoring damaged follicles.
Formulated to condition the beard, providing a light hold at the same time, Bulldog’s beard balm has wax-like properties.
Scotch Porter Conditioning Beard Balm – best for hair growth
Scotch Porter Conditioning Beard Balm is an intensely hydrating, conditioning beard balm rich in biotin. The ultra-moisturising, sandalwood scented balm is:
- £10
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Free-from silicone, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and artificial colours
Whilst data on beard growth is minimal, biotin (vitamin B7) plays a role in the production of keratin, the major protein found in hair, skin and nails.
And multiple studies suggest biotin supplementation can be effective at improving hair growth.
Shea Moisture Mens Beard Balm – best moisturising beard balm
Shea Moisture Mens Beard Balm is an oaky, woody scented vegan beard balm, rich in maracuja oil and shea butter. Two of the most hydrating ingredients on the market.
Shea butter is a natural beard softener that even stimulates hair growth, enhancing collagen production. It has been proven to effectively treat dry skin conditions like eczema.
And maracuja oil keeps your hair soft and silky smooth. Conditioning your beard effectively.
- £12
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Sandalwood scented
- Certified B corp company
Man Theory London Beard Balm – most interesting scent
Man Theory London Beard Balm is a leave-in beard conditioner rich in high quality, ultra-moisturising ingredients. And the scent – lemongrass – is arguably the most unique on the list.
- £10
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Free-from palm-oil, parabens and sulfates
- 96% naturally derived ingredients
- Rich in antioxidants
When combining shea butter – for increased collagen production – and cacao butter, which tames unruly beards and strengthens individual follicles, acting as a conditioner at the same time. You get a supremely nourishing, skin softening product.
Bright & Beardiful Beard Balm – best range of scents
Bright & Beardiful’s Beard Balm is an all-natural, vegan balm that comes in a super variety of scents. Grapefruit, cedarwood and orange (my favourite), whisky even…
And it’s not just for styling. This balm is designed to be left in as it has conditioning qualities. perfect for dry, damaged follicles.
- £6.15
- 30ml
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Organic – also paraben, artificial preservative-free
- Made in the UK (by a husband and wife team which is a lovely touch)
The primary ingredients – shea butter, jojoba oil, sweet almond and essential oils – are so nourishing. They provide moisture, prevent damage and reduces itchiness.
Something anyone with a couple of weeks of beard growth has experienced!
FAQs
You should use beard wax in much the same way as you use hair wax. When your beard is in need of styling.
Unlike beard oils – good for daily nourishment – and beard shampoos – ideal for regular washing – beard wax should be used to define, style and texture your facial hair.
Is wax good for your beard?
Beard wax is not designed to be good for your beard. It doesn’t have the same nourishing properties as oils, shampoos and conditioners and is primarily used as a styling agent.
Some beard waxes do contain skin moisturising oils like coconut, argan or camelina. But these aren’t designed to condition your beard.
What is the purpose of beard wax?
Beard wax is a styling agent – much like traditional hair wax – designed to add texture, control and shape to your beard. By adding a little to your hand and running it down your beard, your facial hair will become much easier to shape and style.
Is beard balm or wax better?
If you are looking to style and texture your beard, then beard wax is better. Whereas if you’re looking to soothe, smooth and nourish your facial hair and the skin around it beard balm is better as it provides less styling and control than beard wax, but has greater health benefits.
Can I use beard wax everyday?
Yes you can use beard wax everyday. Beard wax is a styling agent and if your beard needs daily management it’s perfectly fine to use wax daily.
However if you suffer from excess oil production you should trial using wax more frequently to see how your beard and the area around it fares first.
