Best Natural Products for Men’s Hair and Beard Care in 2025

Men’s grooming is going green. More men are now investing in natural hair and beard care products than ever before. In fact, the average man uses about 11 personal care products each day – nearly double from two decades ago​. This surge goes hand-in-hand with growing awareness of what’s inside those products. Many conventional shampoos, oils, and balms contain sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh chemicals that can irritate skin or dry out hair​. It’s no surprise that guys with sensitive skin or dry hair are switching to natural grooming products that are gentler and healthier.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight the best natural beard oils, sulfate-free shampoos, and organic beard balms of 2025 – all available in both the US and UK. Whether you have a sensitive complexion or a dried-out mane, these products (from budget-friendly to premium picks) will help you achieve a well-groomed beard and healthy hair without compromising on ingredients. Let’s dive in!

🌱 Why Men Are Switching to Natural Grooming Products

Men are becoming more ingredient-conscious and for good reason. Here are a few key motivations behind the trend:

• Sensitive Skin Concerns: Harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances in traditional products can trigger irritation, redness, or breakouts. Natural products free of parabens, synthetic dyes, and strong sulfates are less likely to aggravate sensitive skin​. Ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and shea butter provide nourishment without the flare-ups.

• Dry Hair and Scalp Relief: Sulfates (the foaming agents in many shampoos) can strip away natural oils, leaving hair brittle and scalps flaky. Men with dry hair or dandruff often find immediate benefits switching to sulfate-free, plant-based shampoos that cleanse gently while maintaining moisture.

• Health and Eco Impact: There’s rising awareness about potentially harmful chemicals (some unregulated) in grooming products​. Choosing natural or organic options gives peace of mind that you’re avoiding toxins like phthalates or formaldehyde-releasers. Plus, many natural brands focus on sustainability – using biodegradable ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.

• Better Beard Care: A coarse or itchy beard can be uncomfortable. Natural beard oils and balms use botanical oils and waxes to soften scratchy facial hair and hydrate the skin underneath. They often work better in the long run by improving hair condition (and they smell great using essential oils instead of synthetic perfume!).

Now, let’s look at the top products in each category and see how they can elevate your hair and beard care routine.

🧴 Best Natural Beard Oils for Sensitive Skin

When it comes to taming your beard and nourishing the skin beneath, beard oil is a must-have. The ideal natural beard oil will soften coarse hairs, reduce itch, and add a healthy shine – all without irritating your face. We’ve picked our favorite beard oils formulated with plant-based ingredients (and no cheap filler oils). These picks are gentle enough for sensitive or acne-prone skin:

1. Bulldog Original Beard Oil – Budget-Friendly & All-Natural

Benefits: Soften and condition coarse facial hair with a fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula​. This oil adds a healthy-looking shine to your beard without making it oily. It also helps tame flyaways and beard frizz, keeping your scruff neat.

Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, including normal and sensitive skin. Bulldog is known for using gentle, natural ingredients that won’t irritate. (Their products are free from artificial colors or synthetic fragrances – the light scent comes from natural essential oils.)

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, camelina oil, and green tea are the star ingredients. Aloe vera soothes and hydrates the skin underneath your beard, helping to prevent itchiness or flakes. Camelina oil and sweet almond oil provide lightweight moisture to soften beard hair. The formula contains a blend of 8 essential oils (like jojoba and argan) that improve shine and manageability​. Bulldog’s signature scent is a blend of natural botanicals, so it’s refreshing and not overpowering​.

Price Range: £5-£8 (30ml bottle) in the UK, around $10 in the US – an excellent budget option. Despite the low price, it’s packed with quality natural oils.

Where to Buy: Available from LookFantastic (UK) and Walgreens (US), as well as Bulldog’s official website. (Avoid Amazon to ensure you get the genuine product – Bulldog is widely stocked in drugstores and men’s grooming retailers.)

2. Jack Black Beard Oil – Ultra-Conditioning for Dry, Coarse Beards

Benefits: If you struggle with a dry, itchy beard, Jack Black Beard Oil is a game-changer. Just a few drops a day can transform a brittle beard into a soft, touchable one. It intensely moisturizes facial hair and the skin beneath, helping to eliminate dryness and beard itch​. Over time, you’ll notice a healthier sheen and improved softness to your beard. This oil also provides antioxidant protection (to keep your beard hair strong) and helps prevent flakiness. According to reviewers, it’s “perfect for someone with a dry, coarse beard – you’ll see rough hairs become more supple within a week of use.

Skin Type: Great for sensitive or dry skin. It’s free of parabens and colorants. The light, natural aroma won’t irritate those sensitive to heavy fragrances. Jack Black products are dermatologist-tested, so they tend to be friendly even to acne-prone skin (just use a small amount so as not to clog pores).

Key Ingredients: An exclusive blend of certified organic natural oils and potent antioxidants​. Notably, it contains Kalahari melon seed oil, plum oil, and marula oil, which are rich in fatty acids and absorb quickly into the skin​. This means you get deep hydration without a greasy residue. These oils are excellent for softening wiry beard hairs and quenching dry skin​. The formula also includes vitamin E, brown algae, and carrot extract​ – ingredients full of antioxidants to protect your beard hair and skin from environmental damage. There are no synthetic fragrances; the subtle scent comes from natural oils (a hint of citrus and herbal notes).

Price Range: £22-£28 (30ml) in the UK, about $25-$30 in the US. It’s a mid-range price for a premium quality oil. One bottle lasts a long time since you only need 2-3 drops per use.

Where to Buy: Available at Mankind (UK) and Sephora (US), as well as many high-end grooming retailers. (Jack Black is a popular brand carried by shops like Ulta, Nordstrom, and LookFantastic too.) Direct brand site purchases are also an option.

3. Aesop Shine Hair & Beard Oil – Premium Botanical Blend for Hair and Beard

Benefits: Aesop’s Shine Hair & Beard Oil is a luxurious two-in-one product – it works as a nourishing treatment for both your beard and your hair. This lightweight oil is silicone-free and loaded with fatty acids to deliver intense moisture and shine​. For beards, it softens and conditions even the coarsest hairs, making them more manageable. For scalp hair, it tames frizz and flyaways, and can even help prevent split ends. Despite being deeply hydrating, it absorbs easily with no greasy. The result is a well-groomed beard that feels comfortable, and hair that’s smooth and lustrous. The scent is a sophisticated green, citrusy aroma (derived from essential oils) – very much in line with Aesop’s high-end apothecary vibe.

Skin/Hair Type: Formulated especially for coarse, dry, or frizzy hair types (and that includes coarse beard hair)​. If your beard is rough or your hair is dry/dull, this oil will work wonders. It’s also ideal for men who want a multipurpose product – you can rub the excess from your hair into your beard (or vice versa) for quick grooming. It’s gentle on the skin; however, it is scented with natural petitgrain and other botanical oils, so extremely fragrance-sensitive users should patch test first.

Key Ingredients: Borage seed oil, jojoba oil, and petitgrain are highlighted ingredients. Borage seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids that improve hair softness and manageability. Jojoba oil closely resembles skin’s natural sebum, allowing it to condition hair deeply without clogging pores or leaving buildup​. Petitgrain (derived from bitter orange) gives a fresh scent and has calming properties for skin. The blend also contains sweet almond, olive, avocado, and rosehip oils​– all nourishing plant oils known to strengthen hair shafts and add shine. There are zero mineral oils or silicones; it’s a purely botanical cocktail that’s also vegan and cruelty-free.

Price Range: £23 (25ml) in the UK, about $35 (0.8 oz) in the US. This is a premium price point for a small bottle, but keep in mind it’s a concentrated formula from a luxury brand. If you’re looking to splurge on high-quality ingredients and an upscale experience, Aesop delivers. A little goes a long way (one or two drops can cover a short beard or the ends of your hair).

Where to Buy: Available at Space NK (UK), Nordstrom (US), and Aesop’s own stores/website. Also found on Cult Beauty and Sephora UK now that Aesop is gaining global retail presence.

🚿Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos for Men with Dry Hair

Regular shampoos that contain sulfates (like SLS or SLES) can wreak havoc on dry hair and sensitive scalps. Sulfates produce lots of lather but often strip away the natural oils that keep hair moisturized. The result? Frizzy, dry hair and an itchy scalp. The good news: there are excellent sulfate-free shampoos formulated especially for men’s hair needs. These shampoos use mild, plant-derived cleansers that get rid of dirt and excess oil without over-drying. Below are our top picks for men’s sulfate-free shampoos that hydrate as they cleanse, making them perfect for dry hair:

4. Green People ‘Itch Away’ Shampoo (Men) – Organic Soothing Shampoo for Dry Scalp

Benefits: This certified organic shampoo is a savior for anyone with a dry, itchy, or flaky scalp. Green People’s Itch Away Shampoo gently cleanses your hair and scalp without any harsh detergents. True to its name, it helps relieve itchiness and irritation from dryness or dandruff. The formula is designed to leave hair clean, soft, and hydrated, while calming an inflamed scalp. Men love this shampoo because it doesn’t feel stripping – after washing, your hair retains moisture and your scalp feels comfortable (no tight, dry feeling). It’s also great for maintaining healthy hair growth since a calm, nourished scalp promotes stronger hair. If you’ve been scratching your head due to eczema or scalp psoriasis, this could provide some natural relief.

Why It’s Great for Dry Hair: Unlike many “men’s shampoos” that are basically just aggressive degreasers, this one is sulfate-free and ultra-gentle. It contains absolutely no SLS/SLES or synthetic fragrances that could irritate​. Instead, it uses a mild foaming base derived from coconut and yucca plants. This cleans the hair effectively without stripping away your natural scalp oils. Your hair’s moisture balance stays intact, which is crucial for dry or coarse hair types. Plus, it has plant oils that add a bit of conditioning with each wash.

Key Ingredients: The cleansing agents come from coconut and yucca, providing a light lather​ to treat the scalp, it contains rosemary and tea tree extracts – both are anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, which help soothe itch and reduce any flakes​. There’s also organic aloe vera in the mix, which hydrates and heals the scalp skin. You won’t find any artificial perfume; the fresh scent is from natural rosemary and eucalyptus oils. All ingredients are natural or organic (Green People has a strong eco ethos).

Price Range: £14-£15 (150ml) in the UK. In the US, it’s roughly $18-$20 when purchased through international stockists. It’s mid-priced for an organic shampoo. Given its concentrated formula and efficacy, most find it good value – a small dollop is enough per wash.

Where to Buy: In the UK, you can get it directly from Green People’s website or organic retailers like Holland & Barrett. In the US, it’s available via affiliate-friendly sites like Bath & Unwind (US) or LookFantastic US (which now stocks some Green People products). Since it’s a UK brand, ensure the retailer you choose ships to the US – many do, or have US distribution. (No Amazon required!)

5. Brickell Men’s Daily Strengthening Shampoo – Invigorating, Nourishing Cleanse

Benefits: Brickell’s shampoo is a fantastic all-rounder for men, especially if you have thinning, dull, or damaged hair that also leans dry. It provides a gentle cleanse and a ton of nourishment in one step. This sulfate-free formula helps strengthen weak hair strands, add volume, and improve shine​s. Guys with dry hair will notice that their hair feels cleaner but not like straw – thanks to all the conditioning agents Brickell packs in. It also has a bit of peppermint tingling action, which leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and can stimulate circulation (some even say it helps with hair growth stimulation). If you’re dealing with brittle hair or breakage, this shampoo can be part of your solution by cleaning without contributing to the damage. It’s safe for daily use and even color-treated hair, since it lacks harsh chemicals.

Why It’s Great for Dry Hair: Brickell specifically advertises this as sulfate-free and 97% natural. Instead of sulfate surfactants, it uses gentle cleaners derived from plants along with moisturizers. It’s enriched with ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E that replenish hydration while you wash​. So, rather than that squeaky-clean (overly dry) feeling, your hair will feel soft and manageable after each wash. Peppermint and tea tree oils in the formula also help to clarify the scalp without drying it – they have anti-fungal properties that can reduce dandruff, all while avoiding the need for strong stripping agents. Essentially, you’re cleansing and conditioning in one go, which is ideal for drier hair types.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera is the first ingredient – it moisturizes the hair shaft and soothes the scalp. Pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) and vitamin E are included to strengthen hair and add luster​s. These vitamins can improve the texture of dry, damaged hair over time, making it appear thicker and healthier. For scalp stimulation and a fresh scent, Brickell uses peppermint and tea tree oil​. These natural oils help fight flakes and give a cooling sensation that many men enjoy in the morning. Jojoba oil is also present to mimic skin oils and prevent dryness. The shampoo is further fortified with amino acids and hydrolyzed proteins (from wheat) that repair hair strands. And rest assured, it’s free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. The aroma is a minty, eucalyptus-like scent from the essential oils – invigorating but not overpowering.

Price Range: £18 (236ml) in the UK, about $20-$25 (8 oz) in the US. This sits in the mid-range for a quality men’s shampoo. It’s a bit more premium than drugstore, but the bottle is fairly large and the high concentration of natural extracts justifies the price for most users.

Where to Buy: LookFantastic (UK) and Amazon (US) carry Brickell – try Brickell’s official site (they ship internationally ) or Men’s grooming e-boutiques like Grooming Lounge (US) or Mankind (UK). Dermstore and Macy’s in the US also stock Brickell.

6. (Bonus) Huron Hydrating Shampoo – Sulfate-Free & Wallet-Friendly

If you’re looking for another option, especially a budget-friendly one available in both countries, consider Huron’s Men’s Hydrating Shampoo. Huron is a newer grooming brand focusing on naturally derived, science-backed formulas. Their shampoo is sulfate, paraben, and silicone free, using coconut-derived cleansers. It’s designed to add moisture for dry hair with ingredients like argan oil and shea butter, and it has a clean citrusy-menthol scent. Price is around $14 in the US (16 oz) – very affordable for the quantity – and roughly £12 in the UK via import retailers. It’s a great everyday shampoo to keep hair soft. (Huron products are often sold through their website and some global partners, making them accessible to UK buyers too.)

Did You Know? Using a sulfate-free shampoo for dry hair (men’s formulas included) can significantly improve your hair’s condition over time. One study noted that shampoos without sulfates ensure strands are never stripped of their natural oils, which is key for those with dryness​. When you switch, give your scalp a couple of weeks to adjust – you’ll likely notice less frizz and a healthier scalp balance.

🧈Best Organic Beard Balms (UK & US Availability)

While beard oils are fantastic for hydration, beard balms are the go-to for guys who want extra conditioning and a bit of styling control. Balms are essentially leave-in conditioners for your beard – usually a blend of natural butters, waxes, and oils. They’re superb for softening longer beards, taming flyaways, and providing light hold to shape your beard. The wax in balms (often beeswax or plant wax) helps lock in moisture much longer than oil alone, which is great if you have very dry hair or if you live in a harsh climate. We’ve selected the best organic and natural beard balms that are available to purchase in both the UK and US (no Amazon-only products here!). These will keep your beard soft, shiny, and itch-free, without any petroleum jelly or artificial nasties.

7. SheaMoisture Beard Balm (Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter) – Deep Moisturizing and Shaping

Benefits: This all-natural beard balm from SheaMoisture is a powerhouse for coarse or thick beards. It’s formulated to shape, smooth, and define your facial hair while intensely nourishing it​. The balm has a dense, tacky texture (in a good way) that helps give your beard a bit of hold for styling – perfect for taming an unruly beard or moustache. As you work it in, it conditions both the hair and the skin underneath, alleviating dryness and “beardruff” (those pesky beard flakes). Using this regularly will make a wiry beard feel much softer and more manageable during the day. It essentially combines the benefits of an oil (moisture + vitamins) with a styling wax. Another perk: it can even encourage healthier growth – by keeping the beard conditioned, you reduce breakage, and the natural ingredients can foster a better environment for hair to grow.

Skin/Hair Type: Ideal for medium to long beards, especially if the hair is dry, coarse, or prone to puffiness. If your beard is on the shorter side (stubble to short beard), you might not need a balm yet – an oil could suffice – but you can still use a tiny amount of this for the skin benefits if you prefer a balm texture. The formula is free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and sulfates, so it’s gentle on sensitive skin (though it does contain an essential oil blend for fragrance). Men with sensitive skin have reported that it doesn’t cause irritation, likely thanks to the high content of natural butters and oils. It also works for all ethnicities and hair types – SheaMoisture originally developed it with men of color in mind (curly and coarse beard hair), but it’s loved across the board.

Key Ingredients: As the name suggests, Shea Butter is a primary ingredient – a rich organic butter that deeply moisturizes and seals in hydration. In fact, this balm is infused with maracuja (passion fruit) oil into shea butter for maximum nourishment​, Maracuja oil is high in vitamin C and essential fatty acids, which helps condition hair and give it a healthy shine. There’s also Argan oil and grapeseed oil for extra vitamin E and softness. To provide hold and structure, the balm uses natural plant waxes: you’ll find candelilla wax and carnauba wax (instead of beeswax, which makes this balm completely vegan). These waxes help to lightly sculpt the beard shape and keep strays in place without a stiff feel. Additionally, a bit of tea tree oil is included – great for preventing itch and keeping the skin clean. All the ingredients are natural, and many are certified organic or fair trade. The scent is masculine yet subtle – a mix of shea and essential oils (with notes of vanilla and warm spice, according to users).

Price Range: Approximately $11-$15 (4 oz/113g tin) in the US, and around £10-£12 in the UK. This is an affordable price point considering the generous amount of product (4 oz will last months even for daily users). It’s one of the best value natural beard balms on the market. SheaMoisture is known for reasonable pricing while using high-quality ingredients, and this product is no exception.

Where to Buy: In the US, you can find this at Target, Walgreens, or CVS (they often carry SheaMoisture Men’s line) . It’s also on Ulta and Walmart’s websites. In the UK, SheaMoisture’s beard line can be found on LookFantastic UK and Superdrug online, or smaller retailers that specialize in afro hair care and grooming (as SheaMoisture is popular in those circles).

8. Seven Potions Beard Balm – 100% Natural British Craftsmanship

Benefits: Seven Potions is a UK-based brand renowned for its all-natural grooming products, and their beard balm is a standout. This balm will soften your beard, reduce itchiness, and give a well-groomed finish. It provides a medium-light hold – enough to style your beard and control flyaways, but not as stiff as a wax or pomade. The conditioning effect is immediate: run a bit through your beard and you’ll notice it feels smoother and the shape holds better. Seven Potions balm also excels at preventing split ends and breakage in your beard hair by keeping it lubricated and supple. With regular use, it can improve the overall appearance of your beard, making it look fuller and healthier (since well-moisturized hair has more volume and shine). Importantly, this balm is completely petroleum-free (many cheaper balms use petrolatum), and instead uses only plant-derived ingredients, which allows your hair and skin to breathe. It comes in a couple of refined scents (like Woodland Harmony – a cedar/pine fresh scent, and Citrus Tonic – a zesty, clean scent), all from essential oils, so no synthetic fragrance.

Skin/Hair Type: Great for all beard types, but especially beneficial for dry, wiry, or mid-length to long beards. If you’re in the early weeks of growing a beard, you might not need a balm yet, but Seven Potions balm can still help with new beard itch and flaky skin in the initial growth stage (just use a tiny dab). For longer beards, this balm really shines – it conditions the ends of the hair to stop them from feeling crispy. It’s also friendly for sensitive skin; it doesn’t contain common irritants. The formula is actually 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free – they avoid beeswax by using plant wax alternatives, and no animal products are used. So if you have ethical preferences or very reactive skin, this is a good choice. The presence of nourishing oils means it doubles as a skin conditioner too – rub any excess into your face or even on dry elbows (why not!).

Key Ingredients: The balm base is a blend of premium plant oils and waxes. It includes cocoa butter and coconut oil for deep moisture, which help to condition and add a healthy sheen to your beard. Jojoba oil and sweet almond oil are in the mix – these are lightweight oils that mimic natural sebum and keep the beard soft without greasiness. For hold, Seven Potions uses a plant-based wax; originally they used a bit of beeswax, but newer formulations lean on candelilla wax (a vegan wax from a shrub) to solidify the balm. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is added as a natural antioxidant to keep the oils fresh and to benefit your skin. There are no silicones, no artificial fragrance, no colors, and no preservatives in the traditional sense – it’s as pure as it gets. The essential oil blends not only provide scent but also have slight antibacterial properties (for example, cedarwood oil in Woodland Harmony helps with skin health under the beard).

Price Range: £17.99 (60ml) on the Seven Potions site – roughly $20-$22 for a 2 oz tin. It’s a mid-range price for a boutique brand beard balm. While pricier than some mass-market balms, keep in mind the quality of ingredients and the fact that it’s handmade in small batches in the UK. One tin will last a long time (you use maybe a pea-sized amount for a short beard, up to a fingernail amount for a very long beard).

Where to Buy: Seven Potions’ official website ships internationally.In the UK, you can also find it on Amazon UK and The Gentlemen’s Groomroom. In the US, Seven Potions is available on Walmart.com (as an online item) and sometimes in specialty barbershop retailers.

9. Proraso Beard Balm (Wood & Spice) – Soothing Balm for New Growth

Benefits: Proraso is an iconic Italian grooming brand, and their Beard Balm in the Wood & Spice variety is slightly different from the waxy balms above – it’s more of a lotion-like balm (no wax). This product is especially awesome for men in the early stages of growing a beard or those with shorter beards. During the first few weeks of beard growth, it’s common to experience itch and irritation as the new hairs poke through the skin. Proraso Beard Balm is formulated to soften those prickly new whiskers and soothe the underlying skin, greatly reducing itchiness​. It’s a gentle, alcohol-free balm that hydrates the skin to prevent flaking and makes the beard feel more comfortable. Even if you have a longer beard, you can use this as a daily lightweight leave-in conditioner. It will hydrate and refresh your beard, though note it doesn’t have much hold since it lacks wax – it’s primarily for softness and comfort. The Wood & Spice scent is warm, with cedarwood and Eastern spice notes; it’s beloved by many and can even substitute for a light cologne. After applying, your beard will be softer to the touch and your face will feel moisturized. Consider this balm a hybrid between a beard oil and a light cream conditioner.

Skin/Hair Type: Perfect for short to medium beards and for men who prefer a non-greasy, quick-absorbing product. If you don’t like the slightly heavier feel of an oil or a wax balm, Proraso offers a nice light alternative. It’s also great if your skin is on the oily side because it’s not purely oil-based – it’s a milkier emulsion that won’t leave shine. That said, if you have a very dry skin or a very long beard, you might use this in combination with an oil (for example, oil at night, Proraso balm in the morning) or switch to one of the wax-based balms for heavier conditioning. Proraso’s balm is also dermatologically tested and free of parabens and silicone. It does contain a fragrance (the Wood & Spice scent), so those with fragrance allergies should be aware, but the fragrance is the same used in high-end colognes and hasn’t been a common irritant in reviews. Overall, it’s gentle and meant for daily use.

Key Ingredients: The balm contains natural extracts like eucalyptus oil and menthol in some of Proraso’s other scents, but in the Wood & Spice version the standout ingredients include shea butter (for moisture) and glycerin (for humectant properties that draw hydration into the skin). While not an all-organic ingredient list, it is free from harsh chemicals. There’s almond oil and sunflower seed oil for softening the hair. The formula also uses beeswax in a very low concentration – not enough to provide hold, but to give a protective layer on the hair and skin. Proraso doesn’t use any silicones or mineral oils in their beard products, so the moisturizing effect comes purely from those natural oils and butters. The “Wood & Spice” fragrance is made of essential oil components that give it that cedar and spice character – it’s a mature, comforting scent.

Price Range: £13-£15 (100ml bottle) in the UK, about $18-$20 in the US for the same 3.4 fl oz bottle. It’s mid-range and quite affordable given the bottle is larger than typical balm tins. Also, since it’s a lighter lotion, you might use a bit more per application than a hard balm, but 100ml still lasts a good while.

Where to Buy: LookFantastic (UK) carries the Proraso Beard Balm Wood & Spice​lookfantastic.com, as do other UK grooming retailers (Mankind, etc.). In the US, you can find it at Grooming Lounge, West Coast Shaving, or specialty stores – and yes, even Sephora in some cases (they’ve expanded their men’s grooming section).

Pro Tip: When using beard balm, scrape out a pea-sized amount (for short beards) or dime-sized for longer beards. Rub it between your palms until it softens and melts, then work it through your beard from root to tip. Comb through for even distribution. For very sensitive skin, choose a balm with minimal fragrance and all-natural ingredients – the picks above fit the bill, as they avoid synthetic perfumes and use gentle conditioners. If you experience any acne from beard balm, try using a bit less product or stick to a lighter balm like Proraso which is non-comedogenic.

🛒Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Natural Products for Your Hair and Beard

Every man’s grooming needs are a little different. Here’s how to determine which natural hair or beard product will suit you best:

• Assess Your Skin and Hair Type: Is your skin sensitive, oily, or dry? Do you experience itch or redness with certain products? If you have sensitive skin, look for keywords like “fragrance-free” or “for sensitive skin” on beard oils and balms. Stick to products with natural oils and without alcohol or artificial fragrance (all the recommendations above qualify). For dry skin or dry scalp, ensure the product contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, or glycerin and is free from sulfates. If your scalp is oily but you want sulfate-free, choose a lighter shampoo formula (with tea tree, for example, which can cut grease gently).

• Check the Ingredient List: The beauty of natural grooming products is that you can actually recognize most of the ingredients. Aim for products where plant oils and extracts are at the top of the list, and avoid those loaded with fillers. For shampoos, avoid SLS/SLES – look for coconut-based surfactants instead (like Coco Glucoside or Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate). For beard care, avoid mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, and phthalates. Natural preservatives (like vitamin E or rosemary extract) are fine. If you see a long list of chemical names and a few token natural extracts at the end, it might not be as “natural” as it claims.

• Consider Your Beard/Hair Length and Style Goals:

  • If you sport a long beard, a balm or a heavier oil used daily will keep it conditioned and in shape. You might even use both: oil at night for deep hydration, balm in the morning for styling and moisture lock-in.

  • For a short beard or stubble, a light oil or a lotion-like balm is plenty – it will prevent itch and flakes as the hair grows out. Using too thick a balm on stubble might clog pores, so save the waxy products for when your beard has some length.

  • Hair styling needs: If your hair is dry, you might also want to incorporate a conditioner or leave-in product. Natural hair creams containing shea butter or argan oil can complement a sulfate-free shampoo. Also, note that some beard oils (like Aesop’s) double as hair oils – useful for taming frizz in dry hair.

• Budget vs. Premium: You don’t have to spend a fortune to get good natural products. We’ve included budget picks (like Bulldog and SheaMoisture) that use excellent ingredients at a low cost. These are often available in drugstores. Premium brands (Aesop, Seven Potions, etc.) may use more rarefied ingredients or refined scents, which can enhance the experience and sometimes the efficacy – but the difference is not night and day. Mix and match based on what matters to you. For example, you might save on shampoo but splurge on a leave-in beard oil that you really enjoy. All the products listed are available through affiliate-friendly retailers, so you can compare prices and perhaps catch a sale.

• Availability (UK & US): One criterion we used in this article is dual availability. All recommended products can be found in both the United Kingdom and the United States, either through local stores or international shipping. When shopping, use reputable sites (LookFantastic, Cult Beauty, Sephora, etc.) that cater to your region – they often have the best prices and you can ensure you’re getting an authentic product. If a product is UK-based (like Green People or Seven Potions), check if they have a US distributor or an official Amazon listing in the US (just for reference, then see if that brand might be sold on Walmart or another partner site). The reverse goes for US products in the UK (e.g., Brickell is US-based but sold via UK sites).

• Read Reviews and Do Patch Tests: Even natural products can contain potent plant extracts (like essential oils) that might not agree with everyone. It’s always wise to do a patch test – apply a small amount of the new product on your inner arm or behind the ear and wait 24 hours to check for any reactions. Also, read reviews from other men with similar hair/skin. Perhaps a fellow sensitive-skin customer will mention that a beard oil caused no irritation (or vice versa). The citations we included above give some insight from experts and reviewers about these products’ performance on sensitive or dry conditions.

• Look for Certifications: If organic ingredients are important to you, check for certifications. For instance, Green People carries organic certification badges. Others might have Cruelty-Free or Vegan logos if that aligns with your values. While not necessary for performance, certifications can assure you of a product’s natural credentials and ethical production.

By considering the factors above, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect natural shampoo, oil, or balm for your grooming routine. Going natural is not a trend that’s fading any time soon – in fact, it’s becoming the new norm as we realize that simpler, plant-based formulations often yield the best results for our hair and skin health.

Happy grooming, and here’s to a healthier hair and beard care regimen in 2025!