I have seen a lot of posts about people using or wanting to buy beard balm and I just wanted to share an easy recipe and method I use at home. All of these ingredients were purchased at a Sprouts market, which is basically a produce grocer similar to Whole Foods. I am linking the ingredients I have used but am not endorsing any particular brand. If you have any question please feel free to ask! If you try it out please come back and let me know how it went and share your experiences. I would also like to know from experienced balm users if they prefer a waxier balm or a smoother applying cream.

What you'll need: Instructions:
  1. Place all the ingredients in the KitchenAid mixing bowl and put it in the oven on low heat until everything melts. If the wax isn't melting all the way bump up the heat until it does. Don't rush this part, the cooler you keep it the better.
  2. Put the the bowl in the mixer and gently lower the mixer into the liquid. Lock the mixer in place and put it on the lowest speed until it reaches room temperature. This is the time to add the essential oils you like to give it a good smell (mine is unscented because me and my wife also use it as skin cream and natural sunscreen).
  3. Using a spoon or a spatula transfer the balm into containers of your choice. This recipe makes quite a bit, but it can be reduced proportionally. Keep in mind however that too much balm stresses the mixer a bit and too little doesn't always get mixed as well.
Notes:
  • I sorta do this by feel and the recipe can be flexible with whatever ingredients you like (particularly the oils), just keep in mind that the firmness of the balm is balanced based on the ingredients.
  • The cocoa butter and beeswax are what stiffen the mix. The coconut and jojoba oils are what soften it. The shea butter is pretty neutral in terms balm texture.
  • To get firmness exactly right you can add 3/4 of the wax first, put it in the mixer, let it cool, and see how you like it. If you'd like it more stiff, add more wax. If you add too much wax it gets more difficult to balance so its easier just to add the wax a couple times to get it just how you'd like.
  • The cooling process takes quite a bit of time so be patient. I am sure there are ways to cool the mixture more quickly but I haven't tried it. The mixer helps a lot to make the balm a creamy texture that is easier to dab out of the container and apply to your facial hair.
  • Sometimes oils are available in the lotion section and are labeled cosmetic grade but are more expensive than what you can get in the food section. If I can eat it and it is labeled 100% whatever oil than its good enough for me (since half of what I eat ends up in my beard anyways). Also larger containers often result in significant savings.

Good luck and have fun!
~Troy

Neck warmer, extinct megafauna, punching bag, crumb catcher, built-in sunscreen, napkin, air filter, girl repellent, woman attractant, facebook fodder, grease trap
- - -
-My Beard Journey (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Beard)
-My homemade beard balm recipe!
Last Edited By: Throttle May 1 15 8:59 PM. Edited 1 times.