Examine individual changes

'{{Short description|Cosmetic product}} {{unrel|date=October 2018}} {{morefootnotes|date=October 2020}} '''Beard oil''' is a [[Cosmetic products|cosmetic product]] that is used to nourish both the [[Human skin|skin]] under the [[beard]] and the beard itself in order to keep it "soft, shiny, and smooth".<ref>"Best Beard ...Oils to Tame Your Beard." Mensjournal.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 September 2014. </ref> Beard oil mimics the natural oils produced by skin, such as [[sebum]], and is composed mainly of carrier oils and essential oils. ==Ingredients== Beard oil products are a blend of various ingredients, such as [[jojoba oil]], [[argan oil]], [[coconut oil]], [[grape seed oil]], [[hempseed oil]] and eucalyptus oil <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://themensattitude.com/beard/eucalyptus-oil-for-beard-growth/|title=Eucalyptus Oil For Beard Growth! Myths Debunked!|last=Stanley|first=Russell|date=11 July 2021|website=The Men's Attitude}}</ref> that are used to address specific beard problems such as itching, sensitive skin or dryness by going straight to the follicle in a similar fashion to hair conditioner. Beard oil is usually scented (though unscented versions are available) using a variety of natural and artificial, typically [[Masculinity|masculine]], scents ranging from sweet to bitter and can be used to substitute cologne or aftershave. ==Benefits== Beard oil acts as a moisturizer that goes straight to the [[hair follicle]] and restricts hair from growing brittle, especially in cold, windy environments<ref>"Your Beard Needs Oil." Esquirecom Article. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 September 2014. </ref> as these weather conditions cause the natural moisture of the beard area to wick. Hydration around this area helps prevent flaking, dandruff and skin dryness. Some brands of beard oil may contain added vitamins or nutrients such as tocotrienols, or more commonly known, vitamin E. This moisturization prevents general itchiness and irritation of the skin under the beard. Beard oil also works below the surface of the skin by working as a grooming tool, making the beard itself more manageable, neat and smooth. Beard oil also improves the way a beard looks by giving it a slight shine. This makes a beard look healthier as well. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dorit-sasson/4-ways-beard-oil-help-men_b_9542364.html|title=4 Reasons Men Should Be Using Beard Oil|last=Sasson|first=Dorit|date=25 March 2016|website=Huffington Post}}</ref> ==Chemical makeup and formulations== Beard oils are manufactured with the intent to emulate the natural oils produced by the skin, known as [[sebum]]. Carrier type oils generally contain vitamins A, D and E, as well as a high concentration of [[linoleic acid]]s and low concentrations of [[oleic acid]]s. Natural and synthetic scents may be added to the oil in order to enhance its properties and aroma. Natural scents (essential oils, absolutes, and extracts) are derived differently than synthetic scents<ref>Anthony J. O'Lenick, Jr., Siltech LLC; and Ed Matson, Carrubba Inc [http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/function/fragrance/136099708.html "Comparatively Speaking: Natural vs. Synthetic Fragrance"] 22 December 2011</ref> and contain different chemical compounds that enhance their functionality. This can give beard oils properties such as antibacterial, deodorant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. Beard oils sold in the United States making claims to be therapeutic must be approved by the FDA.<ref>FDA.gov [https://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm127054.htm "FDA - Aromatherapy"]</ref> Natural beard oils are typically created with both carrier oils and [[essential oils]], absolutes, and/or extracts. Carrier oils are oils that make up the bulk of the volume of the product and are formulated to condition the skin and beard. The most popular types of carrier oils are coconut, grape seed, jojoba, saffron and argan. They are used as a natural fragrance for the beard oils, but also may have [[aromatherapy]] benefits. Since essential oils, absolutes, and extracts are usually very strong they may cause chemical burns or skin irritation, they are commonly paired up with carrier oils in order to dilute them. ==Popularity== Awareness of beard oil and beard-grooming products has been increasing due to the fact that industries have become "more permissive" of facial hair.<ref>Boncompagni, Tatiana. [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/31/fashion/taming-of-the-beard.html?_r=0 "The Taming of the Beard."] The New York Times. The New York Times, 30 January 2013. Web. 1 September 2014. </ref> ==See also== * [[Beard and haircut laws by country]] * [[List of facial hairstyles]] * [[List of hairstyles]] * [[Moustache#Styles|Moustache styles]] ==References== {{Reflist}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}} [[Category:Beard]] [[Category:Oils]] [[Category:Cosmetics]] [[Category:Hair care products]]'