We know why you’re here: you want a smooth, kissable beard that doesn’t cause problems when things start to steam up. 

Whether you’re rocking a Gandalf beard with frosty gray strands down to your belt or prefer the roguish look of Captain Jack Sparrow, you likely need a beard wash to help your hair feel soft, soothe skin underneath, and make it easier to style. 

With the right beard shampoo, you can cure beardruff, eradicate any itchy, flaky patches of skin, and sculpt your jawline—all while making it itch-free and luxuriously soft. Here’s everything you need to know about the best beard shampoo and how to choose the right one. 

How to Choose a Beard Shampoo 

Don’t just buy the first beard wash bottle you see. Your beard and the skin underneath have specific needs, so finding the best beard shampoo with the right ingredients will help your beard look its best.

Look for Safe, Clean Ingredients

Always opt for effective ingredients that don’t stress out the hair or skin. The best beard shampoo ingredients are formulated with naturally derived ingredients from plants and botanicals. 

The best ingredients to look for in beard shampoo: 

• Aloe vera 
• Argan oil
• Castor oil
• Shea butter
• Jojoba oil
• Avocado oil. 

These ingredients restore strength to the skin and soften facial hair, while gentle cleansers remove grime and excess oil. 

Avoid Harsh Ingredients 

Harsh ingredients can harm your beard. A study by Shu-Hung Huang and fellow researchers found that "Specific chemicals found in many shampoos, including antimicrobial agents, surfactants and preservatives, can all impair different aspects of hair health.” 

What does this mean for the average guy who wants to keep his beard clean? Avoid beard shampoos—and self-care products in general—that use toxic chemicals like sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances and dyes, and phthalates. 

Identify your Skin- and Hair-Care Needs

If you’re ready to rock a dope beard but are dealing with issues like beard dandruff (also known as seborrheic dermatitis), you’ll need a beard shampoo with a unique formula to keep your beard in tip-top condition. 

According to Dr. Joy Wan, a dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, guys with seborrheic dermatitis should regularly cleanse their beards with gentle products to minimize scaling and dandruff. 

Men with excess oil and acne-prone skin are on the other end. To keep skin healthy underneath your beard, use gentle exfoliating cleansers before you wash with a beard shampoo, and look for beard wash products made with natural ingredients to curb acne, like tea tree oil. 

What Is the Best Shampoo for Your Beard?

The best beard shampoo gently cleanses facial hair without stressing the skin. It adds moisture as it cleanses to ensure the skin doesn’t get flaky or dry. Blu Atlas Beard Shampoo is the best overall beard shampoo for all men.   

Best Overall Beard Shampoo: Blu Atlas Beard Shampoo 

Blu Atlas is a brand that takes beard grooming seriously. Their Beard Bundle has everything you need to take care of itchy, flaky skin or keep your beard feeling soft and fabulous. 

What makes Beard Shampoo the best beard shampoo for all men? It’s a lightweight blend of three nourishing oils and a gentle cleanser that dives into the skin and hair, leaving it feeling soft and satisfied. Clean, naturally derived ingredients take center stage. 

Argan, jojoba, and castor oils soak into the skin and hair to repair, hydrate, and nourish while ensuring it is clean and clear of grime and excess oil. Beard Shampoo is the gentle cleanser your beard needs to feel luxuriously soft. 

We recommend pairing it with Beard Conditioner and Beard Oil to get the best result. This combo streamlines your grooming rituals and makes it an easy three-step routine.