Rosemary Oil for Beard Growth - Fact or Fiction?

Rosemary oil for beard growth – is it a piece of bearded folklore or is there more to it?

Let’s face it, growing a beard isn’t always a straightforward affair. For some - let’s call them the lucky few, a luscious, full beard comes naturally. For others, that glorious face mane requires a bit more work than we’d like to let on.

If you’ve seen patches or inconsistent beard growth, then chances are you’ve found yourself on a late-night Google search looking for solutions. If that sounds like you (this is a safe space!), then it’s safe to assume that you’ve come across Rosemary at some point in your searches.

So, let’s separate fact from fiction and get to the bottom of this once and for all.

What Exactly Is Rosemary Oil?

Before we jump into things, let’s start with some housekeeping. What exactly is rosemary oil and what is its intended application?

Rosemary oil or rosemary essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the rosemary plant. It’s the same plant that is more commonly used as a garnish or in food and which may be found in your pantry next to the basil or lavender.

Outside of the kitchen, rosemary is commonly used in perfumes, skincare products, and (as we’ll learn more about below) in hair care products. It can be found in high-strength or watered down concoctions or even as an additive in other popular products. While it may be classified under different names – rosemary oil, rosemary essential oil, rosemary extract, they are all different variations of the same product.

Does Rosemary Oil Actually Help Beard Growth?

Rosemary oil CAN help with beard growth (and hair growth on other parts of your body as well for that matter).

The best anecdotal evidence that we have of Rosemary actually helping with hair growth come from a 2022 Study published in Scientific African called: “Formulation and evaluation of hair growth enhancing effects of oleogels made from Rosemary and Cedar wood oils”. The study set out to test the claims that essential oils (including Rosemary oil) could help with hair growth. Without getting too deep into the science, the report found that rosemary oil could have similar effects to the well-known hair loss medication Minoxidil 2 %.

Before you run out and buy out your local chemist, it’s important to note that this study was completed on mice. To date, there is no study in human beings that has revealed the same findings. So, at best, it’s worth taking this research with a grain of salt.  

Rosemary Oil vs. Specialist Beard Oils – Which is Best

Choosing between rosemary oil and specialist beard oils may seem like an obvious comparison, but for the reasons that we’ll list below – that’s not necessarily the case.

Rosemary oil and specialist beard oils serve different purposes and can be used at the same time or in conjunction with one and other. If your end goal is to work towards a thicker, healthier beard, then using a specialist beard oil (like these ones), as well as a rosemary essential oil to aid in beard growth is perfectly fine.

Beard oil is a hydrating product that is designed to tame your beard, keep it moisturised, and keep those wiry hairs in check. Rosemary oil, on the other hand, is an essential oil that can be used as a mild fragrance and hair growth stimulant. Both beard oils and rosemary oils are made from natural, non-conflicting ingredients which means that you can use them both at the same time.

How Often Should I Use Rosemary Oil?

Ok, how often should you use rosemary oil to help with beard growth?

The first thing that we’ll say here is that rosemary oil, while popular, shouldn’t be treated as a miracle ingredient. Yes, there is some research and studies (as well as devout users) who will tell you that it is a miracle, but it’s important to take everything with a grain of salt.

Rosemary essential oils can be applied daily as part of your beard care routine. They are a natural ingredient, so there is no harm in using them as often (or irregularly) as you like. While using rosemary oil MAY help with beard growth, it shouldn’t be used as a supplement to high-quality beard care products.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your beard healthy with the right products like shampoo and conditioner is the most important step in your beard care routine. A healthy, happy beard is more likely to grow (and look great), so it’s important to remember the fundamentals of beard care. While rosemary oil can be used as a supplementary product to assist with beard growth, it’s important to maintain a simple and repeatable beard care routine with the right ingredients to keep your beard looking and feeling its best.