If you’ve seen just one picture of me, you can probably guess that I am very much a woman who is NOT trying to grow out a beard, so why would I even consider testing out a quality beard moisturizer? Well, I’m glad you asked!
For some time now, I’ve been communicating with a gentleman who stumbled upon my website and had questions about his locs. Recently, he asked me what I thought about the SheaMoisture Men’s Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter Beard Conditioning Oil. He used it for his beard in the past but was curious about using it on his locs as well.
By simply looking at the list of ingredients, it seemed like a good product. Then, he generously sent me a bottle so I could test it out myself. (Thank you, Antonio!!)
In this article, I’m diving deep into every part of the product— from its packaging, to its ingredients, to its scent— and whether or not they “pass” or “fail”.
Packaging: Pass and fail.
The conditioning oil comes in a dark green 95 mL (3.2 fl oz) bottle with a spray nozzle and a cap. It’s a convenient size and can be taken with your carry-on luggage on a flight. As far as that goes, it passes the test!
The part that I didn’t like was the spray hole (I don’t know what else to call it?). After a couple of squirts, oil spilled onto the neck and over the top of the bottle. Even after cleaning it several times, the bottle still has a greasy film.
I read a lot of reviews online complaining about the bottles leaking during shipment. I didn’t have that issue but I’d be weary of this if you’re traveling. In which case I recommend you keep it in a ziplock baggie to protect your clothes and luggage.
SheaMoisture Beard Conditioning Oil Ingredients: Pass!
- Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil (Grapeseed Oil): Grapeseed oil is a lightweight oil that moisturizes, strengthens, and stimulates hair growth while also controlling dandruff and providing natural shine.
- Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower Oil): Sunflower seed oil is another lightweight oil that is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It reduces scalp dryness by providing deep hydration thereby strengthening the hair follicles at the root.
- Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive Oil): Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E. It strengthens hair, reduces breakage, and supports a healthy scalp as well as helping to combat dandruff.
- Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Castor Oil): Castor oil boasts numerous benefits and is rich in essential fatty acids. It strengthens hair, reduces breakage, and stimulates hair growth when massaged into the scalp. This oil is thick in consistency which is why it’s great when it is mixed with lighter oils.
- Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond Oil): Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins E and A, as well as essential fatty acids. This lightweight oil is non-greasy in texture and it promotes hair strength, minimizes breakage, and adds a natural shine.
- Fragrance: As I mentioned in a previous post, fragrance is defined in a dictionary as a pleasant scent. In cosmetics, it is defined as a combination of chemicals that gives a product a distinct smell. The ingredients may be derived from petroleum or natural materials and oftentimes include solvents, preservatives, and stabilizers. Companies are not required to disclose the ingredients that make up their fragrance, thereby keeping the details of this particular ingredient ambiguous.
- Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter): Shea butter is a natural emollient that is rich in vitamins A and E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. It nourishes the hair and promotes scalp health by locking in moisture, reducing itchiness, alleviating dandruff, and soothing dryness. SheaMoisture uses fair trade shea butter that is certified organic.
- Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil (Passion Fruit Oil): Passion fruit oil is a lightweight oil that is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It aids in collagen production and it acts as a natural conditioner, helping to improve elasticity, reduce frizz, and enhance shine.
- Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut Oil): Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that assist in keeping the scalp healthy and is said to help reduce fungal infections. It is highly moisturizing and rich in fatty acids which help to alleviate dryness, reduce dandruff, and soothe irritation.
- Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba Oil): Jojoba oil closely resembles the sebum produced by our skin, making it an ideal moisturizer for the scalp. It provides deep hydration, balances oil production, prevents dryness, and reduces dandruff. It also contains numerous vitamins and antioxidants that promote hair and scalp health.
- Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan Oil): Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. It promotes softness, manageability, and a healthy shine to your hair. It also moisturizes the scalp, alleviates dryness, reduces flakiness, and soothes irritation.
Apart from not knowing the exact ingredients that make up the fragrance of this conditioning oil, the rest are natural ingredients that are great for your scalp and hair. What I really love about this product is that it has no parabens or mineral oil.
Residue-free test: Pass!
Before I test out any new product on my locs, I do a “residue and allergy test”. For this, I’ll apply some product to the inner part of my arm and wait for it to dry completely. If it leaves a sticky residue or causes any irritation, then it’s a no-no!
The SheaMoisture Beard Oil passed the test! It absorbed quickly and left my arm soft. When applied to my scalp, it also absorbed fairly quickly and didn’t leave my locs at the root overly greasy.
Consistency and feel: Pass!
This oil blend is very lightweight. Some reviews claim that it’s too watery for beards, but for locs, it’s the perfect consistency in my opinion.
Lighter oils are easier for your scalp to absorb, whereas overusing heavy oils on your scalp can cause residue long-term.
Smell: Neither pass nor fail.
Scents are a matter of preference. Personally, I liked it. I’ve read reviews on both ends of the spectrum— some love it and some hate it.
It has a subtle sweet vanilla smell. To me, it’s neither a masculine nor feminine scent, so I think it could work for anybody.
How to use SheaMoisture Beard Conditioning Oil on locs
Since this conditioning oil is a blend of carrier oils, it is ideal for your scalp. It’ll help promote scalp health as well as nourish the hair follicles at the root so that your hair grows strong.
On the other hand, I don’t recommend using it directly on your locs because your hair doesn’t absorb it as well as your skin (or scalp) does, so it can lead to buildup and attract dirt and lint.
Do I recommend the Maracuja Oil and Shea Butter Beard Conditioning Oil?
Yes! I’m enjoying using this oil blend on my roots and I think that if you enjoy a woodsy-vanilla scent, you will too.
Have you used this oil blend before? If you have, I would love to know what your take is on it. Let me know in the comments below!
