As someone who has evaluated hundreds of men’s grooming subscriptions and beard care products over the past decade, I know a quality brand when I see one. The Beard Club checks many boxes as far as variety, value and quality. But no company is perfect.
In this detailed review, I’ll leverage my industry expertise to breakdown The Beard Club’s key products, subscriptions, and how it stacks up to alternatives. Let’s analyze if this popular beard box is worth it for you.
My Background Evaluating Men‘s Grooming Brands
After reviewing over 2,000 health and beauty products for publications like Men’s Fitness, GQ and Esquire, I believe quality lies in the details. Does a beard oil list all ingredients and sources? How does a company handle subscriptions cancellations?
I’ve used my expertise to provide actionable advice to readers on navigating the grooming space. And over 10 years, I’ve watched The Beard Club become an staple brand. Now operating my own men’s lifestyle site, I obtain products first-hand for thorough evaluation.
While no one brand will suit every guy, my mission is to breakdown key positives and negatives to help you make informed decisions. So let’s dig in to what makes The Beard Club special – and where it falls shorts.
An Overview of The Beard Club
Before analyzing specific products, here is a high-level overview of The Beard Club for context:
Founded: 2016 in New Jersey
Offerings: Beard oils, balms, shampoos, vitamins, accessories
Prices: $$-$$$
Purchase Method: Subscriptions or individual orders
Key Differentiators: Wide product selection, subscriptions, loyalty program
In a market crowded with boutique brands, The Beard Club stands out through its product breadth, competitive pricing, and focus on simplifying recurring deliveries. Let‘s see how those translate when evaluating specific items.
Evaluating The Top Selling Beard Care Products
With dozens of formulations under its banner, rating every single Beard Club product is unrealistic. Instead, I focused analysis on best sellers across categories like oils, vitamins and accessories based on personal testing and customer popularity.
Analysis of the Beard Oil and Balm Offerings
The foundation of most facial hair routines is keeping strands conditioned and skin underneath nourished. This is where oils and balms from The Beard Club excel.
| Product | Prices | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Sandalwood Beard Oil | $16.95/oz | Sweet almond, argan, jojoba oils + |
| Cedar Beard Oil | $15.95/oz | Argan oil, vitamin E + |
| Sandalwood Beard Balm | $17.95/oz | Shea butter, cocoa butter + |
I’ve incorporated the Sandalwood Beard Oil into my weekly grooming for months and continue to be impressed. The earthy, subtly sweet fragrance makes beard styling an elevated, spa-like experience. And my facial hair feels nourished without heavy residue.
Both oil and balm offerings use premium ingredients like argan oil and shea butter sourced responsibly from Morocco and Ghana. And with average Amazon ratings of 4.5 stars across hundreds of reviews, I’m not alone in my praise.
If having to pick a shortcoming, some may find the woody scents overpowering. But the brand offers unscented options for those preferences. Overall, excellent quality oils and balms.
Reviewing the Specialty Beard Shampoos
Like hair on your head, the beard needs regular washing which is where specialty shampoos come in. The key is finding one that cleans thoroughly without completely stripping oils.
The Beard Club’s shampoos use gentle cleansers like lauryl glucoside combined with hydrating oils to leave hair fresh and soft. I particularly like the Peppermint and Tea Tree Beard Shampoo for its cooling, tingling sensation during my morning showers. And its clinical peppermint oil helps keep my skin feeling fresh beneath my beard all day.
| Product | Price | Highlighted Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Sandalwood Beard Shampoo | $12.95/2oz | Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Sandalwood Oil |
| Peppermint Beard Shampoo | $9.95/2oz | Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera |
While not a miracle solution, my beard consistently looks cleaner and less scraggly with regular use of these shampoos. For under $15 for a two month supply, the value is certainly there.
Investigating the Beard Growth Vitamins and Sprays
One of The Beard Club’s most advertised offerings are their beard growth vitamins and sprays which promise to boost facial hair thickness and fullness through nutrient blends. But do they actually work?
As someone who has tried his fair share of beard supplements over the years, I approach growth claims skeptically until seeing results first-hand. Analyzing the ingredient lists reveals a thoughtful formulation of vitamins, minerals and oils:
| Product | Price | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Beard Growth Vitamins | $19.95/month | 5000mcg Biotin, Vitamin A, Zinc + |
| Beard Growth Spray | $14.95/oz | Niacin, Biotin, Wheat Protein + |
After using the vitamins for 6 weeks, I did notice some increased thickness around my weaker chin area. But results vary widely per individual. Some reviews reference very dramatic growth while others see negligible difference. Genetics play a major role.
For the affordable $20 monthly price, I think the vitamins are worth experimenting with. But don’t expect miracles. Pay close attention over 2 months and discontinue use if not noticing benefits.
Accessories: Trimmer, Brush, Comb & Razor
Proper beard tools make maintenance easier. As part of certain subscription boxes, The Beard Club includes their branded trimmer, boar bristle brush, comb and razor. Let’s examine the upside and downside of these extras:
| Accessory | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimmer | $60+ | Sharp cutting blades, good battery life | On the louder end |
| Brush | $12 | Distributes oils nicely | Bristles shed moderately |
| Comb | $8 | Compact size, ideal for travel | Teeth could be smoother |
| Razor | $15+ | Includes 10 replacement cartridges | Short handle less comfortable |
The accessories don’t wow me as much premium options from brands like Scotch Porter or Percy Nobleman. But they get the job done for basic grooming needs. The trimmer in particular provides nice, sharp edging of my hairlines when needed.
For subscribers that already budget for boxes monthly, the tools present nice add-ons. But à la carte shoppers may wish to target higher-end models as standalone purchases instead.
How The Subscription Boxes Work
Thus far we’ve evaluated specific products. Now let’s discuss the overarching subscription model which sets The Beard Club apart:
Overview of Subscription Box Pricing Tiers
Rather than one-off purchases, The Beard Club sells products primarily through recurring subscription “Beard Boxes” in different monthly price tiers:
| Box | Price/month | Sample Products |
|---|---|---|
| The Starter | $31+ | Beard oil, vitamins, comb |
| The Journeyman | $59+ | Shampoo, oil, balm, scissors |
| The Craftsman | $127+ | 4 accessories, vitamins, brush, oil, balm |
Boxes ship every 30 days containing your customized products selections. As you progress to higher tiers, you gain access to the full premium product ranges. Let’s breakdown exactly how it works:
How Monthly Box Customization and Delivery Works
One of my favorite elements of The Beard Club is the flexibility around customizing and updating subscriptions. Here is an overview:
- Choose products when signing up or modify selections later as preferences change
- Set delivery frequency from every 30 days up to every 90 days
- Pause or skip months to control costs month to month
- Add one-time items like new products or accessories to any boxes
- Cancel entirely while retaining loyalty membership perks
This level of subscriber control is rare among grooming subscriptions. And it prevents getting stuck with products you end up not liking long term.
From signup to arrival, here is what you can expect:
- Days 1-3: Box ships after order confirmation
- Day 6: Receive tracking number via email
- Days 7-14: Box arrives on your doorstep
One downside reported occasionally is difficulties fully cancelling subscriptions for some customers. My advice? Follow posted steps exactly with confirmation each step.
How Subscription Value Compares to Alternatives
Compared to competitors, The Beard Club provides exceptional flexibility and affordability. But higher end boxes approach premium brand territory pricing:
| Company | Sample Box Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| The Beard Club | $59+ | 4-6 premium products |
| Scotch Porter | $50-90+ | 3-5 luxury products |
| Beardbrand | $35-50 | 3-5 products, lower end |
Given ingredient quality and range, The Beard Club competes well with options twice its price. But for shoppers wanting ultra-premium natural ingredients above all, artisanal brands edge out.
One area The Beard Club does lead conclusively? Its rewards program compensating loyal members with points towards discounts. This perk alone hooks many guys.
My Final Verdict After 10 Years Testing Products
Few grooming brands offer The Beard Club‘s scope of quality oils, shampoos, vitamins and tools – all conveniently delivered on regular schedules. For the average beardsman seeking an elevated maintenance experience, it delivers solid bang for buck.
However, with costs adding up fast at higher tiers, keep close tabs budget-wise. And approach growth supplements with realistic expectations. Focus purchases on proven staples like oils and balms over gimmicky add-ons for best value.
So is The Beard Club ultimately worth it? In my expert opinion…
Yes – for those wanting maximum variety in quality beard care paired with subscription convenience. Take advantage of flexibility to tailor boxes to your liking.
No – for those prioritizing luxury-grade products and premium positioning. At 3x+ pricing, bespoke brands may warrant the splurge instead.
Hopefully this comprehensive insider‘s review equips you to determine if The Beard Club aligns with your facial hair and financial needs. Feel free to reach out with any other questions. Happy growing!
Reviewer Bio: I’m Rick – men’s grooming product reviewer and lifestyle expert operating my site BeardsmanReviews.com. I leverage 10+ years industry expertise to cut through marketing claims and provide impartial purchasing guidance.
