Today we are going to be reviewing a very unique shaving cream: Jack Black beard lube.
Jack Black is a men’s grooming company that was founded back in 2000. They are based in Texas and have really grown into a powerhouse in men’s grooming products over the past 20 years. They were really one of the original pioneers when it came to making high-end men’s grooming products with healthier, safer ingredients. In fact, they are one of the few companies I’m aware of that actually have all their products tested by dermatologists to ensure it’s easy and healthy for the skin.
Today we are going to take a closer look at their beard lube which is a really great product but is very different from most other shaving creams. Very unique product that’s not meant for everyone, but I will say that men that like it say they get great results. So let’s find out if it’s right for you.
Pros
- 3-in-1 shaving product: pre-shave oil, shave lubricant and moisturizer
- Vegan, paraben-free ingredients are easy on the skin
- Easy to apply with bare hands, no badger hair brush needed
- Very slick lubricant
- Great for precision shaving if you have a beard, goatee or mustache
Cons
- Doesn’t lather
- Tough to see where it’s been applied — easy to miss a spot
Product Overview & Specs
- Scent: no specific scent promoted but it is minty/menthol to me
- Certified organic
- Key ingredients: macadamia nut oil, jojoba oil, glycerin, phospholipids, heather, advanced silicone blend, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus
- Apply with your bare hands
- Weight: 3, 6 or 16 ounces
- Container: tube
- Made in USA
Key Features
Unique Beard Lube, Not A Traditional Shaving Cream
The name of the product really does describe it pretty well: beard lube. Jack Black beard lube does not produce a lather like a traditional shaving cream. In fact, one of the most unique features about JB beard lube is that it’s translucent (see-through) when applied.
It has a very similar application to a pre-shave oil but the difference is it has a lot of additional features in the ingredients besides just being a pre-shave lubricant.
It is an amazing lubricant though as the silicone blend does an outstanding job at making your skin a very slick surface for the razor.
3-in-1 Product
The lubrication properties of JB beard lube is impressive, but that’s definitely not all there is to it.
It’s really a 3-in-1 product: pre-shave oil, shaving cream and an aftershave conditioner. How so?
- Pre-shave oil: it softens up the facial hair and preps the skin
- Shaving cream: it’s a slick and protective lubricant during a shave
- Post-shave moisturizer: the ingredients hydrate during and after the shave
Premium Ingredients Are Easy on Skin— Vegan, Paraben-Free
There’s a reason Jack Black products are sold in department stores like Nordstrom and Nieman Marcus and not in drugstores: it’s a premium product.
Jack Black claims they all their products are dermatologist tested, paraben free and free of harsh surfactants. Yeah, this is the top shelf stuff.
Their beard lube is packed with premium ingredients. Take a look at this:
- Macadamia oil and jojoba oil: soften and hydrate the skin while also providing some lubrication support
- Glycerin: premium lubricant and moisturizing properties
- Heather: helps soothe skin and prevent irritation
- Menthol: soothes the skin and anti-bacterial
- Peppermint and eucalyptus: provide additional hydration and also leave the skin feel refreshed after a shave
Jack Black beard lube is incredibly easy and healthy for your skin which makes it a really great option for men with sensitive skin. But honestly, everybody should be using a high-quality product like this that is this good for your skin.
I’ll let you in on a little secret of mine: I use a traditional shaving soap 90% of the time, but I still use some Jack Black beard lube before applying my lather. Why? It just gives me a little more protection and it helps hydrate my skin during the shave.
Easy To Apply, No Badger Hair Brush Needed
JB’s beard lube is really easy and quick to apply because unlike other more traditional shaving creams and soaps, you don’t need any other items to apply it and there’s no prep work.
You don’t need a badger hair brush or a bowl. All you have to do is put some product in your hands, rub them together and then rub it all over your face. And let me tell you, a little goes a long way.
Once you’ve applied it, let it sit for a few minutes before you start shaving. This will soften up the hair and hydrate the skin.
There are a few drawbacks to JB’s beard lube “easy” application though. First of all, since it’s translucent you can’t really tell where it’s applied. And I’m always paranoid I’ve missed some spots so I’m probably applying more than necessary.
And secondly, I think it’s actually easier and more efficient to apply a shaving cream with a brush. Yes, the prep time takes a little longer and you have to buy a brush. But it’s worth it in my opinion.
There's A Learning Curve Shaving With A Translucent Lube
It took me a while to get really comfortable using Jack Black’s beard lube. Why? It just made me nervous shaving where I could actually see what I was shaving. I was always second-guessing whether I applied enough of the translucent lube. Eventually got used to it, but it was definitely different at first.
That said, the translucent property makes JB beard lube great for some men to use.
- Great if your trying to be very exact with your beard line or how you are shaving your facial hair.
- It’s also good to for men that are still learning how to shave with the grain. You can see in real-time which way your beard grows and this will help prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Who Do We Recommend Jack Black Beard Lube For?
Jack Black beard lube is a really unique but excellent shaving cream for a lot of men. Here is who I recommend it for:
- Men that have light stubble or thin facial hair because the lack of lather shouldn’t be a problem, good lubricant is all you should need.
- Men with sensitive skin because the ingredients are so healthy for their face and skin.
- Men that want to be precise when shaving their beard, goatee or mustache. Since it is translucent when applied, it allows you to see what you’re shaving.
- Men that need a good travel lather. You won’t need a shaving brush and the 3 ounce tube is TSA compliant.
What Are Some Other Creams & Soaps To Consider?
Cremo Shave Cream
Cremo’s shave cream is very similar to Jack Black’s beard lube. It’s a very slick lubricant that is applied with your bare hands. One difference is that it does lather, but it’s not a very thick lather like most traditional shaving creams and soaps.
The thin layer of lather is extremely slick though. Cremo is one of the best lubricants out there. So if you’re looking for a cream that is quick and easy to apply and is a top-quality lubricant, Cremonis a great option. It’s typically a little more affordable than Jack Black and you can buy it in most grocery stores and drug stores or Amazon.
Proraso Shaving Cream
If you want to make the jump to a more traditional wet shaving cream, Proraso’s is one of the best. Proraso is an Italian company that makes some of the most highly-regarded and most popular grooming products for men.
Proraso shaving cream comes in a tube and you really need to use a brush to apply it properly, it’s really easy to do though. Just apply about an almond-size of product to the damp brush bristles and get a good face lather going.
It is a very slick lubricant and lathers nice and thick very quickly. It doesn’t have quite the moisturizing ingredients of some other creams, but it shouldn’t dry out your skin. You should be using a good moisturizer after shaving anyway though.
Lather & Wood Shaving Soap
Have you considered using a shaving soap instead of a cream? If not, take a look at Lather & Wood’s shaving soap before buying anything.
Yes, you’re going to need a shaving brush for this and it takes a little more time and effort to prep, but it’s well worth it in my opinion. Why?
Because you get the best of both worlds: it’s an excellent lubricant and an excellent lather. Lather & Wood soap really softens the beard but remains slick surface when you shave. Don’t be intimidated about trying a shaving soap!
