Beard Oil vs Balm: What's the Real Difference?

Think of your grooming products like a set of tools. You wouldn't use a wrench to hammer a nail, and you shouldn't expect one beard product to do every job. This is the best way to approach the beard oil vs balm question. They aren't rivals; they're specialists designed for different tasks. One targets the skin to stop itch and build a healthy foundation, while the other conditions and shapes the hair itself. Choosing the right one, or knowing when to use both, depends entirely on your beard's length, texture, and what you need it to do. In this article, we’ll help you stock your toolkit correctly so you can finally master your beard.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize Your Goal: Skin Health or Beard Style: Use beard oil primarily to moisturize the skin beneath your beard, which stops itchiness and creates a healthy foundation for growth. Reach for beard balm when your main objective is to style your beard, tame stray hairs, and add a look of fullness.
• Choose Based on Your Beard's Needs: Beard oil is your best bet for new or short beards where skin irritation and itch are the main problems. Once your beard has enough length to need shaping, a balm becomes essential for providing the control and structure to keep it looking sharp.
• Combine Them for Complete Care: Don't think of it as oil versus balm; they work best as a team. Apply oil first to hydrate the skin, then layer balm on top to lock in that moisture, condition the hair, and provide styling control for a polished finish.

What Is Beard Oil?

Think of beard oil as the foundation of your beard care routine. At its core, beard oil is a lightweight liquid designed to do two main things: moisturize the skin under your beard and soften the hair itself. It’s a conditioning product that tackles some of the most common frustrations of growing a beard, from that relentless itch to annoying flakes. Because it’s a liquid, it absorbs quickly to deliver nutrients directly to your skin and hair follicles, keeping everything healthy without weighing your beard down. It’s the go-to product for daily maintenance and hydration.

What’s Actually in Beard Oil?

A good beard oil keeps its ingredient list simple and effective. The formula is typically a blend of two key components: carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils, like jojoba or argan oil, make up the bulk of the product and do the heavy lifting. They are lightweight, natural oils that moisturize and nourish your skin and hair. Essential oils are then added in smaller amounts to provide a great scent and sometimes offer additional benefits, like antiseptic or anti-inflammatory properties. This combination works to create a product that’s both functional and enjoyable to use every day.

How Beard Oil Benefits Your Skin and Beard

The main job of beard oil is to solve problems. It helps stop that nagging beard itch and prevents beard dandruff, also known as "beardruff," by keeping the skin underneath hydrated. A well-moisturized base is crucial for healthy growth. Using a beard oil keeps your beard feeling soft, looking healthy, and smelling fresh. Since natural beard oils use ingredients that are gentle on the skin, they’re less likely to cause irritation. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference in how your beard looks and feels, supporting the bold, confident look our brand is built on.

Is Beard Oil the Right Choice for You?

Beard oil is an excellent choice for almost any guy with facial hair, but it’s especially useful in a few key situations. If you have dry or itchy skin under your beard, oil is your best friend. It’s also perfect for shorter beards or if you’re just starting your beard-growing journey. In fact, you can even start using it on clean-shaven skin to prepare the hair follicles for growth. Because it’s so lightweight, it’s a great daily conditioner that won’t feel heavy or greasy, making it a perfect first step in any solid grooming routine, like the one you can build with our Daly Clean Collection.

What Is Beard Balm?

If beard oil is the conditioner, think of beard balm as the styling cream that also conditions. It’s a thicker, pomade-like product designed to give your beard shape, control, and a healthy-looking finish. While oil focuses primarily on the skin underneath, balm is all about managing the hair itself. It’s the perfect tool for taming flyaways, sculpting your beard into a clean shape, and adding a bit of weight to make it appear fuller and more uniform.

For guys whose beards have a mind of their own, a quality balm is a game-changer. It acts as a leave-in conditioner and a light-hold styler in one, locking in moisture while keeping unruly hairs in check from morning to night. Whether you’re heading to the office or the golf course, a good balm ensures your beard looks intentional and well-kept, not wild and neglected. Our First Tee Smooth Set includes a nourishing balm designed to give you that exact control and confidence.

What’s Actually in Beard Balm?

At its core, beard balm is a blend of butters, waxes, and oils. Most balms on the market use ingredients like shea butter for moisture and beeswax to provide hold and seal everything in. These ingredients work together to condition the hair while giving you the styling power you need. But not all balms are created equal, and the quality of these core components makes a huge difference.

We built our DALYSMOOTH balms around a powerhouse ingredient: grass-fed beef tallow. Tallow is incredibly rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, nutrients that are vital for healthy skin and hair. It deeply nourishes your beard and the skin beneath it, providing a level of conditioning that plant-based butters can't quite match. We combine it with other natural ingredients to create a balm that not only styles but actively improves your beard’s health. You can learn more about our commitment to high-performance ingredients on our About Us page.

How Beard Balm Benefits Your Skin and Beard

The number one job of beard balm is to help you style and shape your beard. If you struggle with stray hairs that stick out or a beard that looks messy no matter what you do, balm is your solution. It provides a flexible hold that tames flyaways and helps you define your beard’s shape, making it look thicker and more deliberate. Think of it as the product that pulls your entire look together.

Beyond styling, a great balm also acts as a protective barrier. It locks in the moisture from your beard oil or from the balm itself, preventing your beard from drying out during the day. This is especially important for guys with coarser hair. By keeping the hair moisturized, balm helps reduce breakage and split ends. Plus, the nourishing ingredients in our balms, like tallow, also benefit the skin underneath, helping to prevent the dryness and itchiness that can hide under a well-established beard.

Is Beard Balm the Right Choice for You?

Beard balm is an essential tool for anyone with a beard that’s long enough to require some management. If your beard is medium to long, thick, or just naturally unruly, balm will give you the control you need to look sharp. It’s the ideal choice if your main goal is to shape your beard and keep it looking neat throughout the day. While beard oil is great for everyone, balm becomes particularly useful once your beard has some length and volume.

You’ll get the most out of beard balm if you find yourself dealing with flyaways, want to achieve a specific style, or feel like your beard could use a little more heft and presence. It’s less about the initial growth stages and more about mastering the beard you’ve already grown. If that sounds like you, incorporating a balm into your routine is the next logical step. A comprehensive kit like The Daly Clean Collection is a great way to get started with everything you need.

Beard Oil vs. Balm: What's the Real Difference?

So, you’re standing in front of the mirror, looking at your beard, and wondering: oil or balm? It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t as simple as one being "better" than the other. Think of it like having different tools in your toolbox. You wouldn’t use a hammer to turn a screw, right? Similarly, beard oil and beard balm are both fantastic for your beard, but they do very different jobs. The one you choose depends entirely on what your beard needs on any given day.

Choosing the right product comes down to understanding four key differences: texture, primary goal, hold, and focus. One is a deep conditioner for the skin underneath, while the other is more of a leave-in conditioner and styling agent for the beard itself. Getting a handle on these distinctions will help you build a routine that keeps both your skin and your beard in top form. For a routine that covers all your bases, a complete set like The Full Swing Bundle can give you the best of both worlds. Let’s break down exactly what sets these two grooming essentials apart.

Texture and Feel

The most immediate difference you’ll notice between beard oil and balm is the texture. Beard oil is a lightweight liquid. It’s designed to be massaged past your beard hair and absorbed quickly by the skin underneath. A good oil won’t leave your beard feeling heavy or greasy, just soft and hydrated.

Beard balm, on the other hand, is much thicker and has a waxy, pomade-like consistency. Because it’s made with butters and waxes, it feels more substantial in your hands and on your beard. It’s meant to coat the hair, providing a protective layer that also adds a bit of weight. Think of it as the difference between a light face lotion and a rich body butter.

Primary Goal: Conditioning vs. Styling

This is where the core functions of oil and balm really diverge. The primary goal of beard oil is to condition. It’s a moisturizing powerhouse, delivering nourishing oils directly to your skin to prevent dryness and itchiness. This creates a healthy environment for your beard to grow, while also softening the hair itself.

Beard balm is a multi-tasker, but its main purpose leans toward styling. While it certainly conditions your beard hair with ingredients like butters and oils, its real strength lies in its ability to provide shape and tame flyaways. It’s the product you reach for when you want your beard to look neat, cohesive, and intentionally styled, not just soft.

Hold and Control

If you’re looking for something to keep your beard in line, balm is the clear winner. Beard oil offers virtually zero hold. It makes your beard hair softer and more manageable, which can help it lay a bit flatter, but it won’t do anything to control unruly hairs or maintain a specific shape throughout the day.

Beard balm, thanks to its wax content, provides a light to medium hold. It gives you the control needed to shape your beard, keep stray hairs from sticking out, and maintain a polished look. It’s the perfect tool for adding definition and structure without making your beard feel stiff or unnatural.

Focus: Skin Health vs. Beard Shape

Ultimately, the difference comes down to focus. Beard oil’s main target is the skin beneath your beard. Its lightweight nature allows it to get right to the source of common problems like beard itch and dandruff (or "beardruff"). By keeping your skin hydrated and healthy, you build a stronger foundation for beard growth. The soft, conditioned hair is a fantastic bonus.

Beard balm’s focus is on the beard hair itself. It’s designed to sit on the hair, providing nourishment, taming frizz, and adding just enough weight and hold to style it. While the ingredients are good for your beard’s health, the primary function is external. It’s about making your beard look and feel its best on the surface.

Which Is Better for Your Beard Type?

Choosing between beard oil and balm isn’t about picking a winner. It’s about finding the right tool for the job. The best product for you depends on your beard’s length, its texture, and what your skin needs underneath it all. Think of it less like a competition and more like building a toolkit for your face. As your beard grows and changes, your go-to product might change, too.

Maybe you’re just starting out and fighting that initial itch, or maybe you’re trying to tame a beard that has a mind of its own. Whatever your situation, understanding what each product does best will help you get the results you want. Let’s break down which product generally works best for different beard types and concerns, so you can make a confident choice for your daily routine.

For Short or New Beards

If you’re in the early stages of growing your beard, your biggest battle is probably with your skin, not your hair. That new growth can cause some serious itchiness and flakiness (a.k.a. beard dandruff). During this phase, your main goal is to keep the skin underneath your beard hydrated and happy.

Beard oil is often the top pick here. Its lightweight formula is designed to absorb quickly, delivering moisture directly to the skin without feeling heavy on shorter hairs. It softens the new, prickly whiskers and soothes the irritation that comes with them. A quality oil will stop dryness and itchiness before it even starts, creating a healthy foundation for the impressive beard to come.

For Medium to Long Beards

Once your beard has some length, your priorities shift. While skin health is still important, you now have a mane that needs conditioning and shaping. This is where beard balm really starts to shine. A balm is thicker than an oil because it contains waxes and butters that provide a light to medium hold.

Think of it as a leave-in conditioner that also styles. It helps tame wild hairs and flyaways, giving your beard a cohesive, intentional shape. A nourishing balm, like the ones in our First Tee Smooth Set, will condition the hair to keep it soft and healthy while also providing the control you need to look sharp and put-together all day long.

For Coarse or Unruly Beards

Got a beard that’s extra thick, wiry, or just refuses to cooperate? You’re going to need both hydration and serious control. For coarse and unruly beards, it’s not a matter of choosing oil or balm; it’s about using them together for maximum effect. This beard type tends to be drier and needs more help staying in line.

Start with beard oil to give your skin and hair a deep dose of moisture. Then, follow up with a beard balm. The balm will lock in the oil’s hydration while its waxy texture provides the strong hold needed to shape your beard and keep stubborn hairs in place. This one-two punch is the best strategy for keeping a rebellious beard both healthy and well-groomed.

For Dry, Itchy Skin

If your primary complaint is dry, flaky, or itchy skin beneath your beard, your focus should be on deep, targeted moisture. This issue can happen with any beard length, from stubble to a full-on wizard beard. The discomfort comes from the skin not getting enough hydration, often because the beard hair is wicking away its natural oils.

To fix this, you need a product that can penetrate the hair and get right to the skin. Beard oil is excellent for this, as it’s specifically designed to nourish the skin. However, a high-quality balm formulated with nutrient-rich ingredients can be just as effective. Our DALYSMOOTH balms use a tallow-based formula that is packed with vitamins, designed to deeply nourish the skin and support a healthy barrier to finally put an end to the itch.

Common Beard Care Myths, Busted

Let's clear the air on some common misconceptions. A lot of advice gets thrown around about beard care, and not all of it is accurate. Getting your routine right starts with separating fact from fiction.

"Beard oil is only for long beards"

This is one of the biggest myths out there. The truth is, beard oil is a foundational product for any beard length, even stubble. Its primary job is to moisturize the skin underneath your beard, which can get dry and flaky. Think of it this way: healthy skin is the bedrock of a healthy beard. As one expert puts it, "Beard oil is a daily product that moisturizes your beard and skin, no matter how long your beard is." By keeping the skin nourished, you prevent itchiness and create the perfect environment for strong, steady growth from day one.

"Beard balm is just for styling"

While it’s true that balm helps tame flyaways and shape your beard, its job doesn't stop there. A quality balm is a deep conditioner for your beard hair. While some see it as a product that "tames stray hairs and provides some hold," a well-formulated balm does much more. Ingredients like beef tallow and natural butters deliver essential nutrients that soften coarse hair and lock in moisture. Our Sandalwood Bourbon Smooth Set is designed to do exactly that, providing both structure and serious nourishment, leaving your beard feeling as good as it looks.

"Using both is redundant"

This couldn't be further from the truth. Oil and balm are a team, not rivals. As many seasoned beard growers will tell you, they "serve different purposes. Oil takes care of your skin. Balm takes care of your beard hairs and styling." You use the oil first to get right to the source, hydrating the skin and hair follicles. Then, you apply the balm to condition the beard itself, seal in the moisture from the oil, and provide the shape and control you need. Using them together, like in The Full Swing Bundle, gives you a complete care system for both your skin and your beard.

"Beard oil leaves you feeling greasy"

If your beard oil leaves you feeling like a grease slick, you’re either using the wrong product or too much of it. A high-quality beard oil is formulated with "lightweight natural oils... It absorbs quickly and feels light." The goal is a healthy sheen, not a greasy shine. A few drops are all you need. When you use a formula with ingredients like tallow, it works with your skin’s natural chemistry, absorbing efficiently to moisturize from within. The result is a soft, nourished beard and skin that feels comfortable, not oily.

What to Look for in Your Beard Products

Walking down the grooming aisle can feel overwhelming. When every bottle promises a better beard, how do you know what actually works? The secret is to ignore the hype on the front and turn the bottle over. The ingredients list tells the real story. Here’s what to look for to make sure you’re getting a product that will nourish your beard and skin, not just coat it in chemicals.

Why Natural Ingredients Matter

Your skin absorbs what you put on it, especially the sensitive skin on your face. That’s why choosing products with natural ingredients is so important. Natural beard care relies on ingredients that work with your body, not against it. Think carrier oils like jojoba and argan, which mimic your skin's natural oils, and butters like shea or tallow that provide deep, lasting moisture. These ingredients deliver vitamins and fatty acids directly to your hair follicles and skin, helping to soothe irritation, reduce itchiness, and create the perfect foundation for a healthy, soft beard. They provide real nourishment, which is something synthetic chemicals just can't replicate.

The Problem with Synthetics and Fillers

Flipping over a product to find a long list of unpronounceable chemicals is a red flag. Many mass-market beard products are packed with synthetic fillers, silicones, sulfates, and parabens. These ingredients might make your beard feel soft for a moment, but it’s an illusion. Silicones, for example, coat the hair shaft to give it a slippery, smooth feel, but they prevent moisture from getting in, leading to dryness and brittleness over time. Harsh chemicals like sulfates can strip your beard and skin of their natural protective oils, causing the very dryness and irritation you’re trying to fix. Choosing products with a clean, straightforward formula ensures you’re actually caring for your beard, not just covering up problems.

Don't Underestimate Scent

The way a product smells is a big part of your daily grooming routine, so you should actually enjoy it. But there’s a huge difference between natural and artificial fragrances. High-quality products use essential oils to create their scent, which not only smell great but can also offer therapeutic benefits for your skin. Artificial fragrances, often listed simply as "fragrance" or "parfum," can be a cocktail of unknown chemicals that often cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Opting for a product with a well-crafted, natural scent like the Sandalwood Bourbon Smooth Set makes your grooming experience better and is kinder to your skin.

The Power of Tallow-Based Formulas

If you’re looking for a truly high-performance ingredient, look no further than tallow. This time-tested ingredient is making a major comeback in men's grooming for good reason. Beef tallow is uniquely compatible with our skin's cellular structure, allowing it to absorb deeply and provide intense nourishment. It’s packed with skin-loving vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. For your beard, this means deep moisturization that calms itchiness, softens coarse and wiry hairs, and supports strong, healthy growth from the root. It’s a simple, powerful ingredient that delivers on its promises, which is why it’s the cornerstone of our DALYSMOOTH approach.

How to Apply Beard Oil and Balm Like a Pro

Using beard oil and balm correctly is just as important as choosing the right product. A great formula won't do you much good if it’s not applied properly. The goal is to get the product where it needs to go, whether that’s deep down to the skin or on the surface to shape your beard. Think of it less as a routine and more as a technique. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to get the maximum benefit out of every application, ensuring your beard and the skin underneath stay healthy, hydrated, and looking sharp. It only takes a minute, but mastering these simple steps makes all the difference between a decent beard and a great one. Let's walk through the right way to use each product so you can stop guessing and start seeing real results.

Applying Beard Oil Step-by-Step

Beard oil is all about hydration, targeting both the hair and the skin beneath it. For the best results, you want your pores and hair follicles to be open and ready to absorb the nutrients.

Start with a clean, damp beard. The best time to apply oil is right after a warm shower. Pat your beard gently with a towel so it’s not dripping wet, just damp. Dispense a few drops of oil into your palm; a little goes a long way. Rub your hands together to warm the oil, then massage it into your beard. Make sure you work it all the way down to the skin, which is where itchiness and dryness often start. Once the oil is distributed, you can use a comb to evenly coat every hair and style as needed.

Applying Beard Balm Step-by-Step

Beard balm is your go-to for conditioning and styling. Its thicker consistency helps tame flyaways and shape your beard, giving it a healthy-looking finish. Unlike oil, balm is most effective when applied to a dry or mostly dry beard.

Start by scraping out a small, pea-sized amount of balm with the back of your thumbnail. Place it in your palm and rub your hands together vigorously. This melts the balm, making it smooth and easy to apply. Work the balm through your beard, starting from the roots and moving outward to the tips. Ensure you get an even coating. Then, use a beard comb or brush to distribute the balm completely and style your beard into your desired shape. The balm will provide a light hold to keep everything in place.

Application Mistakes to Avoid

More is not always better, especially with beard products. One of the most common mistakes is using way too much oil or balm. This can leave your beard feeling heavy, greasy, and weighed down. It can also lead to product buildup, which might clog pores and cause skin issues. Always start with a very small amount and add more only if you feel you need it. Another mistake is only applying the product to the surface of your beard. If you don't massage it down to the skin, you miss out on the essential moisturizing benefits that prevent beard itch and flakes. Finally, be sure you’re using products with clean formulations to avoid irritation from synthetic ingredients.

Can You Use Beard Oil and Balm Together?

So, the big question: can you mix and match beard oil and balm? The short answer is yes, and honestly, you probably should. Think of them as a power couple for your grooming routine. They aren't competing for the same job; they're working together to give your beard and the skin underneath everything they need. Using both isn't redundant, it's strategic.

The oil focuses on deep conditioning for your skin, while the balm takes care of taming, shaping, and protecting the beard hair itself. It’s the ultimate one-two punch for a healthy, great-looking beard. By layering them correctly, you get comprehensive care that addresses everything from itchiness and dryness at the root to styling and shaping the hair. This approach ensures both your skin and your beard get the specific attention they require to look and feel their best.

The Right Way to Layer Them

Getting the order right is key to making this combo work. Always start with a clean, slightly damp, or completely dry beard. First, apply your beard oil. Work a few drops into your palms and massage it deep into your beard, making sure it reaches the skin underneath. This is crucial for preventing dryness and itchiness. After you’ve given the oil a minute to absorb, it’s time for the balm. Scoop a small amount of balm, warm it between your hands until it melts, and then work it through your beard. Use it to shape your beard and tame any stray hairs, giving you a clean, polished look that holds.

When to Combine Both Products

So, when should you double up? This combination is a game-changer if you're dealing with both dry, itchy skin and a beard that needs some discipline. If you have a medium-to-long beard, you'll likely find that oil alone isn't enough for styling, and balm alone doesn't always get deep enough to fully hydrate your skin. Combining them gives you the best of both worlds. Just remember to start with a small amount of each. You can always add more, but you can't take it away. A complete routine like The Full Swing Bundle gives you everything you need to master this technique and keep your beard in top form.

The DALYSMOOTH Approach to Beard Care

At DALYSMOOTH, we believe grooming should be straightforward and effective. Inspired by a legacy of unapologetic confidence, our goal is to give you high-performance products that deliver real results without complicated routines or unnecessary ingredients. It’s about looking good, feeling great, and getting on with your day. Our entire approach is built on two core ideas: using powerful, natural ingredients that work, and creating simple systems that take the guesswork out of your daily care. We focus on what truly matters for the health of your beard and skin, starting with our signature ingredient.

Why Tallow Is Our Secret Weapon

So, what makes our formulas different? It comes down to our secret weapon: premium beef tallow. We use this powerhouse ingredient because its structure is remarkably similar to the natural oils in your skin, allowing it to be absorbed easily. Tallow is naturally rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for skin health. This nutrient-dense profile helps deeply moisturize your skin, calm persistent beard itch, and soften even the most stubborn, coarse hair. It’s a time-tested ingredient that provides everything your beard needs to thrive without relying on synthetic fillers. Our entire brand philosophy is built on using what works, and tallow is the proven foundation of our collection.

Our Recommended Beard Balms and Sets

Getting the best results comes from consistency, and the easiest way to stay consistent is with a simple routine. That’s why we recommend starting with a curated set. Our beard care bundles are designed to be more cost-effective than buying products one by one, and they take the guesswork out of your regimen. For a complete routine, The Full Swing Bundle includes everything you need for washing, conditioning, and styling. If you want to start with the essentials in a signature scent, the First Tee Smooth Set is a perfect choice. Each kit ensures the products work together, giving you a cohesive grooming experience that delivers noticeable results.

Related Articles

• 4 Key Beef Tallow Beard Balm Benefits
• The Top 5 Benefits of Tallow in Beard Balm
• Men's Beard Balm: Benefits, Tips & Oil vs Wax | Daly Smooth
• The Surprising Benefits of Beef Tallow for Beards

Frequently Asked Questions

If I can only choose one, should I get beard oil or beard balm? This really depends on your main goal. If you have a shorter beard or your biggest complaint is itchiness and dry skin, start with a beard oil. Its main job is to get down to the skin and provide deep hydration. If your beard has some length and your priority is taming flyaways and giving it a clean shape, then a beard balm is your best bet. It offers conditioning for the hair itself, plus the light hold you need for styling.

What makes tallow-based balms different from others on the market? Many balms use plant-based butters, which are good, but tallow is on another level. Beef tallow has a fatty acid profile that is incredibly similar to our own skin’s natural oils. This means it absorbs deeply to provide serious nourishment instead of just sitting on the surface. It’s naturally full of vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are fantastic for calming skin irritation and softening coarse beard hair in a way that many other ingredients can't quite match.

Can I use beard oil and balm at the same time? If so, how? Yes, and for many guys with medium to long beards, this is the perfect combination. The key is to layer them correctly. Always apply beard oil first, preferably to a clean, damp beard. Massage it all the way down to the skin to handle the deep conditioning. After giving the oil a minute to absorb, follow up with the beard balm. The balm will help seal in the moisture from the oil while conditioning the hair and providing the hold you need for styling.

How often should I be applying these products? For most guys, applying your product once a day is the sweet spot. The best time is usually in the morning after you shower, as it sets your beard up for the entire day. If you live in a particularly dry climate or find your beard gets unruly by the afternoon, a second, smaller application can help. The most important thing is to listen to your beard and skin; if they feel dry, give them the nourishment they need.

Will these products make my face feel greasy or cause breakouts? When you use a high-quality product correctly, it shouldn't leave you feeling greasy or cause skin problems. That greasy feeling is almost always a sign that you've used too much. Start with a very small amount, just a few drops of oil or a pea-sized amount of balm. Formulas with natural ingredients like tallow are also less likely to clog pores than products that rely on heavy synthetic fillers. As long as you apply to a clean face and use the right amount, you should just feel soft and hydrated.