Beta-Glucan: A Skincare Expert’s New Hero Ingredient
Whether you’re a seasoned skincare fanatic or starting to build your first regime, ingredients and ingredient efficacy is amongst the most common topics that you will read about. And, for good reason.
Skincare products derive the majority of benefits from their formulations, which is why it’s so essential to not just look at what is currently in the market (Think heavy hitters like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin C), but also dive into skincare ingredients which are yet to hit the spotlight. The key example is Beta Glucan.

Beta-Glucan is a skincare ingredient that has been gaining popularity lately, despite being much less known than other popular counterparts such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and more.
This is why we asked our skincare expert, Brittany Hanchard the top questions about Beta-Glucans in skincare and we have the answers for you below.
What are Beta-Glucans In Skincare?
Beta Glucans, also known as β- Glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides that are typically derived from the cell walls of yeast, fungi & cereals such as oats & grain.
More commonly known in the cosmetics industry for its repairing & anti redness properties, Beta Glucans are gaining traction within the skincare community and for good reason! This game changing ingredient hosts a variety of skin loving benefits that will have your skin looking it’s healthiest yet.
Despite its large molecular weight, Beta Glucans have the ability to enter the skin’s stratum corneum and epidermis and penetrate deeply into the dermis as they are made up of smaller sugar molecules.
How Does Beta-Glucan Work As A Skincare Ingredient?
This powerhouse skincare ingredient is a humectant, meaning it attracts and binds moisture to the skin. However, unlike other humectants such as Hyaluronic Acid, Beta Glucan also improves the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture.
Beta Glucans work to protect, help repair, and support skin moisture barrier function. They form an undetectable film on the stratum corneum (the outer most layer of the skin) to prevent water loss in the skin and help act as a protective layer against free radicals and external aggressors. The hydration molecule is also known to be comforting for mildly irritated skin, a common sign of a disrupted moisture skin barrier.
Studies have shown it to be up to 20% more hydrating than Hyaluronic Acid!
With the use of active ingredients gaining popularity, the importance of maintaining a stronger, healthy skin moisture barrier is more crucial than ever.
Are Beta-Glucans in Skincare Good for Anti-Aging?
Beta Glucans are also an anti-ageing superhero! Of course, the retained moisture will naturally plump the skin and smooth fine lines however it is the ability to penetrate the dermis that makes Beta Glucan a must have ingredient. It works to promote collagen synthesis within the skin, resulting in a visible improvement in firmness and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
Due to its skin moisture barrier support and intensely hydrating properties, Beta Glucan plays well with most other skincare ingredients. Pairing it with ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid can supercharge results as it will maximise absorption. Vitamin C & Niacinamide are other ingredients that make the perfect partner for Beta Glucan.
Beta Glucan is suitable for all ages and skin types. Even sensitive skin can benefit from adding this ingredient into their regime!