Beta-Glucan
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Often used as a skin-soothing agent Delivers beneficial antioxidant properties
EWG Safety Score
What Is Beta-Glucan?
Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide (complex sugar) that can be derived from various natural sources such as yeast, fungi, seaweed, or oats. It is commonly included in skin care products as a soothing agent and is considered an excellent ingredient for minimizing redness and other signs of sensitive skin.
Beta-glucan also offers antioxidant properties and has been shown to help visibly minimize signs of ageing/sun damage (including reducing the look of wrinkle depth and rough, uneven tone). Certain sources of beta-glucan also offer film-forming moisturizing properties.
In early research, it was hypothesized that beta-glucan’s high molecular weight would inhibit it from penetrating skin, thereby limiting its benefits to just the surface, but in more recent studies, beta-glucan has been proven to permeate skin by passing between cells.
In 2012, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed beta-glucan as safe in cosmetic formulations in the present practices of use at a 1% max concentration.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2018, pages 1,101-1,107
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, September 2017, pages 1-48
- Phytotherapy Research, February 2014, pages 159-166
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2012, pages 1-52
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, February 2007, pages 167-170
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2005, page 292
Published Research
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Beta-Glucan: Health Benefits in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome J Nutr Metab, 2012
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Skin healing properties of beta-glucan Wound Repair Regen, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
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Beta-Carotene
Member of the carotenoid family | Potentially a good antioxidant
BHA
A synthetic antioxidant commonly used in food preservation and occasionally in skincare formulations
BHT
The abbreviation for butylated hydroxytoluene
Biotin …
Combines several B vitamins with stabilising yeast Helps improve the vitality of surface cells
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