Quick answer
Naturally derived from yeast, fungi, seaweed, or oats; Often used as a skin-soothing agent/redness-minimizing ingredient; Delivers beneficial antioxidant and moisturizing properties; Studies indicate beta-glucan can help reduce the look of wrinkle depth and address other signs of aging; Proven track record of safety Key benefits: Soothing, Hydration.
Beta-glucan
Updated
beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide consisting of b(1-3) linked glucose chains carrying b(1-6) linked glucose sidechains
Purpose
Soothing ingredient proven to visibly calm skin and reduce signs of sensitivity + redness. Also offers moisturizing and anti-aging properties.
Rating
BEST
Category
Antioxidant, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
INCI Purpose
SKIN CONDITIONING
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
Naturally derived from yeast, fungi, seaweed, or oats
Often used as a skin-soothing agent/redness-minimizing ingredient
Delivers beneficial antioxidant and moisturizing properties
Studies indicate beta-glucan can help reduce the look of wrinkle depth and address other signs of aging
Proven track record of safety
Article
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 aging/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.
References