CAS Number 26874-89-5
INCI Name Beta-Glucan
Beta-Glucan is a natural polysaccharide from oats, yeast, and mushrooms. Used in skincare as a moisturizer and skin-soother, it reduces fine lines, improves texture, and boosts elasticity. It’s popular in natural and organic creams, lotions, and serums.
Origin
Beta-Glucan is naturally sourced from mushrooms, oats, and yeast. It’s extracted by breaking down the cell walls of these materials to isolate the Beta-Glucan molecules. The process is generally eco-friendly, making it a sustainable skincare ingredient.
Purpose
Beta-Glucan deeply moisturizes by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, leaving it soft and supple. It conditions by improving skin texture, smoothing roughness, and enhancing elasticity. Additionally, it soothes irritation, redness, and sensitivity, making it ideal for dry, stressed, or sensitive skin types.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Beta-Glucan |
| Type | Natural polysaccharide (soluble fiber) |
| Source | Derived from oats, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and certain mushrooms (e.g., Shiitake, Reishi) |
| PH | 4.0 – 7.0 |
| Color | White to off-white powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical state | Fine powder or granular powder |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| Concentration | 0.1% – 5% |
| Boiling point | 865.2±65.0 °C at 760 mmHg |
Superior Moisture Retention
Beta-Glucan acts as a highly effective humectant by attracting and holding water molecules within the skin layers. Studies show it retains up to 20% more moisture than popular hydrators like hyaluronic acid. This long-lasting hydration plumps the skin, reducing dryness and fine lines caused by dehydration, and creates a smooth, supple texture that feels comfortable throughout the day.
Strengthens the Skin Barrier
A strong skin barrier is crucial to maintaining healthy skin, and this contributes significantly by enhancing the skin’s natural defenses. It stimulates the production of lipids and proteins that form the outermost layer of the skin, which helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This protective barrier shields the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollutants, harsh weather, and UV radiation, reducing the risk of irritation and premature aging.
Soothes Redness and Sensitivity
Beta-Glucan is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It calms irritated or sensitive skin by downregulating inflammatory mediators, which reduces redness and discomfort. This makes it especially beneficial for people with conditions like rosacea, eczema, or post-procedure skin that often reacts strongly to treatments. Its gentle nature supports skin recovery without causing further irritation.
Supports Skin Repair and Healing
The ingredient accelerates skin regeneration and healing by promoting fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, which are essential for tissue repair. Beta-Glucan can help reduce the appearance of scars and promote faster recovery after skin injuries or cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments. It helps restore skin integrity and resilience for a healthier complexion.
Anti-Aging and Collagen-Boosting Benefits
Beta-Glucan not only improves skin hydration but also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin — two vital proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. By enhancing these proteins’ synthesis, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and restore youthful suppleness. This anti-aging effect makes Beta-Glucan a powerful ingredient in mature skin care.
Antioxidant Protection
Beta-Glucan functions as a potent antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals generated from UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors. Free radicals cause oxidative stress that damages skin cells and accelerates aging. By protecting skin from oxidative damage, Beta-Glucan helps maintain skin health, prevents premature aging signs, and supports overall skin vitality.
Immune-Boosting for Skin
Beta-Glucan supports the skin’s innate immune system by modulating immune responses and enhancing the activity of macrophages and other defense cells in the skin. This immune modulation helps the skin better resist infections, inflammation, and irritants. Over time, it reduces sensitivity and strengthens the skin’s ability to cope with external stressors, making it more balanced and less reactive.
Smooths and Refines Skin Texture
Regular use of Beta-Glucan improves skin texture by smoothing rough patches and reducing unevenness. Its moisturizing and reparative properties help normalize the skin’s surface, resulting in a softer, more refined appearance. This makes skin feel comfortable to the touch and visually healthier and more radiant.
Non-Comedogenic
Unlike some moisturizing agents that can feel heavy or clog pores, Beta-Glucan is lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not block pores or cause acne. This makes it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin, ensuring effective hydration without contributing to breakouts.
Natural, Eco-Friendly, and Biodegradable
Beta-Glucan is sustainably sourced from natural materials such as oats, mushrooms, and yeast. Its extraction methods are environmentally friendly, avoiding harsh chemicals or processes. Additionally, Beta-Glucan is biodegradable, ensuring that it breaks down naturally without harming ecosystems. This makes it an ideal ingredient for natural and organic skincare products.
Compatible with Other Skincare Actives
Beta-Glucan blends well with a wide range of popular skincare ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides. It enhances the overall efficacy of formulations by adding moisturizing and soothing effects without interfering or causing irritation. This compatibility allows formulators to create complex, multifunctional skincare products that target diverse skin needs.
Enhances Skin Radiance and Even Tone
By combining its hydrating, calming, and antioxidant actions, Beta-Glucan promotes an even-toned and radiant complexion. It reduces dullness caused by dehydration and irritation while supporting natural skin renewal processes. The result is skin that looks healthy, glowing, and youthful, with improved clarity and brightness.
Storage Conditions
Beta-Glucan should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), away from moisture, direct sunlight, and strong artificial light to maintain its stability and effectiveness. It is important to keep it in airtight containers to prevent clumping and contamination. When handled, clean and dry tools should be used to avoid introducing moisture or impurities.
Shelf Life and Stability
Under proper storage conditions, Beta-Glucan typically has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years. Exposure to excessive heat, humidity, or light can cause degradation, which may be indicated by clumping, discoloration, or a change in odor, ultimately reducing its efficacy in skincare formulations.
