Beta Glucan Skincare: A Little-Known Goodie

If you don't know about beta glucan yet, it's time for an introduction! This unassuming little molecule may not sound particularly interesting, but trust us when we say it can be a real game-changer in your skincare routine. 

Keep reading to discover why beta glucan skincare is a must-try!

What is beta glucan for skin?

Beta glucan is a natural polysaccharide, or sugar molecule, found in the cell walls of baker’s yeast, and can also be sourced from other fungi such as mushrooms. Additionally, this ingredient is also defined as a natural form of soluble fiber found in many vegetables and grains.

As a skincare ingredient, beta glucan is all the rage right now—it's like it's cast a spell on us! From deeply moisturizing the skin to reducing aging signs by increasing cellular regeneration, there’s nothing this ingredient can’t do to give you healthy, glowy skin. 

Pros & Cons of using beta glucan for skin

Pros

• Works as a barrier that traps hydration inside the skin and prevents moisture loss. 
• Boosts collagen production and penetrates deeply into the skin to smooth wrinkles and fine lines
• Protects your skin against damage from free radicals, which can cause premature aging
• It acts as a natural antioxidant that can help decrease inflammation, redness, and irritation.
• Increases cell regeneration which helps to accelerate the healing process. 

Cons

• Even though beta glucan skincare has no side effects, it can still cause mild allergic reactions in certain people. Always do a patch test before applying a product with this ingredient on your face.

Beta glucan ingredient specifications

Clean

Beta glucan is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in veggies, grains, and fungi, which means that it’s clean and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals for the skin. 

Vegan

Since it’s extracted from plant-based sources, beta glucan is considered to be vegan-friendly.

Pregnancy safe

The FDA labeled beta glucan as a “Generally Recognized as Safe” ingredient. Additionally, there are no known side effects of using beta glucan skincare during pregnancy. Nonetheless, always consult your doctor before adding new skincare products to your routine. 

Breastfeeding safe

In the same way, there are no known effects of using beta glucan for the skin while breastfeeding. In fact, it’s said that it can help moisturize your skin and reduce the inflammation caused during pregnancy. 

Active ingredient

Beta glucan is often used as the principal active ingredient in many skincare products thanks to its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. 

Comedogenic

Beta glucan has a comedogenic rating of “0” which means that it’s safe to use in acne-prone or oily skin because it won’t clog pores and cause even more pimples. In fact, this ingredient is great if you want to heal acne scars and reduce the inflammation caused by breakouts. 

EWG (Environment Working Group) Score 

All sources of beta glucan were rated as “1” by the EWG, meaning that it has a low risk of causing allergic reactions or other side effects. 

CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Rating: A

The CIR rated beta glucan for skin with an “A” which means that it’s safe to be used in cosmetics and skincare products. 

PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using this ingredient 

When to use beta glucan products?

Since beta glucan has a low probability of counteracting with other skincare products and has no side effects, it can be used during your morning and nighttime routine. 

What skin type is beta glucan good for?

Beta glucan skincare can be used by all skin types, especially those with dry or sensitive skin since it can deeply hydrate and soothe the complexion. However, those with acne can also benefit from the antibacterial and soothing properties of this ingredient. In the same way, those with mature skin can use beta glucan to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

What you can’t mix with beta glucan?

Beta glucan has not known ingredients it can counteract with, so it can be freely mixed. If you want to create a moisturizing bomb, mix beta glucan with other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or shea butter.

Top Picks Beta Glucan Products

Bestsellers

1. Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
2. Beta Glucan Daily Moisture Cream
3. White In Moisture Cream
4. Fermentation Eye Cream

$15 and under 

1. Green Tea Airy Fit Sheet Mask
2. Whoa Whoa Soothing Mask
3. Lightbeam Essential Mask EX

Products that contain beta glucan that are worth the price

1. Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen
2. Propolis Vitamin Sleeping Mask 
3. Snail Bee High Content Essence
4. Rose Galactomyces Silky Tone-Up Cream 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is beta glucan better than hyaluronic acid?

It's a battle of the beauty ingredients: beta glucan vs. hyaluronic acid! On the one side we have beta glucan, a natural polysaccharide that can increase cellular repair and reduce redness. On the other side, we have hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws in moisture and plumps up skin!

So, which one is better? Well, studies have shown that beta glucan is 20% more moisturizing than hyaluronic acid. 

Is beta glucan good for acne?

Beta glucan may just be the skin-care answer that acne-prone folks have been waiting for. With anti-inflammatory and anti-irritation properties, it has been shown to reduce redness, improve overall skin tone, and protect from environmental stressors. 

But does it tame the dreaded zit? Yes! Not only does beta glucan regulate sebum production, by hydrating the skin, and reduce blemishes, but it also helps heal skin in general by stimulating collagen production for a smoother surface

Is beta glucan good for anti-aging?

Beta glucan has been a popular ingredient in anti-aging products lately, with good reason. It's a natural carbohydrate formed by combining sugars, and this combination makes beta glucan powerful against free radicals which can damage skin cells and cause premature aging. 

Beta glucan has also been touted for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce puffiness, wrinkles, and redness; it can even help to keep skin hydrated and smooth. All of these benefits make it an ideal choice for those looking to fight signs of aging and maintain their youthful look! 

Tips & Tricks to include beta glucan in your skincare routine

• Include a beta glucan serum or beta glucan moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, soothe irritated skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 
• You can use it during the morning and nighttime routine, however, always check the label of the product and look for the how-to-use instructions. 
• Conduct a patch test on the skin of your arms and look for signs of irritation. If you see them, don’t apply the product to your face.
• Even though beta glucan is not always the principal active in skincare products, it’s still used as an ingredient in many formulations. Check the label of the product to see if it has beta glucan as an ingredient.