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Skincare Ingredient

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Beta-Glucan

In Skincare: Is Beta-Glucan Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Generally well-tolerated humectant/soothing polysaccharide; low sensitization/irritation reported in cosmetic use. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated beta-glucan and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics. Limited safety data available on long-term effects at high concentrations.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Beta-glucan is frequently incorporated into skincare formulations for its skin-soothing properties.

  • 02

    Beta-glucan provides antioxidant benefits to the skin.

  • 03

    This ingredient contributes to skin hydration by helping to moisturize.

  • 04

    Research suggests beta-glucan may reduce the appearance of wrinkle depth and address other signs of aging.

  • 05

    Beta-glucan is naturally sourced from yeast, fungi, seaweed, or oats.

Key Benefits

What Beta-Glucan does for your skin

2 benefits
Soothing
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide, or complex sugar, sourced from natural ingredients like yeast, fungi, seaweed, and oats. It provides soothing benefits for sensitive skin and may help reduce redness. Research suggests beta-glucan can also offer antioxidant protection, minimize the appearance of sun damage and wrinkles, and contribute to skin hydration. Studies have confirmed that beta-glucan can penetrate the skin and is considered safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
Classifications
Antioxidant
Plant Extracts
Texture Enhancer

Role of Beta-Glucan

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

BULKING

Volume Builder

Adds volume and body without adding weight

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Bulking agents increase product volume while maintaining low density. These include low-density powders (hollow microspheres, perlite, expanded polymers), aerogels, and materials with high specific volume. Mechanism involves entrapping air within particle structures or creating open, porous networks. In hair products, bulking agents coat individual strands, increasing diameter and creating space between hairs.

SKIN CONDITIONING - MISCELLANEOUS

General Skin Improver

Improves skin condition through various mechanisms

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: This category includes skin conditioning ingredients working through mechanisms not classified as emollient, humectant, or occlusive. May include antioxidants providing protective conditioning, peptides supporting structural proteins, botanical extracts with various bioactive effects, or ingredients that improve skin condition through multiple simultaneous mechanisms. Provides diverse skin benefits that dont fit into other specific subcategories.

Products

containing Beta-Glucan

2754 formulations
Chia Seed Hydro Lotion
Chia Seed Hydro Lotion
The Face Shop · moisturizer
Essential Balancing Emulsion
Essential Balancing Emulsion
Sulwhasoo · moisturizer
Fresh Lavender Body Lotion
Fresh Lavender Body Lotion
Sachajuan · moisturizer
Pomegranate Nutri-Moisturizing Sticky Cleansing Foam
Pomegranate Nutri-Moisturizing Sticky Cleansing Foam
Frudia · cleanser
Lettuce and Cucumber Watery Emulsion
Lettuce and Cucumber Watery Emulsion
Skinfood · moisturizer
Timeless Ferment Snail Foam Cleanser
Timeless Ferment Snail Foam Cleanser
TONYMOLY · cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Dermaveen · cleanser
Essential Refining Eye Cream
Essential Refining Eye Cream
Sulwhasoo · eye-lip-care
Décolleté Mask
Décolleté Mask
Miqura · masks
Hands of Hope Hand and Cuticle Cream
Hands of Hope Hand and Cuticle Cream
Philosophy · body-skincare
See all products with Beta-Glucan

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2018, pages 1,101-1,107

[2]

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, September 2017, pages 1-48

[3]

Phytotherapy Research, February 2014, pages 159-166

[4]

Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2012, pages 1-52

[5]

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, February 2007, pages 167-170

[6]

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2005, page 292

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beta-Glucan — common questions

What is Beta-Glucan in skincare?

Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide consisting of β(1-3), β(1-4), and β(1-6) linked glucose units

What does Beta-Glucan do? / Functions of Beta-Glucan?

Common functions: BULKING, SKIN CONDITIONING - MISCELLANEOUS.

What is the comedogenic rating of Beta-Glucan? / Is Beta-Glucan comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Beta-Glucan has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Beta-Glucan clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Beta-Glucan safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Beta-Glucan has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally well-tolerated humectant/soothing polysaccharide; low sensitization/irritation reported in cosmetic use. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated beta-glucan and concl

Is Beta-Glucan good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Beta-Glucan has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Beta-Glucan in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally well-tolerated humectant/soothing polysaccharide; low sensitization/irritation reported in cosmetic use. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated beta-glucan and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics. Limited safety data available on long-term effects at high concentrations.

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